Awards

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Evie Cartwright headshot

Evie Cartwright

Outstanding student in Linguistic Anthropology

Evie Cartwright was born and raised in Parker, CO, an hour north of the Springs. Her college career began at Red Rocks Community College and Pikes Peak State College before transferring to UCCS. Her two years of Japanese classes with Mioko Webster and years of classes with Dr. Rebecca Wood grew her passion for language and culture. She has since been instrumental in Dr. Wood’s Digital Language Archival Project and her time working on the project left her inspired and hungry for more. Upon graduation she plans to take a year off before pursuing a graduate degree in linguistic anthropology. She expressed her eternal gratitude to the Anthropology department at UCCS for “being incredible and curating a kind and welcoming space to flourish”. 


Headshot of Keelyn Blacketer

Keelyn Blacketer 

Outstanding student in Biological Anthropology

Keelyn Blacketer has been an excellent student in many sub-disciplines of Anthropology with their primary interests centered around human anatomy and bio-archaeology. They enjoy studying bones and seeing what details we can learn about the person that they belonged to and studying what ancient populations went through and how they lived.  

 


Picture of Kyle Herbert

Kyle Herbert

Outstanding student in Archaeology

Kyle Herbert is an Anthropology major with a focus on archaeology. He has been a dedicated field researcher, spending a lot of time on field projects with UCCS including two seasons at the Jimmy Camp Creek Project and a third with the Chancellor Ranch Project. This work led to several independent research projects under the direction of Prof. Wren and an internship with the City of Colorado Springs archaeology office. The Anthro faculty also appreciates Kyle’s infectious enthusiasm which he brings to all his classes. 


Headshot of Jax Pfeil

Jax Pfeil

Outstanding student in Cultural Anthropology

Jax Pfeil is a cultural anthropology major at UCCS with a particular interest in literature and education. She has worked closely with professors Dr. George Bayuga and Dr. Susan Howell throughout her undergrad and enjoys studying everything from maid cafes in Japan to howler monkeys in Costa Rica. Her love for people has been a huge motivator, and her studies in cultural anthropology have trained her to have open and inclusive conversations with everyone she interacts with. Jax is an avid reader and hopes to help increase literacy rates and drive a love for reading in the young children she works with. She would like to thank her professors, friends, and family for their patience and support throughout her college career! 

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Picture of Kiersten Brock

Kiersten Brock

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Kiersten Brock grew up in Colorado Springs and graduated from Colorado Springs Christian School (CSCS) in 2021. Motivated by a deep love for animals, especially dogs, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in Pre-Veterinary Medicine at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS). While at UCCS she worked in a bat lab, studying the impact of turbines on declining Hoary bat populations and analyzing critical data. Additionally, she gained invaluable hands-on experience at a veterinary office, observing surgeries and caring for animals. Inspired by a special teacher, she is exploring career paths in veterinary medicine or teaching. Graduating in December 2024, she is immensely grateful for her enriching journey at UCCS and looks forward to the opportunities ahead.

The faculty chose Kiersten for (1) her excellent GPA, (2) years of service to the department as a grader in undergraduate laboratories, and (3) work as a researcher in Dr. Corcoran's laboratory. 

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Headshot of Kyla Magar

Kyla Magar

Outstanding Student Chemistry, BA

Kyla Magar was awarded the Outstanding Student for the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry with the Secondary Education Option based on her grade point average and having earned Distinction in Academics departmental honors. While pursuing subjects she was passionate about—such as Chemistry and Physics—in her bachelor’s program, she also completed her coursework in the UCCSTeach program, which has prepared her to teach chemistry in secondary education.

Kyla asked to pass along that she is sincerely grateful to everyone who has supported her along the way, including the incredible faculty and staff at UCCS, as well as her family and church community. Their encouragement has been indispensable to what she has been able to accomplish over the last four years. She looks forward to applying the knowledge and skills she has gained at UCCS in her future teaching career and continued personal growth. 

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Headshot of Sydnie Atkins

Sydnie Autumn Atkins

Outstanding Undergraduate Student -Organizational Comm

Sydnie’s interest in communication was sparked while volunteering for a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering camaraderie between military veterans post discharge from active duty. Utilizing communication skills in that environment was formative and showed her the key role it plays in human interactions. She sees communication as a necessary skill and tool not only in organizations, which she ended up focusing on in her undergraduate studies, but in life as well. After graduation, she plans on working for a publishing company, while also exploring other opportunities. Outside of school, she enjoys reading and values spending time with family. 


Headshot of Cale Claridge

Cale Walker Claridge

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Media Studies

Cale is a Media Studies Communication student, who has excelled academically throughout his time at UCCS. Additionally, as a two-year NCAA Division II baseball athlete, he has developed exceptional teamwork, time management, and problem-solving skills, which have carried over into both his academic and professional endeavors.

His work experience spans diverse industries, including retail management, hospitality, construction, and coaching. After graduation, he will continue to pursue opportunities in customer-facing leadership positions. Whether managing a team, delivering exceptional customer experiences, or building relationships, Cale is passionate about creating positive outcomes and driving results. 


Headshot of Josh Reynolds

Joshua Christopher Reynolds

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Digital Filmmaking and Media

Josh is interested in the medium of documentary, especially when used as a tool to highlight the lives and work of local figures and organizations that are making a difference here in the Springs. Many of the documentary shorts he has produced during his time at UCCS have focused on local artists and musicians, and he hopes to be able to produce longer-form documentaries on similar figures and organizations in the future. After graduation, Josh plans to work in marketing, while also pursuing opportunities to work as a cinematographer or writer for local productions. Outside of school, he loves watching movies with his friends, writing poems and short stories, reading, and playing video games. 

Fun fact: while at UCCS, Josh served as both book designer and editor for Issue 51 of the riverrun journal. 


Alexander Weatherford

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Sports Comm

 

Outstanding Graduate Students

Headshot of Meigan Deater

Meigan Deater

Outstanding Graduate Student 

Meigan Deater is a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Communication with a strong focus on leadership and organizational dynamics. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with an emphasis in Human Resources, which laid the foundation for her passion for fostering employee engagement and developing high-performing workplace cultures. Currently an HR Business Partner (HRBP) intern at a Fortune 500 aerospace and defense company, Meigan is driven by her personal mission to support others’ professional and personal growth through transformational leadership. Dedicated to aligning HR strategies with organizational goals, she plans to pursue a career in this dynamic and impactful industry after graduation. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Meigan enjoys playing pickleball, boxing, and spending time outdoors with her dog Scout. Ultimately, Meigan strives to create meaningful, lasting change in the workplace by building cultures of belonging, development, and collaboration. 

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Headshot of Joseph Brucker

Joseph Brucker

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

LAS Leadership Award (English)

Joe Brucker is an English literature major passionate about literature, language, and writing. As a LAS Peak Ambassador for the 2023-2024 academic year, Joe actively represented the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, promoting academic excellence and student success. He also supported the English department as a student representative for the Social Outreach Committee, where he contributed to creating the department newsletter. Before attending UCCS, Joe graduated summa cum laude from Front Range Community College in Summer 2022. In addition, Joe is a self-published author of four comedic books that draw on his experiences as a former flight attendant. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, painting, and spending time with his husband, Matt, and their three cats, Harvey, Fred, and Nash.

The LAS Outstanding Leadership Award is given to graduating students who have served as ambassadors for their major and our college. The LAS Peak Ambassadors, part of our Peak Learning Experiences, allows students to assist in the promotion and outreach of our college and programs to the greater community.  Students give considerable time and energy to develop and coordinate student events, alumni connections through interactive employment panels, and donor presentations. They represent and advocate for their fellow students while holding various leadership roles within the SGA, Chancellor’s Leadership, and college or community organizational boards. With such dedication to their fellow students and the fields of study they are pursuing, both their input and their leadership are invaluable to our overall mission of developing people and ideas. We are grateful for their time and selfless work to make the student experience here at LAS a positive and memorable endeavor.


Headshot of Evangela Dudeck

Evangela Dudeck

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - English

Evangela is a non-traditional student graduating with a Major in English Literature, Minor in Technical Communication and Information Design, and additional badging in UX Experience: User Research and Design. She is also the project manager for the UCCS Center for Research Frontiers in the Digital Humanities and a part-time nonprofit grant writer. Her academic interests include the Digital Humanities, Accessibility, and Equitable Representation in both institutional and public spaces. She is also a proud mother of two kids aged eight and nine and is looking forward to continuing her education with a Master’s in Public Administration. 


Headshot of Erin Hansen

Erin Hansen

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - English

Erin was raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She attended Colorado State University from 2003-2009 and earned her first B.S. in Psychology. After working as a dental assistant for over ten years, Erin decided she needed a change and wanted to pursue education in a field that she had a vested interest and passion in. Erin loves writing, reading, and all aspects of storytelling, so she felt it a natural fit to seek a B.A. in English, eventually realizing an emphasis in Rhetoric and Writing suited her interests and strengths. After graduation, she plans to go on for a Masters in Library and Information Science with a focus on archives to ensure all people continue to have access to a wide range of texts or other media, be it for education or entertainment. 


Headshot of Tabitha Richarson

Tabitha Richardson

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - English

Tabitha is a Colorado resident who is proud to be a part of the UCCS community. She will be receiving her bachelor’s degrees in both English: Rhetoric and Writing, as well as General Communications. Tabitha has excelled in her studies while working full-time. Known for her dedication to clear and impactful communication, she’s passionate about using language to create positive change and plans to pursue a career in public relations, helping organizations tell their stories effectively. In her spare time, Tabitha enjoys exploring art galleries and museums, attending musical performances, playing with her dog, and honing her creative writing skills. 


Headshot of Larissa Snoddy

Larissa Snoddy

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - English

Larissa Snoddy is an English rhetoric and writing major. While at UCCS Larissa had a total of six photographs published through riverrun, four published in 2023 and two published in 2024. Before coming to UCCS, Larissa graduated from Pikes Peak State College in 2021 with an associate’s degree. In her spare time Larissa enjoys reading, writing, and doing different crafts. Larissa also enjoys spending her time working at a small Christmas store, Santa’s Shop, at the mall during the holiday season.  

 

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Headshot of Justin Thesis

Justin Theis

Outstanding Student in GES

Justin's time in college has been a long road. Originally, he started at a community college in his hometown of Greenville, South Carolina for Psychology in 2004. Shortly into his first semester, he realized this was not the path he wanted to pursue, and he joined the Air Force. Justin spent ten years in the military and attended various colleges to obtain his CCAF (Community College of the Air Force) degrees, one in Emergency Management and one in Metrology. Towards the end of his time in the military he met his wife, Noelle, and they married shortly thereafter.  Noelle had received an active-duty job in GIS for the Air Force and that would ultimately be the reason he chose the Geography and Environmental Studies program at UCCS. Justin had visited Noelle at work one day and she showed him a map she was working on for the installation in ArcGIS Pro. Justin chose the Geography and Environmental Studies program at UCCS after they were stationed in the Springs. His post-graduation career will be dependent on where Noelle is stationed next, but he knows the education and credentials he received at UCCS will set him up for success wherever they land. Justin is extremely happy to be able to finish his degree and have his wife and son, George, at his graduation ceremony. Funny enough, George graduated from the UCCS Family Development Center this summer making both Justin and George UCCS alumni. 


Frank Vazzano

Outstanding Student in GES


Headshot of MJ Johnson

MJ Johnson

Outstanding Student - Sustainability Minor

LAS Leadership Award (GES)

The LAS Outstanding Leadership Award is given to graduating students who have served as ambassadors for their major and our college. The LAS Peak Ambassadors, part of our Peak Learning Experiences, allows students to assist in the promotion and outreach of our college and programs to the greater community.  Students give considerable time and energy to develop and coordinate student events, alumni connections through interactive employment panels, and donor presentations. They represent and advocate for their fellow students while holding various leadership roles within the SGA, Chancellor’s Leadership, and college or community organizational boards. With such dedication to their fellow students and the fields of study they are pursuing, both their input and their leadership are invaluable to our overall mission of developing people and ideas. We are grateful for their time and selfless work to make the student experience here at LAS a positive and memorable endeavor.


Timothy Chambers

Outstanding Graduate Student


Headshot of Patricia Favila

Patricia Favila

2024 Jacquelyn Beyer Fellowship Recipient

Learn more about The Jacquelyn Beyer Fellowship

Hi, I’m Patricia Favila! I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and moved to the U.S. when I was 11, settling in a small town called Bloomington, IL. Growing up, my life revolved around nursing—I gained extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the field. When I studied and worked in the medical field, I knew I was making a difference, but I always felt like something was missing.   When I moved to Colorado Springs in 2021, everything changed. I had a change of heart and decided to follow my instincts, even though change can be scary. For me, though, embracing change is what makes me stand out.    That shift led me to pursue Geography and Environmental Science, and I love every minute of it. Whether in the medical field or now in geography and environmental studies, making a difference has always been at the core of what I do. Exploring the world of geography and the environment has been a completely new and great experience so far, and stepping outside my comfort zone has been incredibly rewarding. I’m not afraid to try something different, and that’s what I believe defines me.    As of now, I plan to graduate in Fall 2025 and hope to build a career in land management and natural resource management, combining my skills as a future GIS analyst. Ideally, I’d love to work with national or state parks—but I’m excited to see where this journey takes me. 


Headshot of Grace Long

Grace Long 

2024 Jacquelyn Beyer Fellowship Recipient

Learn more about The Jacquelyn Beyer Fellowship

I am currently a student at the University of Colorado Springs, Colorado (UCCS) where I have been working on my bachelors degree in geography and environmental studies, along with the GIS certification after switching from paramedicine.  I am very passionate about geography, traveling, the environment, and the great outdoors. I am currently working  on a research project: “Sustainability of Game Ranching in South Africa” which I plan to do field work for and write an honors thesis based on findings. I hope to further my education in geography post grad and work in the remote sensing and sustainability! 


Noemi Rives

2024 Jacquelyn Beyer Fellowship Recipient

Learn more about The Jacquelyn Beyer Fellowship


Headshot of Kayla Thresher

 Kayla Thresher

2024 Jacquelyn Beyer Fellowship Recipient

Learn more about The Jacquelyn Beyer Fellowship

I am currently a student at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), where I've been pursuing my education since 2022. Initially, I embarked on my college journey as a mechanical engineering major but soon discovered my passion for geography and environmental studies, which led me to switch my focus. Alongside my degree, I am also obtaining a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). My enthusiasm for GIS is further exemplified through my research project on the sustainability of game ranching and complementary land uses in South Africa. I am dedicated to leveraging GIS data to create positive impacts and support communities, reflecting my commitment to sustainability and environmental advocacy. 

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Headshot of Brayan de Oca

Brayan De Oca

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - History

Brayan Montes de Oca was born and raised in Colorado Springs. Initially majoring in nursing, he always knew deep down that he loved history and wanted to teach others about our past. As a History major with a minor in Museum and Gallery Practice he has demonstrated an aptitude for academic research, writing his senior thesis, "British Parliamentary Attacks Upon the American Colonies and Relationships with Great Britain”   under the direction of Ms. Headle. He also currently works for the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, and after graduate school, hopes to someday work at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. 


Headshot of Veronica Harding

Veronica Harding

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - History

Veronica grew up in Parker, Colorado, but now calls Colorado Springs home. A love for reading at an early age developed into a fondness for history, for which she now has deep drive and a passion for the craft. Her college career has largely focused on Black History and Latin American History, subjects that she examined in her senior thesis on comparative racial trends in the United States. Additionally, Dr. Taparata reports that Veronica wrote an original and deeply thoughtful paper in his U.S. Refugee History class about rethinking the history of slavery through a refugee studies lens. She is also invested in exploring the intersection of history with her two minors in Geography & Environmental Studies and Religious Studies. With a love for UCCS, Veronica has enjoyed being involved on campus, working for the Event Services Department for over two years, and participating on the leadership team of a club called Christian Challenge. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in ministry and is excited to see how she can further pursue her education sometime in the future.


Picture of Hannah Murray

Hannah Murray

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - History

Hannah Murray is a first-generation college student whose academic interests rest in the social history of Indigenous people in the Americas. She focuses on resistance and Indigenous ways of knowing. Hannah’s intellectual interests extend into real-world applications; she serves as an activist on behalf of global Indigenous populations. Hannah’s dedication to their discipline, activism, and collaboration resulted in their voluntarily co-developing a syllabus for a future Special Topics course: “Divide & Rule: Settler Colonial Strategy & Indigenous-Black Relations in the U.S., 1790-1890.” In and outside the classroom, Hannah has earned the respect of students and faculty alike.


Headshot of Alicia Portillos

Alicia Portillos

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - History

Alicia Portillos is a Colorado Springs native and received an associate’s degree in history from Pikes Peak Community College. She is a member of Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She plans to pursue a Master’s in Library Science and Information through Morgridge College, focusing on being trained to be an archivist. Ultimately she hopes to work at a public library. She has also worked at Progressive Insurance for 18 years and Barnes and Noble for 5 years, enjoys spending time her dog and cate, and reading memoirs and also enjoy reading Sci-fi or Fantasy books.  


Picture of Jayda Wayman

Jayda Wayman

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - History

“Jayda Wayman. The words – bristling, astute, clear, evocative, compassionate, insightful, supportive, curious, and inquisitive – capture their intellect and personhood. It is a rare opportunity to work with a person from the moment they enter their freshman year to their remaining senior year. What an honor it has been to see the arc of expressive accomplishment and critical intellectual growth as they pursued a History major with a WEST minor. Jayda’s senior thesis interweaves the conceptual and theoretical, the historical and intersectional in “Don’t Call it a Comeback: the Harlem Renaissance and the Erasure of Black Literary Culture.” My heartfelt congratulations.”  Dr. Carole Woodall 


Headshot of Martin Ditkof

Martin Ditkof

Outstanding Graduate Student – History

Marty Ditkof had a long career as an attorney prior to entering our M.A. program. His previous degrees included a B.B.A. from the University of Michigan Business School in 1979, and a J.D. from Cornell Law School in 1983, where he served as the law review editor. Later, his professional interests turned towards work with asbestos-related issues. He spent decades working on this in law, and in the M.A. program in History devoted his work to the history of asbestos and diseases consequent to asbestos exposure. He plans now to pursue Ph.D. work to further his work in tis field. In December 2020, he designed a website which includes weekly posts discussing toxic minerals, at www.TheAsbestosBlog.com (tag line “Where History Means Knowledge, Be Informed”). Marty has also been an active mentor to students in the M.A. program and an educator in his own right in his field of specialty.  

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Headshot of Audra Craig

Audra Craig

Outstanding Student French Minor

“Le monde est à vous 

 

 

 

 


Headshot of Maxwell Fudge

Maxwell Frugé

Outstanding Interdisciplinary Studies major with a French concentration

Max Frugé was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana. As a heritage speaker of French, he participated in the French Immersion program of Prien Lake and SJ Welsh from 1995-2001. At Woodland Park middle school, he studied Spanish and picked up his French studies again at Woodland Park High School, where he graduated from in 2009. At UCCS, Max Frugé has continued his French and Spanish studies, settling on a major in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis on French and Spanish. Today, he works as a full-time World Languages instructor at the 6th through 12th grade level. He is grateful for his time at UCCS, but also, in particular, for the guidance of his professor and mentor in French, Professor Suzanne Cook. 


Headshot of Joseph Nelson

Joseph Nelson

Outstanding Student in Japanese

Joe is a senior at UCCS graduating this fall with a degree in International Business. He has been studying Japanese for nearly four years and studied abroad at Kansai Gakuin University in Hyogo prefecture Japan for six months in 2023. The experience profoundly impacted him and led him to the decision to promote cultural exchange and understanding between Japan and America at his internship with the Japan America Society of Southern Colorado. After graduation, he hopes to return to Japan to work in international relations and business. 


Headshot of Hazzel Somoza

Hazzel Somoza Palacios

American Sign Language Program Outstanding Student

My goals after graduation are to be accepted and attend the CU physical therapy program in 2025. In my free time, I enjoy trying new food, spending time with loved ones, doing arts and crafts, playing sports, and practicing astrology. 

 


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Clio Wilkerson

Outstanding Student in German

Clio Wilkerson is a history major with a minor in French language. She enjoys research, travel, and education; and will be pursuing her master's degree in library science. In summer 2024, she studied abroad at L’Institut Catholique D'Etudes Supérieures in the town of La Roche Sur Yon of western France. Clio is also a member of the National French Honor Society and hopes to continue her studies in the French language in her future. She is honored to be considered for this award and thanks those who nominated her.   

 

Languages and Cultures Scholarship Awardees

Elizabeth Bair

Languages and Cultures Scholarship Awardee (ASL, $500)

The 2025 Languages and Cultures Scholarship began as a travel scholarship for stellar students in our department. Once we were hit by the Covid pandemic, students could not travel abroad, and our funding was limited. This year we were able to use funds from a donor and awarded six $500.00 scholarships. All these students are seeking a minor or major in a foreign language or ASL and have a 3.0 average or better.


Headshot of Kaden Bilyeu

Kaden Bilyeu 

Languages and Cultures Scholarship Awardee (Japanese, $500)

The 2025 Languages and Cultures Scholarship began as a travel scholarship for stellar students in our department. Once we were hit by the Covid pandemic, students could not travel abroad, and our funding was limited. This year we were able to use funds from a donor and awarded six $500.00 scholarships. All these students are seeking a minor or major in a foreign language or ASL and have a 3.0 average or better.


Anna Kilpela 

Languages and Cultures Scholarship Awardee (French, $500)

The 2025 Languages and Cultures Scholarship began as a travel scholarship for stellar students in our department. Once we were hit by the Covid pandemic, students could not travel abroad, and our funding was limited. This year we were able to use funds from a donor and awarded six $500.00 scholarships. All these students are seeking a minor or major in a foreign language or ASL and have a 3.0 average or better.


Luis Lewis headshot

Luis Lewis 

Languages and Cultures Scholarship Awardee (Spanish, $500)

The 2025 Languages and Cultures Scholarship began as a travel scholarship for stellar students in our department. Once we were hit by the Covid pandemic, students could not travel abroad, and our funding was limited. This year we were able to use funds from a donor and awarded six $500.00 scholarships. All these students are seeking a minor or major in a foreign language or ASL and have a 3.0 average or better.


Headshot of Ana Machorro

Ana Sofía Machorro 

Languages and Cultures Scholarship Awardee (Japanese, $500)

The 2025 Languages and Cultures Scholarship began as a travel scholarship for stellar students in our department. Once we were hit by the Covid pandemic, students could not travel abroad, and our funding was limited. This year we were able to use funds from a donor and awarded six $500.00 scholarships. All these students are seeking a minor or major in a foreign language or ASL and have a 3.0 average or better.


Headshot of Catalina Arreola-Ramirez

Catalina Arreola Ramírez 

Languages and Cultures Scholarship Awardee (Spanish, $500)

The 2025 Languages and Cultures Scholarship began as a travel scholarship for stellar students in our department. Once we were hit by the Covid pandemic, students could not travel abroad, and our funding was limited. This year we were able to use funds from a donor and awarded six $500.00 scholarships. All these students are seeking a minor or major in a foreign language or ASL and have a 3.0 average or better.

 

Outstanding Graduate Students

Headshot of Jack Brett

Jack Brett

Outstanding Graduate Student

Jack Brett grew up in Colorado Springs and has been at UCCS since 2018. He started here as a high school student taking math classes through concurrent enrollment. Jack officially enrolled at UCCS in 2019. After finishing his B.S. in Mathematics, he continued through the accelerated master's program and pursued a M.S. in Applied Mathematics. Jack always had an interest in math since high school, but was not sure which topic to pursue initially. He originally intended to focus more on algebraic topics but had a change of heart when he took Dr. Dorrington's class on topology in spring 2022. Jack finds topology to be an incredibly rich and fascinating subject, with its emphasis not only abstract results but also on concrete calculations and counterexamples. During his M.S. Jack did independent study with Dr. Dorrington on algebraic topology which has further solidified his love for the subject and his desire to pursue it further. During Jack's time at UCCS, he worked as a tutor at the Excel Math Center. It has been incredibly rewarding for Jack working with students and seeing them succeed in their mathematical endeavors. After graduation, Jack is hoping to attend a PhD program in mathematics specializing in topology.

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Headshot of Jacob Swords

Jacob Swords

LAS Top Graduating Senior

Jacob Swords was born in Landstuhl, Germany. He attended Mclean Highschool for his freshman and sophomore years and Alamo Heights High school for his junior and senior years where he got his high school diploma. He began the undergraduate program at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs in the fall of 2020 and accepted a 3-year scholarship with ROTC in 2021. During Jacob’s time in college, he pursued a bachelor’s in communications and a minor in military science. Jacob was a member of the Mountain Ranger Battalion Ranger Challenge team for 3 years, completed the Bataan Death March twice, the Norwegian Foot March once, completed CST as the top cadet in his company while achieving the RECONDO badge and attended Robin Sage during his time with the UCCS ROTC program. Jacob will branch as an Infantry officer and will attend BOLC at Fort Moore GA, his follow on assignment is still pending.  

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Headshot of Jordan August

Jordan August

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Best Sr. Thesis – “Algorithmic Alienation: The (Re)production of Subjectivity”

Philosophy has given Jordan the tools to navigate the world. In his words, “the presence of my philosophy degree hides the heart, blood, muscle, and tears—my story, my lived experiences within—and can never truly reflect the incomprehensible network of love and kindness that placed it in my possession. I am thankful for the openness of the faculty: Dr. Scholes, Dr. Cutter, Dr. O., Dr. Carter in the English department, and particularly Dr. Sassower, for being cool with giving me the courage and space to explore whatever I was interested in. After graduating, I want to continue to be around like-minded people who care about art, who are passionate about philosophy, and who enjoy talking about life. I want to be around people with a good set of ears who love music; people with a good set of eyes to appreciate my style; people with good taste to appreciate the video games I’ll be making—in a studio in Barcelona, surrounded by cool and caring people like those I’ve met at UCCS.” 


Headshot of Lauren Robinson

Lauren Robinson

Outstanding Student

Lauren is a stellar Philosophy major here at UCCS. She is graduating Summa Cum Laude, and was integral to our Critical Thinking program as she tutored multiple students who needed her expertise and guidance. After graduation, Lauren will be coming back in the spring for either a master’s in social work or a doctorate in psychology (depending what programs she gets into). Her favorite area of philosophy is either logic or metaphysics and she really enjoyed Christian thought. 

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Ian Culbertson

Outstanding Student in Physics


Lawrence Scafuri

Outstanding Student in Physics

 

Outstanding Graduate Students

Mark Tyboroski

Outstanding Physics PhD Student

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Headshot of Ashlyn Jones

Ashlyn Jones

Outstanding Student in Psychology

Ashlyn is graduating with dual degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology with a minor in Pre-Law.  She will graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors.  Ashlyn received the following scholarships: Chancellor’s Scholarship, Bridge Forward Scholarship, Bruce & Anne Shepard Reach Your Peak Scholarship, and John Suthers Scholarship.  Other honors include an Outstanding Writer award and President’s List.  Ashlyn also worked on the Timmerhaus Project.  She is planning on a gap year of travel (potentially joining the Peace Corps) to explore her interests and eventually attending law school in the future. 


Picture of Haley Robillard

Haley Robillard

Outstanding Student in Psychology

Haley will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Sociology minor and a certificate of Criminology and Justice studies. She will graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors for her 4.0 GPA.  Haley was awarded the UCCS Chancellor's Merit Award when she transferred into UCCS. She worked full-time throughout her academic time. Katie currently works for a local agency that does intensive family services, therapy, intensive outpatient groups, and much more. After graduating, she will have more opportunities at this agency including bachelor’s level counseling. Katie plans to attend graduate school and eventually obtain a PhD in Psychology. 


Headshot of Michelle Wilke

Michelle Wilke

Outstanding Student in Psychology

Michelle is graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  She received awards and recognition including Daughters of the American Revolution scholarship, UCCS Chancellor's Award, and UCCS College of Letters, Arts & Sciences President's List for 4 consecutive semesters at UCCS. Michelle was involved as a member of the SALUTE National Honor Society, International Honor Society in Psychology, and National Society of Leadership and Success. She worked as an undergraduate research assistant with Dr. Fred Coolidge.  Michelle plans to pursue law school following graduation. 


Headshot of Brenda Cruz

Brenda Cruz

LAS Leadership Award (Psychology)

The LAS Outstanding Leadership Award is given to graduating students who have served as ambassadors for their major and our college. The LAS Peak Ambassadors, part of our Peak Learning Experiences, allows students to assist in the promotion and outreach of our college and programs to the greater community.  Students give considerable time and energy to develop and coordinate student events, alumni connections through interactive employment panels, and donor presentations. They represent and advocate for their fellow students while holding various leadership roles within the SGA, Chancellor’s Leadership, and college or community organizational boards. With such dedication to their fellow students and the fields of study they are pursuing, both their input and their leadership are invaluable to our overall mission of developing people and ideas. We are grateful for their time and selfless work to make the student experience here at LAS a positive and memorable endeavor.

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Headshot of Teresa Miller

Teresa Miller

Outstanding Student

Teresa Miller is a truly outstanding student. She has been an intellectual leader inside and outside of the classroom. Her very presence in the classroom raises the standards that everyone must strive for simply because she is excited by the ideas and holds herself to the highest standards. Teresa began interrogating the discourse of re-industrialization and techno-nationalism surrounding the CHIPS and Science Act while completing a capstone project in Globalization and Development. She then participated in the Undergraduate Research Academy in the summer of 2024 as a Research Assistant with Haruki Eda, deepening the analysis and exploring co-authorship opportunities. This project has then evolved into her Sociology Honors Thesis, which employs critical theories of Marx, Lenin, and Gramsci to explain how the Biden Administration has promoted its state subsidy for the semiconductor industry through the narratives of universal progress, Cold War space race, and securitizing the supply chain and military intelligence. The paper argues that the Act reinforces US imperialist hegemony by constructing simultaneously the national and individual in the linkage between technological advancement and national identity. 

 

Outstanding Graduate Students

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Brooke Garner

Outstanding Student

Brooke Garner (she/her) is a graduate student in the Public Administration and Sociology Dual Master’s Program at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2019. At UCCS, Brooke centered her studies on issues of diversity and inequality, examining race, class, dis/ability, gender, and sexuality within capitalist contexts. Her academic work explores the intersections of these identities in public and nonprofit settings, emphasizing the development of practices that promote inclusivity and equity. She also analyzes how mass media portray these issues. In investigating how popular culture reflects, challenges, and often reinforces existing power structures, her research aims to better understand the cultural narratives that shape and frame social movements. Studying sociology at UCCS has been crucial in shaping Brooke’s academic perspective and her understanding of what is possible for the world. She is deeply grateful for the support of her friends, family, and UCCS faculty. 

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

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Ashleigh Wright

Outstanding Student

 Ashleigh Rose Wright is the recipient of the Most Outstanding Student in TCID this fall. Ashleigh is a double major in both TCID and English Literature. Throughout her time in the TCID program, Ashleigh has completed several professional projects demonstrating her expertise in writing, editing, and user experience. Ashleigh used MadCap Flare to write a functional test procedure manual for defense contractor Kratos. She collaborated cross culturally with students from the University of Padua to edit an article about the downfall of an Italian airline. She edited an Organizational Resiliency Assessment for the Innovation Alliance. Ashleigh worked with a student research team to conduct user research and testing for the UCCS website to improve it for prospective students. In 2023, Ashleigh worked with a student user experience design team to create and design an app for the Salvation Army’s Veterans Housing Program. Her team’s app was picked to be further developed by the program. Beyond her work in TCID, Ashleigh has worked on film projects in the Communication Department. One of her team’s films, titled Capture the Flag, was featured in the Bluffs Film Festival in 2023. Finally, Ashleigh also works as a freelance photographer for weddings, families, graduations, newborns, and more. After graduation, Ashleigh plans to pursue a career in either technical writing and editing or user experience research and design. 

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

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Annaliesse Allen

Outstanding Student in Visual Arts

Since arriving at UCCS in 2022 Annaliese Allen has been one of Visual Art’s most impactful students. Because of the strength of her scholarly and creative achievements, she has been recognized by winning every award the program has to offer, including The Suzy Weinert Scholarship for Fine Arts (twice), the Harris Visual Art Scholarship, and the Dean’s Choice Award. In addition, she has become in integral part of the regional professional art scene, exhibiting her works in both group and solo shows at Kreuser Gallery, G44 Gallery, and Auric Gallery in downtown Colorado Springs.  Recently Annaliese also received a six-month residency with the Art Program at Ephemera Highlands, a residency that runs from September 2024 to February 2025. It also should be noted that, in addition to her academic achievements, Annaliese is an incredibly kind, curious, and smart person who has had a positive and lasting impact on all the communities in which she is a part. Because her accomplishments are unparalleled in the recent history of our program, it almost goes without saying that she is also our program’s Most Outstanding Student for Fall 2024. 


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Austin Ashmore

Outstanding Student in Music

Music major and bassist Austin Ashmore (they/them) has been a valued member of the Music community at UCCS. Through persistent work and practice, Austin has not only excelled at the electric bass but also sounds perfectly at home on the upright bass despite having begun learning it less than two years ago. Austin has performed on many classmates' recitals, showing steadfast support of their peers during both challenging and celebratory times, and recently gave a stellar senior recital including selections from progressive rock to contemporary jazz. 

Outstanding Undergraduate Students

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Kate Byrne

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - WEST

Kate (pronouns she/they) earned an Associate's of Arts Degree from Pikes Peak Community College in 2009. She found the right therapist in 2018, which inspired her to eventually become a therapist herself. She is passionate about social justice and chose WEST for undergrad to learn an intersectional lens to address systemic causes of trauma as well as interpersonal trauma in her future clinical counseling practice. She is apprenticing in veterans' art therapy for her capstone, applying an intersectional lens to both the historical and contemporary practices of art therapy.  Outside of school, she loves the outdoors, watching Bob's Burgers, and quality time with loved ones, including her beloved dog, Jeff. Lastly, she extends endless gratitude and deepest respect to her professors and cohorts in WEST for their incredible dedication to making the world a more equitable place.


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Lil Gray

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - WEST

Lil is a creative, wisdom enthusiast, community cultivator, and adventurist. After receiving an Associates Degree in Environmental Studies from Pikes Peak State College, Lil returned to UCCS to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Women's and Ethnic Studies with a Sustainability Minor, and Indigenous Studies Certificate. Throughout this time, Lil has had the opportunity and privilege to serve on the Pikes Peak Arts Council, to study abroad in Spain, and to be an interviewer in season seven of The Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project, among others. Lil is enthusiastic for all the infinite possibilities of life, and to continue showing up for the world in new and ever deeper ways.