Isenberg Announces 2026 Senior Awards Recipients

The seven academic departments within the Isenberg School of Management each chose graduating seniors from the Class of 2026 to receive academic excellence and leadership honors. To celebrate this recognition, and their upcoming graduation, we asked awardees to share one of their favorite experiences or memories from their time at Isenberg. Congratulations!

Academic Excellence Awards

These students succeeded in the classroom and beyond, finishing their undergraduate degrees with stellar grade point averages and impressive academic and professional achievements in their majors.

Maxwell Steinberg, Accounting

“One of my favorite experiences at Isenberg has been my involvement in the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where I’ve been able to serve the community alongside fellow accounting students. Over the past three years, it has not only allowed me to build meaningful connections with peers and faculty, but also to grow into an administrative role that challenged me and shaped my development.”

Tobin Clark-Goldfeld, Finance

“Aside from outstanding upper-level courses and faculty, one of my favorite experiences at Isenberg was having the opportunity to join the Minutemen Fixed Income Fund, where I discovered a passion for capital markets and fixed income analysis. The group introduced me to lifelong friends and countless industry opportunities, like attending an Isenberg alumni event in New York City!”

Ainsley Cicone, HTM

“Being co‑president of Women in Business has been the experience that truly made my time at Isenberg special. This club has given me so much over the last four years, and having the chance to lead it has been my way of giving back to the community that shaped me. I joined WiB during my very first week of freshman year, and it quickly became my safe space: a place where I grew both personally and professionally, and where I built incredible connections with peers and alumni. Now, as a senior, getting to guide the organization and watch my hard work create the same supportive, empowering experience for younger members has been unbelievably rewarding. It’s something I’ll carry with me long after graduation.”

Anastasiya Bielova, Management

"What made my experience at Isenberg so special was being part of such a driven and insightful community. Through conversations with peers, guidance from professors, and involvement in clubs and networking events, I gained clarity and confidence in where I want to go in life. I’m especially grateful for my professors and the resources at Isenberg which challenged me to grow and make the most of every opportunity. These experiences played a meaningful role in shaping both my personal and professional journey."

Spencer Zbitnoff, OIM

“I loved being a teaching assistant for OIM 301 (Introduction to Operations Management). It gave me an opportunity to meet so many Isenberg students and learn more about what makes Isenberg special. I was able to improve my understanding of the course material from when I first took the course, and also was able to make connections with students and professors.”

Ariel Girshik, Marketing

“One of the most meaningful parts of my experience at Isenberg has been my involvement in the Isenberg Marketing Club, where I served as president. Stepping into this leadership role allowed me to help create an inclusive and engaging environment where members could grow both personally and professionally. Through this experience, I had the opportunity to connect with and learn from industry professionals, organize events like our Marketing Career Networking Night, and build lasting relationships with peers who share similar passions. Leading such an incredible team of executive board members made my experience especially rewarding, and it’s something I’ll always carry with me beyond my time at Isenberg.”

Ben Meringoff, Sport Management

“I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to have served as president of the McCormack Student Leaders Club. It allowed me to grow as a leader while also giving back to a club that means so much to me. Being able to create opportunities for students to learn more about the sport industry was an experience I will always value.”

Leadership Awards

Honorees demonstrated engagement with their majors through participation and leadership in student organizations as well as by attending events hosted by their departments.

Owen Rigby, Accounting

“One experience that made my time special at Isenberg was participating in the Deloitte FanTAXtic case competition hosted by the accounting department. It allowed me to gain valuable experience in my major early on and meet great professors and peers; participating in the competition definitely shaped my time at Isenberg in a positive direction.”

Jack MacKinnon, Finance

“Some of my favorite experiences were being part of the Minutemen Equity Fund, the Isenberg Ethics Team, and just meeting so many amazing people. I especially want to thank the Minutemen Equity Fund advisor and stock pitch coordinator Robert Feingold, as well as the Isenberg Ethics Team advisors Jennifer Merton and Brian Shea.”

Valentina Zimmerman, HTM

“Serving on the Women of Isenberg Conference planning committee has been a defining experience during my time at Isenberg. It gave me the opportunity to contribute to something that brings people together in a meaningful way, while also developing my ability to think strategically, stay organized, and adapt in a fast-paced environment. Being part of the behind-the-scenes work and then seeing everything come to life made it especially rewarding, and it’s an experience that truly shaped my college journey.”

Evan Stotsky, Management

“One experience I had that made my college experience special was my trip to Arizona to represent the Isenberg Business Ethics Team on the national stage at an ethics competition. My team won third place, and I made lifelong memories with some great people.”

Sophia Chiodo, Marketing

“Serving as the student social media coordinator for the Office of Access, Collaboration, and Engagement for Success (ACES) has been one of the most meaningful parts of my Isenberg experience. In this role, I have used creativity as a tool for leadership by amplifying student voices, promoting resources and community dialogues, and creating content that fosters belonging. Connecting with students from different backgrounds and contributing to a more inclusive community, while helping others feel seen, has made this experience especially rewarding.”

Gowri Vellanki, OIM

“One of the most meaningful parts of my time at Isenberg has been my involvement in the OIM Club. I started as internal communications chair and eventually became president, which was an incredibly rewarding journey. Throughout this experience, I grew a lot as a leader and built close friendships with other members who made the experience even more impactful. I also really valued the strong connections I've built to the OIM department and professors through the club, as well as the opportunities we've had to engage with alumni who offered guidance and insight. It ended up being a defining part of both my personal and professional growth.”

Emma Ryan, Sport Management

“My favorite experience during my undergraduate career was traveling to South Africa with Isenberg professors and students. During our two week trip we were able to give back in many ways, like working in Eco-Villages, where we were able to play and teach young children, and helping prevent rhinos from being poached. My time at Isenberg was truly a once in a lifetime experience and I am so grateful for the opportunities the school has given me!"