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Business Graduates Receive Highest Academic and Leadership Honors

Four individuals stand in front of a white backdrop with the Wake Forest Business logo, each holding an award and smiling.

In conjunction with the May 2026 commencement, Wake Forest University School of Business recognized the recipients of some of its highest academic and leadership awards.

Undergraduate Student Awards

Jane Bostick was presented the Lura Baker Paden Award for outstanding academic achievement in business and enterprise management.

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Carter Kowalski was presented the Lura Baker Paden Award for outstanding academic achievement in business and enterprise management.

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Darcelle Lee was awarded the Spirit of Wayne Calloway Award, which recognizes a student who exemplifies high personal and professional integrity, a strong sense of personal responsibility, personal and professional growth, uncommon dedication, and talent.

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Meghan O’Shaughnessy was chosen to receive the Delmer P. Hylton Accountancy Award for outstanding academic achievement in accounting.

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Rohan Patel received the Patel Award in Finance, which recognizes a student who demonstrates exemplary academic performance in finance and outstanding contributions to the School of Business community.

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Jordan Rill was awarded the Levar Hairston Courage Award, which recognizes a student who has displayed courage in the pursuit of his or her degree.

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Louis Rusconi was presented the Award for Academic Excellence in Mathematical Business in recognition of outstanding academic performance in mathematical business.

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Claire Scarcella received the Academic Excellence in Finance Award, which recognizes outstanding academic performance in finance.

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Graduate Student Awards

Devin Bateman received the Scarritt Family Pro Humanitate Award for demonstrating a commitment to others as a student and emerging professional.

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Nina Millender received the Scarritt Family Pro Humanitate Award for demonstrating a commitment to others as a student and emerging professional.

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Nine graduate students were presented with the program-specific Student Leadership Award for outstanding leadership, scholastic performance, and integrity:

Alexander Bernauer, Charlotte Evening MBA (May)

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Michael Burnside, Online MBA (August)

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Rory Douglas, Winston-Salem Evening MBA (May)

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Steven Easter, Online MBA (May)

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Calvin Gardner, Online MSBA (August)

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Jack Halpern, MSBA (May)

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Gabriel Salinas, MSA

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James Alexander Vick, MSM

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Jamie Wright, Online MBA (December)

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Three graduate students were presented with the MSA award for exceptional academic excellence, leadership, and classroom enrichment related to a chosen career track:

Emma Chang, Outstanding Graduate Award in Financial Markets and Transactions

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Christos Koumpotis, Outstanding Graduate Award in Assurance Services

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Wade Reese Todd, Outstanding Graduate Award in Tax Consulting

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