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2025 Rocky Awards

Celebrating leadership across campus

By UNC Asheville

May 15^th, 2025

Each spring, UNC Asheville hosts the Rocky Awards to recognize some of our brightest Bulldogs. This year was especially challenging, after the Fall semester was disrupted by Hurricane Helene. But our Bulldogs did what Bulldogs do best: showed up, supported each other, and persevered.

That excellence is evident in the number of nominations for Rocky Awards this year — over 100! Read on to learn more about some our amazing campus community members.

Collaboration of the Year

Campus Recreation Wellness Programs

This award recognizes an outstanding collaborative effort between two or more student organizations or groups that positively impacted the campus community. This year’s winners “come from a background of student employment, clubs and organizations, and leadership roles across campus — like the Avengers of student programming, just with fewer capes,” said Associate Director of Campus Recreation Corey Smith.

“From the widest range of yoga classes one could offer, to Photograph a Flower Hour and cozy video game nights, offering programs in studios, the quad, the pool, in Highsmith Student Union, and elsewhere,” Smith said, “these students have worked together to create an experience where they not only support each other, but the whole campus.”

Program of the Year

Food Equity Initiative

This award recognizes a student-led team or registered student organization that planned and executed an exceptional campus program that significantly contributed to campus life.

After Hurricane Helene, the students involved in the Food Equity Initiative leapt into action.

“When campus was closed and students had to leave, they made sure to distribute all the contents of the food pantry to where it was needed most: the local community. And when the campus started reopening? They didn’t skip a beat! They helped move everything from Hyannis House into Highsmith, then teamed up with MANNA and Ingles to continue food distributions,” said Kate Johnson, senior director of student engagement.

“This group didn’t just adapt — they pivoted like champions, ensuring that the needs of both campus and the community were met at a time when everyone needed it most.”

Student Organization of the Year

Roller Skating Club

This award honors a registered student organization that has demonstrated excellence in membership engagement, event planning and execution, and/or educating students.

The winning organization has solid membership, awesome events, and a mission that helps bring students together and lift them up.

“What started as a small crew of 10 quickly grew into a squad that rolls deep with over 70 members! I mean, come on—that’s not just a student org, that’s practically a disco on wheels!” said Jessica Inman, senior director of campus life. “One of their main programs gave students a safe space to socialize, stay active, and learn something new.”

Career Catalyst Award

Political Science Club

This award recognizes an outstanding event or program organized by a registered student organization that prepares UNC Asheville students for their future careers, civic engagement, and life beyond college.

This year’s winner has been an absolute powerhouse when it comes to civic engagement and real-world preparation. They’ve hosted educational events, teamed up with departments, clubs, offices to help make sure students not only know what's happening in the world, but how to do something about it.

“They’re the kind of group that doesn’t just talk about change — they roll up their sleeves, pass out the flyers, and get it done,” said Ashley Moraguez, chair and associate professor in the political science department.

Team Impact Award

2024-2025 Resident Assistant Staff

The Team Impact Award honors a student group that has made a significant and measurable contribution to the campus community through exceptional teamwork.

The Resident Assistant Staff embodied community and institutional pride in the days after Helene, stepping up to provide 24/7 support.

"They were quite literally boots-on-the-ground,” said Dylan Lawing, director of Residence Life. “Let’s give it up for the RAs — your go-to team for lockouts, late-night pep talks, and pretty much holding the campus together with sheer willpower and duty logs!"

Champion for Students Award

Roger Penley

This award recognizes a staff or faculty member who goes above and beyond, demonstrating a strong commitment to student development, empowers students to grow, and makes a lasting positive impact on the student community.

This year’s awardee, Roger Penley, works in Campus Operations, but spends time helping student organizations whenever he can. Whether he’s hauling tables, setting up tents, or turning a blank patch of grass into a fully functioning event space, Roger is always there, quietly making the magic happen.

“It might look like “just logistics,” but we all know: this is the stuff that lets student leaders lead and student orgs shine,” said Anna Claire Jackson, associate director of Highsmith programming. “Roger’s partnership with the Food Equity Initiative is a masterclass in going the extra mile (or ten). Students don’t just see Roger as a staff member. They see him as a mentor, a role model, and someone who leads with kindness, humility, and a whole lot of hustle. Roger Penley is everything this award stands for—and then some.”

Supervisor of the Year

Christine Garst

This award honors a faculty or staff member who excels in supervising student employees by providing mentorship, fostering professional growth, and modeling strong leadership.

As an Area Director in Housing and Residence Life, Christine is basically a one-woman career center, guidance counselor, and life coach. She gives career advice, sets up connections with professionals in the field, writes recommendation letters, and even brought in a financial expert when an RA said, “Hey… I don’t know how to budget post-grad life.”

One of Christine’s nominators called her “the most thoughtful and empowering supervisor I have ever had.”

“Christine leads with a “people-first” mindset, which means she doesn’t just manage her team of RAs—she invests in them,” said Vollie Barnwell, assistant vice chancellor of Student Affairs. “She sees each student as an individual, and she meets them exactly where they are.”

Community Connector Award

Dr. Laura K. Jones

Sponsored by the Key Center for Community Engaged Learning, this award recognizes a UNC Asheville faculty or staff member who strengthens and sustains partnerships between the University and the broader community.

Associate Professor of Health Sciences and Athletics Mental Health Coordinator Dr. Laura Jones bridges the gap between students and student-athletes, mentors students in research and internships every single semester, and still finds the time to co-host mental health events with Campus Rec.

Dr. Jones created the Mental Health Ambassador Program for Student Athletes. Every athletic team now has student reps who work with her to plan events, lead workshops, and collaborate with community mental health organizations.

And when she’s not doing that, she’s leading the NCAA Health Care Collaborative Team, teaching across multiple disciplines, connecting students to nonprofit internships, sitting on boards like All Souls Counseling Center and WNC Bridge Foundation, and consulting nationally on leadership and well-being.

“She speaks. She listens. She leads. And if we had more people like Dr. Laura K. Jones, the world—and definitely our campus—would be a more connected, compassionate, and mentally healthy place,” said Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health and Wellness Jay Cutspec.

Student Employee of the Year

Sierra Ghee

This award recognizes an on-campus student employee who demonstrates exceptional dedication, initiative, and commitment to UNC Asheville.

Sierra has been rocking it as a Teaching Assistant in the Chemistry Department and as a resident assistant in Ponder Hall.

“She doesn’t just help with labs, she brings them to life. She’s got the rare combo of science smarts, calm confidence, and the kind of teaching instincts that would make even the most caffeine-fueled chem professor proud,” said Chris Hanhan, area director for residence life. “Sierra has made a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to work with her. She lifts others up, spreads good vibes, and somehow builds community wherever she goes—whether it’s in the lab, the residence halls, or out in the community. She leads by example, inspires excellence, and proves that hard work and heart make an unbeatable combo.”

Michael Addae-Kumi Emerging Student Leader Award

Mikaela Futrell

This award honors a first- or second-year student who has made a meaningful impact on student life at UNC Asheville. Named in memory of Michael Addae-Kumi, a beloved student leader who left a lasting mark on the campus community, this award recognizes an emerging leader.

Mikaela hit the ground running as an Orientation Assistant in Spring 2024, and later took on the role of Special Population Program Coordinator, where she’s been creating thoughtful, welcoming events for non-traditional students. She also teamed up with Key Center and worked alongside the Food Equity Initiative to bring even more meaningful engagement to our campus.

“Whether she’s organizing an event, welcoming a new student, or collaborating on community-based work, Mikaela has this incredible ability to draw people in. She’s a natural connector—someone who makes everyone around her feel seen, supported, and like they belong,” said Sarah Smith, director of Student Transitions and Family Programs.

Adelaide Daniels Key Community-Engaged Learning Award

Eli Perryman

The Adelaide Daniels Key Community-Engaged Learning Award honors a student who exemplifies how community-engaged practices enhance academic learning.

Throughout her time at UNC Asheville, Eli has brought care, clarity, and dedication to every aspect of her work—both on campus and beyond. She has consistently stepped forward to lead and participate in community engagement activities, always with a focus on inclusion and mutual respect. Whether organizing events, supporting her peers, or working directly with community partners, Eli ensures that everyone involved feels heard, supported, and valued.

Her response to Hurricane Helene speaks volumes about her character. Eli spent long hours each day assisting displaced families and caring for animals, including horses. Her quiet steadiness and willingness to help, even under challenging personal circumstances, reflect the resilience and integrity she brings to every situation.

Eli also developed a set of creative educational tools for children unable to attend school due to hospitalization or physical disability. These tools provide opportunities for joyful, play-based learning—an effort that merges her academic studies with a clear commitment to accessibility and educational equity.

“What sets Eli apart is not just what she has accomplished, but how she goes about it—with humility, intentionality, and a deep sense of responsibility to others,” said Camila Filgueiras, assistant professor in Biology.

Bulldog Legacy Awards

The Bulldog Legacy Award honors up to three graduating seniors each year who have demonstrated exceptional involvement at UNC Asheville. These students embody the highest standards of the University and, through their sustained engagement in campus life and student involvement, these students have left a lasting impact on both the campus community and the University.

Alondra Barrera-Hernandez

“Alondra doesn’t just participate—she leads with heart, with purpose, and with an incredible spirit that makes this campus better in every way,” said Melanie Fox, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs.

She served as Student Body President during the 2023–24 academic year, and now continues to serve as Vice President. Musically gifted, she is a member of the Asheville Singers, UNCA Wind Ensemble, Studio 018, Keytones, and the Pep Band. She has also served a Resident Assistant, an Orientation Assistant, participating in HOLA and Unidad Sin Fronteras, and as a Voting Ambassador.

Amelia Floyd

“Amelia is the kind of student who somehow manages to balance scholarly excellence with community engagement and still has time to remind you to hydrate and stretch before your intramural game,” said Melanie Fox.

She is a leader in the Poli Sci Club, a champion for voter engagement on campus, contributed to research on civic engagement and brought her leadership and energy to Campus Recreation.

Jason Miller

“Jason has been a mentor, a trainer, a community-builder, and probably a few students’ unofficial campus therapist. He’s the kind of leader who doesn’t just show up—he shows up early, stays late, and makes sure everyone feels like they belong,” Melanie Fox said.

Jason has basically been a walking, talking ambassador for UNC Asheville. He’s served as a Resident Assistant, Highsmith Desk Assistant, and Orientation Assistant, all while crushing it academically.

William and Ida Friday Award for Community Service

Bog Willis

The William and Ida Friday Award honors a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional service to the community. Established at UNC Asheville in 2000, this prestigious award is named after William and Ida Friday, a husband and wife duo who made profound contributions to North Carolina for over five decades.

This year’s winner, Bog Willis is a “high academic achiever who is well loved by professors, peers, and local communities alike,” said Abby Genter, Associate Director of Student Transitions/Family Programs.

Bog is a history major with a photography concentration, and they’ve combined their love of storytelling, history, and service to help preserve and protect some of Asheville’s most important historic spaces—its cemeteries.

Their work with South Asheville, Shiloh AME Zion Church, and Riverside Cemetery has been nothing short of remarkable, they’ve cleaned grave markers, trained volunteers, and helped reconnect African-American families with their loved ones and ancestors. They even documented the impact of Hurricane Helene and the recovery efforts through their photography.

A.C. Reynolds Award and Thomas D. Reynolds Prize for Campus Service

Liv Barefoot

This award recognizes an outstanding graduating senior who has demonstrated exceptional service to the campus community. Established by Mary and Martin Nesbitt Sr., the award honors the legacy of AC Reynolds, a pivotal figure in the founding of Buncombe County Junior College, the predecessor of UNC Asheville.

Liv joined UNC Asheville as a member of the inaugural Leadership Scholars cohort. By year two, she was already Vice President of the Student Government Association, and by senior year—President.

Liv has also been a two-year member of the Association of Student Governments, a dedicated Voting Research Assistant in Poli Sci, Treasurer of the Political Science Club, a Research Intern with Inclusive Development International, a Fellow with You Can Vote the Senior Editor of Dignity, our premiere undergraduate human rights journal, and a proud member of the National Political Science Honor Society — all while being on the Chancellor’s List every semester.