General | 5/11/2026 8:40:00 AM

ERIE, PA - More than a dozen student-athletes were among those who received special Founder's Day Awards as part of Gannon University's Commencement. The ceremony took place at Erie Insurance Arena on Saturday, May 9th.

"Our student-athletes continue to thrive in the classroom while striving for academic excellence," said Director of Athletics Meghan Morphy. "Posting a combined 3.475 grade point average this fall, along with the many student-athletes recognized by the University for outstanding scholarship, leadership, and dedication to Gannon University's mission, is a true reflection of their commitment to excellence in every aspect of the student-athlete experience."

The Golden Knights who received academic, leadership, or service awards included the following:

Excellence In (Undergraduate)
Business Administration - Victor Desmond, MBB
Electrical Engineering - Hannah Jacobs, WSW
Entrepreneurship - Gonzalo Perez, MSO
Environmental Science - Maddy Endler, WSO
Mechanical Engineering - Ashley Fox, SB
Psychology - Molly Maurer, CC&D
Public Service and Global Affairs - Luke Andraso, MXC
Social Work - Jayden Tolliver, FB
Special Education - Alyssa Lerch, LAX
Sport Business - Alejandra Tosado, A&T
Marketing - Ditte Petersen, WGolf (Student-Athlete Alumni)

Excellence In (Graduate)
Strategic Communication - Megan Revell, A&T (Student-Athlete Alumni)

Doc Beyer Service Award for Outstanding Achievement in Scholarship and Athletics
Shota Toyama, MSO
Josie Spano, SB

The Archbishop John Mark Gannnon Award
Jacob Wright, MWR

Msgr. Wilfred J. Nash Service Award
Genna Preston, WXC & WSW

Kappa Gamma Pi Nominees (Undergraduate)
Molly Maurer, CC&D
Paco Palacian, MWP

Honors Distinction
Zoe Gaetjens, WWR
Amy Poole, WXC