Wake Forest Celebrates Student Excellence at Inaugural Student Impact Awards

The Outstanding Student Leader of the Year Award honors a graduating senior who exemplifies leadership, collaboration, integrity, and a commitment to growth. This year’s recipient, Michaela Re, has made a lasting impact through servant leadership—fostering inclusive community, organizing service projects, and uplifting others with purpose and care.

Described by professors and peers as a leader who leads with humility, warmth, and a deep dedication to others, Michaela consistently shows that leadership is about action, not titles. During her time at Wake Forest, she held key roles across campus, including President of the Italian Club and Vice President of the Wake Forest Catholic Community, and contributed to academic life as a student advisor on the Politics Department Advisory Board.

Named in honor of beloved Chaplain Ed Christman—who spent nearly five decades inspiring Wake Forest students to live out the University’s motto Pro Humanitate—the Christman Award recognizes a graduating senior whose selfless service has left an enduring mark on the campus and beyond.

This year’s recipient, Kevin Dunn, has embodied that spirit of service from the moment he arrived at Wake Forest. Whether volunteering in the local community, rallying students around shared causes, or supporting his peers behind the scenes, Kevin’s impact was felt across every corner of campus—spanning Admissions, Athletics, Greek Life, and the greater Winston-Salem community.

As a student director of Hit the Bricks, Kevin helped raise over $500,000 for cancer research, galvanizing thousands of students and community members in a powerful demonstration of collective action and hope. As a student-athlete, he energized fans and teammates alike with his commitment and heart. And as a classmate and friend, he has led with humility, warmth, and quiet dedication.

The Changemaker Award honors a student who doesn’t just imagine a better future—they actively build it. This year’s recipient, Amelia Suhocki, has spent her four years at Wake Forest leading the charge to make mental health a priority, not an afterthought.

Amelia’s commitment to mental health advocacy began through volunteer work at the Community Care Center, one of the largest free health clinics in the Southeast. What began as a service role quickly evolved into something more. Noticing a critical gap in patient care, Amelia partnered with the clinic’s Director of Behavioral Health to develop and implement a mental health screening tool. That tool is now used in thousands of patient encounters, enabling real-time responses and connecting individuals to the medical and social support they need.

Her impact extends well beyond the clinic. On campus, Amelia has mobilized fellow students through workshops, mental health forums, and advocacy initiatives—empowering her peers to engage in public health solutions and challenge the stigma around mental health.

Each year, the Outstanding Emerging Leader of the Year Award recognizes students who demonstrate initiative, growth, and a deep commitment to the Wake Forest community—students who are not only making an impact now, but who show strong potential for future leadership.

Darcelle Lee has made a name for herself through her thoughtful leadership and behind-the-scenes dedication to student life. As Vice President of Operations for the Student Union—the largest programming body on campus—Darcelle has played a critical role in managing a significant budget, ensuring that student fees are used responsibly to create meaningful experiences for her peers. She’s also helped mentor two student event planners, cultivating leadership in others while continuing to grow herself. Her interest in fostering inclusive spaces is evident in her involvement with the Black Student Association, where she’s worked to build stronger connections across the student body. In addition to her organizational and financial expertise, Darcelle has been intentional about developing her mediation and conflict resolution skills—skills that will serve her well as she steps into her new role as President of Student Union next year.

James Watson has spent his time at Wake Forest empowering his peers through civic education and political engagement. As Co-Director of Deacs Decide, James led voter engagement efforts that resulted in over 915 students registering to vote in North Carolina—more than double the number registered in 2020. His coordination across student organizations, classrooms, and departments ensured that accurate, nonpartisan voter information reached hundreds of students during the 2024 election cycle. James is also a force in student media. As the City & State Editor for The Old Gold & Black, he helped launch a section dedicated to local politics, writing compelling, accessible stories that helped students better understand the community they’re part of. Through his work with WAKE Radio and contributions to civic life on campus, James has helped Wake Forest students see the importance of their voice and their vote.

First-Year Service Excellence Award – Beau Rice

Recognized for his commitment to sustainability and community building, Beau Rice was the named the  2025 First-Year Service Excellence Award for his leadership and commitment to sustainability. As a Connect and Cultivate Leader in the Campus Gardens, he has mentored peers, supported campus events like Pitsgiving, and fostered an inclusive, welcoming environment. His passion for sustainable agriculture and dedication to community building have made a lasting impact in just his first year at Wake Forest.

Sophomore Service Excellence Award – Allison Richards

Allison Richards was recognized with the 2025 Sophomore Service Excellence Award for her exceptional dedication to service and leadership. She has supported fellow students as a trusted outreach aide in the CLASS office, volunteered with Campus Kitchen and ZSR Ambassadors, and played a key role in raising $88,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Her global impact is equally impressive, demonstrated through her fundraising efforts for ONETrack International.

Junior Service Excellence Award – Chase Clark

Chase Clark was recognized with the 2025 Junior Service Excellence Award for her extraordinary leadership, dedication to equity, and meaningful service. As founder of Chase’s Chance, she has raised over $300,000 to empower underserved youth, while also advancing campus inclusion as President of the Black Student Alliance and fostering dialogue through the Chase at Wake podcast. Her impact spans from the local Triad community to the global stage, reflecting a deep commitment to the values of Pro Humanitate.

Graduate Student Service Excellence Award – Mary Catherine Baker

Mary Catherine Baker was named the recipient of the 2025 Graduate Student Service Excellence Award for her extraordinary dedication to community service through her work at Wake Forest Law. As Executive Director of the Pro Bono Project, she led efforts that resulted in over 4,000 hours of service annually, while also contributing to critical legal work in the Medical-Legal Partnership and Innocence and Justice Clinics. Her leadership and advocacy have made a lasting impact on both the campus and the broader community, embodying the spirit of Pro Humanitate.

The Student Organization of the Year Award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated an extraordinary impact on campus life.

In 2024–2025, BSA led with purpose and intention, hosting more than 20 events that fostered connection and cultural celebration across campus. One signature event drew over 75 students, demonstrating the organization’s ability to create welcoming spaces that engage and empower. Their transformed student lounge has become a vital campus hub—a space where students gather to connect, recharge, and feel seen.

BSA’s commitment to collaboration was also evident throughout the year. The group partnered with offices and organizations including the Intercultural Center, Wake the Arts, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to co-host events that sparked dialogue and highlighted cultural expression.

Beyond campus events, BSA made a strong impact in the community through more than 10 service initiatives. The organization also launched a permanent Community Library focused on celebrating Black voices and history—providing students with a space to learn, reflect, and grow.

The New Student Organization of the Year Award honors a recently chartered group that has made an immediate and meaningful impact on campus—promoting collaboration, creativity, and a strong sense of community.

In its very first year, Can’t Stop the Beat brought new energy and inclusivity to campus through its mission to make musical theater and dance accessible to all students—regardless of experience level. The group quickly established itself as a creative force, hosting a wildly successful 24-hour musical that brought together over 70 student participants and drew a crowd of 500 attendees. The event, planned and executed in under a month, showcased the group’s exceptional coordination, enthusiasm, and team spirit.

At the heart of the organization’s work is a commitment to accessibility and collaboration. Their production of Legally Blonde: The Musical—choreographed by the group’s president—offered every student who auditioned the chance to participate. The group partnered with the Department of Music and the Forsyth County Humane Society to deliver a sold-out performance in Brendle Recital Hall that celebrated not just musical talent, but campus unity and creativity.

The Event of the Year Award celebrates an outstanding student organization event that enriched the Wake Forest community through excellent planning, inclusivity, and impact.

This year, HolidayFest brought together students from diverse backgrounds to honor South Asian culture and traditions. Hosted collaboratively by the South Asian Student Association, Muslim Student Association, Hindu Student Association, and World Tea Association, HolidayFest showcased the power of teamwork and community spirit.

The event featured vibrant dance performances by student groups, interactive activities like henna art and diya decorating, and delicious cuisine from local favorites such as Nawab Indian Cuisine, Tazza, and Nazzareth. Centered around South Asian holidays including Eid, Diwali, and Raksha Bandhan, HolidayFest created a meaningful space for cultural celebration and education.

The Student Organization Service Excellence Award honors a student organization that has made a significant impact through service and philanthropy.

Wake Women Lead, has demonstrated outstanding dedication to supporting local youth and strengthening their community partnerships. Over the past year, the organization grew from just 12 members to a committed team of 45, expanding its reach and programming in meaningful ways. Their work with the YMCA Afterschool Program at LaDeara Crest Community Center has provided critical academic support and mentorship for local elementary students. From tutoring and personalized mentorship to creative learning activities like science experiments, storytelling, and literacy enrichment, Wake Women Lead has helped young learners build confidence, joy, and a love for learning.

Chi Psi Fraternity’s Upsilon Delta Chapter earned the Interfraternity Council’s Chapter of the Year Award for their outstanding commitment to service and community impact. They quickly raised $3,000 and organized direct relief efforts for families affected by Hurricane Helene, showing both compassion and action. Alongside their strong service focus, Chi Psi maintained a 3.6 cumulative GPA, exemplifying a balanced dedication to brotherhood, academic excellence, and leadership.

Thomas “Tip” Hogerty is this year’s Interfraternity Council Leader of the Year for exemplifying true brotherhood through mentorship, inclusivity, and dedication. He has fostered a welcoming environment for new members while playing a vital role in social and philanthropic efforts, including initiatives like “Let Me Run” and “Pie Psi.” Tip’s leadership in recruitment, budgeting, and event planning has been key to strengthening the Chi Psi fraternity and its community impact.

Delta Sigma Theta’s Pi Omicron Chapter was named the National Pan-Hellenic Council Chapter of the Year for their longstanding commitment to education, service, and social progress at Wake Forest. Their impactful initiatives included Delta Week 2024, featuring events focused on financial well-being, health, and political engagement, highlighted by their Empower Your Vote collaboration with Deacs Decide during the presidential election. The chapter’s dedication to empowering students and fostering sisterhood culminated in a Girls Night event, exemplifying their leadership and service within the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

Gah’Ques Ligons was named National Pan-Hellenic Council Fraternity Leader of the Year for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to community. As fraternity president, he has strengthened his organization while actively serving as a Resident Advisor, Greek Leader, and member of key campus panels. His work promoting unity, mentorship, and student engagement—both on campus and beyond—exemplifies the spirit of Pro Humanitate.

Sabrina Jean-Charles was named National Pan-Hellenic Council Sorority Leader of the Year for her outstanding dedication to her sorority and the wider Greek community. She has strengthened alumnae engagement, led impactful events and collaborations, and demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through initiatives like AKA CHIPP™ and street clean-ups. Balancing leadership roles with academic excellence, Sabrina has kept her chapter active and influential despite its smaller size.

Chi Omega Zeta Lambda Chapter was named the National Panhellenic Conference Chapter of the Year for their exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact at Wake Forest University. As one of the largest Panhellenic chapters, they have raised over $300,000 for their national philanthropy, Make-A-Wish, through creative and heartfelt events that bring hope to children facing critical illnesses. Their commitment to service, academic excellence, and community involvement earned them multiple honors at their regional conference, setting a high standard for sisterhood and impact on campus and beyond.

Nissa Sultan was selected as the National Panhellenic Conference Leader of the Year for her exceptional leadership as President of Kappa Delta, guiding over 280 members with vision and dedication. She played a key role in organizing impactful social and philanthropic events, including a career fair for local Girl Scouts that inspired young girls with diverse career opportunities. Beyond campus, Nissa is a successful entrepreneur, having founded KEEP Unique Boutique, which has generated over $500,000 in revenue and expanded to a second location, demonstrating her remarkable drive and community commitment.

Chi Upsilon Sigma Sorority, Inc. was named United Greek Council Chapter of the Year for their impressive impact as a newly established chapter at Wake Forest. They have demonstrated strong commitment to sisterhood, service, and scholarship, while actively engaging in campus recruitment and hosting inclusive public events. Their collaborative spirit shines through partnerships on programs like Girls Night and Hispanic Heritage Month, fostering cultural awareness and building bridges across the campus community.

Katherine Claybrook was named the UGC Sorority Leader of the Year for her exceptional leadership and dedication to Delta Xi Phi Multicultural Sorority and the Wake Forest community. Despite her chapter’s small size and being a commuter student, she has made a significant impact through organizing service projects, mentoring new members, and fostering a strong sense of community and inclusivity. Katherine’s commitment and creativity have helped her chapter thrive and connect meaningfully with campus life.

Chase Clark is the recipient of the 2025 Chinuntdet-Crowe Leadership Scholarship for her outstanding leadership, service, and dedication to community empowerment at Wake Forest. As President of the Black Student Alliance, she has supported nearly 1,000 Black students, secured major sponsorships, and managed a significant budget to advance cultural initiatives. Through her podcast on race and belonging, campus advocacy, and various leadership roles, Chase has been a powerful voice for inclusion and belonging on campus.

Chelsea Njei was awarded the 2025 Christman-Cooper Scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement and deep commitment to service in the Winston-Salem community. Through her leadership with Campus Kitchen and DESK, Chelsea has advanced food justice and youth empowerment efforts while fostering inclusive, welcoming environments for volunteers. Her dedication to service, academic excellence, and community building embodies the legacy of Ed Christman and Henry Cooper Jr. and the spirit of Pro Humanitate.

Amy Mohan was named the 2025 Advisor of the Year for her exceptional guidance, unwavering support, and deep commitment to student leadership. As advisor to the Student Budget Advisory Committee, she has empowered students to lead with confidence and clarity—offering steady mentorship, institutional insight, and a sincere dedication to equity and student development. Her thoughtful, behind-the-scenes leadership has created a space where students feel seen, supported, and equipped to make meaningful decisions.

Deb Marke was honored with the 2025 Mike Ford Servant Leadership Award for her unwavering commitment to civic engagement and her compassionate, student-centered approach to leadership. As the leader of Deacs Decide, Deb has empowered students to take active roles in democracy, fostering a culture of civic responsibility that extends beyond campus and beyond election cycles. Through humility, mentorship, and collaborative spirit, she has embodied the legacy of Mike Ford—uplifting others and cultivating future leaders through service.

Dr. Megan Bennett Irby received the 2025 Faculty Service Excellence Award for her extraordinary commitment to health equity, student-centered teaching, and community-engaged scholarship. Known for bridging the classroom and community, Dr. Irby empowers students to explore public health through the lens of social justice while creating inclusive, dialogue-rich learning environments. Her dedication extends beyond campus through her work in local schools and her advocacy for early literacy, exemplifying the values of equity, compassion, and Pro Humanitate.

The Community Care Center was named the 2025 Community Partner of the Year for its unwavering commitment to accessible healthcare, student mentorship, and the spirit of Pro Humanitate. For over 20 years, the Center has served more than 25,000 uninsured and underserved patients while partnering closely with Wake Forest’s Public Health AmeriCorps program to create transformative learning experiences. Its dedication to both compassionate care and student engagement makes it a model of community impact and equity.