Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) celebrated student achievement and community leadership at the 34th annual Women of Distinction luncheon on February 17, 2026.
Hilary Geary Ross and Sarah McCann were honored as this year’s Women of Distinction. All proceeds from the luncheon, hosted at The Breakers Palm Beach, support scholarships for hard-working students.
How the Scholarships Work
Women of Distinction has greatly impacted students throughout the years. Since 1996, the event has provided financial assistance to nearly 75 students who demonstrate academic dedication, leadership, and a commitment to service. This year, each PBA scholarship recipient received $4,000.
The scholarships are divided between semesters and help offset tuition and other costs, allowing students to better focus on their academic careers. Awards like these greatly reflect the University’s mission to support students as they grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly.
An Impactful Legacy
PBA alumna Laura Titus spoke at the event about how receiving the scholarship in 2016 changed her life.
“There are so many deserving students at Palm Beach Atlantic University,” Titus said. “Students like I once was, each with the ability to make an impact not only in Palm Beach County but across the world. What a gift it is to change the trajectory of a young person’s life, to give them courage, inspiration, and vision so they too can go on and impact others.”
The 2026 Women of Distinction scholarship recipients are:
Hannah Atwell | B.S. in Elementary Education ’29 | Geneva, Fla.
Ruby Burk | B.S. in Biology ’28 | Hampstead, N.C.
Claire Crossman | B.A. in Theatre ’26 | Orlando Fla.
Aaliyah Durant | B.A. in Ministry ’26 | Gainesville, Fla.
Mattea Fitch | B.A. in English ’28 | Longwood, Fla.
Leah Grow | B.S. in Communication ’26 | Watsontown, Pa.
Valentina Guzman | B.S. in Nursing ’27 | West Palm Beach, Fla.
Joshua Harlan | B.A. in Biblical Studies, M.Div. 3+2 ’28 | Vero Beach, Fla.
Ashton Horne | B.S. in Biology ’29 | Lake Worth, Fla.
Tristan Ireri | B.S. in Marketing ’29 | Greenacres, Fla.
Eloise Judy | B.S. in Marketing ’27 | Orlando, Fla.
Nadine Kipe | B.S. in Nursing ’28 | Chambersburg, Pa.
Taylor Nelson | B.S. in International Business ’27 | West Palm Beach, Fla.
Chelsea Riemersma | Master of Accountancy 3+2 ’28 | Jenison, Mich.
Mary Stitts | B.A. in Ministry Leadership ’26 | Port Orange, Fla.
Micah Sutter | B.S. in Nursing ’26 | Sebastian, Fla.
Maasai Vanburen | B.S. in Business Administration ’29 | Kenneth City, Fla.
Learn more about scholarship opportunities for PBA students at https://www.pba.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/.
