The 2026 Servant Leader Awards

On behalf of the 2026 Servant Leader Awards Committee, we are honored to recognize three exceptional students whose commitment to service reflects the true spirit of servant leadership at Seton Hall University. For more than two decades, the Servant Leader Awards have sought to recognize and uplift students whose dedication to service - both on and off campus - serves as an inspiration to their peers and the broader Seton Hall community. Throughout the years, these awards have highlighted individuals driven not by recognition but by a deep, personal call to serve others and work toward a more just and compassionate society.

We are proud to announce four recipients for this year's awards:
• Stephen Beaman
• Christopher Ivanov
• Sukaina Jacquet

Each of these students embodies a unique yet deeply rooted dedication to uplifting others, demonstrating that meaningful service is grounded in humility, compassion and a desire to create lasting impact beyond recognition.

Stephen Beaman, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations, approaches servant leadership through the lens of his Catholic faith and a lifelong commitment to those who are underserved and often overlooked. For Beaman, service is not about recognition, but about using one’s gifts to bring love, dignity and support to others. His impact is evident both on and off campus. As a student-athlete and leader within Seton Hall Athletics, he has played a key role in coordinating service initiatives through the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, including Thanksgiving basket drives, BIG EAST food drives and holiday card-making efforts.

Beyond athletics, Beaman has been actively involved in Campus Ministry since his freshman year and now serves as a graduate assistant, helping to foster community through Bible studies and campus-wide initiatives such as the Advent Sock and Food Drive. His commitment extends into the broader community through his work with the Family Resource Network, where he has supported children and families affected by autism and epilepsy by organizing events and fundraising efforts like Seize the Wave and the Autism Beach Bash. Through every effort, Beaman leads with humility, compassion and a genuine desire to ensure others feel valued and supported.

Christopher Ivanov, a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Nonprofit Studies, exemplifies servant leadership through consistency, empathy and quiet dedication. Inspired by his mother’s example, Ivanov understands service as a sustained commitment to showing up for others with care and humility. Since 2024, he has volunteered weekly at Raphael’s Life House, providing dependable childcare and support for mothers experiencing homelessness and their young children. His dedication is so profound that he intentionally structured his academic schedule to ensure he could continue serving each week.

In addition to caring for the children, Ivanov has taken initiative beyond his role, collaborating with his crochet club to create and donate handmade hats for mothers and babies during the holiday season. As a DOVE Service on Saturday Team Leader, he has also guided fellow students in local service opportunities, encouraging deeper reflection and engagement. His ability to lead with empathy and inspire others has made him a meaningful presence both on campus and in the community.

Sukaina Jacquet, a sophomore pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Diplomacy and International Relations with a minor in Sociology, brings a powerful and personal understanding of servant leadership shaped by her upbringing in Haiti and the example of her family. She believes service is rooted in responsibility, listening, and standing alongside others with dignity and compassion. Jacquet has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her work with the Division of Volunteer Efforts, where she has coordinated service opportunities and stepped forward wherever there is need.

At the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, Jacquet has served as a Haitian Creole translator, ensuring families receiving assistance are met with clarity, respect, and care. She has also dedicated nearly two years to mentoring youth at the Don Bosco Youth Center, building meaningful relationships grounded in trust and encouragement. Her service extends into advocacy, where she has helped more than fifteen families in Haiti apply for humanitarian parole and asylum, while also assisting immigrants locally with job applications and tax filing. As President of the Minority Pre-Law Society, Jacquet continues to create pathways for mentorship, professional growth and access for underrepresented students. Her unwavering commitment to justice and service highlights her profound impact both locally and globally.

The Division of Volunteer Efforts held a ceremony on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, to celebrate this year's recipients. Family and friends were able to join from far and near to celebrate with our recipients. President Monsignor Joseph Reilly shared inspirational words on the role of servant leadership. Pedro Bismarck Chau gave an incredible keynote address.

Seton Hall University wishes to congratulate the recipients of the Twenty-Second Annual Servant Leader Awards. Thank you for your constant efforts towards the betterment of our communities and all of humanity. Your hard work and service towards the transcendence of humanity will never go unnoticed.

Categories: Faith and Service