UB School of Management honors exceptional grads from Class of 2026

By Kevin Manne

BUFFALO, N.Y. — During its commencement ceremonies on May 15, the University at Buffalo School of Management recognized 12 outstanding graduates for their academic, extracurricular or volunteer accomplishments. 

The MBA and Master of Science graduates, along with the awards they received, are:

• Liam Clifford of Rochester, the Drs. John and Arlyn Myers Award, presented to an MBA student who has excelled in the field of marketing.
• Clifford also received the MBA Student Achievement Award, for demonstrated scholastic excellence and outstanding extracurricular service to the school and university.
• Jessenia A. Leaphart of Buffalo, the Dr. Jerry and Mrs. Dina Wind Award to Promote International Understanding, presented to a U.S.-born student who has promoted international understanding among MBA students.
• Declan Patrick McEntee of Rochester, the Charles H. Diefendorf Award in Finance, presented to the student who has made the greatest contribution to the field of finance.
• Noah Owsiany of Fayetteville, the Master of Science Student Achievement Award, for demonstrated scholastic excellence and outstanding extracurricular service to the school and university.
• Basil Zmiyiwsky of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the Dr. Marcel and Mrs. Kathryn Vinokur Award to Promote Global Understanding, given to a graduating student who has promoted global understanding among MBA students.

The Bachelor of Science graduates and the awards they received are:

• Hannah Camille Clarke of Queens, the John Thomas Award for Global Leadership, presented to a graduating student who demonstrates a strong interest in global engagement and leadership.
• Tiffany Amanda Jiang of Queens, the William H. Wendel Memorial Award for Student Excellence in Human Resources Management, presented to the graduating student who has made the greatest contribution to the field of HR management.
• Christopher Kerr of Williamsville, the UB Accounting Association Michael S. Dockery Memorial Senior Award, given to a senior accounting student who has contributed in a superior way to the Institute of Internal Auditors, the accounting profession, fellow students and the school.
• Abdulfazl Mukumov of Buffalo, the State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, the highest award the SUNY system bestows upon its students. The honor recognizes high-achieving students who excel in such areas as leadership, community service, campus involvement or the arts.
• Allison Schuler of Pendleton, the Adriana Ilyse Thaler Memorial Senior Award in Marketing, presented to senior marketing students who have best demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, marketing professionalism and personal motivation.
• Kristin Sheridan of Fishkill, the Eddy Lin Memorial Award, presented to a graduating student focusing on an accounting career with a mid-size public accounting firm. The recipient must actively mentor others, exhibit scholastic excellence and a passion for learning, and have a caring and fun attitude.
• Steven N. Spota of Valhalla, the Undergraduate Student Achievement Award, for demonstrated scholastic excellence and outstanding extracurricular service to the school and university.