Honoring outstanding seniors

Ellery Bergman Chudnow and Nivedita Prabhu are the 2026 recipients of the Emalea Pusey Warner and Alexander J. Taylor Sr. Awards for Outstanding Seniors. The awards are presented by the University of Delaware Alumni Association (UDAA) each year to recognize seniors who demonstrate leadership, academic success and community service.

Emalea Pusey Warner Award: Ellery Bergman Chudnow

Ellery Bergman Chudnow's University of Delaware experience has been defined by a commitment to connection, collaboration and service. A distinguished scholar in the Honors College and one of the top students in her class, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA while pursuing an honors bachelor of science in health behavior science, with minors in business administration and global health. Her academic work reflects a deep interest in health equity and the systems that shape access to care, paired with a strong belief that the most meaningful solutions emerge through dialogue and shared understanding.

Throughout her time at Delaware, Bergman Chudnow has actively created spaces for conversation and collaboration. As a Blue Hen Ambassador and training coordinator, she has mentored fellow students and helped prospective Blue Hens envision their place within the University community. As a cybersecurity scholar, she served as a project leader improving the School of Nursing's electronic health records system, successfully bridging communication gaps between technical and clinical teams. She has also contributed to the Delaware State Health Improvement Plan, working alongside public health professionals, and served as an honors writing fellow, supporting first-year students in their academic development.

Bergman Chudnow's impact extends far beyond campus through global engagement and service. During an internship with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, she developed sustainability education resources now used in schools in more than 100 countries, even traveling to New York City to deepen her work and professional connections. Her commitment to global understanding also led her to leadership roles abroad, including guiding student leaders on an interfaith trip to Israel and volunteering with Save a Child's Heart, where she supported children recovering from life-saving surgeries and documented their stories.

In addition to her academic and service achievements, Bergman Chudnow demonstrates entrepreneurial leadership and a forward-looking vision for public health. She co-founded Code Clear Solutions, an organization aimed at alleviating medical debt, and has been recognized as a candidate for prestigious national fellowships, including the Truman, Marshall and Fulbright programs, where she is currently a semi-finalist. She has applied to Tel Aviv University for the master's degree program in disaster management and plans to return to her hometown of New York City to work in emergency preparedness and response.

"Grounded in the Jewish value of tikkun olam, I view disaster management as a means of repairing the world by leveraging global partnerships to build resilience in moments of crisis," she said.

Bergman Chudnow's ability to bring people together, translate ideas across disciplines and lead with empathy makes her a truly outstanding representative of the University of Delaware and a deserving candidate for the Warner and Taylor Awards.

"This young woman exemplifies everything you could want in a graduate from the University of Delaware. Her dedication, kindness and determination have had an impact on me," said Kristin Beinninghoff, associate director in the Office of National Fellowships.

Alexander J. Taylor Sr. Award: Nivedita Prabhu

Nivedita Prabhu stands out as a uniquely accomplished scholar and leader whose work bridges disciplines and drives meaningful impact. Arriving on campus as a distinguished scholar and member of the Honors College, she quickly distinguished herself through her intellectual curiosity and interdisciplinary vision. Pursuing concurrent honors degrees in biochemistry and political science, Prabhu has consistently excelled at the highest academic level, earning a 3.95 GPA while embracing the challenge of linking scientific discovery with public policy.

"I did not expect how transformational my time at UD would be and how much I would grow as a scholar, citizen and individual," Prabhu said.

Whether in advanced biochemistry courses or upper-level political science seminars, Prabhu has distinguished herself not only through top academic performance but also through her commitment to elevating those around her. Her collaborative spirit, intellectual generosity and ability to synthesize complex ideas have made her both a leader in the classroom and a trusted peer among her fellow students.

Prabhu's leadership extends far beyond academics, particularly through her impact on campus organizations. As president of the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates, she has fostered a vibrant and inclusive community of more than 300 students, creating programming that highlights diverse voices in science and inspires students from all backgrounds to see themselves as scientists. She also co-founded the Women in Law and Politics organization, now a thriving community connecting hundreds of students to professional opportunities and mentorship. Across these efforts, Prabhu has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to inclusion, mentorship and empowering others to pursue ambitious goals.

Equally impressive is Prabhu's dedication to research, service and real-world impact. In the laboratory, she has conducted advanced organic chemistry research and completed an honors thesis focused on innovative biochemical applications. In the social sciences, she has led program evaluations within both the political science and chemistry and biochemistry departments, ensuring that student voices inform curriculum and policy decisions. Beyond campus, she has interned with the Colorado House of Representatives, contributed to healthcare advocacy efforts and engaged in extensive clinical shadowing experiences that span primary care, public health and forensic medicine. Her independent research abroad in Switzerland further reflects her initiative, examining public health systems through a global and comparative lens.

Despite her many accomplishments, Prabhu remains grounded in a deep commitment to service and community. She continually returns to her home state of Colorado to give back through education, environmental programming and healthcare advocacy, while also maintaining a strong presence on campus as a mentor, ambassador and teaching fellow. Recently selected as a Fulbright semifinalist to study social policy and reproductive healthcare in Finland and chosen as the inaugural student speaker for her college's commencement ceremony, Prabhu exemplifies the very best of the University of Delaware.

"Nivedita Prabhu is the quintessence of what the College of Arts and Sciences represents - a place where students can make connections across disciplines and lead conversations that share our future," said Caleb Everett, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

To learn more about the UD Alumni Association's Warner and Taylor Awards, past recipients and more awards offered through the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, visit the Scholarships and Awards webpage.