Donald R. Boomgaarden Leadership in Action Award
Each year, along with naming its valedictorians, St. Joseph’s University, New York selects one student from its Brooklyn and Long Island Campuses to receive the prestigious Donald R. Boomgaarden Leadership in Action Award. The students chosen have demonstrated outstanding leadership and are the embodiment of the University’s motto, Esse non videri – “To be, not seem.”
Recognized during the University’s “Toast to the Graduates” celebration on the Brooklyn and Long Island Campuses, this year’s awards were presented to Isa-Marie Kruezinger ’26 and Michaela Barresi ’26 respectively.
Over the past four years, both students have exhibited academic and professional excellence that aligns with SJNY’s values of integrity, intellectual rigor, spiritual depth, social responsibility and service.
Isa Marie Kreuzinger ’26
An international student from Erfurt, Germany, Isa-Marie Kreuzinger traveled to the United States, specifically to attend St. Joseph’s University, New York, sight unseen. Drawn to its small class sizes and student-to-faculty ratio, Isa-Marie would major in both Psychology and Economics while getting to know the ins and the outs of the SJNY community.
That said, she would not allow a moment to pass her by. Isa-Marie has spent the last four years gaining experience and forging connections on her path to becoming a researcher. She is both president and the founder of the Research Club while also serving as president of the Psychology Club and maintaining a 3.99 GPA.
From working in the University’s Office of Admissions to working as a research assistant in its BRAID lab to being a 2024 SURF awardee, Isa-Marie approaches everything she does with a sense of purpose, determination and compassion.
Most recently, Isa-Marie performed on stage alongside SJNY President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D. during his annual spring recital, reciting the poems “Andenken” and “Ich liebe dich (Zärtliche Liebe)” in her native language of German.
“Winning this award does not only reflect my achievements but also all the kind and supportive people who have been here for me on campus,” Kreuzinger said. “There are so many people I would like to thank and I think that says a lot of about the community that was created here at St. Joseph’s.”
Her extensive research has been presented at SJNY’s Undergraduate Research Symposium as a recipient of the University’s SURF program, as well as the Annual Psychological Association Conference in New York City.
As she looks to the future, Isa-Marie has already secured a position as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Mount Sinai’s Brian Injury Research Center. There she will complete her optional practical training before pursuing a master’s degree in Healthcare Analytics, Data Analytics or Research Methods.
Michaela Barresi ’26
As a nursing major and co-program director of the Campus Activities Board (C.A.B.), Michaela Barresi has miraculously found time to balance a host of responsibilities all while keeping up with her studies, boasting an impressive 3.9 GPA. The events Michaela has helped curate during her time at St. Joseph’s brought students together to share experiences of joy, belonging and connection.
During her four years, she shown a passion for not only deepening her own relationship with the University, but doing the same for others as well. She has served both as an orientation leader and peer tutor for nursing students — acting as a mentor and guide for those navigating the complexities of college life.
When she isn’t helping her fellow students achieve academic success, she’s on the field securing victories as a four-year member of the Golden Eagles Women’s Soccer Team. In fact, this past fall she helped lead her team to the NCAA Division III Regionals. In addition, Michaela sits as a representative on the student-athlete advisory committee.
And the list goes on: A member of the Psi Chi and Chi Alpha Sigma honor societies, the BSN/Nursing Club and the Diversity Union. Michaela continuously seeks out any and every opportunity to lead, inspire and challenge others.
“To be honored by a community that has given me so much is truly humbling,” Barresi said. “When I reflect on my time at St. Joseph’s University, I don’t just think about the roles I’ve held, but the people, the moments and the growth that came with them.”
Michaela has taken great pride in being afforded the opportunity to create spaces where students can feel included and part of something bigger than themselves.
“Leadership isn’t about recognition, but the influence you leave on the people around you,” she continued.
With a bright future in nursing ahead of her, Michaela hopes to continue leading with empathy while advocating for others — two essential traits for a successful career in health care.
