AWARD CATEGORIES AND RECIPIENTS
Outstanding Student Leadership Award
Lauren Amoo '24
Awarded by students to a Villanova student who holds a leadership position on an executive board of a group formally recognized by the University. The awardee will exemplify leading by example, high integrity and a serious commitment and dedication to their role and mission of their group. This student will also embrace and demonstrate a willingness to positively engage with their peers and be an ambassador for the Black Villanova student community.
Student-Athlete Award for Outstanding Achievement
Nicholas Jubilee '25
Awarded by students to a Villanova Student-Athlete who has shown outstanding achievement in the classroom, in the Villanova community and within their respective sport. This individual is a leader and serves as a model for Villanova student-athletes by affecting change across campus and is a conduit between student-athletes, University administration and Villanova Black alumni.
Student Spirit Award
Tiane Parris '24
Awarded by students to a Villanova student for their tenacious and infectious spirit of positivity, inclusivity, possibility and a willingness to engage with their peers throughout the University. This student takes pride in connecting and building community among the Black students and engaging with their student peers throughout the University.
Most Admired Faculty Award
LeRai Martin, MSN, RN
Clinical Assistant Instructor
Awarded by students to a Villanova faculty member who consistently cultivates and creates a supportive and inclusive classroom environment, who inspires through their passion and enthusiasm and who is seen as demonstrating a willingness to go above and beyond to serve as a role model, mentor and to show care and kindness.
Key Assist Award
Jhonny Mercier
Police Officer, Villanova University Public Safety
Awarded by VUBA’s Leadership to a Villanova staff member whose support of VUBA has proven to be instrumental to the effectiveness, growth and success of our group. This individual is consistently proficient and reliable in their role and support, is mindful of our community’s needs and desires, and demonstrates a willingness to collaborate and co-create without minimizing or diminishing our stated objectives and goals.
Allyship Award
Mark Jackson
Vice President and Director of Athletics
Awarded to a member of the Villanova community who is an advocate for greater inclusivity and opportunity for Black students, alumni, faculty and staff on campus. This individual gives their time and resources and shows up authentically to engage and partner with the Black Villanova community.
Most Resourceful Department Award
Center for Success, Access and Achievement
Awarded by students to a Villanova Department that uses its resources to continually support, facilitate and lift up the ambitions, dreams and goals of Black students throughout their academic and professional pursuits.
Alumni Community Impact Award
Brian Westbrook '01
Awarded by VUBA’s leadership to Villanova alumni whose dedication, generosity, participation and ambassadorship have been instrumental to the growth, resiliency and sustainability of VUBA. Their contribution to our community has been inspirational and provided much needed support and sparks of energy when it was needed most. This individual represents the heart and soul of our alumni community and the legacy of Black Villanovans who saw fit to try and make a difference for the better.
VUBA Distinguished Leadership Award
Leashia Lewis ’00, ’02
Assistant Athletic Director for DEI, Director of UNITAS and ADID (Athletic Diversity and Inclusion Designee)
Awarded by VUBA leadership to recognize members of its leadership team for their dedicated service, passion, vision and grit. The awardee exemplifies inclusive leadership, high integrity and a serious commitment and dedication to their role and VUBA’s mission. These often thankless and unsung leaders make up the backbone of VUBA and are responsible for the work of enhancing the value and experience of attending Villanova for Black students and alumni.
Moulden Honors Inspired Excellence Award
Crystal Lucky, PhD
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Professor of English, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
This is VUBA’s most prestigious award, given to an individual whose seemingly inspired talents, effort, vision, passion and humanity have unyieldingly and unwaveringly sought to improve and enhance the experiences, education, opportunities and legacy of Black Villanovans. Like William and Juliana Moulden’s inspired commitment to protect and secure a foundation for their family’s future, to not shrink or give up in the face of overwhelming adversity, and to see the humanity and goodness in others, this awardee embodies the best of who we are as Black Villanovans and is a consummate champion for lifting up our community.
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