The University of Wisconsin-Superior has named Tasneem (Nemo) Aidabi, Usman Ahmad, Tamami Igeta, Dillion Krisik, and Brenna Mattson as the recipients of the 2025 Chancellor’s Leadership Award. This prestigious award is presented to graduating students who demonstrate a commitment to personal growth and have made meaningful contributions to their peers, campus, and community.

Tasneem Aidabi, originally from Wad Madani, Sudan, was born and raised in Doha, Qatar. She is majoring in mathematics with a minor in applied arts. Aidabi has been deeply involved in leadership and student organizations, serving as president of the Black Student Union, where she played a key role in organizing the Soul Food Dinner.

She has also contributed to the World Student Association, helping to plan events such as Cultural Night, the Cooking Demo, and initiatives through the School of Business and Economics Event Planning Committee. In addition, she has served as a campus ambassador, undergraduate researcher, orientation student manager, and mathematics teaching assistant.

For the 2024–2025 academic year, she held the roles of Speaker of the Senate and SJC Chair within the Student Government Association. After graduation, Aidabi plans to pursue a master’s degree at either the New Jersey Institute of Technology or the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Usman Ahmad, from Faisalabad, Pakistan, is completing a double major in accounting and economics. He has held several prominent leadership roles, including president of the Student Government Association, president of the School of Business and Economics (SBE) Event Planning Committee, SUFAC chair, and vice president of the International Peace Studies Association.

Ahmad represented UW-Superior at both the National Model United Nations and the Harvard National Model United Nations. He has also organized awards banquets and received several academic honors, including the Outstanding Sophomore Award, the Tommy G. Thompson Leadership Award, and the Outstanding Student Leader Award. Additionally, he has served as a resident assistant, embedded tutor, and Mentor Collective member at the Educational Success Center, where he was honored with the Innovator Award.

Ahmad plans to pursue a Master of Science in accounting and analytics, with aspirations of becoming a financial analyst.

Tamami Igeta, a student from Japan, is pursuing a triple major in business analytics, marketing, and supply chain management. During her time at UW-Superior, she completed both Developmental and Fellowship SURF projects, exploring her interests in sustainable fashion and data analytics.

Igeta served as president of the World Student Association for two years and worked as a student researcher in Institutional Research and Sponsored Programs, as well as office manager for Student Involvement.

She is currently completing a one-year internship as a business systems analyst at Minnesota Power, which concludes in May.

After graduation, Igeta plans to pursue a career as a data analyst in the United States.

Dillion Krisik, from the Red Cliff Reservation in Red Cliff, Wisconsin, majored in social studies education with a concentration in history. On campus, he held numerous leadership and community-building roles, including serving as president of the Native Nations Student Organization, diversity liaison for the Student Government Association, and a member of the World Student Association.

Krisik also served on the Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Committee and worked as a student mentor and success coach for the Indigenous Cultures Resource Center. Deeply committed to community service, he frequently volunteered with the Superior School District’s American Indian Education Parent Advisory Committee.

After graduation, Krisik plans to begin a teaching career in the Northwoods and continue developing his proficiency in Ojibwe.

Brenna Mattson, an elementary education major from Cloquet, Minnesota, has been an active contributor to both the UW-Superior campus and the local community. A four-year player and two-year captain of the UW-Superior women’s soccer team, she also supported youth development by organizing events and coaching youth soccer teams.

Mattson has received numerous academic and athletic accolades, including the UW-Superior Dean’s List, Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year, College Sports Communicators Academic All-American Honors, Academic All-District Honors, Upper Midwest Academic All-Conference Honors, two-time Upper Midwest Defensive Player of the Year, and First-Team All-Conference recognition.

After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in education and hopes to work as an elementary school teacher in the region.

UW-Superior will hold its commencement on Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Siinto S. Wessman Arena at 2701 Catlin Ave. in Superior.