The recipients of the Traditional and Non-Traditional Student of the Year Awards will be revealed at the Evening of Honors ceremony on April 21, 2026. Although only two undergraduates can be chosen, many are truly deserving of this recognition. These awards honor outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, integrity, and service. Congratulations to this year’s finalists.
Lendsey Bishop serves Reinhardt as Vice President of the Garden Club and as team captain for the Relay for Life team, raising funds for cancer research. In addition to being a mother and the University’s Payroll and Purchasing Coordinator, she is a business owner and volunteer with the Service League of Cherokee County. This non-traditional student is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business.
Guilia Julve Bortolotti succeeded in academics as well as on the volleyball court as an international student. She earned the Industry Champion 2025 Glo-Bus award in a business class, and an Attacker of the Week Award from the Appalachian Athletic Conference. She served the University as a marketing intern and in Support Services.
Matthew Bowman served Reinhardt as a chemistry teaching assistant and tutor, housing Resident Assistant, a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Intern, and as a member of the SGA Senate and Diverse Talents and Scholars Program. His actions as a housing Resident Assistant and with Campus Ministry earned him leadership awards. He plans to pursue a career in cardiothoracic or orthopedic surgery.
Ashton Gilbert serves as secretary of the Nursing Leadership Organization and as a nurse extern in the intensive care unit at Northside Cherokee Hospital. She represented the Cauble School of Nursing in the Student Government Association and mentors other nursing students and has organized community outreach events. This first-generation student also worked as manager of Reinhardt Central.
Madison Hasty will serve Cherokee County by teaching at an elementary school in the Fall. While at Reinhardt, she served as a lacrosse team captain, admissions captain, Student Government Administration senate member, student worker for the Price School of Education, and on the leadership teams of Campus Ministries and the Nest student section.
Jeomaidy Lucas-Cruz is a first-generation, non-traditional student who served in the Academic Support Office, performed in the marching band, and worked in the campus dining hall. She also distributes food to local families in need. She became a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society and plans to pursue a master’s degree in accounting.
Ryan Mahoney earned an induction into Alpha Chi National Honor Society and three All-Conference Academic Team honors while playing baseball for the Eagles. He served as treasurer of the Association of Student Athletes and as a peer mentor for first-year students. As a first-generation college graduate, he will serve as a Graduate Assistant for Campus Engagement while pursuing a master’s degree in business.
Alex Sanchez double majored in cybersecurity and computer science. He founded Reinhardt’s Cybersecurity Club, worked as an IT Helpdesk Technician, and served as secretary of the Association of Student Athletes, as captain of the men’s volleyball team and as manager of the women’s volleyball team. He earned an induction into the Alpha Chi National Honor Society.
Wesley Sever, a creative writing major and theatre minor, served Reinhardt as a library worker and a housing Resident Assistant. He led the improvisation troupe and chorale bass section, edited three University publications, and earned membership into the International English Honor Society.
-By Suzy Alstrin
