Learn more about the 2026 Premier Award recipients.
Aparna Bhooshanan
William P. and Estan J. Bloom AwardAparna Bhooshanan has worked to build community for Asian American students at The University of Alabama since her freshman year, serving as secretary of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers. Selected for both the Witt University Fellows and Randall Research Scholars programs programs, she also studied Mandarin in Taiwan through the Critical Language and Boren Scholarships, promoting cultural collaboration on campus and beyond.
Baby Steps
Judy Bonner Presidential Medallion PrizeThe Baby Steps student organization partners with a community nonprofit founded at The University of Alabama in 2023 to support pregnant and parenting students and reduce stigma surrounding unplanned pregnancy. Through trained student volunteers, Baby Steps provides advocacy, connection and practical assistance so students can remain engaged in coursework and campus life while pursuing both parenthood and graduation.
Emma Hou
Student Morris Lehman Mayer AwardEmma Hou demonstrates service through action at The University of Alabama. As president of the Alabama Women’s Lacrosse Team, she strengthened the program and helped expand other club sports. She founded the LaCROSSe Out Cancer tournament supporting pediatric cancer research and also serves as president of Blue Key and a Shelby Scholar, reflecting her commitment to leadership and the common good.
Susan Daria
Faculty Morris Lehman Mayer AwardSusan Daria has modeled community-engaged teaching for 25 years in The University of Alabama’s Department of Advertising and Public Relations. Through hands-on courses partnering with service organizations like Secret Meals, she and her students have provided more than 80,000 weekend food packs to children facing food insecurity. Known as a caring and dynamic mentor, Daria inspires students to lead with service beyond the classroom.
Elizabeth Lee Owens
John Fraser Ramsey AwardElizabeth Owens has turned curiosity into leadership at The University of Alabama, studying aerospace engineering and legal history. Through the Randall Research Scholars and Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership programs and as an Undergraduate Research ambassador, she supports student scholarship. She also mentors youth through the Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School and plans to further her service-focused goals through international study.
Elena Kuehner
Catherine J. Randall AwardElena Kuehner, a chemistry major and Blount Scholar at The University of Alabama, has earned a perfect GPA while conducting cancer research on metal-based photodynamic therapy compounds. A Rhodes Scholarship finalist, she also completed a research internship at Harvard Medical School. Kuehner serves as president of the Honors College Assembly and Gamma Sigma Epsilon, reflecting her commitment to scientific discovery, leadership and service.
Liam Smith
Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award (Student Recipient)Liam Smith, a Randall Research Scholar at The University of Alabama, double majors in management information systems and mathematics while pursuing a master’s in applied statistics and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Through Adapted Athletics, he leads the scorer’s table and created a lineup-tracking system used at national wheelchair basketball tournaments. He also serves as a statistician and public address announcer at Stillman College, reflecting his commitment to leadership and service.
Kagendo Mutua
Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award (Non-Student Recipient)Kagendo Mutua has inspired students and colleagues at The University of Alabama through her leadership in inclusive education. As co-founder and executive director of the CrossingPoints Program, she has expanded opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities. Over the past decade, she has secured nearly $20 million in external funding, training educators and advocates nationwide and building lasting pathways for inclusion.
Tyler Nicole Abayon Fezzey
Graduate Student Premier AwardTyler Fezzey, a PhD candidate in the Culverhouse College of Business at The University of Alabama, has published more than any doctoral student in her department’s history and presented research internationally. She serves in leadership roles within the Academy of Management Student Community, the PhD Project and the Management Doctoral Student Organization, and contributes as a reviewer and editorial board member. Fezzey also supports her community through nonprofit service.