On Sunday, September 14, the Western New England community gathered for the annual Skookum Awards Ceremony, a beloved tradition that celebrates students who shine through their leadership, service, and academic achievement. Families, friends, alumni, faculty, and staff filled the room with pride and applause as 15 outstanding seniors were welcomed into the Skookum network.

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Matthew LaCoille ’16, a past recipient, inspired honorees to carry the spirit of Skookum forward by serving others and creating meaningful impact. Interim President Michael Alexander and Alumni Association President Brandon O’Brien ’15/G’16 joined alumni presenters in conferring the awards, presenting each student with a framed certificate and the symbolic rock that marks their place in this enduring tradition.

The top three candidates were awarded the highest honors of Grand Skookum and Royal Skookum:

• Joshua Farrell, 2025 Grand Skookum, Mechanical Engineering major with a concentration in Mechatronics and a minor in Athletic Coaching from Pawtucket, R.I.
• Paul Henderson, 2025 Royal Skookum, Mechanical Engineering major with a concentration in Mechatronics from Groton, Mass.
• Madeline Jarvinen, 2025 Royal Skookum, Finance and Accounting major from Longmeadow, Mass.

The following 12 students received Skookum honors:

• Kendall Branchaud, a Criminal Justice major from San Leandro, Calif.
• Elizabeth Burnham, a Business Analytics and Information Management major with minors in Finance and Enterprise Resource Planning from Windsor, Conn.
• Jessica Cloutier, a Law and Society major from Easthampton, Mass.

• Dakota-Marie Dinielli, a double major in Elementary Education and Psychology with a minor in Athletic Coaching from Plainville, Conn.
• Zachary Drewry, a History major with a minor in Political Science from Prospect, Conn.
• Kaily Godek, a Sport Management major from South Hadley, Mass.

• Camden Kaufmann, a double major in Political Science and Criminal Justice from Springfield, Mass.
• Zachary Killoran, a double major in Accounting and Finance from Ellington, Conn.
• Emmaleigh Lindsay, a student in the Pharmacy Program, is earning a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies this spring and completing her Doctor of Pharmacy in 2028, from Westfield, Mass. 

• Ethan Michaud, a Biomedical Engineering major from Prospect, Conn.
• Jayden Montagna, a Mechanical Engineering major with a minor in Mathematical Science from Agawam, Mass.
• Maahi Amit Shah, a Psychology major from Springfield, Mass.

Together, these 15 students exemplify the Golden Bear spirit as leaders, scholars, and role models who will carry the Skookum legacy into the future.