Several members of the class of 2025 have been announced as winners of this year’s student achievement awards given to graduating seniors. The awards will be presented later this month.
The St. Ignatius Loyola Medal will be awarded to Angelo Corsini. Fairfield University’s website describes this award as “the highest honor awarded to a student graduating with a Bachelor’s degree each year…”
“To me this award affirms that I am on the right path,” Corsini believes, “It’s not a congratulations, it’s a token of encouragement saying “Keep it up!””
He adds, “A large reason why I chose Fairfield was because its Jesuit values overlapped with my own. Caring for those around me wholly and completely is my top priority, and when you show genuine interest in the lives of others they will likely return the favor.
For Corsini, his greatest accomplishment at Fairfield has been his personal growth throughout his four years. “I’ve learned many lessons in and outside of the classroom that have transformed me into a person closer to the one I want to be,” he states.
Another Student Achievement Award winner is Katherine Robertson, who will be presented with an award for her work in enhancing the Fairfield women’s rugby program. She joined the team as first-year and now serves as its president.
“To be selected for a student achievement award is a true honor, and I feel that it serves to motivate me as I continue to pursue my educational and career goals,” Robertson said.
Other award winners include Alexander White, who was selected for the William J. Kramer Class of 1960 Humanitarian Award. This prize is “based solely on the student’s commitment to volunteerism and service to an external or internal community activity that best exemplifies the Ignatian tradition of being men and women for others,” according to the university.
White has held positions including new student leader, senior resident assistant and President of the Fairfield Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers throughout his four years of college. Service is something he’s prioritized.
“In all the jobs/positions/activities that I’ve done throughout my career here at Fairfield, I have always prioritized helping people, and I find that to be my true calling,” White said. He also explains what he does is for others, but he appreciates the recognition.
“None of the work that I have done has been for credit or recognition, I do what I do for the benefit of others,” White said. “However, it is humbling and heart warming to know that the work that I have done has made an impact on this community and is the perfect bookend to my time here at Fairfield.”
In addition to Roberston, seniors Eric Dillner, Mekaylia Ingram, Jennifer Fajardo and Blessed Stephens will be presented with a student achievement award.
Fajardo is honored to receive the award; “I believe I’m more of a quiet leader, so the fact that I am being recognized is so fulfilling.” Her award recognizes her excellence in revitalizing the Latinx Student Union.
“I am happy to have been a part of the Latinx Student Union’s tremendous growth over the last 3 years. We’ve overcome so many obstacles and I’m proud to be a part of the club’s many firsts.”
Foremost, she loved running a club where she felt the sense of community that she yearned for in her freshman year. Now, she’s happy to have solidified the foundation for the future success of LSU. “I can graduate knowing that LSU’s community has been established so that students will have a safe space for years to come”, she states.
Dillner is being awarded for founding Fairfield’s chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. He describes earning the award as an honor.
“Receiving this award is a true honor, it encourages me to continue seeking ways to make a positive impact in both my academic and professional communities,” he says.
This summer, Dillner will intern at Whelen Engineering before beginning his master’s degree at the University of Connecticut. He thanks the faculty, staff and peers who supported his academic journey.
“My experiences here have shaped the person and engineer I am today,” Dillner said. “I look forward to carrying those lessons with me as I continue into graduate studies and a career in advanced manufacturing and aerospace engineering.”
Ingram received the Commitment to Inclusive Excellence Student Achievement Award. She believes she was chosen for this award “because I’ve made it my mission to center belonging, representation and unity in everything I do,” including her role as senior advisor for the Black Student Union.
“The path hasn’t always been easy—navigating a predominantly white institution while balancing academics, leadership, and emotional labor takes strength,” Ingram said. “But being selected for this award shows that when you lead with authenticity, even the quiet moments of impact resonate.
This year’s Bellarmine Campus Romero Awards will be given to Ana Aguirre and Jaheim McKie, awards which “recognize graduating students earning an Associate’s degree who exemplifies the spirit of a Catholic, Jesuit education through academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service.”The awards will be presented at the Student Awards Ceremony on March 31 at 5 p.m. Students can register for the free event, which will take place in the Dolan Event Hall, here.