Outstanding Fall 2023 Awards
Awards
You're invited! LAS Fall Awards Ceremony, recognizing our outstanding students graduating in Fall 2023. Wednesday, December 6th at 4:00pm in Berger Hall. Free beer or wine ticket with RSVP! RSVP to lasdean@uccs.edu by December 1st.
Dean L. Lynn Vidler invites you to join us as we celebrate our Outstanding Students at our annual Fall LAS Awards Ceremony.
Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023
4:00-6:00 pm
Berger Hall
Also, please join us in recognizing their many accomplishments listed on this website. We are so inspired by these students, and we wish them the best of luck as they graduate.
Congratulations to all of our December, 2023 graduates!!
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Megan Mittelstadt
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Anthropology
Megan Mittelstadt was born and raised in Parker, Colorado, and was outside almost every day. She loves hiking and exploring and is not afraid to get a little dirty doing so. Her summers were spent traveling to historic locations instead of amusement parks and beaches (thanks to her history teacher mother) but she did not realize at the time that trips to see the Liberty Bell and Benjamin Franklin’s grave were activities that she wishes she could go back to.
Megan moved to Colorado Springs in the fall of 2020 to focus on criminal justice and psychology; however, after a few semesters at UCCS, she found her place in the anthropology department. While all subjects in anthropology are of interest, she found her passion in archaeology and geography. Megan is going to graduate in Fall 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a minor in Geography with hopes to have a career in contract archaeology and Cultural Resource Management.
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Clinton Green
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Biology
Clinton Green is a biology enthusiast at UCCS. He is set to graduate with a bachelor's degree in biology in fall 2023 and will seamlessly transition into UCCS' masters program in spring 2024, continuing his pursuit of knowledge in the field of biology. With a strong background in healthcare, having previously worked as an ophthalmic assistant and surgical assistant, Clinton brings a unique perspective to his studies. His passion for research led him to participate in the Undergraduate Research Academy at UCCS, a summer program that provided him with invaluable hands-on experience. Currently, Clinton works in a research lab led by Dr. Jeremy Bono at UCCS, where he is challenged and rewarded by the intricate work he undertakes. Upon completing his master's degree, Clinton plans to continue his education in biology, with a focus on research.
Emma Stump
Outstanding Leader Award
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Savora Tribble
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - General Communication
I am a General Communications Major earning my Bachelor's degree. As an Army veteran working with service members and civilians, I found it necessary to further my education in communications to better assist my fellow comrades. My goals are to bridge a gap between active duty and those who have served where there are sometimes misunderstanding in needs of care.
Hannah Hesse
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Media Studies
Hannah is a Communications Media Studies major with a minor in French. She has enjoyed her time at UCCS and in the Communications Department learning about the different forms of media and how they intersect with one another. Hannah has been able to explore multiple forms of media such as advertising, social media, public relations, marketing, content creation, and much more through the Media Studies track. She plans on pursuing a career in social media management and content creation within the travel, tourism, and hospitality sector.
Brady Steen
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Leadership
Brady Steen, a Leadership Communication major, chose this path to pursue his aspirations within the United States Military. After overcoming significant challenges, he earned a spot at the United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School in the summer of 2023. Upon graduating from UCCS in December 2023, Mr. Steen will have the honor of commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.
Fiona O’Dowd-White
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Strategic Communication
Fiona is majoring in Strategic Communication with a minor in Philosophy. She has a keen interest in the nonprofit sector, particularly regarding community-rooted organizations. After participating in a summer film program as a teenager, Fiona gained a keen insight into campaigning and community non-profit networking, especially in her work on behalf of the Youth Documentary Academy (YDA). Since then, Fiona has worked as a student journalist for The Scribe at UCCS, participated as an intern for YDA as a web content creator, social media editor, and course assistant, and a Summer Communications Intern for the philanthropic organization, El Pomar Foundation. Upon graduation, Fiona plans to continue her education with a master's degree and continue to gain more insight into the inner workings of nonprofit function and its relationship within the communications field.
Jacob DeMeyer
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Digital Filmmaking, B.I.
Jacob is a Digital Filmmaking major with a Cross-Discipline in Business. Combining his skills in filmmaking with his passion for sports broadcasting, Jacob envisions a future where he can bring the excitement and drama of sports to life on screen. Whether it's capturing the intensity of a crucial game-winning moment or delving into the personal stories of athletes, Jacob's goal is to seamlessly merge his two passions into a career that allows him to craft engaging and memorable sports content.
Jaxon Fox
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Digital Media, B.I.
Jaxon is a Digital Filmmaking major in Media Communications. He grew up playing video games and making videos online. After difficulty adjusting to college during the pandemic, he discovered and switched to the Digital Filmmaking major. The major allowed him to combine his passions for film making and video games by directing a short film based on a game he loves, Halo. Going to UCCS afforded him the opportunity to study abroad at St Andrews, Scotland for his final semester, and now Jaxon hopes to go into the film industry to continue telling stories and bring them to life.
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Katherine Miller
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Literature
Kit is an English major with a Literature emphasis and a Philosophy minor. Throughout their time at UCCS they have written about and analyzed not just literature but film, television, video games, social media, and more. After graduation Kit plans to apply what they’ve learned from professors and classmates, in the English department and beyond, to attending law school. Kit is passionate about storytelling, culture, and the arts, while also seeking to pursue an interest in public service, advocacy, and political action. They plan to eventually funnel these passions and the knowledge gained from their English degree into pursuing entertainment law.
Melissa Schreiner
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Literature
Outstanding Leader
Melissa believes in the power of stories; sharing, exploring, and learning stories leverage our connections with each other. They say ‘it’s the little things in life’ that are the most significant—the relationships we build, the moments of joy, the children we watch grow (Hi, E!), the stories we share. These are the most moving moments in life, when we share our passions and thrills, our fears, our tears with others. Learning, a ceaseless endeavor, demands that Melissa approaches the world with empathy, an inclination to listen, and inquisitive ambivalence. These approaches developed because of the stories that Melissa listened to, because of Melissa’s devotion to learning, and because of those who share and teach.
Cannon Taylor
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Rhetoric
Cannon Taylor is graduating from UCCS with a Bachelor of Arts in English: Rhetoric & Writing. They began their college journey at Pikes Peak State College mere weeks after high school graduation in June 2020. They graduated in August 2021 with an Associate of Arts. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cannon didn’t have to leave the house for the entirety of the degree. Cannon enrolled in UCCS in the fall 2021 semester. Cannon’s advice to students is to explore employment and club opportunities on campus. Cannon’s experiences with riverrun and The Scribe were highlights of their time at UCCS, and their only regret is not getting involved in other organizations. Cannon hopes to become more proficient in editing and pursue it as a career within the next few years. Cannon would like to thank their family and partner for all their love and emotional and financial support over the years.
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Alyssa Naples
Outstanding Undergraduate Student
Alyssa transferred to UCCS her sophomore year, switching from a degree in Computer Science to a degree in Geography and Environmental Studies. Through her coursework Alyssa discovered a passion for conservation and water resource management, and a desire to engage with all members of the local community. She spent one year working at the Office of Sustainability at UCCS, learning how to prioritize the health of community, environment, and economy concurrently, and also served as a Marketing Committee Member for the Trails and Open Space Coalition. She is now interning with the Water Conservation Team at Colorado Springs Utilities. This experience has been fundamental in shaping her career aspirations as she has had the opportunity to support a beautiful demonstration garden, several water efficiency programs, and provide conservation education to community members. After graduation, Alyssa will continue interning for several months and provide water education programming for elementary school students. She appreciates her experience at UCCS and the relationships she has developed with other students, faculty, and community professionals. Alyssa is eager to pursue a career in water resources and hopes to define a role that allows her to serve the community with a focus on conservation.
Andrew Rudnicki
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Geology
Outstanding Minor - Geology
Andrew studied mechanical engineering at Colorado School of Mines for three semesters before transferring to UCCS in the fall of 2020. There, he discovered his interest in geography and geology and he excelled in his coursework. After graduating this December, he will begin as an apprentice with the Town of Palmer Lake Water Department. When he is not working, studying, or looking at maps, Andrew enjoys exploring the Rampart Range, going on long hikes, camping, and gardening.
Hayden Strait
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Sustainability
Outstanding Graduate Students
Erin Pablo
Outstanding Graduate Student
Erin works in public health as an Environmental Health Specialist with El Paso County. She has enjoyed spending the last two and a half years doing urban sustainability research on the environmental and social impacts of Colorado Springs' urban gardens and is especially grateful for her partnership with Food to Power. Erin looks forward to pursuing a career that allows her to use her passion for geospatial science and urban equity.
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Todd Devin Brauckmiller, Jr.
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - History
On behalf of the UCCS History Department, we’re honored to bestow the award for Outstanding Student to Todd Brauckmiller. It’s been a pleasure to have Todd as a history student through the course of his undergraduate work. Todd came to us from Harker Heights, TX though he did move around quite a bit—he cites his mother as the key guide in his life that helped him with all challenges. His interest in history was born through the energetic and inspirational middle and high school teachers he learned from. Thus, he entered our program an already dedicated, hard-working, as well as conscientious student and only improved during his time here—where he clearly left his mark: Jared Benson found him “consistently reliable while also ambitious—his capstone made some highly original connections tying together polarizing 20th century events to discuss his thoughts on the future.” Dr. Samantha Christiansen adds that Todd “produced outstanding work— [he’s a] sensitive, thoughtful, and a wonderful writer. His work shows empathy and compassion and he's just an all-around excellent historian!” Barbara Headle also had nothing but compliments for him, “he distinguished himself as a thoughtful, diligent, student. Todd is one of those quiet students who, when he speaks in class—to ask a question or to contribute substantive information—everyone, myself included, listens. In the best and most respectful of ways, Todd challenged me to be a better educator, asking for clarification or elaboration of some point when no one else would ask.” These thoughts from faculty clearly reveal the mark he left on his time in our program thus far. Not only are we happy to award Todd the honor of Outstanding Student, but we’re all very excited to see where his abilities take him.
Outstanding Graduate Students
John Phillip McFarland
Outstanding Graduate Student - History
John McFarland, a Colonel in the Army Reserve, a former faculty member of the US Army War College, as well as an Iraqi War veteran and the owner of a consulting company, brings diverse experiences to UCCS. The rich tapestry of John’s life experiences has coalesced into a passion for historical insights, underscored by the use of innovative methodologies and the pursuit of rare primary sources. His research interests span from modern China's transformation from Communication to Nationalism, military theories of Clausewitz and Antoine-Henri Jomini, to the Clan MacFarlane of the 16th-century Scottish Highlands—the clan of John's own ancestry. John is also a dedicated teaching assistant at the History Department, known for inspiring his students with passion, conscientiousness, and a respected approach. Currently, he serves as the Director of Operations and Training for the 95th Training Division of the Army Reserve while working towards completing his M.A. degree.
Damian Ruminski
Outstanding Graduate Student - History
Damian Ruminski has received both his BA and now his MA in History from UCCS. He got interested in history because of growing up and living with an immigrant grandmother, who survived World War II in Poland and Germany, hearing stories of the disastrous and highly impoverished post-war life. It made him want to learn more about the world's past. Damian's interests lie in intellectual and cultural history, especially that of Asian Americans. Indeed, Damian's work in research for the MA program involved topics such as depictions of feudal Japanese art in the western mind, and the gradual acceptance of Asian American religions into the mainstream from the 1890s to the present. Outside of school, he enjoys reading, video games, and learning more about other cultures. Damian Ruminski has been an inspiration to all the professors who have worked with him in the History program.
Sam Stansel
Outstanding Graduate Student - History
A BA graduate of Colorado College, Sam Stansel has carried on a full-time job as an academic advisor and mentor at CC while completing his MA in History at UCCS, where he has worked with Professors Paul Harvey and Yang Wei. Sam's particular passion, both personal and professional, is the history and culture of stock-car racing, and during the MA program he produced two pieces of original research on the history of the sport, the second of which addressed particularly the history of African Americans in stock car racing, a subject nearly untouched by any other scholar in the field of sports history or American history more generally. Sam has recently accepted a new post as an academic advisor at UCCS, and he hopes to start this new work soon after graduation. WE all look forward to working with him at UCCS in the near future.
Jennifer Mills
Outstanding Graduate Student - History
Jennifer Mills, a Carolina Tar Heel by heritage, graduated from high school in 2002 and left 4 days after to go to Basic Training. She then spent the next 10 years in Security Forces, serving at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, providing security for ICBMs. Later she worked in an airlift unit and in law enforcement as a desk sergeant at Peterson AFB. After retirement from military service she attended school to become a Medical Laboratory Technician, which has been her job since 2013. That did not stop her as well from earning her BA and now MA in History at UCCS, where she worked with Professors Paul Harvey and Samantha Christiansen in American and South Asian History. She is now (in addition to raising several small children, one of whom was born in the middle of the MA program, which did not stop her from attending the MA seminars via Zoom, from the hospital room!) applying to PhD programs in History, hoping to further her interests in African American history and labor history. Jennifer Mills has been an inspiration to all the professors who have worked with her in the History program.
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Tiffany Blakely
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Interdisciplinary Studies
Tiff Blakely is a writer, artist, amateur anthropologist, anatomy fanatic, radiologic technologist, and enthusiastic skywatcher. At UCCS she has served as a teacher’s assistant in the anatomy lab, a peer mentor, and an Undergraduate Research Journal peer reviewer. She was an anatomy instructor for high schoolers in the COAHEC HOPE program in Summer 2023 and was one of 32 students selected to prepare the anatomy lab’s cadavers for the 2022-2023 school year. She is driven by a passion to introduce students and the public alike to the wondrous eccentricities of the human body. Tiff’s diverse achievements go beyond the slab. She has been published in riverrun and pursued and earned her certification in mammography at Community College of Denver while studying at UCCS. Majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and Health Care Science, she was delighted to use her capstone project as an opportunity to examine usability models for study materials designed for neurodivergent college students. Finding a great lack of information, she produced her own Anatomy and Physiology study guide tailored to the needs of these often under-supported students. Tiff is considering pursuing a master’s degree in public health, death physiology, or medical art in usability and is always looking for unexpected and unusual opportunities.
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Hannah Hesse
Outstanding Undergraduate in French
Hannah is a Communications Media Studies major with a minor in French. She fell in love with the French culture at a young age and began learning the language in school growing up. She decided to continue her French studies as a minor to further her proficiency and love for the language with hopes of securing a job in France one day. She is a member of the National French Honors Society and would like to express gratitude to Madame Cook and the French Program for the instruction, curriculum, and aid provided throughout her minor which has shaped her into the French speaker she is today. She plans on pursuing a career in social media management and content creation within the travel, tourism, and hospitality sector.
Derek Dorough
Outstanding Undergraduate in Japanese
Derek is a senior at UCCS and is pursuing a degree in mathematics and a minor in Japanese language and culture. He developed a strong interest in foreign languages in high school and committed to continue his study of Japanese by taking Japanese language classes at UCCS. After graduation, he intends to continue studying Japanese while working in the field of actuarial science with the goal of becoming a mathematics specialized Japanese translator.
Maeve Gennett
Outstanding Undergraduate in Japanese
My name is Maeve, and I am a Japanese Major graduating from UCCS. Throughout my time at UCCS I focused on the globalization and localization of media through a Japanese studies lens. Studying abroad was always a central goal of mine, and I’m very happy that I was able to study at Waseda University in Tokyo from 2022-2023. Now that I have that experience, I hope to return to Japan soon and continue my studies and career in international relations, translation, and community work.
Sanam Waintrub
Outstanding Undergraduate in Spanish (Minor)
I am a pre-med student majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in Spanish. Throughout my time here at UCCS, I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with amazing faculty in research as well as become a leader throughout several student led organizations where I could give back to my local community and develop various new skills that will aide me into my career and long after I graduate. Growing up in a trilingual household, I have always had the drive to be wanting to communicate with others and foster new connections without any barriers. Within my studies, I have had the opportunity to be immersed in another language where I got to not only expand my knowledge of Spanish, but I also could immerse myself into a close-knit community where passionate professors and fellow students share a common love for language, literature, and cultural exploration. The Spanish department here is not only about grammar and vocabulary but it was a gateway to understanding the nuances of expression and communication. After I graduate, I plan to apply to medical school with hopes of becoming a physician where I want to be able to use my language skills to aid in providing access to healthcare in underserved communities and other diverse groups of people. It was inspiring being surrounded by fellow like-minded peers who all have aspirations to use their skills and knowledge to help other people in various different ways.
Thomas Root
Outstanding Undergraduate in Spanish (Non-Native Speaker)
My name is Thomas and I am a Spanish major. Most of my adult life was spent in the hospitality industry, spending a few years in Mexico. Upon returning stateside, I continued in hospitality until 2015 when I decided to go back to school. I graduated from Pikes Peak State college with an associates in Spanish, and decided to go for a bachelors in the same at UCCS. Having spent time in Latin America, Mexico and Honduras respectively, Spanish seemed like an excellent fit, and being a Colorado Native, UCCS was also an excellent fit. I worked full-time while doing my coursework at UCCS.
Katherine Moe
Outstanding Undergraduate in Spanish (Native Speaker)
I’ve always seen anything I don’t understand or things that are deemed impossible as a challenge that I must take on and conquer. I’ve always wanted to combine my two academic interests - humanities and STEM - and I am elated to have been given the chance to do so over my time here at UCCS. Though many of my interests and career goals revolve around STEM, I decided to major in Spanish and minor in Interdisciplinary Linguistics because I felt like what I needed to learn and get out of my education to be prepared for my future career was ultimately found in humanities. I am grateful that my professors and instructors here have allowed me to take a liberal approach to my degree plan, supporting my interests in cybersecurity, translation, linguistics, and technology. They’ve given me the room to challenge myself and grow, even going as far as creating positions for me to be able to take my interests outside of the classroom. After graduation, I hope to attend law school and specialize in technology law, and I am grateful for the guidance and support I have received from all my professors and instructors here at UCCS.
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Tyler Jungbauer
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Philosophy
Outstanding Leader Award
I have lived most of my life in the Colorado Springs area. My interests in philosophy include philosophy of mind, epistemology, metaphysics, and Buddhist philosophy, as well as formal logic. Outside of philosophy, I am interested in cognitive science, psychology, and the history and culture of China. I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and generally exploring the natural world. I also love to read fiction, especially Ray Bradbury. After graduating from UCCS, I intend to go to graduate school to pursue a PhD in philosophy. Ultimately, I want to teach and engage in research in philosophy of mind at the university level.
Colin Meshberg
Matthew CopusOutstanding Undergraduate Students
Lan Preza
Outstanding Undergraduate - Psychology
Tong Chen
Outstanding Undergraduate - Psychology
Tong is a Psychology major. She is a Chancellors Award recipient. Tong plans to take a gap year after graduation to gain more experience in the psychology field. Afterwards, she plans to find a path within psychology she enjoys the most and go back to graduate school.
Shannon Tiffenbach
Outstanding Undergraduate - Psychology
Shannon is a Psychology major with a minor in Human Services. She is a Chancellors Award recipient as well as a first-generation student. Currently Shannon is a research assistant in both the Cognitive Development Lab and the Pathways from Early experience to Regulation and Child Health (PERCH) lab. She is currently the Vice President for the International honor society in Psychology (Psi Chi). After graduation she plans to pursue a masters/ doctoral career in Adolescent trauma assessment and treatment.
Melissa Mikolaitis
Outstanding Undergraduate - Psychology
Melissa is the first individual in her family to graduate with a bachelor's degree. She is a Psychology major with political science and Japanese minors graduating with honors. Melissa was awarded a UCCS Undergraduate Research Academy grant for Psychology researching ecological momentary assessment and how to implement it in a new intervention study assisting trauma-exposed individuals to create better sleep habits and improve their mental health with Dr. Steve Bistricky. In addition, she received a UCCS Undergraduate Research Academy grant for Political Science researching public perception of ballistic missile defense systems. Melissa received a UCCS Undergraduate Research Travel Award to co-present two posters at the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies 2023 conference, is a member of Psi Chi, obtained a Trauma Training Program Certificate from the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, and received a Research Assistantship through the QUAD (local student project organization) concluding with an oral presentation of research findings at the National Security Strategic Studies Partnership conference (N3SP). She has been active in research in Dr. Bistricky’s laboratory at UCCS. After graduation, Melissa plans to gain additional clinical and research experience for a couple of years to improve chances of being accepted to a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. Program, with a particular concentration on mind-body connections.
Lily Favila
Outsanding Leader Award
Outstanding Graduate Students
Nina Spitzhorn
Outstanding MA Student in Clinical Psychology
Nina has a BA in psychology & sociology, minor in animal studies & certificate in sports leadership from Drury University. Her graduate thesis is "The Effects of Viewing Sport Performance Media Images on Young Women's Body Image: A Focus on Appearance and Functionality Satisfaction": other graduate research: sexual harassment experiences of women in STEM fields. Nina plans to work as a therapist after graduation.
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Priscilla DeLuna
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Sociology
I was born in Del Rio, Texas, a small-town bordering Mexico. I am the daughter of Mexican immigrants Agustin and Rosa Maria Hernandez. As a first-generation non-traditional Mexican American student, from a family of laborers, I was told many times the odds were always stacked against me. People made fun of my accent, commented that my English was horrible, and expected me to work in the fields instead of the classroom. Today, as a fall graduate of the UCCS class of 2023, I am graduating with a dual bachelor's degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Although school has been difficult, I intend to apply for grad school as I am passionate about learning. Furthermore, I want to inspire other Latinos to pursue a college degree, because we are more than laborers; as Cesar Chavez stated, “Si Se Puede!” [Yes, it can be done!].
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Krysta Heshelman
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Music
Krysta Heshelman is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music at UCCS this fall. During her short time at UCCS, Krysta has been studying piano, clarinet, and composition. Her determination, perseverance, and hard work across all three disciplines has earned Krysta the outstanding student in music award for the Fall 2023 semester. In addition to working alongside her professors Kelly Zuercher, William Malone, and Jon Forshee, Krysta also helped kickstart UCCS’s new Music Theory Club and has assisted her classmates by offering them extra help in music theory. After graduating, Krysta plans on attending grad school to focus more on music theory and composition.
Oscar Mata
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Music
Michelle McDonough
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Visual Arts
Mary Kate Zimmerman
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Museum Studies/Gallery Practice BI
Mary Kate Zimmerman is a dedicated student, consistently earning a spot on the prestigious President's List at UCCS. Her passion for history, the arts, and museum studies and education, has enriched the classroom and community. As part of an internship she completed with a community organization, she transformed an exhibition at showcasing her commitment to preserving the cultural legacy of Alice Bemis Taylor. Mary Kate's meticulous approach led to the establishment of a comprehensive stewardship plan for the institution's valuable collections, demonstrating her commitment to preserving its rich history. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in museums and possibly continue her education with a graduate degree.
Outstanding Undergraduate Students
Donte Young
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - WEST
Donté was born and raised in Detroit, MI, and moved to Colorado Springs with his sister, Tiara, and best friend, Bret, in 2017. Donté is receiving a dual degree in Women’s & Ethnic Studies and Sociology, and he plans on continuing his education until he has a PhD. Donté wants to become a professor because he believes that sharing knowledge is a major component to dismantling systems of oppression. As an Afrofuturist abolitionist, Donté wants to write bold and brilliant novels about Black history, Black futurity, and Black liberation. If Donté is not kickboxing, writing, or playing Cities Skylines, he is somewhere geeking out about RuPual’s Drag Race. Donté wants to dedicate his degrees to his mom, Ribbie. He also wants to give a special thanks to Tiara and Bret for supporting him throughout this journey.
Kristina Clifton
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - WEST
Kristina Clifton credits her major in WEST with expanding her world views, learning about how intersectionality shapes how we participate in our daily lives, and creating a more inclusive life for herself, her children, and those around her. Kristina achieved a superlative GPA, while also working full time, raising her children as a single mother, and providing eldercare for a family member. She still finds time to enjoy singing, dancing, and drumming. As she conveys, she shares her “educational experiences with others in her world and it has afforded her the opportunity to help educate others about viewing the world through different perspectives.