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In the run-up to commencement, Central Connecticut State University has announced the winners of academic awards presented annually to outstanding graduating seniors. The honorees were recognized at a reception on May 6 at Alumni Hall on the Central campus--among them, the 2025 Barnard Scholars and President's Citation award winners and Honors Program and departmental award winners.
Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Awards
The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Foundation confers the Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award on 12 seniors from Connecticut’s four state universities. Nominated by their respective universities and presidents, students must have a minimum 3.7 GPA and a record of significant community service to be considered for the award. The selection process requires students to submit a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and other materials.
Central’s Barnard Award winners and their majors are:
• Courtney Chamberland of West Hartford; B.S. Nursing
• Jacob Deschaine of Plainville; B.S. Biology
• Sonja Koni of Rocky Hill; B.A. Philosophy and Political Science
• Areesha Waseem of New Britain; B.A. Psychological Science
President’s Citation Awards
Central selected five students to receive the President’s Citation Award, which is presented annually to seniors nominated by faculty and staff. The award recognizes students’ accomplishments and contributions to the university, including leadership, student success, and community engagement activities.
The winners and their majors are:
President’s Citation Award for Student Success
Danielle A. Landes of Simsbury; Political Science & Economics
Sonja Koni of Rocky Hill; Philosophy & Political Science
President’s Citation Award for Leadership
Emily Marie Gonzalez of New Britain; Theatre
Madelyn Malinowski of Kent; Management
President’s Citation Award for Community Engagement
Nathalie Sanchez, Social Work of New Britain
Honors Program students
Central also annually recognizes graduates who have completed their academic career as Honors Program students at the university. The Honors Program is open by competitive admission to academically superior first-year students, usually defined as those who meet any one of the following qualifications: Top 20 percent of high school class, 1,100-plus combined SAT scores, or verbal SAT score of 600 or greater.
View the list of Honors students at https://www.ccsu.edu/academics/student-awards/.
Departmental Honors
Prior to commencement, Central faculty within each academic department nominate a student for the Departmental Honors Award. Nominees must have an excellent exceptional grade point average and a demonstrated history of research, work productivity, or community service.
View the list of Departmental Honors students at https://www.ccsu.edu/academics/student-awards/.
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