The Randolph-Macon community gathered at Frank Brown Fountain Plaza Monday evening to recognize superior scholarship, leadership, and exemplary character with a series of awards given to students, alumni, faculty, and community members.

RMC’s Alpha Lambda Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), a national leadership honor society, bestowed several of its prestigious awards upon students. 

Janet Harvey Trivette ’78 & W. Proctor Harvey, Jr. Endowed Student Award

Wyatt Richardson ’26 and Hanna Nash ’26 were each honored with the Janet Harvey Trivette ’78 & W. Proctor Harvey, Jr. Endowed Student Award. The award was established in 2007 to honor alumna Janet Harvey Trivette ’78 and her brother W. Proctor Harvey, Jr., and celebrate their distinctive characteristics of compassion, generosity of spirit, and leadership.

Richardson, a Biology major with minors in Chemistry and Economics, is graduating a year early despite challenging areas of study and a full schedule of commitments. He is a Leadership Fellow, an officer in the Student Government Association (SGA), and a scripture reader at Centenary United Methodist Church and Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church. Last summer, he conducted a Schapiro Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) examining the effect of companion plants on pollinators. Additionally, Richardson is a hospice volunteer at Affinity Care of Virginia and an Officer Candidate for the United States Marine Corps.

Grant Azdell, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, quoted Richardson’s nominator as he presented the award, saying “He is a generous spirit. I have noticed that he is often the first one to volunteer, the first one to listen to others’ concerns, and the first person to stand up and say that he can help.”

Nash is a Computer Science and Cybersecurity double-major, who utilizes her skills in a wide range of capacities. She too was a SURF fellow in 2024, exploring the use of robotics in retail. She works as a MakerSpace Assistant in the McGraw-Page Library, helping community members use 3D printers and virtual reality systems, as well as a Computer Science tutor. Nash also manages digital content for RMC’s literary magazine The Stylus, serves on the Multicultural Programming Board, plays on RMC’s Esports team as a Fortnite captain, and founded the Robotics Club.

Azdell quoted a nominator again on Nash’s impact on her robotics teammates, saying “a team member had long dreamed of participating in robotics but had been repeatedly discouraged by teachers, family, and friends. Because of [Nash’s] leadership, this student—and many others—now engage in robotics with confidence, pride, and a renewed sense of possibility.”

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation Awards

Jacob Hanes ’26 received the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award and Ella Swager ’26 received the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award in recognition of spiritual qualities applied to daily living. The awards are supported by the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation and honor the lives of the foundation founder and his wife. Recipients receive a bronze medallion.

Hanes is a Biology and Chemistry double-major who will attend the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine after graduation. A dedicated community servant, Hanes volunteers with the Ashland Volunteer Rescue Squad as an EMT and is the President for the student organization RMC Emergency Medical Services. His service extends to membership in the Pre-Health Society, the service organization Circle K, and as a Yellow Jacket Ambassador tour guide. “He is a devoted RMC student, always puts students first, and fully exemplifies dedication to his community,” said RMC President Michael Hill in his remarks.

Swager, who graduated early this February, completed a remarkable five majors during her time as a dual-enrolled and later full-time student: Political Science, Sociology and Anthropology, Black Studies, Hispanic Studies, and International Studies. “Yes, this is more majors than will even fit into our database system, but she completed them all with flying colors,” President Hill quipped. In addition to her extensive course work, Swager has been an engaged member of the RMC community, serving as SGA President from fall 2025 through January Term in 2026. She was also a member of the Honors Program, a Leadership Fellow, a Peer Academic Support Specialist, and a New Student Transition Captain.

Pepper and Stuart Laughon Commitment to Community Award

Lindsay Gilman ’26 was honored with the Pepper and Stuart Laughon Commitment to Community Award, recognizing significant contributions to enrich the lives of others. The award was established in 2004 by the late Frank E. “Pepper” Laughon, Jr. ’59 and his wife, Stuart Bost Laughon, and reflects its namesakes’ legacy of championing campus leadership and service.

Gilman, a History major and Classics minor, is heavily involved in the SERVE program and the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, while also serving as a tour guide and writing tutor. Azdell detailed her numerous efforts, saying “she has helped to coordinate fundraising events, including a ball that raised funds for a child who had lost his hearing. She has made blankets for women in a women’s shelter. She has facilitated and donated to toy and hygiene drives.”

B.J. Seymour Award

Laura Ruxton ’14 was honored with the B.J. Seymour Award, named after the trailblazing professor emerita Betty Jean “B.J.” Seymour, who became RMC’s first full-time female faculty member in 1971. The award honors an alumna who has consistently worked on behalf of issues important to women and girls, and who demonstrates vitality, integrity, and leadership. An engaged alumna and former RMC staff member, Ruxton was recognized for her mentorship and empowerment of students, particularly through her work with the Leadership Fellows program.

The following awards were also given during the ceremony:

Students of Excellence: Dell Boone ’27 and Layla Gaines ’26

Erica Waters ’12 Service to the SGA Award: Abby Simmons ’26

RMC Leadership (group): Student Government Association

Rodney Bardwell Service Award: RMC Drumline

Outstanding Student Event: Multicultural Programming Board

Freshman Leadership: Zoe Corboy ’29

Sophomore Leadership: Ifeoma Edozie ’28

Junior Leadership: Meg Hemphill ’27

Outstanding Seniors: Emily Carter ’26, Brooks Cowart ’26, Marissa Klinger ’26, Kayli Koenig ’26, Kiley Kurcoba ’26, Sophia Ritchie ’26

RMC Leadership (individual): Logan Polivka ’26

Darrell Headrick Service Award: Malori Brown ’26

Outstanding Organizational Advisor: Professor Laurie Massery

Outstanding Service to the Randolph-Macon College Community: Robert Drake, Hanover Fire & EMS

SERVE Impact: Taylor Hemenway ’27, Alice Abernathy ’27

Fraternity and Sorority Awards:

Fraternity & Sorority Excellence in Academics: Alpha Phi Omega, Delta Zeta

Fraternity & Sorority Excellence in Service: Alpha Phi Omega, Delta Zeta

Fraternity & Sorority Excellence in Philanthropy: Theta Chi, Sigma Sigma Sigma

Godfrey Smith Chapter of Excellence: Alpha Gamma Delta

Field-DuPriest Outstanding Sorority Chapter Advisor: Emily Ford

Schick Outstanding Fraternity Chapter Advisor: Joe Carney

Order of Omega Emerging Fraternity & Sorority Leader: Salem DeBerry ‘28, Deniol Garcia ‘29

Outstanding Fraternity & Sorority Presidents: Logan Angelillo ‘26, Tara Richio ‘26

Ira L. Andrews Fraternity & Sorority Community Member of the Year: Josh Brittle ’27, Ava Kelley ’27