FAU Honors 2026 Talon Leadership Award Recipients
From left, Katie G. Burke, Ph.D., ’08, ’10, ’15, ’17, assistant vice president of alumni engagement and annual giving; FAU First Lady Jillian Hasner; Arthur Gutterman; FAU President Adam Hasner; Michelle R. Lizotte-Waniewski, Ph.D.; Maya Desai; Peter F. Striano III ’94; and Blake Davis, vice president of Institutional Advancement and CEO of the FAU Foundation
Florida Atlantic University hosted the annual Talon Leadership and Service Awards ceremony as part of Homecoming 2026, honoring outstanding alumni, students, faculty and community members. The awards are designed to highlight exceptional leadership and service to Florida Atlantic.
“The remarkable accomplishments of this year’s Talon Leadership Award recipients reflect the spirit of excellence and service that defines Florida Atlantic,” said FAU President Adam Hasner. “Through their leadership, scholarship, generosity and commitment to their communities, these honorees have strengthened our university and inspired those around them. We truly appreciate their role in advancing Florida Atlantic’s future and we are proud to celebrate their contributions.”
The President’s Talon Award was awarded to philanthropist and humanitarian Arthur Gutterman, who has made a transformational impact on the university and larger community. Gutterman has dedicated significant time and resources to philanthropy, with a particular focus on Holocaust and human rights education, higher education, medical research and Jewish community causes. In memory of his late wife, Emalie, Gutterman named Florida Atlantic’s Gutterman Family Center for Holocaust and Human Rights Education at FAU, which supports K–12 educators and school support staff in southeastern Florida through professional development, curriculum advancement, seminars and educational travel to Washington, D.C., Israel and Eastern Europe.
Peter F. Striano III ’94 received the Richard L. Schmidt Alumni Talon Award. Striano serves as the managing parter at Northwestern Mutual Striano Financial Group, leading more than 200 contracted financial advisors across South Florida. In 2025, his organization achieved the No. 1 national ranking for new advisor production and was recognized for its culture of belonging and impact. Many of the firm's advisors and team members are Florida Atlantic alumni, reflecting Striano's passion for developing talent and creating opportunities for future Owls. Additionally, Striano serves on the College of Business advisory board.
The Faculty Talon Award was presented to Michelle R. Lizotte-Waniewski, Ph.D., who serves as the assistant dean of pre-clinical curriculum and a professor in the Department of Public Health at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. She currently directs the HealthCare Careers Opportunities program for middle and high school students and was the inaugural director of HealthFirst: Health and Wellness Initiative at the College of Medicine.
The Student Talon Award was awarded to Maya Desai, a senior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in international business. She is a member of both the International Business Honors program and the Undergraduate Honors program. Desai is an accomplished student leader, serving as president of the College of Business Student Ambassadors, vice president of the Global Business Association, resident assistant and honors peer coach. Previously, she served as president of the Water Ski Club and treasurer of Beta Gamma Sigma.
“This exemplary group of leaders embodies service and dedication that has strengthened Florida Atlantic and elevated our community to where we are today,” said Katie G. Burke, Ph.D., ’08, ’10, ’15, ’17, assistant vice president of alumni engagement and annual giving. “I am confident and grateful that they will be a part of our continued ascent.”
For more information on the Talon Leadership and Service Awards or alumni engagement and annual giving, visit faualumni.org.
-FAU-