BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University's Club Council and Campus Activities, the governing and advocacy body for student clubs and organizations, have announced the recipients of their 2025-26 student awards. The recipients were honored at the Black and Gold Leadership Awards on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
During the ceremony, five College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) received awards.
Berardino DiBernardi Award: Nicole Tran
The Berardino DiBernardi Leadership and Legacy Award celebrates the traditions and importance of leadership, service and legacy that Berardino “Dino” DiBernardi emphasized in his significant and varied roles during 38 years at App State. The recipient of this award is selected based on evidence of not only academic success but a strong commitment to community service, university involvement through student leadership, achievement of personal and educational goals, and evidence of leaving App State and the community a better place.
Nicole Tran, senior political science major, received the Berardino DiBernardi Leadership and Legacy Award.
Tran's nominator shared, “The nominee started their journey at App State in the fall of 2023 where they quickly became involved and connected with their community. They have been a highly involved and motivated leader on campus and in the surrounding community. They are a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Impact Scholars, Student Government Association, Appalachian Student Ambassadors, and serve as a Resident Assistant and a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader. In addition to their activities, they have had the opportunity to attend the United Nations 29th Conference of Parties in Baku, Azerbaijan, studied abroad on Mount Everest, interned in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and contributed to the National Parks of St. John's, US Virgin Islands. The nominee is the current Student Body President whose term will conclude in May when they graduate with a degree in political science and a minor in leadership studies. In the fall of 2026, they intend to pursue a Master's degree in International Relations at Syracuse University.”
Bobby L. Dunnigan Award: Sofie Mascellino
Bobby L. Dunnigan served at App State in a variety of leadership roles concluding his career as the Director of Residence Life. The Dunnigan Outstanding Service Award is intended to recognize those students employed within Student Affairs who have distinguished themselves through the scope and quality of service during their employment.
Sofie Mascellino, senior political science major, received the Bobby L. Dunnigan Award.
Mascellino's nominator said, “This nominee is described as driven, kind, reflective, emotionally intelligent, and has a work ethic out of this world. They naturally stepped into a leadership role where they have empowered their peers, navigated interpersonal conflict rooted in discrimination, and brought back academic and professional preparedness initiatives and events. Other students often look to them for guidance, not just because of their knowledge, but because of the standards they hold themselves to while balancing their many areas of involvement. The nominee has consistently been observed by going above and beyond what is asked of them, and the quality of their work has been described as “far beyond that of their peers.” They are composed, consistent, professional, and hold themselves to the highest standards. The impact of the work they are doing is sustainable and widespread. By focusing on voter education and Dialogue Across Difference, as well as transforming the direction of Kappa Alpha Pi, they have helped to build a lasting culture of civic literacy on App State’s campus.”
Outstanding Achievement Award: Heather Young
The Outstanding Achievement Award is designed to recognize an outstanding member within an organization for all their hard work. Recipients of this award have made a valuable contribution and lasting impact on App State’s campus.
Heather Young, senior criminal justice major, received the Outstanding Achievement Award for her work in International Appalachian (INTAPP).
Young's nominator wrote, “After joining INTAPP in September 2023, she became one of the most involved and enthusiastic members right away, jumping into event planning and giving presentations about study abroad options in classrooms. She has always been especially active in activities that support international students. For example, she has always been one of the hardest working INTAPP volunteers at the international student airport pick-ups and international orientations each semester. So far, she has spearheaded two extremely successful recruitment cycles and oversaw the organization of INTAPP’s most successful 5K ever. The 13th annual Coffee Buzz 5K fundraiser in April 2025 raised over $5,000 for the Landon Hill study abroad scholarship, more than doubling the previous record. She is compassionate and pleasant to work with, very professional, and commands respect from her members.”
Rising Star Award: Aleena Siddiqi
The Rising Star Award recognizes a member of a club who has given tremendous time, commitment, and energy, while demonstrating great potential for future leadership within the organization and beyond.
Aleena Siddiqi, junior biology major, received the Rising Star Award for her work in the South Asian Student Association.
Siddiqi's nominator shared, “During her first semester at App State, she quickly built strong relationships with both attendees and executive members of the organization. This individual contributed to planning meetings and suggesting engaging activities such as flower bracelet making, Bollywood movie nights, and game nights. During the Diwali celebration, this individual helped teach cultural dances and kept attendees actively engaged in celebrating the holiday, recognizing how meaningful it can be for students who are far from home. As this organization is still relatively new, they are dedicated to helping the club grow and continue providing a welcoming space where South Asian students and those interested in learning about the culture, can interact, celebrate, learn, and decompress.”
Unsung Champion Award: Lily Tunstall '23
The Unsung Champion Award recognizes an individual who has been involved in a variety of activities and has put forth a tremendous amount of work “behind the scenes.”
Lily Tunstall '23, graduate student in the Business Administration and Public Administration programs, received the Unsung Champion Award for her work in the Graduate Student Government Association.
Tunstall's nominator explained, "She consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to service, reliability, and supporting others in ways that often go unrecognized but have a meaningful impact on the campus community. She is someone others rely on, both in moments of challenge and in everyday operations. She has also contributed to the broader graduate student experience through her involvement as a Graduate Ambassador and her work supporting the Graduate Student Government Association. In these roles, she has helped strengthen communication, improve visibility of campus initiatives, and ensured that graduate students stay informed and connected. What sets her apart is her ability to balance a rigorous dual-degree program while continuing to show up for her community in multiple ways. She does not seek recognition for her work, but her impact is evident in the strength of the programs, services, and communities she supports.”
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About Student Affairs at App State
Student Affairs at App State supports student success and well-being by fostering a culture of care, inclusion and engagement. Its mission is to develop lifelong learners and dynamic leaders through meaningful experiences that challenge and support students. Grounded in a commitment to care, engage and transform, Student Affairs creates a student-centered environment that encourages resilience, leadership, service and global learning. Student Affairs encompasses the following units: Campus Activities, Case Management, the Child Development Center, Community-Engaged Leadership, Counseling and Psychological Services, Office of the Dean of Students, New Mountaineer and Family Engagement, Off-Campus Student Services, Plemmons Student Union, Student Conduct, M.S. Shook Student Health Service, Student Legal Services, Student Veteran Services, University Recreation, and Wellness and Prevention Services. Learn more at studentaffairs.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
April 17, 2026
BOONE, N.C.
Berardino “Dino” DiBernardi, left, and Nicole Tran, right.
Berardino “Dino” DiBernardi, left, and 2026 Berardino DiBernardi Leadership and Legacy Award recipient Nicole Tran, right, at the Black and Gold Leadership Awards on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.