Outstanding Spring 2025 Awards

Anthropology

Riley Weisenburger

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Biological Anthropology

Riley Weisenburger is a first gen student graduating with a bachelor’s in both Anthropology and Environmental Geography with a minor in sustainability. She has had amazing support from friends, family, and especially professors who have guided her way. She is graduating summa cum laude which she is grateful and honored to have gotten. Riley loves hearing about other's cultures and experiences in life. Something dear to her includes coral reefs, the environment, and protecting native plants and animals. After graduating, Riley plans to help implement sustainable environmental long-lasting solutions in places who need it while considering her place as the student in their environment. Whether she goes to graduate school right away or starting her career, she will never forget the lessons her professors have taught her. Especially Professor Kimball who told her she should take up a major in Anthropology because it's where she belonged several years ago at UNC, and her professors at UCCS who fostered her continued curiosity.

Stephanie Alamilla

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Linguistic Anthropology

Stephanie Alamilla is a first-generation college student graduating with a degree in Anthropology and a minor in Linguistics. Throughout her time at UCCS, she has focused on issues related to language, culture, and identity, using her coursework to explore themes of justice, displacement, and community. Upon graduation, she hopes to continue working on projects that support language diversity and cultural preservation. She extends her deep gratitude to the Anthropology department at UCCS for continuous support.

Kyra Johnson

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Archaeology

Kyra is a graduating Anthropology Major and French Minor, who first discovered her love for archaeology in an Experimental archaeology course where she made arrowheads, created a tattoo tool using cactus needles, and more. Her love for the field was then secured during the Chancellor Ranch Field School where she experienced everything firsthand, from survey to mapmaking. She never knew how exciting she could find glass bottles and rocks, and even more so when she did a deep dive into information about the artifacts in the lab and learned just how much history can be discovered from one trash pile. She was s-midden to say the least. She plans to continue working in the field with projects locally and overseas. Kyra is extremely grateful to the Anthropology department, including but not limited to Dr. Church, Dr. Wren, and Dr. Larkin, for helping her along this journey and being incredible mentors. She admires all that they do for the school and their work in the field.

Kelsey Bailes

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Cultural Anthropology

Kelsey is completing her bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Geography/Environmental Studies, with a focus on the intersection of these fields in understanding community dynamics and environmental impacts related to climate change. She gained valuable experience as a research assistant with the Center on the Study of Evangelicalism, where she collaborated closely with program directors to explore how Evangelicalism has influenced the development of Colorado Springs—historically, in the present day, and into the future. Kelsey plans to continue her academic journey with the goal of ultimately earning a PhD.

Kay-Lynn Bailey

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Overall Anthropology

Kay-Lynn Bailey is a cultural anthropology major at UCCS with an interest in folklore and ancient civilizations. She earned her Associate of Science degree at Pikes Peak State College before transferring to UCCS. She has enjoyed the theoretical discussions about the nature of anthropology and its use in the world during Dr. Kimbra Smith’s courses. Additionally, her study abroad experience in Scotland helped foster an appreciation for varied cultural settings. Kay-Lynn’s focus on folklore and international exploration has been a driving factor in many of her course projects. She plans to intern in Florence, Italy, after graduation and then enter the workforce. Finally, Kay-Lynn would like to thank her professors in the Anthropology department and her family for their encouragement and support of her academic career.

Biology

Marissa Benavidez

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Marissa is being recognized for outstanding GPA, her undergraduate research in the Bono lab, and as an officer in the Global Medical Brigades club

Paul Dang

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Paul is being recognized for outstanding GPA, his contributions to the Biology department as a TA and as an undergraduate researcher in the Risser lab, and as an officer in the Global Medical Brigades club

Kiana Kirkham

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Kiana is being recognized for outstanding GPA, highest of all graduating Biology majors, 4.0

Khoa Nguyen

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Khoa is being recognized for outstanding GPA and his contributions to the Biology department as a TA and as an undergraduate researcher in the Risser lab.

Ashley DeGeorge

Outstanding Graduate Student

Ashley is being recognized for her contributions to the Biology department as a graduate TA and researcher as well as completion of of her M.S. thesis.

Abigail Shultz

Outstanding Graduate Student

Abigail is being recognized for her contributions to the Biology department as a graduate TA and researcher as well as completion of of her M.S. thesis

Marissa Benavidez

Outstanding Leadership Award - Biology LAS Peak Ambassador

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.

Chemistry & Biochemistry

Kailene Black

Outstanding Student Chemistry, BA

Kailene Black is a first-generation student from Rocky Ford, Colorado, known for its perfectly sweet melons and cantaloupes, and feels that UCCS welcomed her with open arms. From her first semester, all the way to now, she encountered not just limitless opportunities, but also a community that encouraged and challenged her to go after those opportunities. While she is grateful to have been a part of that community, she is excited for the next step in her education and will be taking a gap year to travel and narrow down her top choices for Podiatry school. After Podiatry school, she plans to focus on a surgical specialty alongside a private clinical setting.

Avishi Singh

Outstanding Student Biochemistry, BS

A double major in biochemistry and psychology, Avishi loves keeping busy with random academic side quests. She’s also had the privilege of being a leader of two clubs and doing research on the complement receptor system. After graduation, she plans to apply to medical school, aspiring to one day pursue neurosurgery or trauma surgery. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading every book she can get her hands on, rewatching The Good Place, and sitting in patches of sunlight.

Communication

Olga Karpoyan

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Professional Comm

Olga’s passion for communication grew through her service in the U.S. Army, where she witnessed firsthand how strong leadership and clear messaging can make or break team cohesion. As a Leadership Communication major, she focused on the ways communication fosters trust, motivates action, and bridges cultural divides—especially in diverse, high-pressure environments like the military. At UCCS, Olga applied what she learned to real-world projects, including a mental health awareness campaign and a strategic outreach plan for the university’s men’s soccer team. After graduation, Olga plans to continue her military service while using her communication skills to advocate for mental health, especially within the military community. When she’s not studying or working, she enjoys reading fantasy novels, creating art, and spending time with her four children.

Rachel Grace Davidson

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Media Studies

Rachel grew up in Parker, Colorado and now calls Centennial home. Their love for media began when they were seven years old, and their first grade teacher taught them to love books. Now, you can often find them spending more time in imaginary worlds than in the real one. Rachel has an interest in how art and the media can move people to not only feel strongly, but also cause real change. Their particular focus is on queer and minority representation in books, movies, and TV shows, as they believe that these stories are the ones that need to be told. They are also an avid lover of bookstores, making music, and going to concerts. After graduation, Rachel intends to pursue their dreams of becoming an established author of fantasy and working as an editor within the publishing industry.

Victoria Smith

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Digital Filmmaking and Media

Tori is a Digital Film and Media Studies student with a passion for storytelling and teamwork. During her time at UCCS, she had the honor to be the showrunner and one of the directors for the tenth season of The Bluffs, the on-campus television show. Tori loves telling fun and uplifting stories. In addition to filmmaking, Tori has worked for the school newspaper, The Scribe, starting out as a news reporter in Fall 2023 and working her way up to Managing Editor. She feels her journalism experience has enhanced her storytelling abilities, encouraged her to talk to new people, and given her a strong sense of community and pride within the university. Outside of school, Tori enjoys reading, trying new restaurants with her friends, and watching so-bad-they’re-good movies. After graduation, Tori hopes to pursue a career in TV writing.

Marissa Cruz

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - General Communication

My name is Marissa Cruz. I’m a proud retired military veteran and a dedicated mother of four amazing kids. I have a passion for travel and staying active through fitness, always striving to live a balanced and fulfilling life. After years of service, I’m now stepping into a new chapter as a business owner. I'm currently pursuing a degree in Communications with the goal of using it to strengthen connections, improve communication, and create a positive culture within our growing team. I believe that great leadership starts with great communication, and I’m excited to bring that mindset into our business.

Vítězslav Rasl

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Digital Filmmaking B.I.

Vítězslav Rasl is a senior majoring in Digital Filmmaking with a cross-discipline in Business at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Originally from the Czech Republic, Vita discovered a passion for cinematography during his time at UCCS, shifting from directing to visual storytelling through light, composition, and camera movement. He has worked for nearly three years with the UCCS Video Production Team, contributing to major campus campaigns and promotional projects.
Vita's creative work has received international recognition, including a short documentary produced in China that was selected for the final screening of the Looking China program. Most recently, a short film he shot and co-created won Best Picture in the 48 Hour Film Project (Denver), earning a spot at the Cannes Short Film Corner in 2025. Known by faculty for his maturity, technical expertise, and collaborative spirit, Vita continues to push himself artistically and professionally. He plans to pursue graduate studies in cinematography to further develop his craft and tell impactful, visually driven stories.

Elizabeth Canright

Outstanding Graduate Student - M.A.

Economics

Brendan Bradfield

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Kevin O'Brien

Franka Endowed Fund Awardee

Kevin O'Brien is completing his final year at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, where he is double majoring in Economics and Philosophy. He has nearly a decade of experience in property management, including serving as Property Manager for West Edge and The Lookout on Cragmor, both student housing communities affiliated with UCCS. He now oversees a portfolio of five apartment communities, leading operations, leasing strategies, and capital improvement projects. After graduation, Kevin plans to attend law school to focus on contract and property law, with the goal of advancing fair and effective housing policy through legal and legislative work.

English

McKenna Argo

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

McKenna is native to the Colorado Springs area and is an English major with an emphasis in secondary education. Her passion for advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves drew her to education and as someone who didn’t find English came naturally, she worked hard to develop her skills and now brings empathy and encouragement to students who face similar struggles. One of her favorite accomplishments at UCCS was collaborating with Dr. Amicucci—a professor who deeply influenced her academic journey—on research into online English instruction, which was later published in Computers and Composition. She has also had the pleasure of presenting related research at the Colorado Springs Undergraduate Research Forum in 2024. She thanks her husband and her parents for their unwavering support in her time at UCCS. McKenna looks forward to a career teaching English to young students, inspiring in them the same passion that she found for it at UCCS, and giving back to her community.

Spencer Cearlock

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Spencer Cearlock began his academic career at UCCS as a History major with a minor in Theatre. After his sophomore year, he decided to change his major to English because “history was too depressing.” Spencer has contributed to several VAPA productions, appearing as Ferellion in Georges Feydeau’s A Flea In Her Ear (2022), David in Mae West’s The Drag (2022), Dr. Bradman in Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirt (2025) and serving as the Assistant Prop Master in Paula Vogel’s Indecent (2024). Spencer served UCCS’ on-campus community, working as a Resident Assistant from 2022 to 2024, and he was also involved as vice president for UCCS’ Club Improv. Spencer is committed to furthering his education, and he is trying to decide between graduate school and law school as his next step.

Alex Keyston

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Alex grew up in Colorado and was homeschooled her whole life aside from a semester in her junior year of high school. It was there that Alex was met with the introduction of an occupation that never had crossed her mind before—teaching. Almost 7 years later, Alex found herself graduating with a bachelor's in English and a license in elementary education. During these last four years of college Alex has learned a lot, but now she knows her journey has just begun. Graduating with honors, Alex now sets off into her career field in teaching with much anticipation and excitement for the future. Alex gives thanks to Jesus and all those who have supported her throughout her time here at UCCS; she said that she would not be here without you. There is still so much to learn, and there will be ups followed by some downs; nonetheless, Alex marches forward to take it all in.

Kate Marlett

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Kate Marlett grew up in Colorado and enjoys traveling, listening to ‘80s music, and watching Star Trek. As a child, Kate found herself drawn to books and the expansive, imaginative worlds contained within them. Her love for reading prompted her to major in English literature, and her love for editing inspired her to join the student newspaper, The Scribe. Over the course of the past four years, Kate has found at UCCS a community that supports, challenges, and encourages her. She has not only come to love reading more deeply—she has learned to be confident in her writing and to boldly share her ideas. Kate is honored to have been an editor for vol. 51 of riverrun and looks forward to continuing her publishing career after graduation with the Columbia University Publishing Course in New York City.

Brenna Martin

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Brenna is graduating as an English major with an emphasis in Elementary Education. She will be teaching First Grade in Colorado Springs this coming school year. She has worked at the UCCS Student Outdoor Learning Experience and has a passion for the outdoors which she will bring to her classroom.

Lea Partipilo

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Lea began her college career at Pikes Peak State College in the fall of 2020 as a twenty-eight-year-old mom looking to change her career path amid the Covid crisis. After obtaining her associate's degree, Lea was accepted to UCCS and became a member of the Reisher scholarship group where she learned how to integrate herself into her community through acts of service. Lea’s professors in the English department inspired and pushed her to overcome her fears and self-perceived limitations. Due to their support, Lea will have two nonfiction essays, and one poem published in riverrun this year. As a first generation, non-traditional student, Lea hopes to inspire others in the future to pursue their dreams of higher education. After graduation, Lea will be applying to graduate school to continue studies in English literature with the hopes of becoming an educator.

Jamie Villarreal

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Jamie is proud to be a first-generation student graduating from UCCS’s College of LAS. Jamie will graduate with a Creative Writing minor with a nonfiction emphasis alongside a Bachelor’s in English with a Secondary Education emphasis. From the College of LAS, Jamie was challenged in exciting ways that she will take with her after college. In the fall, Jamie will stay in Colorado Springs and become a teacher. She is a lifelong learner with a passion for working with people and making an impact. Jamie would like to thank her professors from the College of LAS, her family, and friends for always encouraging, challenging, and believing in her. She hopes to make you proud!

Tiauna Jones

Leadership Award - English LAS Peak Ambassador

Mackenna Elliot

Patricia Gray Endowment

The Patricia Ann Gray Scholarship is a need-based scholarship aimed at supporting continuing UCCS English students who have completed at least nine credits of 2000-level or above English courses and have a 3.0 Cumulative GPA in those courses.

Zoey Fulmer

Patricia Gray Endowment

Natalie Heil

Evan J. Scott Endowed English Scholarship

The Evan J. Scott Endowed English Scholarship provides scholarship awards to College of Letters, Arts and Sciences students majoring in English with a focus on literature or secondary education.

Stephanie Few

Julie Welsh Memorial Scholarship

The Julie Welsh Memorial Scholarship is a need-based award for UCCS English students who completed 12+ credits with a 3.0 GPA, specifically single parents with a strong academic record in English.

Geography & Environmental Studies

Isabelle Schuster

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in GES

Isabelle Schuster has distinguished herself as an exceptional student in our Geography and Environmental Studies (GES) program at UCCS. Transferring from Pikes Peak State College in 2023, she has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, graduating in Spring 2025 with a BA in GES and an Undergraduate Certificate in GIScience while maintaining an impressive 3.984 cumulative GPA and a perfect 4.0 GPA within her major. What truly sets Isabelle apart is her remarkable ability to learn independently from the course content. Whether she is delving into geographical theories, connecting classroom concepts to real-world issues, or mastering GIScience methodologies and technologies, she demonstrates the qualities of a high-caliber independent learner. Isabelle excels in comprehending complex information, engaging in critical thinking, fostering peer collaborations, and applying advanced STEM skills in GES. Beyond her academic performance, Isabelle has gained valuable experience by juggling multiple part-time positions. From serving as a Chick-fil-A delivery driver to taking on the roles of shift manager and ambassador at Noodles & Company and working as a drone pilot at Angel Hawk, her various jobs exemplify her excellent time management skills. Isabelle greatly values the education and training she received during her time at UCCS. Her dream job is a UAV Data Analyst, where she can collect and process drone imagery for spatial data analysis and terrain modeling.

Destiny Thurman

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Sustainability

Destiny Thurman exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding student in sustainability. Not only is she an outstanding student in class, where she consistently contributes meaningfully and thoughtfully to discussions and assignments. She also embodies - and practices - sustainability in her life, as evidenced by her ongoing work on campus and within Colorado Springs, illustrating that sustainability is, more than anything, about building and fostering community. I look forward to seeing how her work continues in the GES's new Advanced Master's Pathway program, and, more than that, I am excited to see the work she does after graduating.

Rebekah Vaughan

Outstanding Student in Geology

Rebekah Vaughan, this year's Outstanding Student in Geology, is a promising researcher contributing to our understanding of the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/Pg) extinction's aftermath through her work with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS). As part of the DMNS Corral Bluffs microfossil project, she discovered significant fossils, including a salamander jaw, crocodilian teeth, a theropod tooth, and a mammal tooth. Her findings are helping to understand species diversity across the extinction event and its evolutionary implications. Rebekah plans to continue her geology studies in the graduate program at CU-Boulder.

Andrew Lee Haworth

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in GIScience

Andrew is a smart and diligent student, full of curiosity about geography, GIScience and the world around us. Andrew has demonstrated a high level of resilience when learning new knowledge and navigating technological innovations in the GIS field. Andrew impressed us with his sensitivity and creativity when discovering and defining real-world questions. I believe Andrew will continue to thrive in the field of GIScience!

Grace Long

Outstanding Undergraduate Student Involved in Research

Grace has pursued undergraduate research about the sustainability of game farms in South Africa and the United States. She is working to complete a project that involves remote sensing data and field observations and analysis of ecosystems. She will be participating in the Accelerated Master's Program in Applied Geography to earn an MA after finishing her undergraduate degree.

Samantha Bailey

Outstanding Graduate Student - Applied Geography

Samantha Bailey is an ideal graduate student — self-motivated, passionate, and extremely clear about the work she wants to do in the world. She was able to bring years of experience into the program, and those experiences informed a Masters's thesis project that is both novel and immediately useful to the Pikes Peak Region. To me, she exemplifies the mission of our applied geography degree, which is to say that she conducted original research that will invariably shape the economic and health outcomes of our region as well as others dealing with similar issues of ozone non-attainment.

Trey Cate

25/26 Graduate Research Fellowship Awardees

Marie Dahlberg

25/26 Graduate Research Fellowship Awardees

Marie Dahlberg holds a BA in Anthropology from UCCS with a focus on archaeology. Her areas of interest in Geography include urban planning, accessibility, and the outdoors. She plan to focus her graduate research on issues relating to equitable access to outdoor spaces and completing the graduate GIScience certificate. She currently works for Amp’d Adventures in Colorado Springs.

Laura Mimm

25/26 Graduate Research Fellowship Awardees

Aaron Riley

25/26 Graduate Research Fellowship Awardees

‘How do I know when to stop with my literature review?’ This question demonstrates Aaron’s approach to his MA research. To answer his research question, Aaron has decided to learn everything about InSAR, an emerging and very technical remote sensing methodology. When Aaron is not working at his full time job or tutoring a laundry list of courses, he is – guess what – reading, reading, reading.

Micah Vacco

Ron Wisner Award

The Ron Wisner Human Spirit and Leadership Award is given to an outstanding student leader honoring the memory of Wisner, who served in the posts of executive director of student affairs and dean of students at UCCS from 1979 to 2003.

History

Paetyn Burrell

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Paetyn Burrell is an industrious, compassionate, and curious person, and dedicated to thinking through history. Her senior thesis, “Keeping Words: Hardship, Women, and Western Expansion,” interweaves women’s experiences through the act of keeping diaries. Her analysis, which centered four women, revealed states of grief, loss, and death as acts of agency. She is a Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society member and active in the National Society of Leadership and Success. My heartfelt congratulations.

Noelle Calhoun

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Noelle Calhoun is a History major and Philosophy minor, whose senior thesis explored how the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair revealed the fractures of mid-century American life and offered a glimpse into the exclusionary, car-centric infrastructure of today. While attending college full-time, Noelle worked 20-40 hours a week, including roles at the Kramer Family Library in collections, archives, and student research support. She also worked as an archival assistant at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, and currently works as a Junior Librarian with Anythink Public Libraries in Adams County. Noelle received the UCCS Outstanding Writer Award and was a T. Rowe Price Fellow during her junior year. She has received a full scholarship through the Sturm Elevation Initiative to the University of Denver, where she plans to study constitutional law. “I’ve loved studying history more than I can express—it’s been such a gift to spend four years immersed in a subject I care so deeply about.”

Kyle Frakes

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Kyle Frakes is a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico. In October 2015, he enlisted in the United States Army. Kyle began his higher education at Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Alabama, before transferring to Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut. In 2023, Kyle transferred to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs after being selected for the Army’s Green to Gold Active-Duty Option Program. This competitive program allows soldiers to maintain their active-duty status while completing their degree and earning a commission as an officer. Kyle will continue to serve in the Army as a Military Intelligence Officer and is accompanied by his spouse, Jennifer, and son, Leo.

Matthew Reese

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

I first fell in love with history when I was in middle school. I found the stories that played out in the events of the past were more engaging than any movie I had ever seen, book I had ever read, or game I had ever played. As I got older and expanded my knowledge, particularly during my time at UCCS, those stories only began to grow in complexity and my fascination grew right alongside them. But I also realized that history was more than just entertainment. I found that studying history was not only the best way to understand the world around me, the systems I lived in, and how they affected me and others, but it also helped me empathize with my fellow human beings, even people I had never met or would meet. As I continue my career and education, I am dedicated to strengthening my pursuit of history, both as a historian and as an educator.

Tara Harvey

Outstanding Graduate Student in History

Tara Harvey is an American historian specializing in historical genealogy and the production of microhistories. After raising three children as well as alpaca, goats, and German Shepherds, Tara came to UCCS a non-traditional student, receiving her BA in 2023. Since then, in two years of graduate work in the MA program in History, she has produced a pioneering work on the life of Jonathan Jasper Wright, the first black state Supreme Court justice in American history and a vital part of movements to create an interracial democracy in post-Civil War America. Her research already has drawn the attention of the top scholars in the world of Civil War/Reconstruction/African American history, and will in the near future be published as a book by the University of South Carolina Press.

Bradley White

Outstanding Graduate Student in History

During his time as a graduate student in History at UCCS, Bradley White has explored topics related to the history of U.S. relations with Haiti during the 19th and early 20th centuries as well as the cultural history of banjo music in the United States. Bradley also presented at the 2024 Society of Civil War Historians conference in Raleigh, NC, and conducted research at the Library of Congress and Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. Bradley is a member of the UCCS Graduate Research Academy and has received funding for both research trips and conference presentations from the university. Following graduation, Bradley will continue his work as a U.S. History teacher at the Vanguard School, where he is currently developing a dual enrollment program in African American and U.S. Military History.

Zach Henson

Outstanding Graduate Student in History

Zach Henson is a history graduate student and academic assistant for the department who has focused his research on the history of the German diaspora. His goal is to place German history within a global context, as such his three research papers examine how Germans interacted with the culture and identities of other nations as well as the shifting understanding of the German identity within Germany. He presented one of these papers at a conference for the German Historical Institute and is currently translating German language documents at the PPLD Special Collections, to include a personal account about the Holocaust.

Languages & Cultures

Rachel Bump

Outstanding Student in American Sign Language

My name is Rachel, and I am graduating this spring with a B.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies with a minor in Geology while also earning the GIScience Certificate. What began as fulfilling a language credit in high school quickly turned into a passion for learning ASL - one that I’ve carried through both high school and college. It has been such an incredible opportunity to not only learn ASL, but to also learn about many other topics within the Deaf world that have shaped my education. Lastly, a big thank-you to the professors of the ASL Department - Ida Wilding and Sabrina Valencia - ASL Specialist Barb Seravalli, and the tutors over at the Excel Language Center!

Abigail Miska

Outstanding Student in American Sign Language

Hello! My name is Abigail (Abby) Miska. I am a proud older sister and a loving cat mom. One of my favorite things to do in my free time is travel. I am graduating with a major in psychology and a minor in American Sign Language. My goal is to be a Deaf therapist one day. I have been a part of the Deaf community since my freshmen year of high school and couldn't be more grateful to be a part of the community. American Sign Language has always been a passion of mine, and I can't wait to help others with it in the future.

Galilea Rico

Outstanding Student in American Sign Language

Born in Mexico and brought to the U.S. at age four, I am the proud daughter of resilient immigrant parents who instilled in me the value of hard work and community. Despite early motherhood and personal challenges, I’ve pursued higher education and independence with determination. I am double majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice with a minor in American Sign Language at UCCS. My passion for ASL stems from a commitment to language justice and community support. I actively volunteer as a Spanish interpreter and advocate for immigrant families, survivors of sexual violence, and the Deaf community. My goal is to be a trusted resource and bridge across languages and cultures, uplifting others as my family once uplifted me.

Jessica Ramos

Outstanding Student in American Sign Language

My name is Jessica Ramos. I am a first-generation Hispanic student majoring in nursing with a minor in American Sign Language. I will graduate in May and head to Denver to work at the University of Colorado Hospital on the Orthopedic floor! After a few years, I plan on going back to school for my master's degree to specialize in surgical patients. I also plan on going back to receive my bachelor's degree in interpreting for American Sign Language. I am so excited to start my journey and provide the best care for all my patients!

Kane Ruiz

Outstanding Student in American Sign Language

Kane Ruiz (any pronouns) is graduating with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a minor in American Sign Language. Thanks to their outspoken and passionate nature, Kane has been able to promote accessibility for deaf and hard-of-hearing folks through providing captions on videos. They have helped in bringing awareness to not only the ASL Program at UCCS, but have also proudly showcased the benefits to learning ASL. Kane is receiving various stoles and cords for their involvement across campus, including working at the MOSAIC Office, QTPOC & Two-Spirit club leadership, being on advisory boards, and more.

Kyra Johnson

Outstanding Student in French Minor

Kyra is an Anthropology Major and French Minor who has been studying French since high school. She got serious about learning the language at UCCS though when she saw the teachers love for the language and how that translated to teaching. Thank you Madame Cook for helping her get as far as she has. The biggest impact learning French had in her life was how it inspired her to travel the world. She went to a study abroad program in La Roche Sur Yon France for a month for full immersion after her sophomore year. Soon after got to go back to Europe for another study abroad and backpacking trip and practice her speaking skills more in Luxembourg, Belgium, and other new towns in France. Upon returning from these journeys, she continued to learn and was inducted into the French Honor Society. She wants to continue to broaden her understanding and speaking abilities after graduation through various jobs and adventures.

Jesse Pearson

Outstanding Student in French Minor

Jesse Pearson is a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Honors Program graduate at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. He will be starting a Master's in Public Administration at the College of Public Service upon graduation.

Sarah Wuellner

Outstanding Student in German

Gunnar Anderson

Outstanding Student in Japanese

Gunnar is a senior at UCCS graduating this spring with a major in Computer Science and minor in Japanese. He has been studying Japanese for three years and is an alumnus of the Kakehashi Project, a program sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote cultural exchange and understanding. His experience with Japanese studies has shaped his time at UCCS, leading him to serve as the president of the Japanese Club for three semesters, a Japanese language teaching assistant for two semesters, and a tutor at the Language Excel Center. After graduation, he plans to participate in the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Program and teach English in Japan, continuing his passion for cultural exchange and language education.

July Davila Jimenez

Outstanding Student in Spanish: Native Speaker

July Davila Jimenez is a Peruvian immigrant who has been living in the United States for the past 25 years.
She began studying English 22 years ago by watching cartoons, (Caillou, Barney, Teletubbies and of course Dora were a few of her favorite teachers) always dreaming of communicating proficiently in English. Pursuing a career in Spanish Language education became a goal after enrolling in her first few college courses. Throughout the years there have been various challenges and obstacles for her to overcome.
She began her career in the United States thinking first about doing something she was passionate about.
July began working in jobs that allowed her to use her passion for teaching and how rewarding it was to share her knowledge with others. As a supervisor and department head for the past fifteen years, she has had the opportunity to teach and lead groups of employees of different ages, positions and experience.
Being the first of her siblings to earn a bachelor's degree this accomplishment fulfills a dream instilled in her by her hardworking parents who valued and stressed how important getting a good education was.
Through desire, drive, determination and the support of her family July is proud to have completed her bachelor’s degree as an example for her daughter to follow. Showing her that with hard work and dedication you can make your dreams become reality, but it will not happen overnight.
July’s plan for the future is to be a successful and inspiring Spanish teacher who also plans to create and manage a website page to teach online Spanish language and Latin/Hispanic cultural classes. She does not just wish to teach the Spanish language itself, but to also incorporate cultural perspectives and cultivate a passion in her students to learn about the origins of the Spanish language and the Hispanic culture.

Ella Simon

Outstanding Student in Spanish: Non-native Speaker

I started learning Spanish in the 7th grade and enjoyed learning the new vocabulary and grammar with every year. I liked having the ability to expand my communication skills beyond English. By the time I graduated high school, I had been taking college level Spanish for two years and had the opportunity to receive a seal of biliteracy.
My main career goal has resided in nursing which was what drew me to UCCS in the first place. I had every intention of continuing my Spanish but mainly as a minor to benefit my skills in the hospital. Overtime, my plans evolved, and I had more opportunities to take more and more Spanish courses which eventually pushed me to shoot for a Spanish major instead of a minor. While I am still at least a year away from receiving my bachelor's degree in nursing, the pursuit of this Spanish degree has expanded my perspective on my eventual career role.
It is not a common occurrence that nurses speak multiple languages in the hospital which creates an isolating environment for patients who do not speak English fluently. While translators are accessible through technology, it is often a hassle for all parties involved and often creates a communication barrier. Patients often experience more embarrassment, confusion, and occurrences of misinformation. In the future, I hope to be an exception to this rule and be certified as a Spanish translator and nurse in the healthcare field. Patients are often experiencing the worst moments of their lives in the hospital, and it is my hope that my Spanish will allow my patients to feel more comfortable and trusting through such stressful situations.

Henry Cummings

Caleb Foulks

Anna Kilpela

Rin Westbay

Green Action Fund (GAF) Grant: “Sustainability in the French Luxury Industry”

Green Action Fund (GAF) Grant: “Sustainability in the French Luxury Industry” for study abroad to France May 23-June 1, 2025. The Green Action Fund seeks to reduce the ecological footprint of UCCS by promoting sustainable environmental, social, and economic values through the support of student-sponsored projects.

Mathematics

Mark Stevenson

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Kenny Takada

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Sean Redinger

Outstanding Graduate Student

Aaron Anderson

Lorch Scholarship

The family of former UCCS Professors Bob and Barbara Lorch established the Robert S. and Barbara R. Lorch Department of Mathematics Endowed Scholarship in 2009. The late Drs. Lorch taught political science and sociology, respectively, at UCCS for more than 30 years. Bob and Barbara’s son John earned a B.A. degree in Math at UCCS in 1988, went on to earn his Ph.D. in mathematics, and is now a Professor of Mathematics at Ball State University in Indiana. The funding provides for merit-based scholarships for junior or senior math majors.

Military Science

Matthew Frank

LAS Top Graduating Senior

Matthew Frank was born in Chillicothe, Ohio. In January 2009, He enlisted in the United States Army as a Combat Medic (68W). He was assigned to 101st Airborne Division, 1st Brigade, 1-327 Infantry Battalion as a medic from September 2009 to February 2017 and deployed to Afghanistan twice. His follow-on assignments were with the 1st SFAB, 5th Battalion, again deploying to Afghanistan, the 4th Infantry Division, Division Surgeon’s Cell as an Operations Sergeant, and finally Evans Community Hospital as the Department of Emergency Medicine NCOIC. While serving at EACH, he was selected for the Army’s Green to Gold Active-Duty Option (ADO) program. CDT Frank received a Bachelor of Psychology and graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He will branch as a Medical Service Officer and attend the Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, with a follow-on assignment to Fort Richardson, Alaska. He will be accompanied by his two sons, Elliot and Thomas Frank.

Jonathan Hutchinson

LAS ROTC Scholarship

Jon Hutchinson was born in Seoul, South Korea, into a military family. After moving 6 times, he settled in Centennial, Colorado at the age of 9 where he would finish out the rest of his public schooling. Upon graduating high school, he attended UCCS with the goal of earning a bachelor's degree in psychology. He also joined the school's ROTC program, receiving a 3-year scholarship and the opportunity to do follow-on training. So far, his performance has earned him the USAA spirit award, air assault badge, and top MS2 cadet awards. He intends to commission as an infantry officer when his undergraduate education is complete.

Philosophy

Mustafa Al Shihab

Outstanding Undergradate Student

As graduation approaches, I find myself reflecting on everything I’ve learned over the past four years—both inside and outside the classroom. When I first started at UCCS, I had a general idea of the career path I wanted to pursue and what it might take to get there. But one of the best decisions I made was choosing to major in Philosophy. These past four years of being at UCCS have challenged me to think more deeply, to question with purpose, and to understand the world—and the people in it—in ways I never expected. It’s shaped how I see myself, how I interact with others, and how I approach life beyond college. As I move forward to continue my studies in pharmacy school, I know I’ll carry everything I’ve learned from my studies with me. The perspective it’s given me will always be a part of how I think, work, and connect with the world around me.

Maria Alcala

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Asian Philosophy

My name is María Bianca Alcalá and I am a philosophy major, with a minor in Asia studies, and political science. I am currently living in Portland, Oregon with my partner, my dog, Hestia and my cat, Sidious. Studying philosophy has provided me with the skills needed to seek better understanding and the skills needed to be better understood. No matter the path my life takes, I will continue this pursuit of wisdom and continue with confidence knowing that with these skills, and lessons that I have learned at UCCS will continue to support me as I go.

Geoffrey Rael

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Classics

I am thirty-four years old, born and raised in Pueblo Colorado by my great grandparents. I barely scraped through high school by the skin of my teeth and had no idea what I want to be when I grew up. After a few years of labor positions I decided to try something with more stability, I joined the Army in 2013. From 2013-2021 I was an infantryman and I left the military at the rank of Staff Sergeant. I decided to come to UCCS after a few years of self reflection and freedom; this led me to come study philosophy and have since become a philosophy/English double major. College has been the first period of my life where I feel a sense of fulfillment and I look forward to spending the rest of my life in academics.

Kathryn Ortiz

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Religious Studies

I'm currently a junior with a dual major in psychology and philosophy with a minor in religious studies and am pursuing a certificate in nonprofit leadership. I plan to attend grad school after finishing my B.A. My favorite part of life is being a mom, but I'm also a lover of nature, animals, people, travel, and music. I serve as co-president of the Philosophy Club, where I do my best to create space for open discussion about life’s weirdest questions. I am passionate about exploring the intersection of religion, ethics, and social impact, and my ultimate career goal is to influence public policy for issues surrounding human dignity and community service.

David Olsen

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Non-Traditional

Learning has been a lifelong journey for David Olsen. After initially studying philosophy at UCCS in the early 1990s, David's path led him through various creative and cultural endeavors, including founding the Front Range music magazine "Rover" and managing Western Jubilee Recording Company. One of his most meaningful professional experiences was helping incorporate Western Jubilee's musical archives into the Smithsonian Folkways collection, ensuring these important American cultural traditions will be preserved for generations. Now returning to UCCS as a double major in Philosophy and Psychology, David finds joy in exploring how these two fields inform and complement each other. When not immersed in his studies, he can be found enjoying Colorado's natural beauty with his dogs or dreaming about his return to recreational hockey.

Alexandra Haygood

Eldon Stevens Award for Best Senior Thesis

Alexandra Haygood is a Philosophy major and economics minor. She first fell in love with philosophy in high school and hopes to continue her philosophical learning in and out of school. During her time at UCCS she developed a deep interest in the intersections of language and economics. She is an aspiring legal professional and lover of the arts! After graduation she hopes to continue her education in law school and spend some time camping and traveling!

Physics

Lawrence Scafuri

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Hannah Taff

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Ghanem Alatteili

Outstanding Physics PhD Student

Ally Roxburgh

Outstanding Physics PhD Student

Political Science

Lauren Pauly

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Lauren Pauly is a Political Science and English double major. After graduating from Rampart High School in 2021, she enrolled at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) in the Fall of 2021. During her time at UCCS, she has filled a variety of academic and professional roles which have further entrenched her love for the intersection between language and governance.As a Bastiat Honors Scholar for the Center of the Study of Government and the Individual, she has fully immersed herself in a hands-on community that shares her academic interest in the overlap between literature and law by contributing to academic discussions aimed at developing forward-thinking ideas about liberty and American politics. Working as a teaching assistant for a Constitutional Law course under the direction of Professor Josh Vandiver, she solidified her interest in the political and legal frameworks which inform the structures of American government. She has also worked as a Campus Success and Event Specialist intern at the Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation, where she developed a passion for collaborative learning and generative networking alongside partners in the Department of Defense, academia, and aerospace industries. Her four years at UCCS have progressively increased Lauren’s enthusiasm for her academic interests. Through her explorations of American political and governmental structures, she has developed an eagerness for this field of study and plans to further her education by attending law school in the future.

Caden Salladay

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Caden is a 6th-generation Colorado Springs Resident. He enjoys the quiet and serene moments of life and appreciates simplicity. He will be graduating with a Degree in Political Science and Philosophy and currently works at the Colorado State Capitol.

Psychology

MaKenzie Baca

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Psychology

Makenzie Baca is graduating with a major in Psychology and minor in Biology. She is a Psi Chi Member, Reisher Scholarship recipient, and was on the Spring 2024 President’s List. Makenzie has been a Research Assistant in Dr. Colin Mahoney's MPWR lab since Spring 2024 and conducted her Psychology Honors research thesis "The Effect of Childhood Trauma on Empathy and Interpersonal Functioning". After graduation, she plans to gain more experience within the field of psychology as a research assistant. In fall of 2025, Makenzie hopes to apply to graduate PhD programs.

Gabby Faggionato

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Psychology

Gabby Faggionato is graduating with a major in Psychology and minor in statistics. She has earned a Chancellors Award and was recognized on the President’s and Dean’s List. Gabby worked in Dr. Michael Kisley’s research lab as a Psychology Honors student. After graduation, she plans on applying to counseling master's programs after taking a gap year.

Caleb Moyer

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Psychology

Caleb Moyer is graduating with a major in Psychology and minor in Human Services. As a Psychology Honors student his degree will be cited “With High Distinction in Psychology.” Caleb has worked at the UCCS Aging Center as a member of the Neuropsychological Evaluation Team. He has worked under Dr. Rachel Thayer’s lab conducting research concerning older adult cannabis use and their cognition. After graduation with his B.A., Caleb will be attending the UCCS Psychology Department’s M.A. Clinical Psychology program.

Karen Ahumada Villanueva

Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Psychology

Karen Ahumada Villanueva is graduating with dual majors in Psychology and Sociology. She received the David Nichols Award from the Psychology Department, was selected for the UCCS Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP), and President’s and Dean’s List Honoree. Karen has been a Research Assistant for Drs. Kristen Rudd and Laith Al-Shawaf. She completed her Psychology Honors thesis with Dr. Rudd's mentorship on "Environmental Adversity on Children’s Self-Esteem: Evaluating the Protective Effects of Ethnic Racial Identity." After graduation, she plans to research how non-work-related challenges impact employees’ performance, career progression, job satisfaction, and overall well-being, with the goal of finding ways to mitigate these effects.

Paige Klein

Outstanding MA Student in Clinical Psychology Award

Paige Klein is graduating with her MA in Clinical Psychology (Trauma subplan). She has been a member of the UCCS Graduate Research Academy; winner of the Clara Mayo Grant awarded by the Society for Psychology Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) for research on sexism, racism, or prejudice; practicum student at A New Leaf Therapy community mental health practice; and presenter at International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Paige’s Master’s Thesis was titled “Healing wounds of the soul: Examining how guilt-related cognitions and self-compassion relate to moral injury among survivors of intimate partner violence.” After graduation, Paige plans to attend Northern Illinois University's Clinical Psychology PhD program in fall 2025.

Samantha Umland

Outstanding MA Student in Psychological Science Award

Samantha Umland is graduating with her MA in Psychological Science. She earned her B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from Colorado State University. Samantha is passionate about studying developmental impacts, specifically for children and adolescents who have experienced adversity. She is currently working on her thesis, titled the 'Impacts of Early Life Adversity: Puberty Onset and the Parasympathetic Nervous System Effects'. In Dr. Kristen Rudd's graduate research lab, she aids in scheduling and data collection for a longitudinal study sampling from mother-child dyads. Samantha plans to explore career opportunities in industrial organizational psychology after graduation.

Britta Beck

Outstanding PhD Student Award (Trauma Psychology)

Britta graduated from Endicott College with a B.A. in psychology focused on neuroscience. Britta conducted research for four years at the Translational Research Center for Traumatic Brain Injuries and Stress Disorders (TRACTS), part of the Boston VA Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School. Britta is a member and the lab manager of the Mixed Methods Promoting Wellness and Recovery (MPWR) Lab, directed by Dr. Colin Mahoney. Britta's area of research includes exploring the impact of traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder on health risk-taking behaviors and functional impairment in women survivors of intimate partner violence. Britta is completing her clinical training at the Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience Veteran's Health and Trauma Clinic. After graduation with her PhD, she plans to pursue a combination of research and clinical work with survivors of trauma.

Chris Griffith

Outstanding PhD Student Award (Geropsychology)

Chris Griffith, MA is a fourth-year clinical psychology (geropsychology track) doctoral student at UCCS. He works with Dr. Leilani Feliciano studying the intersections of chronic illness, mental health, and cognition in older adults. Chris is currently working on his dissertation project to examine psychosocial risk and protective factors of dementia in Black and Latinx communities. He is a recipient of this year's Graduate Psychology Education Fellowship, and he serves as the President of UCCS's Psychology Graduate Student Organization. Clinically, he enjoys working with medically complex older adults who have cognitive impairment and mental health concerns. Next school year, he will teach an undergraduate course, Psychology of Aging, and he will seek an APA-accredited clinical internship specializing in geropsychology. His long-term goal following graduation is to become a board-certified clinical geropsychologist specializing in assessment and treatment for older adults with complex health needs.

Christina Lopez Gonzalez

Psychological Society of Pikes Peak Region Outstanding Student MA Award (Clinical Psychology)

Christina López González is a Clinical Psychology MA student and the recipient of the Psychological Society of the Pikes Peak Region Outstanding Student Award (Clinical Psychology – MA). She is currently completing her clinical practicum at Evans Army Community Hospital at Fort Carson and conducts research in the Mixed Methods Promoting Wellness and Recovery (MPWR) Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Colin Mahoney. Christina’s research centers on help-seeking behaviors among survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). She has been accepted into the Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at the University of Central Florida, where she will begin her doctoral training in Fall 2025.

Zara Kenigsberg

Psychological Society of Pikes Peak Region Outstanding PhD Student Award (Trauma Psychology)

Zara Kenigsberg, B.A., is a third-year clinical psychology doctoral student in the trauma track at UCCS. She received her B.A. in psychology with a minor in biology from Vanderbilt University. Zara was recognized as a Chancellor’s scholar at Vanderbilt University and recently won second place in the Three-Minute-Thesis competition at UCCS. She currently works with Dr. Steven Bistricky, exploring various lines of research, including sleep and mental health, trauma disclosure experiences, and coping following exposure to disasters. Zara is completing her clinical training at the Veterans Health and Trauma Clinic, providing individual therapy to veterans and veterans’ family members, along with conducting neuropsychological assessments for justice-involved veterans. She plans to begin training at the Children’s Hospital Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center this summer. After graduating, Zara hopes to pursue a primarily clinical career, providing psychotherapy and neuropsychological assessments for trauma survivors.

Olivia James

Psychological Society of Pikes Peak Region Outstanding Student MA Award (Psychological Science)

Olivia is a second-year master’s student in the psychological science track at UCCS, with a research focus in evolutionary psychology. Before studying at UCCS, she graduated from Hamilton College with a degree in Psychology and Philosophy. She now works and conducts research with Dr. Laith Al-Shawaf on understanding the evolutionary psychology of human emotion, norms, thought processes, and friendship behaviors. Olivia’s master’s thesis currently aims to answer the following questions: Can people love their friends, and what are the range of behaviors men and women engage in to display the emotion of friendship love? She plans to use her thesis to develop a valid and reliable self-report assessment tool for other researchers and clinicians to use in real-world settings. After graduation, Olivia looks forward to pursuing a PhD in Psychology and hopes to start a career in applied research.

Ellie McLane

Lee Becker Award

This graduate award recognizes the graduate student (out of the approximately 20 first-year students) who has shown outstanding accomplishment in the statistics and research methods courses. The Becker Award, named for Dr. Lee Becker (Professor of Psychology, 1977 - 2001), includes a $2,000 scholarship for the award winner.

Sociology

Yesenia Cruz Garduno

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Yesenia Cruz Garduno, born and raised in Colorado Springs, is a first-generation college student. She has been deeply involved at UCCS as a Reisher Scholar and co-founder of the campus's only Latina sorority, Pi Lambda Chi. Set to graduate in May 2025 with bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice, Yesenia will continue her studies at UCCS in the College of Education, pursuing a master’s in School/Clinical Counseling. She is passionate about working with minority and Spanish-speaking communities. Her time at UCCS has been enriching, shaped by a supportive community and the invaluable knowledge she has gained through the sociology program. She would like to thank her parents, family, and friends for their unwavering support and belief in her.

Tahirah Jackson

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Tahirah Jackson is a 23-year-old Aquarius whose favorite hobby is reading books. She prefers fiction books with wild plots, but she can be easily persuaded to read anything even remotely sociological. She's the youngest of five children; she has four older brothers. Her parents' names are Fred and Latisha, and she owes everything she does to them; they are her biggest inspiration and her biggest motivation. Her family is everything to her, and she would like to thank them today for being here along the way.

Aiyanna Quinones

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Aiyanna Quinones is graduating with a Bachelor of Sociology with a minor in Women's and Ethnic Studies. She has been involved in Student Life, multiple student clubs and organizations, and the Student Government Association as a senator at-large. Over the years, she has been involved in a multitude of impactful projects, both as a collaborator and as a leader. Her unconventional and innovative approaches and desire to think outside of the box allowed her to work alongside her peers, UCCS staff, and faculty to facilitate change and encourage new directions. Over the four years she attended UCCS, she participated in multiple panels, was an organizer for Clydecon and Clyde's Clothing Corner, worked in the Office of Student Life and Leadership as a Student Activities Administrative Assistant, worked in Student Government Association as the Speaker of the Senate and Speaker Pro Tempore, and sat on Student Health Advisory Board as their secretary.
She is thankful to everyone who uplifted her throughout her four years and hopes to continue to bring others up as she climbs.

Morgan Serafin

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Morgan is a sociology major with a minor in business, currently studying the attention economy and how people choose to spend their free time. Outside of academics, Morgan enjoys baking, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and caring for a collection of houseplants. Morgan also loves expressing creativity through nails, hair, makeup, and fashion. At home, Morgan shares life with Ivy, a snuggly cat who brings joy to everyday life. After graduation, Morgan plans to pursue a career in social work or the non-profit sector, with a passion for social impact work and advocacy.

Karen Ahumada Villanueva

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

As a sociology and psychology major, Karen is committed to understanding human behavior and societal structures. Passionate about research and community impact, she strives to bridge disciplines for meaningful change. This fall, she will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Social, Decision, and Organizational Sciences at the University of Maryland.

Katy Patterson

Outstanding Graduate Student

Katy is a first-generation graduate student in the Sociology program. During her time at UCCS, she actively contributed to several research initiatives, most notably serving as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Sociology Department, where she conducted interviews examining faculty perceptions of pay at UCCS. Her academic and research pursuits reflect a strong commitment to addressing complex social issues through a critical and engaged lens. After graduation, she will pursue a Ph.D., with a focus on the social responsibility and ethical dimensions of implementing emerging AI technologies in industry.

Katy Patterson

LAS Leadership Award - Sociology Peak Ambassador

Aiyanna Quinones

LAS Leadership Award - Sociology Peak Ambassador

Technical Communication & Information Design (TCID)

Monica Dinh

Outstanding Unergraduate Student

Taylor Key

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Visual & Performing Arts

Noah Bello

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Visual Arts

Noah Bello is a visual artist earning his BA in Visual Arts. Working mainly with digital tools, they’re interested in the space where virtual and physical materials meet. His recent work, including Radiant Overgrowth, explores how memory, process, and imperfection show up in digital spaces. Through texture, fragmentation, and a mix of natural and synthetic imagery, they reflect on how images shift, break down, or hold together. His practice is experimental, colorful, and influenced by artists like Jennifer Steinkamp, Ian Hubert, and Alma Thomas.

Avery Jam

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Art History

Gibson Marable

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Film Studies

Kay-Lynn Bailey

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Museum Studies Gallery Practice

Kay-Lynn is an Anthropology major with a minor in Museum Studies and Gallery Practice with an interest in folklore and ancient civilizations. She earned her Associate of Science degree at Pikes Peak State College before transferring to UCCS. She has enjoyed the application of various museum and artifact collection techniques throughout her courses. Her few years in Dr. Karin Larkin’s classes have given her a depth of understanding about the field and furthered her interest in museum collections, especially through her internship in the LAS Anthropology Department’s Curation team. Kay-Lynn has a strong focus on research and artifact analysis within the museum field and hopes to continue her efforts through a museum internship in Florence, Italy, after graduation. Finally, Kay-Lynn would like to thank her professors in the Anthropology department and her family for their encouragement and support of her academic career.

Jadon Cruzan

Outstanding Undergraduate Student -Music

Jadon Cruzan, composer, arranger and euphoniumist, has been a valued member of the VAPA Music community. A prolific and accomplished composer, Jadon’s music has been performed by the UCCS Symphony 21, Pikes Peak Philharmonic (including a commission this coming Fall), and the UCCS Brass Ensemble. He has attended the prestigious June in Buffalo Festival in New York as well as the notable Eastman Tuba Euphonium Academy at Oklahoma State University. He has also played tuba and euphonium in all UCCS ensembles, has performed adventurous solos with live electronics, and has been a dedicated collaborator with his music peers. He even made his debut as conductor in the Symphony 21’s April concert. A tireless leader, Jadon has been class manager of the UCCS Brass Ensemble in addition to serving on the VAPA Student Board for three years. Beyond UCCS, Jadon co-leads an ongoing collaboration with the Sand Creek High School Scorpions marching band, mentoring students and arranging music for their Fall marching band show.

Tessandra Rosenthal

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Music

A dedicated composer and music student, Tessandra Rosenthal consistently challenges herself, never hesitating to introduce new approaches into her acoustic and electronic compositions. She was the VAPA Music Program’s inaugural recipient of the commission from the Sagitta Guitar Ensemble, which premieres her work in May 2025. Also active as a vocalist, Tessandra is a valued music collaborator, having sung with Symphony21 and in many student recitals. The music faculty celebrate her stellar academic work as well as her indispensable role as a student leader. As a founding member and officer of the Music Student Committee, Tessandra has exemplified whole-hearted dedication to the music community at UCCS. Beyond VAPA, she is an active organizer and member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Weston Buhr

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Theatre and Dance

Ellie Myers

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Theatre and Dance

Ellie Myers

Outstanding Undergraduate Student - VAPA

Women's & Ethnic Studies

Orion Capela

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Orion (they/them) is a dreamer, storyteller, and activist. They are graduating with a degree in WEST, a minor in Interdisciplinary Linguistics, and a certificate in Global Studies. In May, they completed their capstone: "Empire and Ecology, a Cartography." Through Orion's time at UCCS, they have held eleven leadership roles at UCCS. Additionally, they presented research at UCCS's Mountain Lion Research Day, CU's Queer Futures Conference, and the Colorado Springs Undergraduate Research Forum. Orion's published poetry lives in the 50th anniversary edition of riverrun and volume two of Tesserae: Love Letters to Asian American Communities.

Amber Davis

Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Amber has made a significant impact both on and off campus. She co-founded and served as Co-President of the Sisterhood Club, aimed at empowering Black women, and held leadership roles in student government as Senator of Multicultural Affairs (2022-2023) and Justice (2024-2025). Amber was also a member of the UCCS Track and Field Team. Amber earned a degree in Women’s and Ethnic Studies, a Pre-law minor, and certificates in Sociology of Diversity and The Civics Certificate in WEST & Sociology. She chose WEST because of her passion for addressing injustices in the legal system, particularly those affecting marginalized groups. Through WEST, Amber has gained the knowledge to pursue change in the justice system. A Summa Cum Laude graduate, Amber earned a spot on the President’s and Dean’s Lists each semester. Outside of school, Amber enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her dog, Cash, as well as crocheting and building Lego sets. Amber plans to work in the legal field or government sector for a year before attending law school to become a Civil Rights lawyer. She is deeply grateful for the support and guidance from her professors, friends, and family throughout her journey.