Western New England University Honors 2025 Skookum Award Recipients
Springfield, MA (09/24/2025) — Western New England University (WNE) celebrated the 36th annual Skookum Awards on Sunday, September 14, recognizing 15 outstanding seniors for their leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to serving the University community. The awards were presented during a brunch ceremony where faculty, staff, alumni, families, and friends gathered to honor the recipients.
Kristina Oleksak, Director of Alumni Engagement, opened the program by reflecting on the award's legacy: "These students represent the very best of the Class of 2026 - and the next generation of proud alumni who will continue to make their mark on the world."
As part of their recognition, each recipient receives a Skookum Rock, a miniature replica of Western New England University's iconic campus Rock. The Rock, located at the heart of campus near the St. Germain Campus Center, has long served as a symbol of Golden Bear pride and student expression, painted by generations of students to mark milestones, events, and achievements. The Skookum Rock, engraved with each honoree's name, connects recipients to this tradition of excellence and community.
Interim President Michael Alexander congratulated honorees and reminded them of their responsibility to carry forward the spirit of excellence that defines the Skookum tradition. Past recipients were also recognized, highlighting the strong alumni network that continues to play an active role in the nomination, review, and award process.
This year's keynote address was delivered by Dr. Matthew LaCoille '16, a former Skookum Award recipient, who spoke about the power of community, leadership, and legacy. "Success without service is hollow," LaCoille said, encouraging students to measure their impact by the ways they uplift others.
Following his remarks, Brandon O'Brien '15/G'16, President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, joined alumni presenters Taylor Keegan '24 and Christa Cicerone '23 to confer the awards. Each honoree received a framed certificate and a Skookum Rock, while the Royal and Grand Skookum awardees were also recognized with monetary awards from the Alumni Association.
2025 Skookum Award Recipients
Top Honors
Grand Skookum: Joshua Farrell - Mechanical Engineering major (Mechatronics concentration), minor in Athletic Coaching, Pawtucket, R.I.
Royal Skookum: Paul Henderson - Mechanical Engineering major (Mechatronics concentration), Groton, Mass.
Royal Skookum: Madeline Jarvinen - Finance and Accounting major, Longmeadow, Mass.
Skookum Honorees
Kendall Branchaud - Criminal Justice, San Leandro, Calif.
Elizabeth Burnham - Business Analytics and Information Management with minors in Finance and Enterprise Resource Planning, Windsor, Conn.
Jessica Cloutier - Law and Society, Easthampton, Mass.
Dakota-Marie Dinielli - Elementary Education and Psychology double major, minor in Athletic Coaching, Plainville, Conn.
Zachary Drewry - History, minor in Political Science, Prospect, Conn.
Kaily Godek - Sport Management, South Hadley, Mass.
Camden Kaufmann - Political Science and Criminal Justice double major, Springfield, Mass.
Zachary Killoran - Accounting and Finance double major, Ellington, Conn.
Emmaleigh Lindsay - Pharmacy Studies B.S., PharmD candidate, Westfield, Mass.
Ethan Michaud - Biomedical Engineering, Prospect, Conn.
Jayden Montagna - Mechanical Engineering, minor in Mathematical Science, Agawam, Mass.
Maahi Amit Shah - Psychology, Springfield, Mass.
About the Skookum Award
Established by the Alumni Association in 1989, the Skookum Award takes its name from the Chinook word meaning "excellence." The award recognizes students who embody academic achievement, leadership, and service to the University community.
To be considered, students must be in good academic standing and entering the first semester of their senior year. The rigorous selection process begins in the spring of junior year, when faculty and staff nominate students. Eligible nominees submit an application and resume, which are reviewed by a Credentialing Team of alumni and University administrators. Thirty finalists are invited to interview, with the top fifteen advancing as award recipients. Of those, twelve are named Skookum Award winners, two earn Royal Skookum distinction, and one is honored with the prestigious Grand Skookum Award.
Importantly, alumni play an integral role in every step of the process, from reviewing applications to presenting awards, ensuring that the Skookum legacy continues across generations.
Media Attachments
Top Row L to R: Dakota-Marie Dinielli, Joshua Ferrell, Jayden Montagna, Maahi Amit Shah, Jessica Cloutier. Middle Row L to R: Madeline Jarvinen, Zachary Drewry, Paul Henderson, Elizabeth Burnham, Camden Kaufmann. Bottom Row L to R: Kaily Godek, Zachary Killoran, Emmaleigh Lindsay, Kendall Branchaud, Ethan Michaud
