Catholic Law's Columbus Awards Night 2026 was a memorable evening filled with recognition, gratitude, and celebration of the incredible contributions made by students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Expertly moderated by law students Jimmy Maher, Emily Hutchinson, and Tom Rothe, the event highlighted the dedication and achievements of the law school community. The evening kicked off with a burst of laughter as Jimmy Maher opened the ceremony with a stand-up comedy act, setting a lighthearted and celebratory tone for the night. Student leaders helped present awards alongside Dean Stephen C. Payne, creating a night to remember.
Award Highlights and Winners
The First Lap Awards
Recognizing first-year students for their dedication to the law school community: Sofia Bhalwani, Evana Brenelus, Matthew Clarkin, Caroline Cooper, Olivia Fergerstrom, Jerra Holdip, Alex McKenna, Annabel Morris, Camila Olivo, Makenzie Pasma, Jimmy Peccie, Bernadette Prickel, Tays Troutman, Evie Vanderbunt, and Veronica Yale
The Extra Mile Awards
Honoring students who go above and beyond in their contributions: Hermela Aregawi, Audrey Anderle, John Andrikos, Avery Brown, Sierra Clark, Cameron Collins, Fiorella Contreras, Mariella Creaghan, Brandon Delgado, Hannah Doyle, Alexa Finkelstein, Audrey Ganley, Allison Gaudreau, Kierra Giarrusso, Natashya Hawley, Emily Hutchinson, Andi Jordon, Garin Kim, Jimmy Maher, Julia Miles, Calypso Moschochoritis, Matthew McDougal, Andrea Quinan, Esosa Ruffin, Daisy Scarvell, Emmet Sullivan, David Terry, Jared Vallejos, annd Ashleigh Wilson
The Marathon Awards
For continued service and dedication beyond the Extra Mile Award: Victoria Aghmalian, Albert Anaim, Alondra Ayala Coria, Wonsup Chung, Krysten Diaz-Silveira, Sofia Guirguis, Alex Kagan, Katie Mars, Brandon McKee, Niya Pattasseril, Valentina Perez, Rachael Phillips, Taylor Talley, and Sarah Webster
The Triathlon Award
Honoring extraordinary dedication by graduating 4th-year evening students: Jasmine Rountree and Cynthia Turcios
Thursday Night Graduation Student Speaker: Sofia Guirguis
Student Organization Awards
Melissa Hamann Student Organization Service Award: Evening Law Students Association
Mary E. Card Award for Outstanding Student Organization of the Year: Students for Public Interest Law
Faculty, Staff, and Alumni Awards
Outstanding Alumni Award: Jamie O’Donohue
Staff Member of the Year: Odalys Fuentes
Stuart Schept Administrator of the Year: Stuart Schept
Most Supportive Professor: Professor Natalie Swenson
Adjunct Professor of the Year: Patrick Halley
Outstanding Professor for Evening Classes: Professor Alexander Hoffarth
Outstanding Professor for First-Year Classes: Professor Marc DeGirolami
Professor of the Year: Professor Marc DeGirolami
Student Excellence Awards
