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 2024-25 student awards. The recipients were honored at the Black and Gold Leadership Awards on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
See below to learn more about the four College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) students who received awards.
Beradino DiBernardi Leadership and Legacy Award
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 his 38 years at Appalachian. 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 Appalachian and the community a better place. The recipient will long be remembered for their individual contribution(s) to Appalachian and the community at large.
JP Neri received the DiBernardi Award for his leadership as Student Body President, a Chancellor’s Scholar and a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader. Neri is pursuing his bachelor's degree in history.
Neri's nominator wrote, “JP is a true leader among leaders. He brings a wave of positive energy wherever he goes. Students, staff and faculty alike are elevated by his energy, passion and engagement. JP is passionate about people, passionate about leadership and passionate about Appalachian. During his time as Student Body President, JP showed an unwavering dedication to the organization and to Appalachian State. SGA was an organization seeking to establish a new identity. JP Neri gave voice and face to that identity. Students rallied around JP to redefine the approach to engagement and the overall image of SGA on campus. His warm, authentic approach quickly began to open doors to administrative, faculty and alumni leadership that had previously been closed to SGA. From Student Affairs to Faculty Senate to the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees, JP and key members of his leadership team redefined SGA and empowered a level of student advocacy that had not existed at Appalachian for at least a decade. The monumental transformation was a team effort, but JP emerged as the clear student leader of SGA, meeting with partners throughout our campus community and helping others to believe in the change they were all a part of. JP both mentored and empowered other student leaders to carry the torch of leadership forward at the conclusion of his term as Student Body President. It is clear to me that JP’s legacy of leadership laid the foundation that has enabled continued success. The work of JP and key leaders around him will be seen as the beginning of a new era of productive student advocacy for many years to come.”
Another nominator wrote, “JP embodies the spirit of Appalachian State—his passion for our university is unmistakable. He bleeds black and gold, and his exuberance and positive energy are truly contagious. As a natural leader, JP is consistently sought out for his ability to engage and uplift others, and his intelligence, wit and warm demeanor make him a standout member of our community.”
Commitment to Justice Award
The Commitment to Justice Award recognizes an individual who is a social justice advocate and has been recognized as an activist constantly working to create positive change for our campus, the Boone community and the world. This individual displays strong leadership, passion and dedication to a particular issue or collection of issues.
Nicole Tran received the Commitment to Justice Award for her work as the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Student Government Association. Tran is a senior pursuing her bachelor's degree in political science with a concentration in international and comparative politics.
Tran's nominator stated, "Nicole worked on numerous statements put out by her organization, such as supporting survivors of sex-based misconduct, uplifting members of the LGBTQ+ community on campus and upholding the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education spaces. She has also served on the Elections Oversight Board to ensure that our student body officer elections were carried out fairly and justly."
Gregory S. Blimling Award for Outstanding Graduate Student
This Gregory S. Blimling Award for Outstanding Graduate Student is named for Dr. Gregory S. Blimling who served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Appalachian for 14 years and is a nationally recognized leader and scholar on student affairs. The award is named for Dr. Blimling in recognition of his contributions to Appalachian and his support of our graduate assistants in their student development. This award is for students that currently hold a Graduate Assistantship within the Division of Student Affairs and show exemplary work ethic and dedication to their role.
Natalee Jamerson received the Blimling Award for her work as the Fraternity and Sorority Life Graduate Assistant in Campus Activities. Jamerson is a graduate student pursuing master's degrees in both applied data analytics and industrial-organizational psychology and human resource management.
Jamerson's nominator wrote, "She joined our team in the summer of 2023 and has been exceeding all expectations since then. She developed a brand new student programming board for our FSL community, which she took from a small idea and turned it into something well beyond any expectations. The board has implemented new programs to bring the FSL community together, such as a more robust Greek Week, workout classes, new philanthropy events, educational programming and so much more. Her work on this initiative will leave a lasting and positive impact on our community for years to come. She is the best representative of what student affairs graduate assistants are capable of accomplishing."
Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes a member of a club who has given tremendous time, commitment and energy and shows great potential for future leadership within the organization and beyond.
Jesus Sisniega-Serrano received the Rising Star Award for his work with the Latin Hispanic Alliance. Sisniega-Serrano is a sophomore pursuing his bachelor's degree in computer science.
Sisniega-Serrano's nominator stated, "From the start of his involvement, he has demonstrated enthusiasm, initiative and a strong commitment to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community within the organization. One of his contributions was co-running the highly successful Latin-Olympics event. This event not only engaged a large number of students but also showcased his ability to plan, coordinate and execute a large-scale program that celebrated Latin culture in a fun and interactive way. His leadership efforts ensured the event’s success, leaving a lasting impression on attendees."
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CAS congratulates all of the award recipients and thanks them for their outstanding leadership and service!
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About the Division of Student Affairs
The Division of Student Affairs at Appalachian State University is committed to the development of lifelong learners and leaders by engaging and challenging students within a culture of care and inclusion. The division consists of 16 units that offer activities and services to help students develop more fully by becoming global learners, fostering healthy relationships, appreciating diversity and different perspectives, understanding community responsibility, enhancing self-awareness, developing autonomy and living ethically. These units include the Career Development Center, Campus Activities, Office of Community-Engaged Leadership, Wellness and Prevention Services, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Service, Parent and Family Services, University Housing, Student Conduct, University Recreation, Intercultural Student Affairs, Student Legal Clinic and Off-Campus Student Services, Electronic Student Services, Child Development Center, and Staff Development and Strategic Initiatives. Learn more at studentaffairs.appstate.edu.
By Lauren Gibbs
April 25, 2025
BOONE, N.C.
Top Left: Dr. Beradino DiBernardi and JP Neri. Top Right: Nicole Tran. Bottom Left: Natalee Jamerson. Bottom Right: Jesus Sisniega-Serrano.
Top Left: Dr. Beradino DiBernardi and JP Neri. Top Right: Nicole Tran. Bottom Left: Natalee Jamerson. Bottom Right: Jesus Sisniega-Serrano.