The sound of leadership

By Jill Spotz

If you were on the south side of campus on May 1, you most likely heard the beautiful sound of a trumpet playing at Colton Chapel. Signifying the commencement of the annual Aaron O. Hoff Awards, and played by Drew Borek ’24, this same sound could be heard in 1832 when Aaron O. Hoff blew the horn that summoned Lafayette’s first 43 students and three teachers to class. As a member of the Class of 1836, Hoff was the College’s first African American student. 

Today, the Aaron O. Hoff Awards honor students, faculty, staff, and student organizations who exemplify the same spirit of leadership and community as Hoff. Individuals were nominated by members of the Lafayette community, and recipients were then chosen by a committee of students and administrators. The awards were given in four categories—Community Builders, Change Makers, Educators, and Highest Honors. One of the special moments during the ceremony included the presentation of the Aaron O. Hoff Unsung Hero Award, which was presented by Ashley Pinkowski, a sixth-generation descendant of Aaron O. Hoff. 

“The Hoff Awards were founded in 1991 by Pamela Brewer, previous associate dean of students as well as the director of student life,” explained Jake Bates, associate director of fraternity and sorority life, during his remarks. “With the help of a group of trusted students, Pam came across the Biography of a College by Albert Gendebien and was inspired by the history of Aaron O. Hoff. We continue this tradition today by honoring those who step up and serve unselfishly.”

In addition to the winners below, Bates was presented with a surprise award—the Hoff Excellence Award for his efforts in planning this important annual event. 

This year’s Hoff Award winners include:

• Student Organization of the Year – Serving Their Membership: Brothers of Lafayette- Ruben Hernandez ’24, Brandon Harding ’26, David Antwi ’26, and Matwos Tadesse ’24
• Student Organization of the Year – Serving Beyond Their Membership: Lafayette Happiness Project – Devin Croake ’24
• Program of the Year: Solar Eclipse Event with the Astronomy Club
• Robert I. Weiner Interfaith Award: Amanda Friedman ’25
• Frances Ocansey-Ahene Spirit of Multiculturalism Award: Shahking Gomez ’25
• Mattachine Award: Jacqueline Vargas ’24
• Alumni Association Student Volunteer Service Award: Danielle Archibold ’26
• Superior Teaching Award in Sciences and Engineering: Christa Kelleher, assistant professor, civil and environmental engineering
• Superior Teaching Award in Humanities and Social Sciences: Joseph Shieber, James Renwick Hogg Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy (posthumously)
• Administrator of the Year: Karina Fuentes, associate director of intercultural development
• Staff Member of the Year: Ray Peters, facilities operations 
• Pamela E. Brewer Emerging Leader Award: Elizabeth Miller ’26
• Aaron O. Hoff Unsung Hero Award: James Boateng ’25
• The 1974 Award: Natalie Beckford ’24
• Marquis Award: Emma Chen ’24

View all images from the awards ceremony on Flikr. 

Community Builders

Change Makers

Educators

Not pictured: Christa Kelleher, assistant professor, civil and environmental engineering received the Superior Teaching Award in Sciences and Engineering. Joseph Shieber, James Renwick Hogg Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy received the Superior Teaching Award in Humanities and Social Sciences. (posthumously)

Highest Honors

Awards Ceremony