43rd Annual Leadership Awards continue tradition of spotlighting student initiative

Riya Jacob receives the Rudy Leadership Award at the Leadership Awards Ceremony in the Baker University Center Ballroom

Maria Gian

Riya Jacob received the Rudy Leadership Award during the Leadership Awards ceremony.

91ԭ�� honored student leaders and outstanding student organizations during the 43rd Annual Leadership Awards ceremony on April 9, 2026, in the Baker University Center Ballroom.

The evening began with a networking hour hosted by the Alumni Association, providing students a chance to talk with guests including members of the Board of Trustees, alumni, faculty and staff.

A speaker talks at the podium while two students standing on stage watch during the Leadership Awards Ceremony in the Baker University Center Ballroom. — Student emcees Eddy Mays, Lexi Taylor and Kristi Kotowski presented the awards.

The ceremony recognized over 40 award recipients and highlighted individuals and organizations that demonstrate leadership, service and commitment to the OHIO community and beyond. In addition to guests from the University, family and friends were in attendance to support recipients, and many others joined online through a livestream of the ceremony.

“Tonight, we recognize students who have used their time to lead, to serve and to make a meaningful impact on others. Their efforts remind us that even a few minutes, when used with intention, can change someone’s experience for the better,” shared Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Lyn Redington.

Student emcees Lexi Taylor, Eddy Mays and Kristi Kotowski announced the award recipients throughout the ceremony and shared some of their incredible achievements.

Three representatives of The Post stand together and hold the Leadership Award — The Post received an Outstanding Programming Award at the Leadership Awards.

Among the recipients were , which received an Outstanding Programming Award for the yearlong reporting initiative that examined how communities in Southeast Ohio and West Virginia are responding to the opioid epidemic by reporting on evidence-based solutions, their effectiveness and their limitations.

Riya Jacob received the Rudy Leadership Award, which was established in 1986 in honor of former dean of students Joel Rudy to recognize the exceptional leadership contributions, ability and potential of current Bobcats. Jacob founded the campus chapter of Remote Area Medical, which provides free medical, vision and dental services to those in underserved and underinsured communities throughout the U.S.

Jacob shared “as an HCOM Early Assurance Program student, this experience has further motivated me to serve in underserved areas as a physician.”

OHIO students sit at a table for the Leadership Awards Ceremony in the Baker University Center Ballroom. — A large crowd of students, faculty, staff and family members enjoyed the awards ceremony.

The evening concluded with the selection of OHIO’s new student trustee. Matt Evans, the chair of the 91ԭ�� Board of Trustees, introduced the new trustee. The student trustees serve as members of the Board of Trustees and are a trusted voice among students, faculty and staff.

This year’s incoming trustee is Connor Gaugler. Gaugler is studying economics and political science and currently serving as residence life senator in the 91ԭ�� Student Senate.

For a complete list of recipients and their accomplishments, visit the 2026 Leadership Awards website.