04/29/2026
On April 16, the Galpin Institute conducted its 21st Leadership in Engagement Awards Reception. Twenty people, including students, faculty, and members of the greater Cortland community, received a Leadership in Civic Engagement Award or a Leadership in Democracy Engagement Award.
The awardees were presented with one of two recognitions –
- The Leadership in Civic Engagement Award, which recognizes individuals or groups who have demonstrated exceptional action to improve the quality of life of people in Cortland County (or, in some cases, beyond our county)
- The Leadership in Democracy Engagement Award, which recognizes the same kind of action as the Civic Engagement Award, but focused on partnering with government.
This year’s awardees are –
- Aimen Saqib, a SUNY Cortland student who championed inclusive health education, student wellness, and peer mentorship
- Casey Pennington, a community member who created the Crown Table program as a way of addressing food insecurity.
- Harry Coleman, for using his masonry skills – during eight years of his retirement – to resurrect Dwyer Memorial Park.
- Jim Rolfe, whose tireless organizing of weekly excursions in Cortland and Ithaca helps people maintain social relationships and physical health.
- Kaleigh Boisemenu, who has dedicated herself to strengthening SUNY Cortland's Emergency Medical Services club in its life-saving and educational mission.
- Mamadou Diallo has been helping his fellow students by – among other feats – designing biological science labs and removing ROTC transportation barriers.
- Rachida Ali Noma has volunteered tirelessly to deliver measurable impact for vulnerable populations in her projects on, for example, mental health and equity.
- Maryfaith Decker Miller founded New York State’s first fully licensed forest preschool, expanded forest-based learning through the Forest Leaning Collective, and helped create Cortland ReUse.
- Ruben Tremino’s actions as Vice President of Service and Philanthropy, raised $536 for Active Minds and Operation Gratitude, among other achievements.
- Matthew Whitman guided development of Grace Space on Pendelton Street as a safe, comfortable, and service-resourced place for people who are unhoused.
Leadership in Democracy Engagement Award recipients are
- Delia DiCarlo, Emma Natalie, Livia DeRose, and Molly Maloney demonstrated persistence and collaborative leadership in forming the Turning Point USA/Cortland SGA club. Among other events promoting viewpoint diversity, they collaborated with SUNY Cortland Administration and others to host controversial speakers.
- Adrianna Sigler, Ashlee Nickerson, Brynn Mazzaferro, and Kyla Kropp, whose leadership in the SGA club BridgeCortland promoted open inquiry through events such as Bridge the Gap events and viewpoint diversity panel discussions that were funded by Heterodox Academy and BridgeUSA.
- Dana Merkur’s civic advocacy at City of Cortland Common Council meetings, and his leadership on key boards and commissions promoted historical record-keeping and civic pride.
- Jill Murphy (Professor, Health) is a dedicated advocate for freedom of expression and viewpoint diversity. She is founding member of SUNY Cortland’s Heterodox Academy Community Campus, and she has organized many events that promote open inquiry.
Galpin Institute colleague Joanna Hryniewicz designed the event’s PowerPoint presentation and its program.