Eastwood Yeboah ’25 and Gabriella (Gabby) Baratier ’25 captured the top two awards at Prize Day Saturday afternoon in Memorial Chapel.
More than 100 awards were presented to honor students for achievement in academics, leadership and community service.
A double major in Africana studies and psychology from Germantown, Md., Yeboah received the Frank Bailey (1885) Prize. It is awarded annually to the senior who has rendered the greatest service to the College in any field. It is considered the most prestigious student prize at Union.
At Prize Day Saturday, Eastwood Yeboah ’25 (with President David Harris) received the Frank Bailey (1885) Prize. It is awarded annually to the senior who has rendered the greatest service to the College in any field. It is considered the most prestigious student prize at Union.
Baratier, a double major in history and English with a minor in political science from Altamont, N.Y., received the Josephine Daggett Prize. It is presented annually to a senior for conduct and character.
“This year’s recipient has devoted his time at Union to meaningful service – not only within the campus community but also in Schenectady and communities beyond,” President David R. Harris said in presenting Yeboah with the award.
At Union, Yeboah organized the campus-wide Mental Health Fair and served as vice president of Student Forum and Psi Chi, and president of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honor society.
He volunteered at the Kenney Community Center and the Boys and Girls Club, and completed a years-long internship at New Choices Recovery Center, providing substance abuse prevention education to both youth and adults.
“His efforts have supported vulnerable populations with dignity and compassion, reinforcing Union’s mission of civic responsibility,” Harris said.
As an Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholar, Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar and Essential Visionaries Fund recipient, he has taken his passion for mental health equity to new platforms. Through the Klemm Fellow International Internship Program, he worked with a human rights lawyer in Tanzania to address the psychological effects of abuse on women and children. He also served as a winter intern with City Youth Now, supporting foster youth and those in the juvenile justice system in the Bay Area.
“This student is driven by a clear vision: to advance global health and reduce the stigma around mental illness, especially in marginalized communities,” Harris said. “His dedication to service is consistent—shaping his academic, extracurricular and professional pursuits. In all he does, this year’s Bailey Prize winner demonstrates sharp intellect, strong purpose and a steadfast commitment to making a difference.”
Gabriella (Gabby) Baratier ’25 received the Josephine Daggett Prize, presented annually to a senior for conduct and character.
Of Baratier, Harris said, “At the core of this year’s winner is a character rooted in integrity, empathy and a tireless commitment to inclusivity. As a student, she has demonstrated academic excellence, but more importantly, she has used her scholarship as a vehicle for ethical action and community engagement.
“Through her research—ranging from an in-depth archival project on Union’s LGBTQ+ history to an interdepartmental honors thesis exploring accessibility at Union—she has helped uncover and reframe important narratives in the college’s history. Her work reflects deep compassion and a commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable community.”
Harris noted that Baratier always shows respect for others’ perspectives. He said her ability to make academic spaces feel inclusive and welcoming has been repeatedly noted by faculty.
“This student’s leadership has also extended to advocating for greater accessibility on campus,” Harris said. “From the earliest days of her Union journey, she has used her voice to highlight physical and structural barriers, always doing so with thoughtfulness and respect. Throughout her time at Union, she has acted with compassion and strength of character. She has improved the Union community through her actions, her voice and her presence.”
In addition to the Daggett Prize, Baratier collected six other prizes.
Other presenters at Prize Day included Michele Angrist, the Stephen J. and Diane K. Ciesinski Dean of Faculty and vice president for Academic Affairs; Annette Diorio, vice president for Student Affairs and Dean of Students; Eun-sil Lee, class dean for the Class of 2025; and Kara Doyle, dean of Academic Departments and Programs. Sage Stinson ’25, president of Student Forum, served as master of ceremonies.
The event featured a dance performance by Jolita Brettler ’25, Ava DuBoff ’26, Anthony Montas ’26, Morgan Napier ’25, Grace Newcombe ’25, Abby Wilder ’25 and Jennifer Vil ’26. It was choreographed by Brettler.
The Union College Brass Chamber Ensemble, led by Jin Byun, director of music performance, also performed.
The first Prize Day was held in May 1932 to complement the annual Block U Dinner for athletic achievement. The new event honored 20 seniors for their intellectual accomplishments.