D’Youville University Celebrates Excellence, Resilience, and Community at 2026 Honors Convocation

D’Youville University honored its highest-achieving students during the 2026 Honors Convocation, held in the Kavinoky Theatre, celebrating excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service across the university.

The annual tradition recognizes students who have distinguished themselves academically while making meaningful contributions to the D’Youville community. Awards were presented across each academic school, along with the university’s most prestigious honors, including the D’Youville Medal and the Saints Crest Medal.

In her remarks, President Lorrie Clemo emphasized that the evening was not only a celebration of achievement, but of impact. “At D’Youville, we believe that education is not just about what you accomplish for yourself,” she shared. “It’s about how what you learn shapes your values, your decisions, and the way you show up for others long after this moment.” She praised the honorees for balancing rigorous academics with leadership, service, and support for one another, noting that their influence will continue to extend far beyond campus.

A powerful and deeply personal keynote address was delivered by Dr. Lida Buniak, President of the Syracuse Chapter of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. Drawing on both history and personal experience, Dr. Buniak spoke about resilience, identity, and the enduring strength of the Ukrainian people. “Your journey is not just about personal achievement,” she said. “It is about contributing to a legacy that honors your heritage and inspires future generations.” Her remarks resonated strongly with the audience, particularly as she reflected on the courage required to persevere in the face of uncertainty and adversity.

That message came to life in one of the evening’s most emotional moments, as the university recognized eleven Ukrainian students who arrived at D’Youville in August 2022 amid the outbreak of war in their home country. Leaving behind family, familiarity, and, in some cases, loved ones serving in active conflict, these students embraced an uncertain future with courage and determination.

Over the past four years, they have not only adapted, but excelled, navigating academics in a second language, building community, and supporting one another while carrying the weight of events unfolding back home. This May, all eleven students will graduate, a milestone that represents far more than a degree, it reflects perseverance, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the future.

During the ceremony, each student was awarded the Presidential Medal of Excellence and presented with a graduation stole representing Ukraine, symbolizing both their journey and enduring connection to home. The students recognized were: Milana Cherniaieva, Anastasiia Domukhovskaya, Anastasiia Horova, Vlad Komarov, Yaroslav Malynych, Maksym Poplavskyi, Yelizaveta Prokopenko, Vasyl Shek, Kateryna Shtanko, Emiliia Soloviova, and Arina Viunova.

The spirit of community that defines D’Youville was further highlighted through a surprise recognition of Mike and Josette Taheri, who were also presented with the Presidential Medal of Excellence. From the moment Ukrainian students arrived on campus, the Taheris stepped forward, providing essential items, opening their home, and offering ongoing mentorship and support. Their generosity helped transform uncertainty into belonging, ensuring these students felt supported both on and off campus. In return, the students formed a lasting bond with the Taheris, offering care and companionship during times of personal challenge, an enduring example of community in action.

In addition to these special recognitions, the university celebrated its 2026 student honorees:

Saints Crest Medal

Kimora Parks, Nurse Practitioner

D’Youville Medal

Sean Glinski, Marketing

School of Health Professions

Undergraduate Award: Gabrielle Hertel, Occupational Therapy

Graduate Award: Lucas Mack, Physical Therapy

School of Arts, Sciences and Education

Undergraduate Award: Arina Viunova, Psychology

School of Nursing

Undergraduate Award: Megan Kapsiak, Nursing

Graduate Award: Ashley Northrup, Family Nurse Practitioner

School of Pharmacy

Graduate Award: Haley Bellaus, Doctor of Pharmacy

Center for Doctoral Studies

Graduate Award: Jennifer Whetham, Clinical Mental Health Counseling

As the ceremony concluded, the evening stood as a powerful reflection of what defines D’Youville University, academic excellence, resilience in the face of challenge, and a deep commitment to lifting others. The 2026 Honors Convocation not only celebrated achievement, but the character, courage, and community that make those achievements meaningful.

Ukrainian Tribute Video

View the full 2026 Honors Convocation Livestream