Dr. David (Dave) Burdick completed his PhD and postdoctoral training at the University of Notre Dame, and this award was partly named after the insignia on Notre Dame's coat of arms, which translates to "Life, Sweetness, Hope." Dr. Burdick's primary appointment is Professor of Psychology within the Psychology Department in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Stockton University. He also serves as the Director of Stockton Center on Successful Aging.

Dave was Sean's course instructor for Introduction to Psychology in Fall of 1998 and from 2000-2002, he served as Sean's undergraduate preceptor and advised his Senior Research Project for Distinction. Dave inspired Sean to seek graduate training in psychology and aging and he continued to serve as a mentor far beyond Sean's years at Stockton.

Sean said, "Dave is among the most thoughtful and kindest people I know. His office door was always open with lines of students waiting for his advice; he has a hopeful presence about him and an implicit sense of duty to give voice to those without strong representation. It is for these reasons and more that we honor him. I would love to see these qualities among student mentors at any level."

Dr. Carol Dweck was employed at the University of Illinois from 1972-1981 (Assistant to Associate Professor) and again from 1985-1989 (Full Professor). Carol's research on achievement motivation inspired Sean to integrate her theoretical frameworks and apply them to his teaching and research.

Sean said, "As a lab, we embody the 'growth mindset' when we expect everyone to have the capacity to change their health-related behaviors, performance and functioning. To qualify for this award, the student must not only demonstrate a sense of mastery in skills (general research skills or more specific, technical skills for delivering behavior change interventions), but the student must also contribute to a learning environment aiming to cultivate positive attitudes towards physical activity and health among our study participants."

Dr. Joan Duda received her PhD at the University of Illinois in 1981 and is internationally known for her work on motivational processes and adherence in sport, exercise, and dance. Sean connected with Joan's work at 19; task vs. ego motivational orientations framed his undergraduate and master's research. He finally met Joan at his first AASP conference, and she has remained a guiding influence for over 15 years.

Sean said, "School wasn't my top priority until I took a course in sport psychology and a class project led me to her publications. A light-bulb went off and I found my purpose. I now celebrate and remain envious at how well Joan seems to juggle working in so many arenas, keeping adults physically active, athletes performing at their best, and developing curriculum to teach and motivate individuals across the lifespan—all with kindness and compassion."

Dr. Deborah A. Kendzierski received her PhD from the University of Minnesota in 1982 and served as Sean's thesis advisor at Villanova University. Her application of Hazel Markus's theories (self-schema, possible selves) to physical activity and healthy eating helped lay the foundation for Sean's research agenda. She emphasized social cognition and writing quality, with lasting impact. Kendzierski & DeCarlo (1991) produced one of the first enjoyment measures in physical activity, which Sean later extended in his own work.

Sean said, "Deb is my beacon. My research passion started with Dave Burdick and the writings of Joan Duda. My direction crystallized during my research experiences with Deb. When I have been in the area, I always try to arrange a visit. Deb has always been willing to meet with me over a Vietnamese meal, and she always insists on buying."

Mo Weiss received her PhD from Michigan State University in 1981. Her research focuses on the psychological, social, and motor development of children and adolescents in sport and physical activity. She has published more than 150 works and supervised many graduate students. From 1997-2007, she directed the Sport & Exercise Psychology Program at UVA and co-mentored Sean.

Sean remembers her "unwavering enthusiasm for teaching and weekly take-home messages" about motivation, coaching, peer relationships, and moral development in sport. She often helped Sean reframe challenges and stay motivated.

Robert "Bru" Brustad, PhD (1953–2022), earned his PhD at the University of Oregon (mentored by Mo Weiss). As a professor at the University of Northern Colorado, he focused on the social psychology of sport and physical activity and positive youth development, contributing to youth sport projects in Chile, Brazil, Spain, and Colorado. He also remained a lifelong athlete and coach.

Sean said, "I always admired Bru's work and lifestyle. I wanted the kind of impact he made, along with the work-life balance and without the spotlight. For me, he was living the dream. He shared much wisdom the one night I met him, and I am eternally grateful."

Jack McArdle was a self-taught statistical innovator and lifespan developmental methodologist studying cognitive aging. He is known for developing novel methods for analyzing change and handling missing data. Jack taught at the University of Virginia, where Sean took Quantitative Methods II. Jack significantly shaped Sean's approach to research methods.

This award is for students who make creative, impactful contributions to quantitative analyses or algorithm development in the lab.

Dr. Diane E. Whaley was Sean's PhD advisor at UVA (2004–2009) and now holds Emerita status. She has advanced feminist methods and highlighted diversity and equity issues in sport and exercise psychology and education. Her work includes physical activity-related identity and "possible selves" across the lifespan.

Sean said, "Dave molded me into a research vessel. Deb oiled my gears and wound me up and pointed me to Diane. Diane opened my eyes, and let me go. I owe much to Diane for helping me find my niche and for teaching me that there's more to life than publications… She helped me become a much better teacher and human."

Dr. Arthur (Art) F. Kramer earned his PhD in Cognitive and Experimental Psychology in 1984 from UIUC and later became Director of the Beckman Institute. He has been a pioneer in demonstrating how gaming and exercise benefit cognition and brain health. Sean joined Illinois as a postdoc in Exercise Psychology while Art and Dr. McAuley had a long history of collaboration.

Sean described Art as "a beautifully brilliant mind" who was highly responsive, tactful in feedback, and always up-to-date on emerging neuroscience and brain-enhancing interventions. Art also maintained an active lifestyle (boxing, rock-climbing, running).

Dr. Wendy Borlabi earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology with a Sport & Exercise Psychology concentration. She works with the Chicago Bulls, consults for the NBA, and runs Borlabi Consulting. She has helped build sport psychology programs and taught at multiple institutions.

Sean said, "For a short time, she served as my mentor while I was pursuing a certification to become a performance consultant… Wendy embodies excellence in everything she does. I count myself very fortunate for the brief time I got to spend with her and we stay in touch through text... she's just such a good person."

Dr. Sherry Pagoto is a licensed clinical psychologist, researcher, and professor known for her work in behavioral medicine, obesity, physical activity, and digital health interventions (including mHealth and social media). She directs the UConn Center for mHealth and Social Media.

Sean said, "She has consistently championed equity and women's rights, setting an exemplary standard for us all… In honoring her legacy with this award, I hope to emphasize my admiration and respect for her work and the positive impact she continues to have on others. It is a privilege to stand as an ally in the pursuit of her inspiring goals."

Dr. Edward (Eddie) McAuley is Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois and is internationally recognized for his work in exercise psychology, especially self-efficacy, physical activity adherence, and successful aging. His research has shaped how we think about confidence, motivation, and long-term engagement in movement across the lifespan.

Eddie served as Sean's postdoctoral mentor and was highly influential in shaping his career trajectory. Under Eddie's guidance, Sean learned how to design and conduct rigorous clinical trials, think carefully about behavior change mechanisms, and develop the grant-writing skills necessary to sustain an independent research program.

Sean said, "Eddie taught me that self-efficacy isn't just a construct we write about—it's something we build, test, and protect in real people's lives. He modeled what it means to be exacting with methods, generous with feedback, and quietly relentless in pursuit of better science. I would not be where I am without the way he invested in my career, pushed my thinking, and trusted me with big responsibilities before I felt ready."

This award honors students who not only understand self-efficacy as a theory, but live it out in the lab—by designing or delivering interventions that build confidence, by persisting through setbacks in research, and by helping others believe that they can grow, change, and contribute.