Baton Rouge
Hattiesburg
Tradition
Student Life
Student Affairs
Jenna Garriga wins ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ Student Leadership Award
Jenna Garriga of Kiln received the 2026 Student Leadership Award during “Honors Day” at ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ.
Each year, ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ’s Student Life Committee selects one graduating senior for this award, among the highest bestowed by the university. Dr. Valerie Bridgeforth, ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ vice president for student affairs, made the presentation.
“An outstanding student, Jenna is captain of the women’s basketball team at William Carey. She received a Halbrook Award from Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning – and was named a 2025 ‘Champion of Character’ by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics,” Bridgeforth said.
“She is a student leader whose personality combines humility, resilience, humor, compassion and warmth. She excels in group settings – always emphasizing group success over individual recognition.”
Garriga also won this year’s Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Award.
What’s next: This summer, Garriga will serve on a two-month mission trip in Southeast Asia. She will return to ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in business administration.
ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ’s “Honors Day” ceremony was held April 29 at Thomas Fine Arts Auditorium on ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ’s Hattiesburg campus.
Student Leadership Award winner Jenna Garriga, right, visits after Honors Day with Dr. Valerie Bridgeforth, ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ vice president for student affairs.
Related Posts
Hattiesburg
Theatre and Communication
Missions & Ministry Studies
Mississippi Humanities Council honors ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ’s Brandon Knight
Osteopathic Medicine
Hattiesburg
ÌÒÌ«ÀÉÓ³Ïñ College of Osteopathic Medicine leads the nation in primary care
Hattiesburg
Advancement
President