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Â鶹ÊÓƵ (Â鶹ÊÓƵ) celebrated the achievements of its top student leaders and organizations during the 45th annual Toast to Leadership Award Ceremony, held recently on campus.

The event, hosted by the Division of Student Affairs, recognized outstanding students for their academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement. Among the highest honors presented was the Seniors of Significance Award, which highlights exemplary seniors who have made a meaningful impact at Â鶹ÊÓƵ and in their academic disciplines.

The 2025 Seniors of Significance are: Estrella Balderas, Silsbee; Ashton Burch, Oklahoma City; Daisy Calero Estrella, Port Arthur; Waverlee Cooper, Orange; Alexis Houston, Crowley; Madison Hunt, Saratoga; Jacy Lognion, Kountze; Mallory Martin, Vidor; Diana Martínez Granados, Beaumont; Peyton McLaurin, Kountze; Abia Mubashir, Beaumont; Lauren Rosetta, Beaumont; Grace Roy, Port Neches; Kara Rumsey, New Waverly; Rima Shaaban, Nederland; Bryce Sheffield, Houston; Ryan Shugart, Pasadena; Luke Sodolak, Vidor; Gavin Treuter, Lumberton; and Audrey Vincent-Eze, Katy.

Jacob Smith, a junior mechanical engineering major from Port Neches, received the Ann Shaw Award for his integrity, leadership, and commitment to service. Smith is an Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ambassador, SGA senator, president of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, football team member, and representative on the Student Engineering Council.

Abia Mubashir, a biology pre-med major from Beaumont, was named the Bess Gentry Award recipient, honoring an outstanding senior woman for leadership and character. Mubashir serves as president of the American Medical Student Association, vice president of Â鶹ÊÓƵ Women in STEM, and student ambassador for the Department of Biology.

The C. Robert Kemble Award, given to a senior man demonstrating academic excellence and leadership, was awarded to Ryan Shugart, a double major in mechanical and electrical engineering from Pasadena. Shugart is founder and president of the Robotic Cardinals, an Â鶹ÊÓƵ Ambassador, and president of the Student Engineering Council.

The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) was named Outstanding Student Organization of the Year. Led by president Alex Tran and advised by Dr. Jenny Zhou, SASE supports Asian heritage students in science and engineering fields.

Women’s Soccer Club, led by Catherine Doan and advised by Haley Tyson, earned New Student Organization of the Year, while Sophisticated Visionaries received Program of the Year for its Student Business and Entrepreneur Event. The organization is led by president Lea Walker and advised by Nicole Kyles-Burton.

The Outstanding Advisor of the Year Award, named in honor of the late Dr. Melvin Brust, was presented to Dr. Seokyon Hwang, professor of construction management and advisor to the K-Pop Club. The club is led by president Kennedy LeJune.

The ceremony also recognized the newly elected 2025–26 Student Government Association officers: president Ethan Ellis, vice president Alayij McDaniel, secretary-treasurer Kathy Nguyen, senior senator Anthony Barnes, junior senator Anthony Oliver, and sophomore senator Briley O’Connor.