--- title: "Manhattan University Awards William Walker ’26 Prestigious Joseph J. Gunn ’30 Alumni Medal" url: "/news/archive/2026/05/manhattan-university-awards-william-walker-26-prestigious-joseph-j-gunn-30-alumni-medal" type: article date: 2026-05-15 updated: 2026-06-04 --- # Manhattan University Awards William Walker ’26 Prestigious Joseph J. Gunn ’30 Alumni Medal # Manhattan University Awards William Walker ’26 Prestigious Joseph J. Gunn ’30 Alumni Medal Manhattan University awarded the Joseph J. Gunn ’30 Alumni Medal to graduating senior William Walker ’26, recognizing his contributions to campus life and commitment to the University’s Lasallian mission. Image ![William Walker '26 poses outdoors holding the Joseph J. Gunn '30 Alumni Medal awarded by Manhattan University for leadership and service to the University community.](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/768xAV6A8817.jpg?h=a9575592&itok=WHhgOOzt) /**/ /**/ Manhattan University today awarded the Joseph J. Gunn ’30 Alumni Medal to William Walker, a senior in the University’s Kakos School of Arts and Sciences. The Gunn Medal is given to a graduating senior who embodies the University’s Lasallian Mission and who has made significant contributions to the University throughout his/her undergraduate years. The award is recognized as one of Manhattan University’s highest honors given to an undergraduate student. A native of Wappingers Falls, NY, Walker often visited New York City as a youngster to take advantage of various theatre productions and the overall hustle-and-bustle offered by the City. Once enrolled in Manhattan University, this love of the arts translated into his using storytelling and media to enhance various aspects of the University community; he is a communications major with a concentration in media production and a minor in theatre. Walker has a 3.6 GPA; is a member of Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association Honor Society where he currently serves as the Vice President; was elected to Pen & Sword, the Manhattan University organization whose members include both faculty and students who exemplify the enthusiasm and zealousness of the true Jasper spirit; and is the Vice President of Communications for the University’s Student Government. Additionally, Walker is the Technical Director for ESPN+ at Manhattan where he ensures seamless transitions among cameras/graphics/ and audio during University broadcasts; serves as the Technical Director for WRCM, the University radio station; has been the tenor section leader for the Manhattan Singers for four years; is active in the Manhattan University Players both as an actor and stage crew member; and leads the congregation in song at Mass through his participation in Music Ministry. He also recently served as a crew member for the staging of the University’s inaugural and highly successful *Sixth Borough Film Festival* along with using his social media skills to promote the event. According to Robert Cole, Executive Director of Marketing at Manhattan, > “I have had the opportunity to work closely with students across campus, and Billy stands out as someone whose leadership, creativity, and commitment to Manhattan are truly exceptional. As a co-founder of the Manhattan Media Network, he helped build a student-led platform that now produces multiple video series each week and collaborates with organizations across campus. This work has elevated how student stories are told and shared, while also giving other students hands-on experience in professional-level media production. What sets him apart, however, is his approach to leadership: he is reliable, thoughtful, and collaborative and truly exemplifies the Lasallian spirit that is integral to the Manhattan University legacy.” Walker received the Gunn Medal during the University’s Spring Honors festivities. \*\*\* **About Manhattan University** Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Lasallian Catholic institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. Manhattan University offers programs that integrate a broad liberal arts education coupled with a concentration in specific disciplines in the arts and sciences with professional preparation in business and engineering, ensuring graduates will excel in their chosen fields. The University consists of the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. For further information, please visit [www.manhattan.edu](https://www.manhattan.edu). [Student Achievements](/news?category=240)