Student Awards

Emily Marie Gonzales, B.F.A. Theatre

Emily Marie Gonzales originally questioned whether attending and graduating from college was something she could accomplish successfully. But as a winner of the President's Citation for Leadership, Emily not only succeeded at Central, but she also found her calling to support students from backgrounds like her own.

In her letter advocating for Emily to receive the citation, Theatre Chair Christie Maturo said she personally had the pleasure of watching Emily grow in skill, confidence, and leadership ability. She described Emily as a wonderful representation of the best of students in higher education.

“Beyond the theatre and her job commitments, Emily has worked diligently to volunteer and represent the theatre department to the campus and the community,” Maturo said. “She is an exceptional leader and truly cares about being in service to others.”

Scott Kazar, a campus recreation specialist, wrote that Emily's involvement at Central “reads like a masterclass in dedication and versatility.” He described her as someone who makes people feel welcomed and empowered.

He wrote, “What sets Emily apart is her incredible ability to connect—across disciplines, across departments, and across communities. Her time assisting as a student teacher at Kinsella Magnet School, where she created thoughtful, engaging lesson plans for young learners, reflects her commitment to education, mentorship, and giving back.”

Following graduation, Emily plans to work as a university or teaching assistant to help students before she pursues a master's degree in higher education.

Sonja Koni, B.A. Philosophy & Political Science

Sonja Koni sought to serve the Central community while she was studying and preparing for the future. As president of the Philosophy Club, she recruited Philosophy professor Tara Weese, a faculty member with a Juris Doctorate, to help create free, accessible LSAT study session for Central students unable to afford study preparation courses. Additionally, Sonja worked with the Philosophy department to co-host a panel of talks titled "Theorizing Liberation," inviting speakers from various graduate institutions to talk about their current research.

In service to both Central and high school students, Sonja volunteered as a student facilitator at Central's Declaring Freedom Youth Conference. At the two-day event, young people engaged with peers, faculty, and staff to learn about the historical and contemporary significance of the Declaration of Independence.

In her letter endorsing Sonja for the President's Citation, Philosophy professor Cameron D. Brewer cited Sonja's participation on Central's Planning and Budget Committee. As a student representative, Sonja served as a bridge between the committee and Central students to ensure that student concerns were addressed.

Brewer also cited Sonja's work in the community, writing that she served as a legal intern for Public Defender Services from May 2023 through December 2023. As an intern, she conducted comprehensive legal research for the attorneys to prepare for client Psychiatric Security Review Board hearings.

After graduation, Sonja plans to attend law school and pursue a career as a criminal defense or intellectual properties attorney.

Danielle Landes, B.A. Political Science & Economics

Danielle Landes said Central taught her the value of listening and collaboration in her classes and community spaces. She also learned that empowering others is empowering for her.

“When it comes to student empowerment, small things add up,” Danielle wrote in her essay for the citation. “It's a teacher smiling when you ask a question, a staff member making time to help, and students applauding each other through challenging work. I've spent my time at Central listening to students, counseling them through their doubts and problems, showing them the way forward, and telling them that they can in fact rise to the occasion.”

Danielle's commitment to her peers is something her Political Science professor Jerold J. Duquette witnessed firsthand. In writing to endorse Danielle for the citation, he said, “A key element of her own success as a student has been her enthusiastic commitment to the success of her classmates and fellow Central students. Danielle's participation in the classroom, on campus, and in her state legislative internship has all been fueled by her conviction that the success of her fellow students is part and parcel of her own success.”

Danielle decided to pursue a degree in political science because she wants to be someone who can help others accomplish important things.

“Being a person who wants to see everyone succeed has meant that I will be that person who shows them how brilliant they are and how awesome they can be,” Danielle wrote.

Madelyn Malinowski, B.S. Management

In one of her President's Citation recommendation letters, Madelyn Malinowski is cited as “the very best of what it means to be a student leader.”

As the area supervisor of employee development for Campus Recreation, Madelyn redefined student leadership by organizing more than 40 events centered on wellness, inclusion, and community. She has led professional development sessions for more than 70 student employees, and her leadership ensured full staffing at campus outreach events like Open House, Orientation, and Admitted Students Day. Notably, she also co-created the campus's first-ever lifting competition in collaboration with the Exercise Science Club.

Madelyn also served as a resident assistant in Barrows Hall and Mid-Campus Residence Hall and consistently led proactive programming that strengthened student wellbeing and engagement with the New Britain community.

In her role on the Student Affairs Advisory Committee, Madelyn presented a Campus Recreation budget to the Vice President of Student Affairs and researched revenue generation strategies toward departmental growth. A skilled communicator, she has mentored resident assistants, led sessions on leadership and time management, and introduced headshot sessions for student staff. Madelyn also served on the Senior Class Committee and Pep Rally Committee.

Madelyn's academic achievements mirror her campus leadership, with placement on the Dean's List honors six times and President's List distinction twice.

Madelyn will pursue graduate studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, enrolling in the dual MBA/M.S. program in Sports Management. Her ultimate goal is to build a career in the sports industry.

Nathalie Sanchez, B.A. Social Work

After transferring from Tunxis Community College, Nathalie Sanchez continued her academic journey at Central, where she maintained a 4.0 GPA and placed her on the Dean's List every semester. She is a member of Phi Alpha, the national social work honor society, and Phi Theta Kappa.

Throughout her time at Central, Nathalie immersed herself in student support and well-being initiatives. She helped lead weekly programs such as Yes & Sisterhood, a monthly series to enhance confidence and decision-making skills among female identifying students, and Latina Talks, while participating in annual events such as Take Back the Night, Elect Her, Women of Color Graduation, and the Barrows Barbie Bash. Nathalie also facilitated educational outreach through the Ruth Boyea Women's Center and Office of TRiO Programs.

Nathalie also served as president of the Social Work Club; a resident assistant who chaired two Residence Life committees; and served as the student coordinator for Latina Leadership & Development.

Nathalie's commitment to service extended beyond campus through her work with YWCA Sexual Assault Crisis Services. In her role, she advocated and provided emotional support, resources, and guidance for survivors in emergency medical proceedings and through a crisis hotline. Nathalie's compassion was also evident in her many successful campus-wide donation drives.

In the fall, Nathalie will pursue graduate studies in Social Work at Central. Nathalie says, “My ultimate goal is to become a clinician in the mental health field, using my education and experiences to support individuals in need.”

Courtney Chamberland, B.S. Nursing

Courtney Chamberland is a dedicated nursing student, with a deep passion for maternal health advocacy and community service. As the founder and president of the Maternal Health Advocacy Club, she has been instrumental in raising awareness about maternal health disparities in the United States. Under her leadership, the club has organized effective outreach events, including annual blood drives in partnership with the American Red Cross and community baby showers to support expectant mothers and families. Courtney has also volunteered with organizations like Remote Area Medical, providing essential healthcare services to underserved populations.

Courtney also is an active member of the Student Nurses Association and served as a student representative on the Committee on the Concerns of Women. Her commitment to hands-on experience is evident through her volunteer work at community health clinics on campus and her current senior preceptorship at St. Francis Hospital.

Courtney has excelled academically, earning numerous scholarships including the Dr. Zulma R. Toro Scholarship and the Jones Paul Scholarship. She is also a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing, and was awarded the 2025 MacRae Award for her academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to nursing.

In her spare time, Courtney combines her love for crocheting with her dedication to children's health, creating hats for newborns in honor of Prematurity Awareness Month. After gaining clinical experience, she plans to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Nursing Education.

Jacob Deschaine, B.S. Biology

Throughout his college career, Jacob Deschaine consistently earned recognition for his academic excellence. He made the Dean's List every semester from 2021 to 2024 and the President's List for the past five semesters and graduates summa cum laude. Jacob’s hard work and commitment to his studies were further acknowledged when he was awarded the Carol A. Ammon Endowment Fund Scholarship in 2023 and received the Faculty-Student Research Grant for Independent Research in the same year. His research project focused on THOC4 gene expression in bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos.

Beyond his academic achievements, Jacob demonstrated leadership and initiative as co-founder and president of the Pre-Dental Society, which grew into a supportive community for pre-dental students by hosting meetings, events, and providing mentorship opportunities to guide students through the dental school application process.

In addition to his academic and research work, Jacob serves as a lead dental assistant at Plainville Family Dental and volunteers as an EMT with Newington EMS. He also volunteered at Mission of Mercy free dental clinics at UConn and in New Haven.

Jacob will attend the UConn School of Dental Medicine in Fall 2025, driven by the strong sense of community he has experienced among dental providers and patients. He says his goal is to become a trusted provider in a community like his hometown of Plainville and create an environment where patients feel supported.

Sonja Koni, B.A. Philosophy and Political Science

Sonja Koni demonstrated a strong sense of service to Central during her time as a student. While earning placement on the Dean’s and President’s lists, Sonja served as the vice president and then president of the Central Philosophy Club where she initiated projects to expand the club, such as creating LSAT study sessions for students unable to afford study preparation courses. She also served as a peer leader helping first-year Central students transition from high school to college life.

Political Science Department Chair Robbin Smith wrote the Barnard Award committee about Sonja’s selection as a peer leader. “The application and interview process is a highly selective one, and the demands on the peer leaders are rigorous,” she wrote. “Sonja was the peer leader for my first-year U.S. government course. The students relied on her to help them access campus resources, to bridge the divide between the students and larger campus life, and to generally support them as they navigated their first semester of college.”

As Sonja’s academic advisor, Philosophy Department Chair Audra King watched Sonja’s development at Central first-hand. She wrote to the committee, “I have witnessed her extraordinary growth as a scholar, advocate, and community builder. With a new-perfect GPA of 3.98, dual majors in Philosophy and Political Science, and a record of transformative contribution to (Central), Soja stands among the most exceptional students I have encountered in my career.”

Sonja plans to attend law school in the fall.

Areesha Waseem, B.A. Psychological Science

As a first-generation college student, Areesha Waseem was determined to make the most of every opportunity presented to her at Central. After joining the Psychology Club, she petitioned for and was elected the cub’s president. Likewise, she was elected president of Central’s chapter of the national honor society for psychological science students, Psi Chi, and served as a peer tutor for her fellow psychological science students.

In her recommendation letter to the Barnard Award committee, Assistant Professor of Psychological Science Helena Lucia Swanson noted, “Areesha's contributions to the Central community are multifaceted. She actively collaborates with faculty on research and service projects, all while holding leadership positions in student-led organizations. Beyond the campus, she extends her commitment to service through extensive volunteer work in the New Britain community.”

Psychological Science Department Chair Carrie Andreoletti highlighted Areesha’s research work in her recommendation letter. “She has been a member of Dr. Jason Sikorski's research team for several years collaborating on several research projects and mentoring her peers on the research team. Areesha recently presented her research at the Eastern Psychological Association annual meeting in New York City where she was awarded the prestigious 2025 Psi Chi Eastern Psychological Association Regional Research Award,” she wrote.

After graduation, Areesha plans to further her study in psychological science. She was accepted into the master’s degree psychology program at the University of Hartford and the PsyD program in Clinical Psychology at William James College.