Shenandoah University announced the 2025 winners of the Student Leadership Awards during a ceremony in the Brandt Student Center, Ferrari Room, on April 27. This year’s awards had a total of 53 nominees, and 12 awards. 

Below are the winners:

Student Organization of the Year – Undergraduate: Shenandoah University Music Therapy Association (SUMTA)

Awarded to an undergraduate student organization that has made a significant, positive impact on Shenandoah University and beyond.

SUMTA has grown its community impact, completing a total of 35 events, 40 hours of community service, and five campus-wide events in the last year. The organization meets regularly with faculty and staff to discuss the music therapy program and student feedback. As a student-led organization, SUMTA has made a profound, positive impact on Shenandoah University and beyond.

Student Organization of the Year – Graduate: Shenandoah University Physician Assistant Student Society (SUPASS)

Awarded to a graduate student organization which has a significant, positive impact on Shenandoah University and beyond.

SUPASS has helped raise over $10,000 for the Loudoun Hunger Relief, provided career knowledge to high school students through events and visits, and hosted a walkathon challenge to raise awareness for heart disease.

Community Impact Award: Bryan McKane

Awarded to an individual or organization that best understands the needs of the Shenandoah University student body, and positively advances the community through sponsoring the most creative and groundbreaking project or program.

Bryan McKane, a senior who is studying business administration, has continuously worked to support veteran students at Shenandoah University. McKane’s nominator noted that his influence has been felt in the Hazel-Pruitt Armory, home of the Hub for Innovators, Veterans and Entrepreneurs, and McKane has helped develop two memorandums of understanding between Shenandoah University and the VFW Post 2123 and Veterans Business Community Group. 

Student Employee of the Year: Jessica Rosnage

This award recognizes an individual student who has served as a leader in their campus employment, and has made significant contributions to their work, enhancing the overall experience at Shenandoah University.

Jessica Rosnage was awarded based on her work with Campus Recreation and Wellness. Rosnage, a junior studying exercise science, has assisted the university in a variety of roles and serves as office representation at public-facing events such as the Admissions Open House. In her second year as a student employee, she has taken the lead on campuswide projects, such as ensuring the safety, wellness, and enjoyment of facility users at the Vaden Campus Commons pool..

Inclusion Advocate: Jesse Eagle

Awarded to a first-year or transfer student who takes a proactive stance on inclusion and diversity, while retaining the essence of leadership and student engagement. This student achieves academic success and actively champions diversity and inclusivity, serving as a role model to their peers.

Jesse Eagle is a senior studying music education, and was awarded for outstanding kindness and affinity for making students feel included. Eagle’s nominator shared that he  listens to others, takes the time to find out who they are as individuals,  looks beyond the stereotypes, and is accepting of others as they are in the moment.

Impact Player: Braedon Swords

Awarded to a student who excels not only in Shenandoah Athletics, but is also a force of positivity on campus. This student displays outstanding commitment to their sport, while also engaging in initiatives that promote equity and inclusion, fostering positivity and inspiring others on campus.

Braedon Swords is a junior nursing student and a football player. He has garnered a reputation for leading with kindness and compassion, and his nominator notes that he has been a positive influence on the Shenandoah community both on and off the field.

Emerging Leader of the Year: Jailynn Rivera

Awarded to a student who shows great promise in areas of academics and leadership in and out of the classroom.

Jailynn Rivera is a sophomore biology, public Health, and Spanish triple major. Additionally, she is a campus leader, serving as an orientation leader and Thrive Guide, and is a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society.

Champion of Diversity: Fabiola Vazquez Becerra

Awarded to a student who has shown exemplary academic achievement while actively fostering an environment of inclusivity. This student has made significant contributions to their community through service and advocacy, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to diversity within Shenandoah University.

Fabiola Vazquez Becerra is a senior music education student and the Student Government Association’s director of inclusion, diversity and equity. She has played an instrumental role in the creation and facilitation of deliberative dialogues through the Center for Civic Engagement, and her nominator highlighted her willingness to tackle hard topics and to foster a community of acceptance and inclusion on campus.

Outstanding Graduate Student Leader: Kylie Mullin

Awarded to a student who has excelled in areas of academics and leadership, and has the ability to motivate others.

Kylie Mullin is a part of the Master of Science in Nursing:- Family Nurse Practitioner program with an anticipated graduation date of December 2025. She has been a leader in many capacities, including serving on the SON Graduate Curriculum committee and as a representative at open house events. She’s also participated in the Rural Area Medical Clinic’s volunteer days. Mullin’s nominator stated that she has demonstrated that she is professional, knowledgeable, organized, and self directed through her actions at Shenandoah University, and has done all of this while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader: Aurora Padilla Jimenez

Awarded to a student who has excelled in areas of academics and leadership, and has taken a leadership role on campus by motivating and encouraging others. 

Aurora Padilla Jimenez is an English, Spanish, and global studies triple major, and was awarded based on the many accolades she has accrued during her time at Shenandoah. She is a First-Year Seminar mentor, co-president of Estudiantes Unidos, a Hornet Ambassador, Presidential Scholar, and much more. She is described by nominators as being understanding of the value and reward of leadership and service, and upholds her role with the most integrity and the highest standards.

Shenandoah University Leadership Academy Student Leader of the Year: Laura Brown

Awarded to an individual who has exemplified the mission and values of the Shenandoah University Leadership Academy through their positions and responsibilities on and off campus. Their efforts have made significant contributions to Shenandoah University and the surrounding community, furthering the institution’s mission.

Laura Brown is a senior nursing student and has served as a leader throughout her time at Shenandoah, as the president and vice president of the Student Nurses Association and a member of the Rho Pi chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. In addition to maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Brown holds two jobs as a CNA at Valley Health and a long-term care facility. 

Shenandoah University Leadership Academy Legacy of Leadership Award: Dan Kaseman

This award honors a faculty or staff member, or a community leader, who has made a profound impact on student leadership development at Shenandoah University. Recipients of this award have generously dedicated their time and resources to strengthening student leadership programs, regardless of their collegiate affiliations, and serve as invaluable mentors that bridge students to the best practices and career opportunities.

Dan Kaseman is the chairman of the Shenandoah University Leadership Academy (SULA) Advisory Board, and has been instrumental in shaping leadership initiatives at Shenandoah University. From the inception and growth of SULA, he has played a pivotal role in guiding and mentoring student leaders, generously sharing his expertise and influence. His unwavering support and dedication have been essential to SULA’s success, making it the thriving program it is today. Kaseman’s additional accolades include being the founder of Kaseman Companies, Kaseman Capital Partners, managing partner of Middleburg Real Estate/Atoka Properties, and executive in residence at Shenandoah University.