2023 NATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE AWARD RECIPIENTS Howard H. Baker Leadership Award Aidan Connolly, Iota Omicron (Iona) Aidan Connolly, Iota Omicron (Iona), is the 2023 recipient of the Howard H. Baker Leadership Award. This award is named in honor of Howard H. Baker, Alpha Sigma (Tennessee), who served as a United States senator for Tennessee from 1967-85 and as senate majority leader from 1981-85. Each year, this award recognizes a student member of Pi Kappa Phi who has exemplified the most outstanding leadership and involvement in his campus and community organizations independent of his chapter of Pi Kappa Phi. Connolly graduated from Iona University in 2023 with a dual bachelor’s degree in economics and entrepreneurship. During his time at Iona, he was involved in a diverse array of activities outside of Pi Kappa Phi; Student Government Association, residential life, club sports, theatrical arts and volunteer work within the Office of Mission and Ministry. For his contributions at Iona, he was recognized with the Joseph E. Powell Award, an award presented by the Division of Student Life to the graduate who best exemplifies the high qualities of spirit, dedication and generosity which characterized Joseph E. Powell, an Iona graduate. In addition, he was recognized during both his junior and senior year with the Maroon and Gold Award (Student Engagement Excellence in Mission Award), an award that honors a member of the community who demonstrates mutual respect, spirit and a committed desire to make Iona University a better place for all. Apart from his involvement on campus, he is a member of the Pi Alpha Society, having cycled Journey of Hope North Route in 2021. According to Connolly, “A crucial aspect of being a brother of Pi Kappa Phi is the idea of striving for excellence through taking on personal responsibility as a leader on and off campus ... it is our integrity, our degree of accountability and our willingness and desire to be excellent in the face of defeat that makes Pi Kappa Phi a place I am proud to call home even after my undergraduate years have come to an end.”
Thomas Sayre Philanthropist of the Year Award Austin Gothard, Iota Nu (Mississippi State) Congratulations to Austin Gothard, Iota Nu (Mississippi State), the 2023 recipient of the Thomas Sayre Award. This award is named in honor of Thomas Sayre, Kappa (UNC-Chapel Hill), who helped establish PUSH America, the predecessor to The Ability Experience. This award recognizes a student member of Pi Kappa Phi who has demonstrated the most outstanding passion and dedication to The Ability Experience through service, raising awareness and fundraising. Gothard attends Mississippi State, where he actively participates with Mississippi State University Autism Liaisons, a group serving students with autism to increase social and life skill behaviors. Additionally, he volunteers with the T.K. Martin Center to serve preschool and kindergarten-aged children and students with dyslexia through art therapy and other activities. During his time as a member of the Iota Nu Chapter, he participated in Gear Up Florida 2022 as a cyclist and most recently served as the project manager for the Journey of Hope Trans America 2023 team. In addition, as a two-time Bergstrom fellow, he dedicated his summers to serving as a camp counselor at Camp ASCCA, seeing firsthand the abilities of all people throughout the summer. President and Executive Director of The Ability Experience Basil Lyberg shared, “In Austin, we see the embodiment of Pi Kappa Phi’s ideals. His selflessness and compassion inspire us all to create opportunities for others.”
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