Haigney’s mentors and advisors also see her as an impressive force. 

“She has proven herself as an intellectual and as a leader. She is an independent thinker, and she is a scholar with a wide range of interests and the energy to pursue all of them,” said Raymond Peters III, assistant director of the Honors College.

“She approaches every challenge with a solutions-oriented mindset and unwavering empathy,” said Anthony Doody, executive director of student centers. “Her initiatives have not only improved physical accessibility but also cultivated a culture of accountability and inclusion.” 

“She possesses the leadership qualities, academic rigor and commitment to community service needed to thrive in any future endeavor,” Vice President for Student Life José-Luis Riera said.

Haigney plans to attend law school with the goal of practicing disability law and advocating for more inclusive policies. 

“The power to change perceptions and minds is one I feel I was given the ability to do, which UD has helped nourish,” she said.

Alexander J. Taylor Sr. Award: Grace Mahony

Grace Mahony, an honors double major in public policy and international relations with minors in economics, peace and justice studies, global studies with language (Spanish) and history, has used her time at UD to follow her passions.

As a World Scholar, Mahony has had the opportunity to study abroad three times, in Rome, Copenhagen and Budapest. These experiences encouraged her interest in pursuing international affairs, especially her interests in international conflict negotiation and peacebuilding. With her interests better solidified, she requested and designed an internship for herself at Vores Asylbørn, a legal aid organization for refugee children and families in Copenhagen, where she saw the need for and created a database that offered better staff collaboration and easier access to case information.

On campus, Mahony’s leadership is impactful. She is a campus ambassador, providing tours to a range of audiences, including potential high school students, distinguished alumni and international counselors. She is also vice president of Phi Sigma Pi, managing 16 chairs, organizing fundraising events, leading presentations and facilitating shadowing opportunities for her chairs. As a UD student alumni ambassador, Mahony has had the opportunity to engage with influential alumni and mentors who have been crucial to her career development.

Mahony’s advisors and mentors attest to her potential and influence. 

“Ms. Mahony is among the more impressive students I have interacted with over the last four or five years,” said Robert Denemark, professor of political science and international relations.

“A leader on and off campus, Grace has the ambition, drive and experience to make a difference for refugees on a global scale,” said Kristin Bennighoff, senior associate director of the Honors College.

Mahony will represent UD at the University of London’s Refugee Law Institute’s Annual Conference this summer. After graduation, Mahony will be attending Georgetown University to earn her master's degree in foreign service. 

“I plan to continue to wear my Blue Hen name with pride as I work to become an impactful force in the world beyond Newark,” Mahony said.

To learn more about the UD Alumni Association’s Warner and Taylor Awards, past recipients and more awards offered through the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, visit the Scholarships and Awards webpage.