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Share thisAnnual Alumni Awards
Three Honored with Roberts Wesleyan University Alumni Award.
One Honored with Northeastern Seminary Distinguished Alum of the Year Award.
Each year, we honor alumni who make a significant impact in their community and profession. The alumni chosen for these awards are recognized for their professional excellence, service to the community, and lifestyle that promotes the spirit and mission of Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary.
The Alumni Office annually recognizes honorees who represent the best of a Roberts and Northeastern education and experience. These outstanding alumni, along with the thousands of Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary alumni, are making a difference and providing leadership in our world and culture. We formally recognized and celebrated these honorees on Sept. 20 during Homecoming week.
Congratulations to the 2023 Alumni Award Recipients
2023 Young Alumna of the Year
Crystal Sessoms-Wiggins '11 ‘12 (Childhood Special Education, B.S, Literacy, M.ED.)
As a student: Crystal was a student-athlete on the Women’s Varsity Basketball team, served as the Vice President of the Diversity Club, and was involved in the Teacher Education Mock Interview Program.
In her work: Crystal is a tenured Elementary Principal at JV Forrestal Elementary School in Beacon, N.Y., who considers herself a learner, a thinker, and an innovator. Prior to starting her role as a principal in 2018 with the Beacon City School District, Crystal served as an Associate Principal, middle school Special Education teacher, and district Equity Mentor in Ithaca, NY. She went on to get her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership from the University of New England.
As an alumna: She is passionate about giving back! Crystal has served on the Alumni Council for 7 years and recently was nominated to serve as the Vice President due to her dedication to giving back as an alum. In 2020, Crystal followed her heart in launching her non-profit, SistorLink, created for the purpose of providing mentoring and leadership development to young black and brown girls in underserved communities.
2023 Young Alumnus of the Year
Malik Dare ‘18 (Business Administration, B.S)
As a student: Malik was a 4-year Varsity Men’s Basketball player, receiving the most improved player his freshman and sophomore year. He was an active member of Enactus, Elev8 program Coach, and was the winner of the School of Business Ethics Scholarship Competition for his integrity and trustworthiness.
In his work: Malik works as a Senior Budget Analyst for the New York State Senate. His area of focus is higher education and arts, and he serves as a representative of the Senate to work with SUNY, CUNY, private/independent colleges & local nonprofit cultural centers to secure State funding and expand services across the State.
As an alumnus: Most importantly, Malik serves as an esteemed community leader and activist in Albany, NY. Malik hosts social justice webinars, food drives, back-to-school drives and mentors inner-city youth in his hometown. He has received a multitude of merited awards for his leadership and is often described as a humble, coachable, hard worker with a tremendous amount of integrity.
2023 Alumna of the Year
Lauren Kolb ‘10 ‘12 (Organizational Management B.S., Strategic Leadership, M.S.)
As an adult student: Lauren worked full time while completing both her degrees and has been described by her faculty as having an impressive work ethic, positive attitude, fantastic sense of humor, and always adding value whenever she speaks.
In her work: Lauren works as the Senior Vice President and Senior Wealth Advisor for Tompkins Financial Advisors. She is responsible for managing existing client relationships and contributing to the overall growth of Tompkins Financial Corporation. As a client-focused advisor, she works closely with high-net-worth individuals, families, corporations, and community organizations as a financial partner delivering all aspects of wealth management.
As an alumna: As a founding member of the School of Business National Council, Lauren has been described as a highly engaged and supportive business council member who excels in the areas of strategic thinking and sustainability. She actively promotes our adult and graduate programs and is often the first to respond to any request to support the work of the university and the school of business.
2023 Northeastern Seminary Distinguished Alum of the Year
Scott Austin ‘99 ‘05 (Contemporary Ministries, B.A., Masters in Divinity, NES)
The Distinguished Alum Award recognizes a graduate of Northeastern Seminary who exemplifies faithful service in ministry.
As a Roberts student: Scott served in the wind ensemble, as a writer for the Beacon, participated in intramurals, and bible studies, and was involved in student government.
In his work: He currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Artisan Church in Rochester, NY, which he co-founded with three other Northeastern Seminary Grads back in 2005. Artisan foundational values of Awe, Beauty, Roots, Community, and Justice continue to shape their community life to this day. The interplay between ancient faith and contemporary application that he learned at Northeastern Seminary is embedded deep within the institutional DNA.
As an alumnus: Scott has served on the Northeastern Seminary Clergy Council, been a guest speaker in Chapel, and has participated in panel discussions for alumni on topics like Reconciling Race and Religion. He is currently serving as a counselor in the wellness center as a part of the Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from SUNY Brockport (expected graduation Dec.).
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