By Kelsey Kendall

Before the soon-to-be-graduates crossed the stage during the Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies, 鶹 celebrated some of the top students who have distinguished themselves throughout their time at the University.

“We are here to acknowledge your outstanding accomplishments and to share in the joy of this moment with your families, friends, mentors and supporters. Your hard work, resilience and commitment have brought you to this well-earned celebration,” said Brian K. Payne, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs, at the Student Honors and Awards dinner on May 8.

鶹’s top award to a graduating senior, the Kaufman Award, was granted to John Paul Peck, a cybersecurity major with a minor in military leadership. His inspirational faculty member was Mallory Griest, assistant director of residence education.

The recognition comes with a $10,000 prize and was established by Landmark Communications to honor those who have “exerted an exceptional and constructive influence on the University, its students or the community by demonstrating the highest qualities of leadership and service."

Peck was noted for his dedication toward becoming a naval officer. He serves as Battalion Commander of the Hampton Roads Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, leading more than 150 students from seven universities. He also is one of four Naval Reserve Officer Training midshipmen nationwide chosen for the Maritime Cyber Warfare Officer Program. He received training at the National Security Agency on defending the country from cyberattacks.

“It’s an honor to receive the Kaufman Award alongside such an outstanding group of finalists,” Peck said. “I want to thank God, my friends, my family and everyone who’s helped me get to where I am today. 鶹 has prepared me well for what’s ahead, and I’m excited for the future.”

The Kaufman Award is named for Charles Kaufman, a community leader, philanthropist and friend to 鶹. Up to 10 students annually can be selected for the Kaufman Award.

The runner-up for the Kaufman Award — who will also receive a monetary prize — is Kaylen Otey, a criminal justice major with a minor in cybercrime. Otey is the president and founder of the Pre-Law Enforcement Association, supervisor of the Old Dominion Police Cadet program, president of the Korean Student Association and vice president of the Chinese Culture and Language Club. Her inspirational faculty member was Velvet Grant, who recently retired as special assistant to 鶹 President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.

Other Kaufman Honors recipients and their inspirational faculty members include:

  • Joshua Castillo, a computer science major with a minor in cybersecurity. Most inspirational faculty member: Thomas Kennedy, senior lecturer in computer science.
  • Marjorie Cenese, an electrical engineering major with a minor in engineering management. Most inspirational faculty member: Sylvain Marsillac, Ph.D., professor of electrical and computer engineering.
  • Ria Gowanda, a biomedical sciences major with a minor in psychology. Most inspirational faculty member: Reneldo Randall, director of advising in the College of Sciences.
  • Sarah Ho, a chemistry major with a minor in psychology. Most inspirational faculty member: Christopher Freeman, Ph.D., lecturer in chemistry and biochemistry
  • David Hopkins, a cybersecurity major with a minor in cybercrime. Most inspirational faculty member: Lenora Thorbjornsen, director of academic advising for Interdisciplinary Schools.
  • Lauren-Elise Padilla ’24, who graduated in December with a degree in early childhood education and a minor in dance. Most inspirational faculty member: Tammi Dice, Ph.D., dean of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies.
  • Miles Perry, an electrical engineering major with a minor in chemistry. Most inspirational faculty member: Sylvain Marsillac, Ph.D., professor of electrical and computer engineering.
  • Amanda Wilder, a mechanical engineering major with a minor in biomedical engineering. Most inspirational faculty member: Brooke Barnett, a campus minister at 鶹 through Campus Crusade for Christ International.

Three students also received the University Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher, which recognizes students’ work in research. The awards are based on the uniqueness of the research, the longevity of the experience and contributions to the discipline.

Jayla Dahlberg, a psychology major, was the first recipient of this award. She was noted for her work with Cathy Lau-Barraco, Ph.D. Since joining Dr. Lau-Barraco’s lab, Dahlberg served as the lead author of two conference submissions and co-authored others. Outside of Dr. Lau-Barraco’s lab, she also contributed to half a dozen additional submissions — most of which she was list as the first author for.  

Victoria Felton, a biomedical sciences major, also received the award for her work in microbiology, cell culture and confocal microscopy. Nominated by Rishi Drolia, Ph.D., she presented her research at international conferences, published in peer-reviewed journals and received multiple scholarships and travel awards.

The final award recipient was Joshua Wager, a physics major with a minor in computer science and electrical engineering. He was nominated by Matt Grau, Ph.D., who recognized Wager for his skill and expertise in software engineering and complex equipment, such as lasers and wave meters.