The Presidential Award for Civic Life is the highest recognition for service, leadership, and civic engagement conferred by Tufts University. This award celebrates outstanding graduating students who have combined academic achievement with a profound impact on communities near and far, helping to address some of the biggest challenges in our society. Tisch College of Civic Life, along with many partners across the University, is proud to help coordinate the outreach and selection process.

The Presidential Award for Civic Life was established in 1999 by then-Tufts President John DiBiaggio. This award recognizes graduating students from across the university for outstanding achievement in community service and community leadership. 

Each year, we receive an extraordinary number of nominations, and it is of utmost importance to ensure that the selection process remains equitable, transparent, and representative of the highest standards of achievement.

Congratulations to the 14 recipients of the 2026 Presidential Awards for Civic Life!

Undergraduate Students 

School of Arts and Sciences

• David Delvalle, A26 Civic Studies
• Mathew Letua, A26 Economics
• Aria Ma, A26 Biopsychology and Studio Art
• Seona Maskara, A26 International Relations
• Nick Rishi, A26 International Relations
• Meirav Solomon, A26 International Relations
• Allen Wang, A26 Studio Art (BFA)

Graduate Students

The Fletcher School

• Zviad Adzinbaia, F26 Ph.D. in International Relations

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

• Matthew Soto, AG26 MS in Data Analytics

Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy 

• Yutong Chen, N26 Ph.D. in Nutrition Epidemiology & Data Science

School of Dental Medicine

• Valquiria De Laurenzio, D26 D.M.D.

School of Medicine

• Benji Cole, M26 M.D.
• Hailey Greenstone, M26 M.D.

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

• Evan Griffith, V26 Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences