The annual Spirit of Steinhardt Alumni Awards are built upon the five mission pillars of the school: social impact, values-driven leadership, innovation, striving for excellence, and global engagement.
We celebrate alumni whose impact and contributions are shining the brightest light possible on the vital ecosystems of our society. The three award categories are Ascending Champion, Disruptor of the Year, and Steinhardt Visionary.
Meet Our 2025 Recipients
L. Trenton S. Marsh (PhD ’17) Named 2025 Steinhardt Ascending Champion
A graduate of NYU Steinhardt’s Teaching and Learning doctoral program, Marsh is now an associate professor at the University of Central Florida working to amplify youth voices.
Katherine Dimitropoulou (MA ’00, PhD ’06) Named 2025 Steinhardt Disruptor of the Year
Currently an assistant professor at Columbia University Medical Center and director of the Action Development and Function research lab, Dimitropoulou is a double alum of Steinhardt’s Occupational Therapy program.
Ellen Naomi Zisholtz (MA ’79) Named 2025 Steinhardt Visionary
The Performing Arts Administration alum is the founder, president, and CEO of the Center for Creative Partnerships, which promotes community involvement through the arts and humanities.
Past Recipients
2024
- Ascending Champion: Micheal Quach (BS ’22, Teaching Physics, Grades 7–12)
- Disruptor of the Year: Adam D-F Stevens (MA ’18, Drama Therapy)
- Steinhardt Visionary: Susan Antolin (EdD ’22, Leadership and Innovation)