ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ Alumni is proud to unveil the exceptional members of the 2026 Class of 30 Under 30. These accomplished young alumni represent the very best of Knight Nation β innovators, leaders and change-makers whose talent, drive and purpose are shaping industries, strengthening communities and redefining what is possible.
With its 12th class in 11 years, the 30 Under 30 program recognizes alumni under the age of 30 whose professional achievements, leadership and service reflect the bold spirit, values and impact of the ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½. The program also underscores ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½βs role in developing highly skilled graduates who fuel innovation, service and economic impact in Florida and beyond.
βThese alumni embody the spirit of ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ in every sense,β says Heather Junod β98, associate vice president of alumni engagement and annual giving. βEach year, my pride grows as we recognize a new class of 30 Under 30 honorees who are leading with integrity, creativity and courage. Their achievements are extraordinary, but what inspires me most is their commitment to service β to their communities, their professions and their alma mater. They remind us all of the power of a ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ education and the impact Knights can make when they dare to lead.β
Hundreds of nominations were submitted online between Oct. 3βNov. 12, 2025. Applications were reviewed and scored by previous award recipients, ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ Young Alumni ambassadors and ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ staff. Finalists were then confirmed by the ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ Alumni Board of Directors based on the following criteria:
- Must be a graduate of ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ (undergraduate or graduate degree)
- Must be 29 or younger as of June 1, 2026
- Must demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a lifelong relationship with ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ and upholding ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ Young Alumni values
βOn behalf of the ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ Young Alumni Community, congratulations to the remarkable members of the 2026 Class of 30 Under 30,β says Austin Wilson β22, chair of the ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ Alumni Community. βThese honorees represent the future of Knight Nation. Their ambition, leadership and dedication to making a difference reflect the values that connect us as alumni. We are proud to celebrate not only what they have already accomplished, but the incredible impact they will continue to make as leaders, mentors and advocates for ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½.β
ΒιΆΉΣ³»΄«Γ½ Alumni will celebrate the 2026 award recipients at a special event on Saturday, May 16, at the Addition Financial Arena. A complete slate of the honorees, listed alphabetically by last name, appears below. Past recipients can be found on the .

Cassandra Allen ’18
΅ώ²Ή³¦³σ±π±τ΄Η°ωβs&²Τ²ϊ²υ±θ;Ύ±²Τ&²Τ²ϊ²υ±θ;health sciences

Samantha Archer Stoltz ’24
Bachelor’s in biology
Burnett Honors College

Chloe Artrip ’19 ’23DPT
Bachelor’s in health sciences
Doctorate in physical therapy

Coral Barron Patraca ’19
Bachelor’s in aerospace engineering
Burnett Honors College

Ana Beltran ’19 ’24MFA
Bachelor’s in digital media-game design
Bachelorβs in emerging media-animation
Master’s in emerging media-animation and visual effects

Mishka Brice ’19
Bachelor’s in political science
Burnett Honors College

Taya Britten ’20
Bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies

Brenden Brown ’20 ’23MHA
Bachelor’s in health sciences
Master’s in health administration

Dominic Davis ’21
Bachelor’s in human communication

Jalynn Edmon ’25
Bachelor’s in nursing

Olivia Feild ’20 ’22MS
Bachelor’s in forensic science
Master’s in forensic science
Burnett Honors College

Marshall Fornataro-Minnig ’22MS
Master’s in interactive entertainment

Katherine Grand ’23 ’25MHA
Bachelor’s in health services administration
Master’s in health administration

Michele Guillard ’20
Bachelor’s in health sciences
Bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies
Burnett Honors College

Margaret Hall ’22
Bachelor’s in legal studies
Burnett Honors College

Neda Hamood ’22 ’24MS
Bachelor’s in biomedical sciences
Master’s in biomedical sciences
Burnett Honors College

Jaquesha Jefferson ’22
Bachelor’s in health sciences

Derreasha Jones ’21 ’24MA
Bachelor’s in psychology
Master’s in counselor education

Mailuce Louidor ’20
Bachelor’s in nursing

Faith McFarland ’19 ’22MA
Bachelor’s in psychology
Master’s in clinical psychology

Hannah Miner ’20
Bachelor’s in forensic science

Lawrence Oks ’21 ’22MS
Bachelor’s in computer science
Master’s in computer science
Burnett Honors College

Jillian Pirozzi ’22 ’25MHA
Bachelor’s in health sciences
Master’s in health administration

Emily Puia ’22
Bachelor’s in human communication

Matthew Rall ’19
Bachelor’s in emergency management

Michael Raymond ’19
΅ώ²Ή³¦³σ±π±τ΄Η°ωβs&²Τ²ϊ²υ±θ;Ύ±²Τ business economics

Shaina Ruth ’18
Bachelor’s in criminal justice

Maximillian Seidel ’18
Bachelor’s in management

Autumn Shackelford ’25PhD
Doctorate in physics

Nicholas Vaughn ’19
Bachelor’s in biology