05/14/2026
https://falk.syracuse.edu/news/class-of-2026-department-awards/
The Falk College of Sport honored undergraduate and graduate students across its departments this May. The following students were recognized for their academic excellence, research, community service, and professional achievement.
The Department of Sport Management recognized the following students:
Falk College Marshal: Braeden Cheverie-Leonard (Sport Management)
Undergraduate Marshal: Jordan Boron
Sport Analytics Marshal: Aidan Flood
Esports Marshal: Brianna Nechifor
Director's Academic Achievement Award: Sixteen Sport Management students were recognized with the Director's Academic Achievement Award for maintaining a GPA of 3.4 or higher across each consecutive semester at Syracuse University:
Kate Altman
Kyan Barbuto
Jordan Boron
Patrick Breslin
RyLee Daoust
William Dempsey
Grace Froehlke
Kai Gottesfeld
Ian Jacobson
Janet Ji
Yucheng Liu
Emma Muchnick
Samuel Otley
James Stickel
Thomas Wildhack
Zachary Young
Excellence in Sport Management Award: Janet Ji
This award is presented to a student with a GPA of 3.5 or higher who serves as a strong ambassador for the department, demonstrates exemplary community service, possesses strong professional sport industry experience, and mentors fellow Sport Management majors.
Sport Management Academic Promise Award: Heidi Knoll
This award is presented to a student who will attend graduate school, has attained a GPA of 3.5 or higher, demonstrates exemplary service to the community, and possesses strong professional sport industry experience.
Sport Management Academic Honors Award: Emma Muchnick
The Sport Management Academic Honors Award recognizes a student with a grade-point average of 3.8 or higher who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and overall scholarship in the Department of Sport Management.
Matt Brodsky Philanthropic Excellence Award: Braeden Cheverie-Leonard
Named in memory of Matt Brodsky, a sport management major who passed away unexpectedly after the fall semester of his freshman year in 2013, this award is presented to a student who displays outstanding service to both the campus and greater Syracuse communities, demonstrates exemplary citizenship and philanthropic qualities, and serves as a mentor by establishing outreach opportunities for the department and university.
Michael Veley Sport Management Professional Engagement Award: Kate Bradley
Named for Michael Veley, who served as founding director and chair of the Department of Sport Management for 19 years before retiring in 2024, this award recognizes a student's real-world experience, work ethic, dedication, professional demeanor, and career development as an undergraduate student and representative of the department.
Jason Morales Perseverance in Sports and Life Award: Rahsheek Hill
Named in honor of Jason Morales, a sport management student who passed away while completing his Senior Capstone in New York City in 2013, this award is given annually to a student who has demonstrated persistence, perseverance, and positive motivation throughout their academic career while striving to be their best when confronted with life's challenges.
Sport Management VIP Award: Jeremiah Patterson-Yancey
The Sport Management VIP Award is presented to a student with outstanding service to the department who has engaged in a variety of experiential learning and sport industry experiences, actively volunteers to serve the department and university on a regular basis, demonstrates strong professionalism and outstanding character, and serves as a role model for Sport Management majors.
Kate Veley Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility Award: James Stickel
Named for Kate Veley, who worked at Syracuse University for more than 15 years and was instrumental in planning the annual Sports Charity Auction, this award is presented to a student who has continually demonstrated strong volunteerism and philanthropic effort to improve the lives of others within the greater Syracuse community.
Patrick Ryan Innovation in Sport Award: Grace Froehlke
Named for Professor Emeritus Patrick Ryan, who taught at Syracuse University for 15 years before retiring in 2021 and created all Sport Technology courses for the department, this award recognizes a student's entrepreneurial spirit and academic excellence while utilizing innovation and technology to enhance their skills.
