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Honoring Excellence: Man of the Year & ND Code Recipients

As the Class of 2026 gathers to mark graduation, the ceremony serves not only as a milestone of completion, but as a reflection of the values, leadership, and character that define the Notre Dame community. Among this year’s most distinguished honors, two students stand out for the extraordinary impact they have made throughout their time at Notre Dame: Steven A. Torres Quiñones, Man of the Year, and William Cornwall Bader, ND Code Recipient.

Together, they represent the very best of the Notre Dame experience—students who have led with integrity, served with purpose, and inspired those around them through action rather than words.

William Cornwall Bader, recipient of the ND Code, is widely regarded as the embodiment of Notre Dame’s core values. Throughout his four years, Will has demonstrated consistent character, compassion, and confidence in every area of school life. A lifelong member of Student Government Association, he has served as Class President, SGA Executive Board Vice President, and Senior Class Executive Board President, leaving a lasting mark on student leadership across all grade levels.

Beyond student government, Will’s presence is deeply woven into the fabric of the school community. He has served as a Peer Counselor, Notre Dame Admissions Ambassador, Habitat for Humanity student coordinator, and stage manager in ND Theater. His selection to attend the Holy Cross Conference for Student Leaders in 2025 reflects the respect he has earned from his peers as a trusted and thoughtful leader.

Recognized with honors including the SCC Scholar Leader Award, Archdiocesan Summa Scholar Award, and the University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award, Will’s accomplishments reflect both academic excellence and service-driven leadership. Faculty and staff describe him as a student who leads with humility and kindness, consistently putting others before himself and embodying the Notre Dame Code in every sense.

Alongside him, Steven A. Torres Quiñones, named Man of the Year, has distinguished himself through exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and wide-ranging involvement across campus life. Steven’s contributions span nearly every corner of the Notre Dame experience, reflecting both his versatility and commitment to excellence.

Steven has served as Student Government Association Executive Board Treasurer, Co-President of both Model United Nations and the Latino Student Union, Secretary of the National Honor Society, Chief Editor of The Mind’s Eye Literary Magazine, Blood Drive Coordinator, Dance Captain in ND Theater, and Peer Counselor. He is also an Admissions Ambassador and active member of the tennis team, demonstrating a balance of leadership, creativity, service, and athletics.

His dedication extends beyond leadership roles into meaningful service. As Campus Ministry Intern, Steven helps coordinate and lead student service initiatives, including partnerships with organizations such as Ronald McDonald House and other community-based projects. His ability to organize, lead, and inspire action reflects a deep commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom.

Steven’s academic and extracurricular excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including the CAS High School Arts Award, Archdiocesan Summa Scholar Award, University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, Harvard University Club of Southern Connecticut Book Award, and the University of Notre Dame Sophomore Book Award. He is also a member of multiple honor societies and a Seal of Triliteracy recipient in English, Spanish, and Italian.

Faculty describe Steven as a student who truly does it all, consistently leading with integrity, energy, and purpose. His presence elevates every community he is part of, and his impact will be felt long after graduation.

As graduation marks both an ending and a beginning, Steven and Will stand as two examples of what it means to leave a legacy at Notre Dame—one built not only on achievement, but on service, leadership, and character. Their contributions reflect the spirit of this graduating class and the promise of what comes next.