2025 Presidents’ Awards

We are pleased to honor Heidi Kincaid and Adam Kotowicz with the Manchester Community College Presidents’ Leadership Award. Heidi Kincaid and Adam Kotowicz serve as our social media/marketing Student Life Associates, and both bring passion and creativity to their roles. Adam works with the Student Senate to create engaging programs and events for the MCC student body. His work looks to enhance the experiences of the student life on campus. Heidi is dedicated to building the MCC Student Life online presence. Her work aims to build a more connected campus community for the student population. She also aims to create a campus environment where people can see themselves attending the college and feel a sense of belonging when they begin their academic journey at MCC. Their collective skills and focuses complement each other well. Since their time at MCC, the college has seen increased engagement from online, in-person, and potential students due to their efforts. Their collective impact on MCC’s campus community is immense and truly deserving of this award and recognition.

Sumana cares deeply about the value of education, particularly the need to gain experience and grow as a scholar, thinker, and citizen. She has shown strong leadership capabilities in student organizations such as the New England College Student Government Association, leading the efforts of the Kamala Harris campaign as the campus organizing fellow, conducting meaningful research and interviews for the college’s radio station WNEC, including a podcast interview with U.S. Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, assisting the Center for Civic Engagement’s voter education work, and working in the admissions office. During the 2024-2025 academic year, Sumana has been an invaluable asset to both the Politics program and the Center for Civic Engagement in their efforts to educate and inform student voting and political involvement both inside and outside of the classroom. Sumana was instrumental in the Center for Civic Engagement’s successful November 2024 election get-out-the-vote operation, providing nonpartisan information to NEC students about how and where to register to vote. She created and filmed creative videos for social media that was distributed by the college that were intended to motivate her fellow students to participate in the electoral process and then worked diligently to encourage students to vote through face-to-face conversations. Sumana has demonstrated an advanced aptitude for academic excellence, enhancing our civic environment, and living up to the standards of what it means to be a good citizen.

Fiona’s passion for community engagement defined her undergraduate experience. As a Community Partnership Coordinator with the Meelia Center, she mentored diverse high school students, fostered strong relationships and collaborated with educators and community partners. Her dedication and compassion deepened her understanding of student challenges, many of which were beyond their control. She quickly became a mentor to fellow college student mentors, helping them develop the skills needed to support their mentees effectively, leaving a lasting impact. In her junior year, Fiona studied abroad in Saint Anselm’s program in Tuscania, Italy, where she continued her community engagement work as the student coordinator for local projects. She collaborated with a local priest, residents, and the study abroad program to ensure students contributed to the community in a culturally responsive manner. Fiona also supported her peers as they navigated and engaged with a new community in a foreign country. In her senior year, Fiona continues to lead in various roles. At the Meelia Center, she serves as a Student Support Manager, mentoring Community Partnership Coordinators and helping them develop their leadership and engagement skills. She also collaborates with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to run FAPNO (Foster and Adoptive Parents Night Out), offering respite for parents and connection for children. Through Campus Ministry, Fiona leads community engagement trips and retreats, teaching her peers about social challenges and creating positive change. Additionally, she serves on several campus committees focused on inclusivity and connection, demonstrating her dedication to building strong ties between the college and the broader community.

JayCee’s passion for teaching STEM to kids was born while working at Manchester Tech Camp with Shannon McCracken-Barber, and grew through his work with the STEM-MoBILE. In just a year, he has inspired hundreds of students across New Hampshire – and even internationally. JayCee began his work with kids this past summer, where he developed curriculum and delivered science programs to underserved students. His passion soon led him beyond the U.S., connecting with international STEM educator Rajesh Nair. Rajesh coached JayCee on what was needed to bring STEM programs abroad, and even invited him to assist with his own virtual educational programs for kids in Myanmar. While at home in India for J-term, JayCee tested science activities, purchased materials with his own money, and created presentations to spread awareness and interest. He led a team to Zilla Parishath High School in Pedavegi, Andhra Pradesh, where he presented activities to 6th, 9th, and 10th graders. He ran the BioBubbles activity with 6th graders and a modified banana DNA extraction with the older classes. He also shared information about UNH Manchester, pointed out New Hampshire on a map, and showed a STEM-MoBILE video tour. JayCee chose this school to honor his late mother who taught there, and donated clipboards in her memory, aiming to show students that “there are a lot of choices” and “many more opportunities in science”. JayCee is truly deserving, turning his break into an international STEM experience for underserved students and a tribute to his mother. His passion for STEM and commitment to empowering students make him a perfect recipient of this award.

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for two-year colleges is a highly respected student organization at White Mountains Community College, dedicated to upholding and promoting the core values of scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship. PTK members at WMCC play an integral role in fostering a strong sense of community through their active participation in campus and local initiatives that benefit the entire student body. One of the college’s most significant accomplishments is the creation and continued success of its food pantry (cabinet), which serves both Berlin and Littleton. Originally launched as a PTK project, this initiative has grown into a vital resource, providing essential support to students and addressing food insecurity in the communities surrounding the college. Through their commitment to service and leadership, PTK members continue to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that their community and the surrounding areas have access to the resources they need to succeed.

MaryRose Wainaina exemplifies the spirit of service-driven leadership, dedicating her time and energy to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and empowered student community at the University of New Hampshire. Her leadership is defined not by titles but by action—through years of commitment, resilience, and selfless service that has strengthened student organizations and the broader campus community. At the heart of MaryRose’s leadership is her unwavering dedication to serving others. Whether mentoring student leaders, coordinating programs, or assisting with event logistics, she consistently puts the needs of her peers and the university community first. She oversees seven student organizations, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and support needed to thrive. MaryRose embodies servant leadership in her ability to navigate complex challenges with thoughtfulness and grace. She has been a steady and thoughtful voice ensuring that all perspectives are heard while making decisions that uphold the values of equity and community. For her outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the greater good, MaryRose Wainaina is a highly deserving recipient of the Presidents’ Leadership Award. Her impact will continue to shape UNH long after she graduates, as she has built a legacy of service that will inspire future student leaders for years to come.

Taylor has made outstanding contributions to community service through her numerous leadership roles and hands-on volunteer efforts at Southern New Hampshire University and beyond. As a Volunteer Projects Coordinator and the Service Learning Program Coordinator in The Chandler Center, Taylor successfully coordinated more than 23 impactful volunteer projects which engaged 128 SNHU students as well as trained and oversaw a team of peer Service Learning Coordinators for 27 nonprofit partner sites for 267 student service learners. Taylor’s dedication to community service went beyond her coordinator roles. As Chair of the Civic Engagement Committee, she promoted voter education, boosting student turnout. She also played a key leadership role in Take 5, a pre-matriculation volunteer program that immerses incoming students in service and community engagement, fostering meaningful connections and long-term involvement. Taylor’s dedication to service shines through her work with the Out of the Darkness Walk committee, where she raised funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and promoted mental health awareness. As a past Alternative Break participant, she joined peers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, demonstrating her commitment to service-learning and making an impact locally and nationally. Taylor’s ability to inspire and foster a spirit of service is unmatched. Through leadership, mentorship, and volunteerism, she has made a lasting impact on SNHU and the broader community, supporting local nonprofits while empowering her peers to become engaged, compassionate citizens.

Rivier University is proud to recognize Nick Theodores with the 2025 Presidents’ Leadership Award. As the driving force behind the Rivier University chapter of KyleCares, a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing mental health challenges among teens and young adults, Nick has created a platform for open communication and support on campus for the student population. His efforts have directly contributed to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health issues, as well as promoting valuable local and online resources to help students facing self-harm and suicidal thoughts. By bringing KyleCares to Rivier, Nick has led important conversations and organized many events that raise awareness about mental health and what can be done about it. Through athletic events and local sponsorships, he has involved the greater Nashua community in these efforts. Nick’s dedication, energy, and passion for helping others with these major issues has made a big difference on campus and beyond Rivier University’s campus.

River Valley Community College is proud to recognize Kaylee Felix as the recipient of the 2025 Presidents’ Leadership Award. Her outstanding academic achievements in the Early Childhood Education and Infant and Toddler certification programs, combined with her unwavering dedication to student leadership, set her apart as a true leader on campus and in the classroom. Kaylee currently serves as president of both the Student Government Association and the Alpha Delta Chi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, where she leads with kindness, thoughtfulness, and patience. Her ability to inspire, support, and advocate for her peers embodies the core values of the college and strengthens the sense of community among the students. Beyond her leadership roles, Kaylee’s commitment to academic excellence and service reflects her passion for education and student success. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping a positive and engaged student experience at River Valley Community College. We are honored to celebrate her accomplishments and the lasting contributions she has made to our campus community.

This was the year of community engagement and that effort began in earnest last summer, when the chapter hosted three evening events for all NHTI students. They held a play featuring the work of one of our faculty at the local theater, a pizza and movie night for all NHTI students featuring Everything Everywhere All at Once in our Grappone auditorium, and a s’mores event at the fire pit. In August, PTK members also participated in New Student Orientation to support our Office of Student Life and to greet our future students. In October, PTK sought to collaborate with several NHTI student clubs and residence hall councils to host a Halloween Bash. This event included several components including a scavenger hunt, pumpkin carving station, costume contest, silent disco, dinner, and a bake sale. The event was so successful that our Campus Safety Director shared that this was the best attended event since before COVID. PTK also held a chemistry magic show on a warm Saturday morning in October. It was well-attended by families from the greater Concord community. Adults and children were able to witness the mystery of science and participate in some fascinating experiments. While engaged in all of these activities, NHTI PTK never lost its way in its commitment to work with the NHTI President and Leadership team on a college project and to complete the Honors in Action research and project. This year the college project was to complete a Restorative Room project. The students transformed a room that was once a computer lab into a welcoming environment for relaxation. The space provides resources for mental and physical wellbeing, and encompasses rest and rejuvenation. The space includes a Zen garden, sensory explorations, a custom-painted wall mural, a natural-feel grass rug, low-recline chairs, a rocking chair, a bubble wall, and ambient lighting. The students managed a comprehensive line-item budget, coordinated delivery, and collaborated with maintenance and Campus Safety. The NHTI Phi Theta Kappa chapter, for the fifth year in a row, achieved the highest status possible. The students worked hard to maintain their 5-Star chapter level.

Michelle began her work as a student Peer Mentor with NCC in the Fall of 2024 and immediately began to excel in her role, building trusting relationships with her mentees. She provided vital guidance during their first semester, creating an environment where students felt safe, respected, and heard. She takes the initiative to make sure her fellow students are advocated for, and she helps them learn to advocate for themselves as well. This semester, Spring ’25, Michelle took on several new mentees who were struggling with a class, including an adult learner facing past academic challenges and attempts. Due to some circumstances with the class, the student became overwhelmed again and was ready to give up, thinking that school just wasn’t for them. Michelle has worked very hard with this student to help them learn how to address concerns with their professor, ask for help, seek out academic resources, and use tools to become a successful student. Following the November election, a student voiced concerns about financial aid and the Department of Education’s future. Michelle brought these concerns to our Peer Mentor leadership, and helped facilitate a meeting with her mentee and the VP of Student Affairs. Additionally, Michelle took the initiative to set up “legislative advocacy” sessions to help students understand how they could reach out to their legislators. Her initiative led to NCC hosting its first legislative advocacy workshop, featuring State Representatives Raymond and Elberger. The college plans to hold two more workshops focusing on additional advocacy with both state and national legislators. It has been inspiring to see Michelle thrive in her role. Her passion and dedication have made NCC a better place for students, faculty, and the community.

Sean has exhibited a sustained commitment to community service. Before beginning his program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, he established his own nonprofit organization, ‘Kids Adopt a Shelter,’ which collects donations of supplies and creates ‘care packages’ for area animal shelters. Sean has continued to keep the organization active while balancing his academic program and has established an annual event on campus to support the organization’s mission. As part of this event, community members donate food, toys, and other pet supplies and then come together each December to create packages to be distributed to animal shelters throughout New Hampshire. During the December 2024 event, MCPHS community members assembled and delivered 47 care packages. In addition to soliciting donations from MCPHS community members, Sean also established relationships with area businesses to dramatically increase the volume of donated items. Beyond managing his non-profit, Sean has been deeply involved in the MCPHS community. He has served as a member of the Student Government Association Executive Board and is currently serving as the organization’s president. In this capacity, Sean has helped plan and implement numerous campus-wide events including the annual semi-formal, the “Pie a Professor” fundraiser event, and a campus-wide blood drive in collaboration with the American Red Cross. Beyond his work with SGA, Sean has been an active member of the MCPHS Outing Club and several pharmacy professional organizations. Sean has made a significant impact on the college in his time as a student.

We are pleased to honor Heidi Kincaid and Adam Kotowicz with the Manchester Community College Presidents’ Leadership Award. Heidi Kincaid and Adam Kotowicz serve as our social media/marketing Student Life Associates, and both bring passion and creativity to their roles. Adam works with the Student Senate to create engaging programs and events for the MCC student body. His work looks to enhance the experiences of the student life on campus. Heidi is dedicated to building the MCC Student Life online presence. Her work aims to build a more connected campus community for the student population. She also aims to create a campus environment where people can see themselves attending the college and feel a sense of belonging when they begin their academic journey at MCC. Their collective skills and focuses complement each other well. Since their time at MCC, the college has seen increased engagement from online, in-person, and potential students due to their efforts. Their collective impact on MCC’s campus community is immense and truly deserving of this award and recognition.

Anna Herrmann is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the Lakes Region Community College community. She has served as the Hospitality Club Secretary for two years and she played a vital role in organizing multiple successful fundraisers for her peers. One notable fundraiser allowed her classmates to embark on multiple Culinary Discovery trips to Washington, D.C., Portland, ME, and Boston, MA. She has consistently had a strong passion for hospitality, which has shone through when she helped cater Governor Sununu’s State Employee Holiday Tea. Beyond her culinary education contributions, Anna is deeply engaged in campus life, serving as a student representative on the Community Engagement Committee, an active member of the LRCC Student Senate, and the founder of a political discussion club. Her undeniable dedication was recognized with the 2024 Mildred Beach Scholarship from the Lakes Region Tourism Association. Always eager to support her peers and contribute to the college, Anna’s leadership and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of the LRCC community!

Grace has showcased outstanding service to the Keene State College community through her continued commitment and dedication. She works to ensure that The Hungry Owl food pantry runs both smoothly and effectively. The Hungry Owl is KSC’s on-campus food pantry that offers free food and personal care items to all students, staff, and faculty of KSC. To fully understand its impact and reach, The Hungry Owl distributed over 5,000 pounds of food and personal care products to the campus community just last semester. This unique on-campus resource is entirely student-volunteer run under professional staff supervision. Grace consistently volunteers to interface with community partners, writes grant proposals/donation applications, develops engaging educational opportunities for students to learn about The Hungry Owl and food insecurity in the community, and is always the first person to staff a produce pop-up event regardless of the weather. Grace’s continued commitment to providing her fellow students and community members with opportunities to access free, healthy foods demonstrates her outstanding commitment to making a difference in the Keene State College Community.

The Great Bay Student Nurses Association (GBSNA) has made community service within the college, and in the larger community, an integral part of their mission as a student group. As of March 2025, they already have over 500 hours of community service within a 10-month period! Their enthusiasm for service has motivated over 30 students to consistently volunteer at GBSNA-sponsored events throughout the year, many of whom are first year nursing students. At GBCC, their impact is well-known as they have helped start and maintained many initiatives to support the campus and their fellow students. They have greatly supported the freshman nursing class in multiple ways, revitalized the planter area in the GBCC lobby, built a small lending library near the front entrance, and handled the welcome and registration for the CCSNH Nursing Professional Development Day. Within the greater community, their dedication to service is evident in their participation in numerous well-known events, including “Kingston Days”, “Ghosts on the Banke”, Portsmouth’s “Fairy House Tours”, Dover’s “Apple Harvest Day”, as well as events at Dover’s Children’s Museum of NH, Rochester’s Monarch School of New England, and Portland’s “Partners for World Health” to organize supplies for donation. In addition, GBSNA organized two Red Cross Blood Drives this academic year. Students promoted, set up equipment, checked in with donors, passed out snacks and even donated themselves! GBCC is so proud of GBSNA and their many contributions to the college and greater community!

Hadley Myers, President of Child Development Club, has put in an incredible amount of time and effort to bringing back a previous Colby-Sawyer event. The event, Carnival of Courage, was reintroduced this year to the campus, engaging students and faculty of Colby-Sawyer College. She took the initiative to think through every aspect of the planning process and how she can make this event better than ever. Hadley is a highly organized individual with a creative mind. She works with outside resources for children with exceptionalities to table about their resources, as well as multiple clubs and departments across campus to contribute to the event. The community’s support is making this possible—both financially and through a diverse range of activities for local families. Highlights include Zumba with Dance Club, stress ball crafting with Citizenship Education, and cotton candy with CAB. Additionally, the Child Development Club collaborated with Pride to organize Drag Queen Story Time. Her timeline, a clear roadmap to success, and ability to anticipate questions ensured this event ran smoothly. We’re excited for the revival of this event for the surrounding community, and as an opportunity for our Colby-Sawyer Charger community and on-campus clubs to collaborate.