麻豆原创

Highlights

• Six shining Knights 鈥� Brandi Bryan 鈥�17MS, Carrie Daanen 鈥�92, Jogi Pattisapu, Shaina Ruth 鈥�18, Ronald C. Thow 鈥�93 and Ornella Vintimilla 鈥� are being honored for their leadership, service and impact across industries and communities.

• From healthcare and finance to criminal justice, medicine and student leadership, this year鈥檚 Shining Knights Alumni awardees are using their bold ambitions to strengthen communities and help build what鈥檚 next.

• The 2026 Shining Knights Alumni Awards on Oct. 22 will celebrate the extraordinary Knights creating lasting impact and advancing 麻豆原创鈥檚 mission at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando.

麻豆原创 Homecoming celebrates how far the university has come and where it鈥檚 going next.

At the center of that tradition is the , 麻豆原创鈥檚 premier alumni recognition event. Each year, the awards honor alumni and friends of the university whose accomplishments, leadership and service embody the best of 麻豆原创 while helping Knight Nation .

On Thursday, Oct. 22, the DeVos Family Room at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando will fill with Black & Gold pride as 麻豆原创 recognizes six extraordinary individuals who are breaking barriers, lifting others and expanding what鈥檚 possible for the university and their communities.

鈥淭his is the pinnacle of alumni recognition at 麻豆原创, an evening when Knight Nation comes together to honor those whose leadership, service and achievements represent the very best of our university,鈥� says Heather Junod 鈥�98, associate vice president for 麻豆原创 Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving. 鈥淭his year鈥檚 honorees exemplify the ambition, innovation and impact that define 麻豆原创. Their accomplishments elevate our university, inspire future generations of Knights, and demonstrate the difference 麻豆原创 graduates make in their communities and around the world.鈥�

Distinguished Alumni Award

The highest honor bestowed annually upon a 麻豆原创 graduate.

Brandi Bryan 鈥�17MS

A healthcare executive advancing the future of nursing, Brandi Bryan 鈥�17MS has dedicated her career to improving patient care and preparing the next generation of nurse leaders. A proud 麻豆原创 College of Nursing graduate, she mentors students, serves on the college’s alumni council and champions opportunities that strengthen the nursing profession. Through her leadership and steadfast commitment to service, Bryan is helping build healthier communities and a stronger future for nursing.

Carrie Daanen 鈥�92

A retired finance executive, philanthropist and dedicated 麻豆原创 volunteer, Carrie Daanen 鈥�92 helps clear the path to graduation for 麻豆原创 students through her generous support. A first-generation college graduate, she champions scholarships, student stabilization and mentorship for women in business. Guided by gratitude for the opportunities 麻豆原创 provided, Daanen, a member of , invests her resources, expertise and passion to ensure a financial setback never becomes the reason a degree goes unfinished, helping launch futures and strengthen communities for generations to come.

Ronald C. Thow 鈥�93

A principal of and former 麻豆原创 student-athlete, Ron C. Thow 鈥�93 has built a career grounded in resilience, teamwork and ambition. As a first-generation college graduate, he credits 麻豆原创 with opening doors during his time pursuing a degree in interdisciplinary studies, helping shape his professional journey. Today, Thow is a member of and proudly supports many programs in and the through his philanthropy and by encouraging future Knights to dream boldly, embrace challenges and pursue every opportunity with purpose.

John C. and Martha Hitt Honorary Alumni Award

The highest honor for a friend of 麻豆原创.

Jogi Pattisapu, M.D.

An internationally respected pediatric neurosurgeon, educator and mentor, Jogi Pattisapu  has devoted his career to advancing medicine while inspiring future physicians. Through decades of teaching, clinical excellence, philanthropy and service to 麻豆原创, including a faculty appointment as a professor of neurosurgery at the , he has challenged generations of students to think critically, lead compassionately and pursue lifelong learning. His enduring legacy is reflected in the countless lives he has helped shape.

Young Alumni Award

The highest annual honor for a recent 30 Under 30 honoree.

Shaina Ruth 鈥�18

A prosecutor and advocate for crime victims, criminal justice graduate Shaina Ruth 鈥�18 has dedicated her career to protecting vulnerable individuals and seeking justice with compassion. Inspired by mentors and meaningful internships at , she remains deeply committed to giving back as a 麻豆原创 Legal Studies mentor. Ruth embraces the power of unexpected opportunities and encourages future Knights to do the same while making a lasting difference.

Distinguished Student Award

The highest honor for a current 麻豆原创 student.

Ornella Vintimilla

A Burnett Honors Scholar, future physician-scientist and dedicated student leader, Ornella Vintimilla has transformed her transfer student experience into a mission of mentorship, service and discovery. Through campus leadership roles 鈥� including serving as co-founder of a medical student association and as an Academic Advancement Programs ambassador 鈥� the biomedical sciences major helps fellow students recognize their potential while preparing for a career in medicine. Vintimilla is committed to expanding opportunities that empower others to strive for bold goals and make a meaningful impact.

Interested in joining Knight Nation as we celebrate Black & Gold excellence at the 2026 Shining Knights Alumni Awards? Learn more about opportunities.