The League for Innovation in the Community College is pleased to announce the selection of the 2025-2026 Terry O’Banion Student Technology Award winners. The awards are presented to students pursuing their education and a career in technology, and given annually in honor of Terry O’Banion, late Senior League Fellow and President Emeritus of the League.

Award winners are designated as Student Technology Champion or Student Developer Champion. Student Technology Champion awards are presented to students with a career interest in a technology field. Student Developer Champion awards are presented to students with a career focus specifically in software development. Each winner will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to be used toward their educational expenses and a plaque commemorating their achievement.

These outstanding students demonstrate a passion for technology, a commitment to their education and community, and financial need.

Student Developer Champion: Brandon Mardoian, Moraine Valley Community College

Brandon Mardoian is pursuing a technology career specializing in both software development and data analytics, integrating programming expertise with analytical insight to create effective, data-informed solutions to complex problems. He blends data-driven analysis with innovative problem-solving and brings an interdisciplinary perspective to technology and game development. Mardoian is proficient in multiple programming languages and demonstrates a deep understanding of designing efficient data structures to optimize space and time complexity. His goals include creating ecological and civilization-style games and advancing AI through a master’s degree in computer science. Mardoian demonstrates leadership, perseverance, and a deep passion for innovation. Despite personal challenges, he has made the president’s list all three semesters at MVCC, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and previously obtained an associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Student Technology Champion: Shazia Bano Patel, Fayetteville Technical Community College

Shazia Bano Patel plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity with an emphasis on cloud environments. Her goal is to become a cloud security analyst or work in a security operations center where she can protect cloud-based systems and defend critical infrastructure. She actively participates in Women in Cybersecurity and consistently seeks to understand not just how technologies work, but why. Bano Patel quickly adapts to new tools and technologies and uses them in practical laboratory environments. She works through technical challenges with patience and logic, which demonstrates her readiness for real-world problem-solving. Her persistence have strengthened her skill set and inspired her peers to adopt the same level of determination. An international student, Bano Patel has maintained a 4.0 GPA, made the president’s list every semester so far, and received the Tom McLean Ambassador Scholarship in honor of her service and leadership.

Learn more about the Terry O'Banion Student Technology Awards here.