Empire State University Announces Bluebird Award Recipients 

Empire State University’s Student Government Association (SGA) recently announced five recipients of the 2025 Bluebird Award. The award recognizes students who embody volunteerism, community building, and leadership. Read more about the awardees below.  

Amanda Hulbert 

Hulbert is an artist, educator, and community leader whose work focuses on creativity, service, and equity. She holds multiple degrees from Empire State University — in Human and Community Services, Adult Learning, and is now pursuing a second bachelor’s in visual art to integrate her passion for creativity into her community work. 

She currently serves as Assistant Director of Donor Engagement at St. Bonaventure University, developing programs that connect alumni, students, and supporters. Beyond her professional role, she is deeply involved in her community — leading youth programs, organizing fundraisers through Rotary, and supporting her local library and arts council.  

Lenti Aier 

Aier is the founder and president of the Act of Kindness Society, a nonprofit she began in 2015 that promotes service, compassion, and community development. Through her leadership, the organization has become a platform that mobilizes others to take action — from volunteer work to awareness campaigns that address real social issues. 

Her mission is to inspire a culture of kindness, dignity, and equality — using art, music, and education to strengthen communities and promote hope. 

Megan Brauer 

Brauer is a Marine Corps veteran, mother of two, and an active community leader in Beaufort, South Carolina. She is completing her bachelor’s in public affairs at SUNY Empire and plans to pursue a Master of Public Administration to continue her work in public service. 

She serves as PTO president at her children’s elementary school and volunteers as a community educator with the Alzheimer’s Association.  

Sheriah Arnold 

Arnold is a leader, author, and advocate whose life reflects a deep commitment to service and transformation. She currently serves as chief of staff for the Student Government Association, overseeing committees in diversity, mental health, and academic affairs — helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive student experience. 

Outside of SGA, Arnold is an ordained minister and published author, known for her book Shattered Reflections. She’s now working on her upcoming memoir, I Turned Pain into Purpose.  

She is pursuing a dual B.S./MBA at SUNY Empire, with a vision to help others heal and grow through her program, Turning Pain into Purpose: An 8-Week Healing Journey.  

George Shaw 

Shaw is currently working towards his bachelor’s degree in addiction studies at SUNY Empire and toward his CASAC certification to become a licensed substance abuse counselor.  

He is actively involved in organizing food distributions, clothing drives, and back-to-school initiatives through his church and local community.