Mitchell Wins Daggett Prize; 15 Athletes Honored on Prize Day

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Union College held its annual Prize Day on Saturday in Memorial Chapel, with numerous Union College student-athletes combining to earn 19 honors in recognition for their academic success.

Fourteen of Union’s 26 varsity sports were represented with at least one award, with the men’s track & field team leading the way with three student-athletes earning an honor. The football team had earned a department-leading four awards in total, followed by men’s track & field and men’s tennis with three awards each.  In total, more than 100 awards were presented to honor students for achievement in academics, leadership and community service.

Senior Brandon Mitchell, a four-year member of the Union football team, was presented by President David R. Harris with the Josephine Daggett Prize, one of the two most prestigious awards handed out on Prize Day and given annually to a student for conduct and character. Mitchell was recognized by nominators for his commitment to advancing social justice and inclusion on campus in roles with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the executive board of the Black Student Union, as well as by participating in the First-Generation Mentorship program. The senior class president also led the development of the “100 Days Until Commencement” program that provides important information to seniors as they approach graduation.

A full listing of Union student-athletes to receive recognition is below:

Josephine Daggett Prize – To a senior of the best conduct and character.
Brandon Mitchell (Football)

David Brind (1982) Memorial Prize in English – To one or more outstanding senior students in English.
Karson Saunders (Softball)

General Electric Edison Mechanical Engineering Book Prize – To a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities.
Maren Friday (Women’s Hockey)

Celia Glaubach Prize – To the student who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship in the area of religious studies.
Ronan Coughlin (Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field)

John R. Glover Prize – For Excellence in Photography (Color)
Sam Crowley (Men’s Track & Field)

Albert Hill Recognition Award – To the senior who has held leadership positions and demonstrated exceptional commitment to enhancing the College community.
Brandon Mitchell (Football)

John Iwanik Prize…