Hiram College celebrated student achievement, leadership, and service during its 2026 Honors Convocation, recognizing students whose accomplishments reflect the College’s commitment to academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, and community impact. The annual celebration highlighted students from across disciplines and areas of campus life who have distinguished themselves both inside and outside the classroom.
President’s Achievement Award
Presented annually to two juniors whose accomplishments best reflect the educational goals of Hiram College, the President’s Achievement Award recognizes exceptional scholarship, leadership, and campus involvement.
This year’s recipients were Allyson Hartzell and Makyndree Smith.
Hartzell, an Integrated Social Studies and History double major with a minor in Political Science, was recognized for her extensive leadership and commitment to student engagement through roles with Alpha Zeta Theta, the Terrier Activities Board, Student Senate, and the Office of Campus Involvement.
Smith, a Biomedical Humanities major with a Chemistry minor, was honored for her leadership across campus as President of the Black Student Union, a Head Resident Assistant, Student Athletic Advisory Committee member, and captain of the women’s track and field team.
Michael Dively Distinguished Student Leadership Award
The Michael Dively Distinguished Student Leadership Award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service throughout their time at Hiram College.
This year’s award was presented to Sadie Qualls, a P–5 Education major whose involvement has included serving as President of the Terrier Activities Board, Resident Assistant, Student Ambassador, and member of Omicron Delta Kappa. A first-generation college student, Qualls was recognized for her lasting impact on campus and dedication to supporting others.
Phi Beta Kappa
Hiram College’s chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society, recognizes students for outstanding academic achievement and breadth of study in the liberal arts and sciences.
This year, Megan Moser was inducted into the society in recognition of her academic excellence and scholarly achievement.
Hal Reichle Award
Established in memory of Hiram alumnus Hal H. Reichle ’86, the Hal Reichle Award honors students who demonstrate leadership, service, and commitment to others.
The 2026 recipient was Remi DeSmith, a first-year Psychology and Neuroscience major recognized for his leadership as a student-athlete, entrepreneur, and founder of Zen Mind Zen Body, a campus organization focused on mental wellness and performance.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award is presented annually to students who exemplify inclusiveness, leadership, and appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity.
This year’s recipients were Nicholas Sweet and Reverend Cody Johnson.
Sweet, a Political Science major with a minor in Disability Studies, was recognized for his leadership as President of PRYSM and for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students on campus.
Johnson was honored for his commitment to equity, social justice, and compassionate leadership rooted in dignity and respect for all people.
Ron Mills Award
The Ron Mills Award recognizes a student who exemplifies excellence in leadership, athletics, and scholarship.
This year’s award was presented to Kevin Dycks, a Management major and two-sport athlete in football and track and field. Dycks was recognized for balancing academics, athletics, and campus leadership, including service as Treasurer of the Black Student Union, Resident Assistant, SAAC member, and football team captain.
Yuksel Ismail Scholarship
The Yuksel Ismail Scholarship is awarded to the senior in the humanities who best exemplifies a love of learning and high academic standards.
This year’s recipient was Dylan Baumgardner, who was recognized for his achievements in creative writing, contributions to the Hiram Poetry Review, and continued growth as a poet and scholar.
Omicron Delta Kappa
Hiram College also recognized its newest inductees into Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society recognizing achievement in scholarship, athletics, service, leadership, journalism, and the arts.
This year’s inductees included Darren Chiang, Sarah Ciereszewski, Olivia Glova, Hannah Heath, Ava Scott, Taryn Trem, Erica Westenfelder, McKinzie Wilhoite, and Kaitlyn Yuhasz.
Eclectic Scholars Honors Program
Students graduating through the Eclectic Scholars Honors Program were also recognized during the ceremony. The program honors students who complete a rigorous course of honors study while maintaining strong academic achievement and campus involvement.
Graduating Eclectic Scholars included Emma Bago, Ethan Barnes, Jadyn Barnett, Logan Cabrera-Rosales, Lucy Clapper, Jane Clark, Carly DeMille, Isaac Hetson, Catlyn Kauffman, Levi Kowalski, Annabelle Moore, Megan Moser, Madigan Nolan, Sadie Qualls, Karalyn Rutowski, Alivia Selander, Kendra Shute, Advika Srinvasan, Julianna Tucker, Brandon Turner, and Allydia Byard.
