The award is named for Alexander Twilight, the first person of African descent to graduate from an American college (Middlebury in 1823)  and serve in a state legislature. It honors Middlebury students who transcend boundaries of race, class and gender through collaboration.

   “Receiving an award named after someone with that kind of legacy means so much to me,” Gonzalez said. “It makes me feel that the work I have poured into the Middlebury community is being seen and valued. This year, I served on five executive boards, and much of my time at Middlebury has been dedicated to building community and creating spaces where people feel represented and heard.”

   The transition from Northwest Indiana to a small but highly acclaimed liberal arts college in Vermont was a significant shift for Gonzalez, and she admits the change was initially daunting. However, rather than just adapting to her new surroundings, Gonzalez decided to influence them.

   “I started viewing Middlebury as a place I could help shape, and I began to become involved in different student organizations and community building efforts on campus,” she said. “My goal has always been to help create spaces where students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, can feel supported. This growth has shaped the way I approach my leadership positions. I aim to always lead with empathy and collaboration, because I have learned through experience that this is where meaningful change comes from.”

   The Bishop Noll legacy at Middlebury is set to grow this fall. Gonzalez was thrilled to learn that fellow Warrior Kimberly Padilla was accepted to the college through the QuestBridge program.

   “I was, and still am, incredibly excited to have another BNI alum here at Middlebury,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez has already stepped into a mentor role, offering Padilla advice on navigating the transition.

   “The best piece of advice I could give Kimberly is to have a strong sense of confidence in herself,” Gonzalez shared. “I have told her that it is important to remember that she deserves to be at Middlebury. At an institution like this, it is easy to fall into a cycle of comparing yourself to others or feel pressured to have everything figured out right away. But confidence is what helps remind you that you were accepted for a reason and that you are capable of succeeding.”

   Gonzalez said she received a lot of guidance during a time of uncertainty at Bishop Noll, specifically from Eddie Limón, Bishop Noll Class of 1985, and his college mentorship program.

   “One of the biggest skills I learned through Mr. Limón was confidence. Being surrounded by people who believed in my potential helped me believe that I could succeed in competitive academic spaces.”

   She encourages current Warriors to “Take advantage of the mentorship and the college preparation. Most importantly, do not wait until college to believe that you deserve to be in those spaces. Programs like Mr. Limón’s are not just about helping students get into strong colleges, but also about helping them recognize their full potential.”