Lamar University
05/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/06/2026 08:17
Student leaders, organizations honored at 46th Toast to Leadership ceremony
Lamar University honored student leaders, organizations and graduating seniors during its 46th annual Toast to Leadership Award Ceremony on April 22, recognizing achievement in academics, service and campus engagement.
The annual event, hosted by the Division of Student Affairs, celebrates students who have demonstrated leadership and excellence across a wide range of disciplines.
A total of 21 students were named Seniors of Significance, an honor created in 2016 to recognize graduating seniors for outstanding scholarship, leadership and community service.
This year's Seniors of Significance were: Bilal Alani of Nederland, Dana Almallahi of League City, Robert Barton of Silsbee, Michael Hunter Bellot of Orange, Jada Cunningham of Missouri City, Elizabeth Drago of Nederland, Harvest Fairchild of Baytown, Campbell Fuller of Silsbee, Mohamed Irhabi of The Woodlands, Ashlyn Junot of Nederland, Kirby King of Port Neches, Antonio Lopez Maldonado of Lumberton, Daniella Lopez-Rosa of Beaumont, Christie Luong of Orange, Sergio Mendez of Nederland, Jordan Nelson of Houston, Jonah Smith of Port Neches, Jada Thrash of Beaumont, Xiaoxuan Jenny Tu of Silsbee, Michael Vu of Orange and Jason Withers of Groves.
Among the group, Christie Luong and Mohamed Irhabi were named recipients of the Gentry-Kemble
Legacy Award, which recognizes exceptional leadership, character, service and academic achievement.
Luong has served as Student Government Association vice president and participated in internships with Dow Chemical, Northrop Grumman and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. She has also volunteered in engineering outreach programs and served as a guardian ad litem.
Irhabi, a biology pre-med student, is a Regents' Scholar within the Texas State University System and has completed internships and research experiences with Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center and Weill Cornell Medical College.
The Ann Shaw Award for Outstanding Leadership was presented to Campbell Fuller of Silsbee. Fuller, also a Senior of Significance, has served in multiple student leadership roles, including Student Government Association vice president and junior class senator, and has been active in peer mentoring and fraternity leadership.
Student organizations were also recognized for their contributions to campus life. Circle K International was named Outstanding Student Organization of the Year, led by president Isabella Tran and advised by Imelda Tristan.
The Hispanic Women Association received New Student Organization of the Year, led by President Jazmin Infante and advised by Dr. Laura Bernal Rios.
Alpha Tau Omega fraternity earned Program of the Year for its Bike for Cleft Lip fundraiser. The organization is led by President Brendan Sembera and advised by Jacqueline
Rodriguez and Dr. Gabriel Crosby.
The Dr. Melvin Brust Award for Outstanding Advisor of the Year was presented to Nicole Kyles-Burton, advisor to Sophisticated Visionaries, in recognition of her dedication to student development and organizational success.
The ceremony also introduced the newly elected Student Government Association officers for the 2026-27 academic year, including President Carsen Barrett, Vice President Briley O'Connor, senior senator Ashton Rainey, junior senator Elizabeth Brankin and sophomore senator Brittanny Sherman.
To learn more about the Toast to Leadership awards, visit https://www.lamar.edu/students/student-affairs/student-recognition/index.html.
Lamar University published this content on May 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 06, 2026 at 14:17 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]