Outstanding Spring 2024 Awards

Sophia Grace Byrd
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Archaeology

Sophia has grown up moving every couple of years which has led to a love of understanding many different types of people. She moved to Colorado Springs in 2019 and started out as a communication major in 2020. That obviously did not work out as she took an Intro to Archaeology class and immediately switched her major. She has had the pleasure of taking part in two field schools, working in a curation lab, and completing a senior thesis. She hopes to eventually continue on to her Masters and PhD to focus on research related to people's use of raw material, mostly stone choice and collection for tool manufacturing.

Audrey Chun Fahland
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Biology

Audrey Chun Fahland has been obsessed with bugs since childhood, and part way through their time at UCCS, they switched to the Biology major to pursue that passion. Since then, they spent 2 years working in hands-on research with insect ecology and diversity. This allowed for co-authorship in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Entomology plus presentations at several scientific conferences. They also started the UCCS Bug Club, giving students from a variety of majors a venue to gather, learn, and share their enthusiasm for all things arthropods. They are taking a gap year before pursuing an MS and PhD in Entomology.

Reece Wagers
Jon C. Pigage Legacy Award - Undergraduate

Reece Wagers grew up in the Colorado Springs area and graduated from Lewis-Palmer High School in 2020. After graduation she continued her academic career at Western Colorado University majoring in wildlife biology. However, after two years, she opted to take a gap year to reassess her goals. During this time, she nannied for two young kids, but was then ready to come back to school. She enrolled at UCCS in the fall of 2024 to pursue a degree in biology. She hopes to graduate in the spring of 2025 and go on to either become a game warden or get her masters in ecology.

Abigail Shultz
Jon C. Pigage Legacy Award - Graduate

Abigail Shultz grew up in New Jersey before journeying to Colorado to pursue higher education in biology with a focus on medicine for my undergraduate degree. She is currently working on receiving her master's degree in biology specializing in wildlife conservation and ecology. Growing up surrounded by animals, she always found joy in hands-on interactions with diverse species. Her lifelong aspiration has been to contribute to the ethical management and rehabilitation of vulnerable species. She feels incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to engage in research both as an undergraduate, exploring bat flight kinematics, and now as a graduate, delving into the predictors of bat mortality at wind turbines at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Hunter Redmon
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Chemistry BS

Hunter graduated from Salida High School in 2019 and came to UCCS a year later for a Chemistry B.S. degree. He participated in all the school had to offer, enjoying time acting at the Ent Center, meeting friends through the dungeons and dragons club, and conducting research in the organic and computational chemistry laboratories. After graduating, he plans to stick around at UCCS to pursue a master's degree while still exploring job opportunities in the field of chemistry.

Advita Bhatia
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Biochemistry BA

Born and raised in India, Advita embarked on a transformative journey when her family relocated to Colorado in 2018. At UCCS, she majored in Biochemistry on the pre-med track with a minor in Music Composition and Sound Design. She has embraced multiple experiences at UCCS, including research and presiding over three clubs, that have shaped her personality over the last four years. Advita also works as a medical scribe. After graduation, she plans to apply to medical schools and aspires to be a neurosurgeon one day. Outside academia, she finds solace in nature and loves recharging through hiking.

Jamil Nemri
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Biochemistry BS

Jamil immigrated with his family to the United States in 2012. His college experience was very limited initially, as he started his freshman year when COVID-19 hit the world, so for two years most of his classes were online. He started working at the Science Center in his junior year and he got more involved with classmates and school activities, as well as research. Jamil’s current plan is to take a gap year to gain experience in the medical field as well as to apply for medical school.

David Roberts
Outstanding Undergraduate Student

David is a General Communications major with a keen interest in effective communication strategies. Through his studies, he’s developed a nuanced understanding of how to convey ideas across diverse platforms. Upon graduation, he will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, leveraging his communication skills to serve his country with honor and dedication. Passionate about connecting with others and sharing meaningful experiences, David is poised to make a positive impact both in the military and beyond.

Anthony Meister
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Digital Filmmaking and Media

Anthony Meister is a Digital Film/Media Communication major at UCCS. His military background instilled a strong sense of discipline and work ethic, which he seamlessly integrated into his film studies. Anthony's ability to merge technical film-making skills with narrative storytelling has distinguished his work, reflecting his dedication and passion for the field. As he prepares to graduate, Anthony looks forward to advancing his education and career in Los Angeles, focusing on narrative film editing to contribute meaningfully to the film industry.

Cody Standridge
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Leadership

Cody is a BA-Leadership major with a minor in Military Science. Cody’s passion for leadership has been nurtured through both his education at UCCS and his 13-year service in the United States Army. Following graduation, he will continue to serve as an Officer in the U.S. Army. Looking ahead, Cody aspires to establish his own leadership coaching consultancy. His vision is to empower organizations to communicate effectively, break down cross-cultural barriers, and unlock the true potential of their most valuable asset: people. 

Raven Sanchez
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Sports Comm

Raven is set to receive a BA in Strategic Communication in May of 2024. During her time at UCCS, she was able to develop her written communication skills the most. She got to create podcasts, assemble graphics, and explore several other forms of media. Raven held multiple positions at The Scribe with her most recent being Managing Editor. After graduation, Raven is looking to continue telling people’s stories by going into journalism or becoming a communication coordinator.

Graham Smith
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Sports Comm
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in the Social Sciences 

Graham is receiving his bachelor's degree for a major in Sports Communication. Whether being an athlete or fan, he has always enjoyed the storytelling possibilities of sport. Interested in Journalism, he applied that passion for storytelling in relation to sports social media. Through UCCS athletics and the sports communication department, Graham worked as a social media intern with UCCS soccer, basketball, and volleyball where he found a passion for videography, photography, and graphic design. After graduation, Graham will attend IONA University in New York to pursue his master's degree in sports communication.

Aurora Weaver
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - COMM Digital Filmmaking B.I.

Aurora Weaver is a BI in Digital Filmmaking major with a Cross-Discipline in Globalization. Aurora developed a profound love for movies thanks to her mom, who taught her how to operate the VCR, sparking countless nights filled with Disney marathons. With a natural knack for creativity and an early passion for photography, Aurora's journey into the performing arts started with her love for acting but her passion for filmmaking truly ignited when she created a commercial for her high school yearbook. Throughout her time at UCCS, Aurora's confidence in her abilities has flourished, thanks to the supportive environment and the opportunity to collaborate with incredible peers. As graduation approaches, Aurora looks forward to expanding her network and embarking on a career where she can continue to create projects that amplify diverse and unheard voices.

Daniel Terry
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - COMM Digital Media B.I.

Daniel Terry is a Bachelor of Innovation in Digital Media major. After graduating he would like to dive into the media field and potentially work towards a film/video editing career. He is also excited to start traveling the world to see what adventures he can film or photograph. He looks forward to the next stage of his life and all his future opportunities beyond his time at UCCS.

Crystal Blake
Outstanding Graduate Student

Crystal Blake is a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in communications. Her academic journey in the humanities began with a bachelor’s degree in media & communication from the University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI), Jamaica, where she specialized in Television. With over a decade of experience in Marketing, Sales, and Production, Crystal is a seasoned professional and the writer and creator of the Caribbean-based Television Drama series, "SizzazKut".  Empowered by her diverse skill set and experiences at UCCS, Crystal is driven by a passion for content curation, public speaking, and brand management. Post-graduation, she aspires to strengthen her brand “Crysi Writes” and make her mark in the US film industry, leveraging her passion for scriptwriting. As a mother of twin boys on the spectrum, she hopes to complete and publish her children’s book aimed at promoting learning, communication, and inclusivity for #AutisticallyDope kids like her Pandas.

Olivia Santonastaso
Economics Department Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Olivia Santonastaso is from the small town of Delta, Colorado. Olivia is an Economics major and Finance minor, and she is the third in her family to attend UCCS following two of her older siblings that graduated from the university. Besides her studies, Olivia works in the Economics Tutoring Center and with the UCCS Office of Orientation as a Lead Administrative Assistant. Olivia is the President of the Reisher Scholars Club, she is a LIVE: Leadership scholar, she participates in intramural sports, and she is an active member of the Navigators Chrisian ministry at UCCS. Olivia enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, hiking, and being outdoors. After graduation, she will be working as a Financial Professional with Bankers Life to help individuals with their retirement planning. Her goal is to become a Certified Financial Planner to help people find solutions to achieve their financial goals and protect their future.

Melody Kim Anderson
Outstanding English BA – Secondary English Education emphasis

Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Melody has committed to being involved in local activities. As an English Secondary Education Major, they commit to shaping young minds and fostering a love for language and literature. Beyond the classroom and hours of studying, Melody's passion extends to Roller Derby. At Pikes Peak Roller Derby, they shine as both a captain of the All-Stars and a coach of junior roller derby. They are a natural-born leader and dedicate themselves to all of their pursuits.

Ashlynn Renee Royall
Outstanding English BA – Elementary Education emphasis

Ashlynn Royall is a creative person. She grew up here in Colorado Springs. Surprisingly she did not like reading until her senior year of high school when she fell in love with reading. She did not settle on majoring in English though. She started as an Environmental Science major but then she took one English class at UCCS and she know English was the major for her. She has always known she wanted to be a teacher and when she saw she could major in English with a focus in elementary education she knew it was perfect. Starting in the fall she will start working as a 3rd grade teacher in the school district she attended. She loves anything books. She has a large collection of books, loves to read, writes her own stories, and even rebinds books. Two of her short stories and a few poems she has written have been published, once in high school and most recently in UCCS' RiverRun journal. She has grown exponentially as a critical reader and writer (educationally and creativley) since starting here at UCCS and has thoroughly enjoyed her learning experience in the UCCS English Department.

Andrea Culling
Outstanding English BA – Literature emphasis

Andréa Culling is a graduating English literature major and is so excited to be getting this award! After graduating, she plans to go into the fields of editing and publishing, hoping to work on the next big book (or write it). She greatly appreciates so many of the professors and classmates here at UCCS that have encouraged her throughout this journey, as well as her family and friends who have remained unfailingly supportive.

Riley Jordan Gentsch
Outstanding English BA – Rhetoric & Writing emphasis

After graduating high school with her Associate's in General Science, Riley made a drastic change and started her journey of getting her Bachelor’s in English with an emphasis on Rhetoric and Writing and a Creative Writing minor. During this time, she was able to rekindle her desire to read and learn how to become a better writer. She has a creative fiction short story, The Rose of Death, published in Riverrun Volume 50. Additionally, she became a work-study student and will continue to work there after graduation while pursuing a career in editing and writing.

Lyndsay Weir
Outstanding Undergraduate, Geography and Environmental Studies
Outstanding Undergraduate, Geology Minor

Lyndsay came to UCCS in 2022 to complete a bachelors degree in GES then quickly found her love of geology. At UCCS she excelled in her coursework, helped to reinstate the GeoClub and was a note taker for disability services. Lyndsay is a part the Corral Bluffs microfossil research team for the Denver Museum of Natural Science and spends her free time sorting matrix looking for mammal fossils. She also works as an environmental science tutor for Pikes Peak State College and offered GES tutoring for introductory level students for the GES department here at UCCS. She recently took a volunteer role for local school district 12 as a committee member for the Elevate Food Pantry. She is looking forward to closing her college chapter and beginning her professional one.

Charlea Howard
Outstanding Undergraduate, Sustainability Minor

Mackenzie Pylate
Jacqueline Beyer Fellowship

Elena De La Rosa
Jacqueline Beyer Fellowship

MJ Johnson
Jacqueline Beyer Fellowship

Brenna Martin
Jacqueline Beyer Fellowship

Brenna is an English Elementary Education major with a minor in Geography and Environmental Studies. After taking World Regional Geography she found her passion for the people and places which make up our world. She aims to bring her geographic focus into her future elementary classroom or be a camp director and ensure the next generation of Americans is geographically minded. Specifically, Brenna has a passion for human geography and public lands. In her free time, she loves to be outside, creative, or explore new or familiar places.

Cherreka (Cherre) Wirth
Jacqueline Beyer Fellowship

Bradley Joseph White
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in History

A Colorado Springs native, Bradley White originally did not consider majoring in History. However, while taking courses at Pikes Peak State College after returning home from the University of Wyoming during the COVID-19 pandemic, he discovered a newfound interest in the study of History and was determined to make it his career. His major historical interests include the History of the Atlantic World and the History of American Folk Music. In addition to his work as a history student, Bradley is receiving his secondary teaching licensure and looks forward to fostering historical inquiry among his future students. Beyond his high GPA, Bradley distinguished himself among the department faculty with his consistent level of rigorous and insightful engagement with course content. After graduation, Bradley will be continuing his studies in the UCCS History MA program while working as a history teacher at the Vanguard School. 

Catherine Elaine Bauder
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in History

Catherine “Cat” Bauder is a transfer student, having graduated from Pikes Peak State College with an Associates degree in one year. During her tenure at UCCS, Cat has not only continued to maintain a 4.0 GPA, but she has done so while working part-time, participating in the History Department’s student driven History Club as co-president, and serving the College of LAS as a Peak Ambassador. During Cat’s time at UCCS, her area of study focused on issues and intersectionalities of gender, race, and social injustice in American history.  Her senior thesis (spring 2024) entitled "Autonomy, Prosperity, Tragedy, and Erasure of Black Townships in Ante- and Postbellum America" is a culmination of her coursework through the analysis of three specific case studies.  Additionally, as part of an independent study project, Cat researched 19th-century documents from Leeds Reformatory School (England) to co-create an online database. Cat’s Latin Honors are well earned and deserved.  She plans to pursue a Masters degree in Library Sciences.

Jaylee Nicole Hepner
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in History
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in the Humanities

Jaylee Hepner, on the verge of her BA degree, has had an exceptional career at UCCS. She has majored in both History and Anthropology and has been an officer in the student club of each department. She has also participated in Student Government and in the Mock Trial Club, in which she served as President in 2023-2024. The list of her UCCS achievements and activities is indeed long. She appreciates the help from her parents. Her mother was always there to answer a question or offer advice about papers and homework. Her encouragement was never-ending. Her father steered her toward History, his own favorite subject in school, and from him Jaylee received her passion for the subject. Her fiance Angelo has supported her in many ways, helping her study or listening when she spoke about what she was learning. Last but not least, in her History classes she has excelled.   

Lee Files
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in History

Lee Files is a non-traditional transfer student from the Bessemer area of Pueblo, Colorado, studying History with a minor in Pre-Law.  During Lee’s time at UCCS, his area of study focused on criminal organizations, incarceration, refugees, and the Chicano Movement in Colorado. Lee’s senior thesis topic was the 12-year civil war in El Salvador during the 1980s and 1990s, Dr. Evan Taparata, advisor.  Recently, Lee designed and produced a series of videos discussing the process of researching and analyzing primary sources from Blackwell's Island and the significance of such documents historically and historiographically. As his professors can attest, Lee’s passion for history and its relevance in today’s society is both infectious and inspiring.  Lee is graduating with Latin Honors; he is also a part of the Reisher Scholars Club and Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society.  Lee has four children and is the middle of three brothers, all of whom he cherishes.

Ryan Wilkinson
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in History

Originally from Temecula, California, Ryan has always had a passion for history. After spending the first three semesters of his college education attending California State University Fullerton, Ryan transferred to UCCS in Spring of 2022 and has had a great experience with the history program. During his time here, his interest in different areas of history and historiography itself has widened. In Fall of 2023, his senior thesis on the Mexican-American War’s impact on Mexico’s liberal movement was awarded Outstanding Senior Thesis by Dr. Christina Jimenez. Jimenez explains: “Ryan’s level of analysis of Mexican liberals’ internal debates around the war is very impressive.” In his last semester as an undergraduate, he interned at the university archives and wrote a research paper about the history of the campus’s Ski and Ride Club. After graduation, he intends to go on to obtain his Master’s degree in history here at UCCS. Ryan wants to thank his family and the various history professors who have fostered his love of history and have done so much to support him throughout his time as a college student.

Kristine Bell
Outstanding Graduate Student in History

Kristine Bell, about to complete her MA degree in History, has distinguished herself in the past two years as a tireless researcher who writes with insight and elegance. On the long list of her honors and achievements at UCCS is her receipt of a Graduate Student Research Fellowship in 2023. Before attending UCCS, she received her BA in History from the University of Northern Colorado, with emphasis on European History. She also minored in German. The next two years she received Fulbright Teacher Assistant Fellowships and served in schools in Berlin. There she developed complete fluency in German, which has helped substantially to broaden the range of her historical studies. Her passion for History began with her father, who showed her Western films when she was a child and impressed upon her the influence that history has on the present.  At Rampart High School, she took History classes from Mr. Psarakis, whose passion for the subject was "contagious." She thanks her parents, her sister Kathryn, and her fiance Billy for their belief in her, which has sustained her during her studies. She is a fine historian. 

Kat Pacetti
Outstanding Graduate Student in History

Kat Pacetti began her journey pursing history at PPCC and then completed her undergraduate degree at UCCS. She went on to complete her Masters in history at UCCS in May 2024. She is also a Social Studies teacher at Nikola Tesla Education Opportunity School. Her passion for local history stems from her students. They often feel disconnected from the history that is typically taught in the classroom because it is not their history. Kat has presented her work publicly at the Colorado Spring Pioneers Museum. Department faculty applaud Kat for her work using local and regional archives in her research. Kat loves researching the history that is relevant to her students so that they can feel connected to their past. She hopes to prove history is more than just a bunch of boring dates and names and to inspire a love for the past in future generations. 

Kristy Wilson
Outstanding Graduate Student in History

Kristy Wilson received her BA in History from UCCS and from there entered the MA program, now finishing as one of our outstanding students. She has been President of Phi Alpha Theta Tau-Chi Chapter for 4 years, and has served as President and Vice President of the History Club. She served as well as a TA and Writing Fellow for the Department, and worked in the Multiliteracy Center as a Writing Consultant for 3 years. Among her numerous academic achievements, we would point to her very important research prepared for Dr. Harvey's graduate History of Civil Rights seminar, a work exploring a forgotten group of three girls – the "McDonogh Three" – who were important figures in the history of school desegregation in New Orleans. Kristy's on-site research helped to uncover this vital but relatively unknown history.

Eric Boyle
Outstanding LAS Student Award French Minor

Despite taking high-level French in high school, Eric Boyle did not immediately continue his studies in the language during his work towards an undergraduate degree at UCCS. However, beginning in the Fall of 2021, he took the language back up and never looked back. With the help of peers, advisors, and faculty (particularly that of Professor Suzanne Cook), he greatly improved his mastery of the French language. During his time at UCCS, he reestablished the university's French club and became a member of Pi Delta Phi, the National French Honor Society. His French studies acuminated in a semester abroad at one of the world's largest French-language public institutions, the Université de Montréal in Montréal, Québec, Cananda. Upon graduation, Eric plans to continue to improve his French, engage with linguistic non-profits organizations, as well as pursuing a career in education.

Frederick Frillman
Outstanding LAS Student Award Japanese Minor

Frederick is a senior at UCCS studying mathematics and the Japanese language. He became interested in the Japanese language while in high school, and has continued his studies throughout college. He intends to continue pursuing mastery of the language after graduation, and hopes to make a career that involves Japanese–American relations and overseas travel.

Kelsey Maiers
Outstanding LAS Student Award Spanish - Non-native Speaking

Kelsey Maiers is graduating with a B.A. in Spanish with an emphasis Elementary Education. She took her first Spanish class in high school in Lakewood, Colorado. Kelsey is grateful to her college language professors, in particular Maura Rainey and Fernando Feliu-Moggi, for instilling in her a love for language, history, and culture. She plans to teach in Colorado Springs after graduation. 

Rachel Richtman
Outstanding LAS Student Award Spanish - Non-native Speaking

In elementary school, Rachel Richtman started learning Spanish in an unconventional manner. Her first memory of learning Spanish is listening to the tutorial CDs her dad had checked out from their local library. While it was proven to be boring and unsuccessful, she couldn’t help but dream of the day she would be able to talk to her dad’s coworker, or anyone for that matter, successfully in Spanish rather than just babbling random noises back at them. Luckily for Rachel, her middle school offered Spanish for the first time when she was in 7th grade. Immediately Rachel fell in love with learning the language, adopted her new nickname Raquel, and found a sense of pride from being able to talk to people that didn’t speak English. By the end of her senior year of high school, she had to decide her major for college. For most people, it sounds simple: Get a degree in teaching to become a teacher. For Rachel, something was missing. She had seen it before with siblings and friends, there wasn’t enough time in college to take Spanish classes. Rachel made an appointment with her academic advisor to declare a major that would ensure that her first priority was met. Thus began her journey to earn a degree in Spanish with a license in Elementary Education. She pushed herself in her classes but was not satisfied. So, she joined the Hispanic Honors Society and studied abroad in Spain. While she has improved her Spanish skills, Rachel knows she still has room for growth! She plans to continue her higher education in order to develop more linguistic skills and higher fluency in Spanish. It is her dream to work as a bilingual teacher and spend time teaching in Central and South America.

Donovan Leyba
Outstanding Mathematics B.S. Student

I grew up in Commerce City, Colorado and attended high school in a neighboring city. After finishing high school, I directly transitioned into college at UCCS. I had always been very interested in math while in school but had never really thought of what kind of career that could bring me. After starting classes at UCCS, I learned about the many opportunities in math and decided to pursue it for my degree. I ended up having a huge interest in education as well as the research side of mathematics, which has led me to pursue a career in academia. I will begin my program for my P.hD in mathematics at Colorado State University in the upcoming fall. 

Brendan Gould
Outstanding Mathematics B.S. Student

Brendan Gould is a Mathematics / Computer Science double major. After graduating this Spring, he will enroll in the ECE Ph.D. program at Georgia Tech. His research interests include Control, Game Theory, and Simulation, and his long term career plan is to become a professor.

Michael Nameika
Outstanding Applied Mathematics M.S. Student

I grew up in Colorado Springs and loved astronomy since I was a kid. I entered college with the goal of studying astrophysics, but a couple years into my journey I discovered a love for pure and computational mathematics. Beginning in the fall, I will start working towards my Ph. D and hope to find a job where I can utilize the skills I’ve cultivated in my time at UCCS.

Mark Stevenson
Robert S. and Barbara R. Lorch Department of Mathematics Endowed Scholarship

My name is Mark Stevenson. I am a math major with my concentration in secondary education and a philosophy minor. Originally from Seattle, I discovered my passion for education by helping my classmates through math in high school. Studying at UCCS has provided me the opportunity to engage with my intellectual passions while having access to the natural beauty of this state. Outside of school I enjoy spending my time in the outdoors running, rock climbing, and mountaineering.   Studying math and philosophy together has allowed me to survey the extent of human knowledge from two different lenses. I hope to earn my PhD in pure mathematics and teach it at the secondary or tertiary level.

Ethan Tramel
LAS Top Graduating Senior

Ethan Tramel was born in Tampa, Florida, on April 29, 1994. He joined the Army in 2012 as an Infantryman and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and then Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. While in Hawaii, Ethan met his wife Ashley, who was in The Air Force and stationed there. In 2020, he pursued a full-time education at the University of Hawaii. Ethan and Ashley had their daughter Miley in 2020 and their son Mick in 2021. In 2022, Ethan and his family moved to Colorado Springs, where his wife would be stationed at The Air Force Academy. He then enrolled at UCCS as an economics major and joined the Army ROTC. Ethan has held leadership positions at the UCCS Army ROTC Mountain Ranger Battalion, including Squad Leader, Battalion Executive Officer, and Evaluation Team Leader. After graduation this spring, Ethan and his family will move to Georgia, where he will continue his Army career as an Infantry Officer.

Abner Rodriguez Reyes
LAS ROTC Scholarship

Abner Rodriguez-Reyes was born in Tampa, Florida, on July 18, 2002. He graduated from Pine Creek High School in 2020 before attending the United States Military Academy Preparatory School. After completing the Preparatory School, Abner attended the United States Military Academy for a year as a Portuguese and Spanish Major before deciding to pursue Physical Therapy. He then enrolled at UCCS as an Exercise Science major with a minor in Pre-Physical Therapy and joined the Army ROTC program. Abner plans to branch into the Army Medical Service Corps before pursuing a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and continuing his career as a physical therapist in the Army Medical Specialist Corps.

Kurt Bricker
Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Kurt Bricker is a most deserving recipient of the Philosophy Department’s Outstanding Student award. He is writing and thinking at a graduate level on extremely difficult subjects, such as solving Zeno’s paradox of Achilles and the tortoise by reference to two different forms of mathematical infinity. He applies what he has learned to a tremendous range of other topics, whether strictly academic or beyond, including, much to the (feigned) chagrin of one of his professors, the Kardashians. Sure, he is brilliant and extraordinarily hard-working and so deserving of this honor for these reasons, but he is so much more than that. He always goes the extra mile, whether that is in his coursework, in editing Puros (UCCS’s undergraduate Philosophy journal) or in baking cookies for classmates, or in caring for students who are struggling in some way. The Philosophy Department is honored to have had Kurt as a student, and looks forward to what he will accomplish next.

Dorothy Key
Richard and Jane Francis Scholarship Prize

Ryan Gannaway
Richard and Jane Francis Scholarship Prize

Kaitlin McAllister
Outstanding Undergraduate Student and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

Kaitlin McAllister is a graduating senior in the Department of Physics. She started college at Pikes Peak Community College in 2020 before transferring to UCCS. Kaitlin works as an undergraduate research assistant in experimental physics under the mentorship of Professor Dmytro Bozhko. She has worked on two main projects: experimentally observing magnetic rogue waves and prototyping a magneto-optic magnetometer for use in space. After graduating, Kaitlin will spend the summer working in a magnonics research group at the University of Vienna and then begin the Applied Physics PhD program at Rice University in the fall. Kaitlin is a recipient of the Kane Scholarship, the Goldwater Scholarship, and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. 

Jonathon Davidson (PhD)
Outstanding Graduate Student

Jonathon began his graduate studies in the UCCS Physics PhD program in the fall of 2018. With the aid of his mentor, Dr. Karen Livesey, he delved into the world of magnetism and magnetic materials. His theoretical research has spanned modeling the size and shape of magnetic skyrmions to simulating the dynamics of magnetic nanoparticles. Over the course of his graduate studies, these projects have led to five peer-reviewed publications, with a sixth currently in the process of being submitted for peer review. Jonathan's PhD defense, titled “Langevin Simulations of Magnetic Nanoparticles: From Self-Assembly to Magnetic Relaxation,” was successfully defended on April 11, 2024.

Connor Hathaway
Outstanding Undergraduate in Political Science

In all of the classes he has taken in our department, Connor is a standout student, producing exceptional work at every turn. He comes prepared, having done everything asked of him prior to stepping foot in class, but also having thought critically about the material. As his Summit course, for instance, Connor excelled in Constitutional Law, where he advanced an innovative interpretation of the Slaughter-House Cases. In addition to being a writer and researcher, Connor is a nice person with a great sense of humor. This fall, he will attend the University of Denver Law School and we cannot wait to see how far he goes in study and practice of the law.

Brenda Cruz
2024 David Nichols Award

Brenda is a Psychology major with a minor in Anthropology and Cognitive Science. Her honors include Undergraduate Research Academy research assistant, Mountain Lion Research Day top scholar finalist; Honors psychology program presenting research at CSURF. She is also an LAS Student Ambassador. After graduation Brenda is attending the Master of Social Work program at the UCCS College of Public Service.

Kristina MacDonald
Outstanding Undergraduate Award

Kristina is a first-generation student. She is a Psychology major with a minor in Sociology. Kristina was on the President's List and Dean's List. She will be graduating with high honors (Summa Cum Laude). Kristina received the Karen Possehl Women's Endowment Scholarship and served as peer mentor for several students in the undergrad program with UCCS's Peer Mentor Collective program. She worked as a research assistant in the PERCH lab, where Dr. Kristen Rudd, the principal investigator, directs research on community resources and their effects on children's health. Her time in the PERCH lab has helped her attain various research skills in conducting semi-structured interviews, transcriptions, and participant recruitment. Kristina also worked as a research assistant with Dr. Fredrick Coolidge on psychological assessment data with the Coolidge Axis II Inventory and learned valuable skills in analyzing quantitative data. She plans to pursue a master's degree in counseling psychology.

Ellie McLane
Outstanding Undergraduate Award

Ellie is graduating with her BA in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. As a research assistant in Dr. Selmeczy’s Cognitive Development Lab she was awarded funding through the Undergraduate Research Academy to develop her honor’s thesis which investigates help-seeking as an active learning strategy. She also presented at the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association regional conference on the development of children’s memory related learning strategies. Under Dr. Rudd in the Pathways from Early Experience to Regulation and Child Health Lab she received the UCCS Undergraduate Research Travel award to present at the Association for Psychological Science national conference on the intergenerational effects of trauma on children’s executive functioning development. Additionally, Ellie acted as president of The International Honor Society in Psychology (PsiChi) UCCS chapter and is a Youth & Children’s volunteer at TESSA. After graduation, Ellie is beginning graduate school studies in clinical trauma psychology and hopes to someday pursue joint research and clinical work to support children impacted by trauma.  

Adrienne Herzog
Lee Becker Award

Adrienne is a first-year MA Clinical Psychology student. Her degree subplan is Trauma. She has a B.S. degree in Psychology & Sociology from the Robert D. Clark Honors College at the University of Oregon.  Adrienne is currently a research assistant in Dr. Kristen Rudd's lab studying longitudinal impacts of early childhood adversity. She is drafting her thesis proposal about childhood trajectories of self-concept. Adrienne also serves as the Director of Clinical Training Assistant for the Psychology Department.  Her plans after graduation include attending a Clinical PhD program, becoming a licensed psychologist and integrating research into her practice. 

Elias Acevedo
Outstanding MA Student in Psychological Science Award

Elias is graduating with a Psychology MA in the Psychological Science track with a Cognition subplan.  He earned multiple awards as an undergraduate student at Colorado Mesa University. As a graduate student, he is an author on six publications and one under review.  Elias’ graduate recognitions include a UCCS Research Grant, Graduate Student Research Fellowship, and Research and Professional Development Award. He served as a Psychology Teaching Assistant and as a tutor in the UCCS Excel Center.  After graduation, Elias is starting a doctoral program at UCLA. He received the UCLA Eugene V. Cota Robles Award which is a four-year fellowship for entering doctoral students.

Megan Wendling
Outstanding MA Student in Clinical Psychology Award

Megan received her Psychology BA at UCCS. MA Psychology, Clinical Psychology track with degree subplan in Trauma.  Her scholarships include: UCCS BHI tuition grant, UCCS graduate travel grant, UCCS tuition graduate grant (for graduate school), as well as the PEAK scholarship at UCCS during her undergraduate program. She has served in various other roles including PGSO VP for clinical master's students, graduate peer mentor for undergraduates interested in graduate school, and a member of the UCCS Diversity Committee - communications subcommittee.  Megan is currently interning at the Wellness Center at UCCS as a clinical intern where she provides individual therapy services for students. She also interned at TESSA and provided individual and group therapy services to women in the community who have experienced sexual assault or domestic violence.  Megan’s thesis currently focuses on the mediational effects of meaning-making processes on coping self-efficacy and PTSD in sexual assault survivors. Her research interests broadly focus on resilience factors that promote adaptive recovery and growth in trauma survivors.  After graduation, she plans to do some traveling. Following that, Megan plans to obtain her LPC and work in the field as a licensed therapist!

Anna Robertson
Outstanding PhD Student Award (Geropsychology)

Anna Symington (previously Robertson), M.A., is a fifth-year clinical psychology (geropsychology track) doctoral candidate at UCCS. She received her B.S. in Psychological Sciences from Northern Arizona University and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from UCCS. She works with her research mentor, Dr. Leilani Feliciano, studying comorbid physical and mental health conditions in middle-aged and older adults. Anna is particularly interested in examining the circumstances in which psychotherapeutic treatment concurrently improves chronic illness management behaviors and mental health conditions. Anna's long-term goal is to provide evidence-based treatments to older adults who have comorbid chronic illnesses and mental health conditions.

Molly Higgins
Outstanding PhD Student Award (Trauma)

Molly Higgins is a fourth-year doctoral student at UCCS. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from UCCS. Molly is a member of Dr. Heather Littleton’s research lab, and her primary research examines the use of physical activities, specifically combat sports, in recovery from sexual violence. Molly additionally finds fulfillment through clinical work and currently provides individual therapy and neuropsychological assessment to trauma survivors.

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

Josh is graduating with a Psychology MA in the Psychological Science track with a Cognition subplan.  He earned his Psychology BA at UCCS and was the recipient of the Psychology Department David Nichols Award.  As a graduate student, Josh is an author on one published peer-reviewed publication and two currently under review. He has presented his work at numerous national and international conferences including the Society for Affective Science and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. Josh was the lead teaching assistant for PSY 2110 – Introduction to Psychological Research and Measurement. He also served as a tutor in the math center, as an Aspiration Graduate Peer Mentor, and has fulfilled leadership roles in the Psychology Graduate Student Organization.  Josh is joining the Quantitative Methods, Measurement, and Statistics PhD program at the University of Maryland.

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

Lani is a third year MA Clinical Psychology student specializing in Geropsychology who has worked with Professor Fred Coolidge for more than four years. Their research focuses on the assessment of autism and has previously earned Lani the UCCS LAS Student Summer Research Stipend and the UCCS Graduate Fellowship Research Award. This work has also been published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry Research Communications. She has more than two years of direct clinical experience with children with autism as a Registered Behavior Technician and with older adults and caregivers of older adults at the UCCS Aging Center as a psychology trainee. At the Aging Center she has provided individual therapy, facilitated group therapy sessions for family caregivers, and conducted memory screenings under the supervision of Dr. Magdalene Lim and Dr. Rachel Weiskittle. During this time, she has been able to collaborate on the development of a manual for an eight-week group in Caregiver Family Therapy (CFT) to honor the pioneering work of Dr. Sara Qualls. Lani has also had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr. Judith Scott of the UCCS Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences to develop, review, and edit curriculum for the Colorado Direct Care Training initiative for the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy & Financing with specialization in caring for persons with dementia. After graduation Lani plans to pursue additional training and a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Rebecca Ingram
Psychological Society of Pikes Peak Region Outstanding Student Award (Geropsychology Clinical Psychology - PhD)

Rebecca Ingram, M.A., is a fifth-year doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology program (geropsychology track). She obtained her B.A. in Psychology from UCCS in 2016 and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology (sub-plan in geropsychology) from UCCS in 2023. Rebecca is a member of Dr. Leilani Feliciano’s Behavioral Medicine and Aging Research Lab. Her research focuses on exploring the meaning of dementia grief in spousal care partners of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Rebecca intends to apply to APA accredited internship sites for the 2025-2026 year. Her long-term career goal is to work within an integrated care team, specializing in working with older adults.

Emmeline Taylor
Psychological Society of Pikes Peak Region Outstanding Student Award Trauma Psychology Clinical Psychology - PhD)

Emmeline Taylor, M.A., is a fifth-year clinical psychology (trauma track) doctoral candidate at UCCS. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Santa Clara University and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology at UCCS. At UCCS, Emmeline works with Dr. Charles Benight and has explored various lines of research including PTSD and coping self-efficacy and the application of nonlinear dynamics to understand post-trauma recovery and resilience. She is currently focused on her dissertation examining coping self-efficacy and social support in the context of PTSD symptom development following traumatic childbirth. Emmeline has been active in clinical work providing individual therapy to trauma survivors and conducting neuropsychological assessments with veterans engaged in the criminal justice system. Emmeline will be moving to Dallas, Texas in June to complete her pre-doctoral internship at the North Texas VA Health Care System. In her free time, she enjoys chasing around her active 1-year-old son and dog!

Saydra Schmitz
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - Sociology

Saydra (they/them) is receiving their Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Philosophy. In addition to their schoolwork, Saydra is also a full-time preschool teacher and loving parent to their two cats. After graduating, Saydra is committed to engaging in community outreach and service to make a better home for all in any way they can, from small acts of kindness to grassroots mobilization to help create lasting communal change. Their academic achievements include maintaining a 3.9 GPA throughout their college career. In their spare time, Saydra loves discussing Sociology and Philosophy, reading, crocheting, and thinking way too deeply about movies. 

Freddy Rodriguez
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Sociology

Freddy Rodriguez was born and raised in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area and moved to Pueblo, Colorado in 2018 to pursue his undergraduate degree in Sociology. As a first-generation transfer student from Pueblo Community College, he is honored to have continued his journey here at UCCS. Being the first in his family to attend university, he is achieving his dream to create a legacy through education. He will graduate in May with his undergraduate degree and will continue his journey with the dual master’s degree program in Public Administration and Sociology here at UCCS He wants to continue researching on family dynamics and hopes to gain his certificates in nonprofit management and for teaching sociology so that he can one day become a professor. He would like to thank his family, his friends who became his family, and all those he has met along the way who believe in him.

Megan Garedakis
Outstanding Graduate Student in Sociology

Megan Garedakis was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and moved to Colorado in 2019, to teach History at the Community College of Denver. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in History and will graduate this spring from UCCS with a master’s degree in Sociology. In addition to graduate school, she teaches History and Sociology, and has dedicated substantial effort to pass initiatives and curate diverse source material that captures a broad spectrum of voices and experiences throughout history. In recognition of her contributions, she was honored with the “College Teaching Equity Champion” award by the Community Colleges of Colorado (CCCS), in 2022. As a sociologist and historian, her research focuses on the history of race and gender, as well as the role of capitalism in creating and perpetuating social inequalities. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, painting, and arguing about the pitfalls of neoliberalism with anyone willing to engage. Megan would like to thank the faculty of the Sociology department for this honor, and for their ongoing mentorship during her time at UCCS.

Jennifer Kuespert
Outstanding TCID student

Evangela Dudeck
Outstanding Undergraduate - TCID Minor

Heather Pitts
Outstanding Undergraduate in Art History

My name is Heather Pitts and I have lived in Manitou Springs, Colorado with my husband Tony Pitts for the last 10 years.  I have a rich love for art history, dance, and performance.  Nothing excites me in conversation more than one about the arts.  I was born and raised on the Gulf of Mexico in Naples, FL and have a deep appreciation for the sea, fishing, and sunsets.  I have also been an avid skateboarder my entire life and love getting out on my e-bike.  It is common to see me flying down the Midland Trail in Colorado Springs on a board or a bike during the summer.  I attended PPSC before coming to UCCS, my passion for art history was discovered there.  It was further fed by UCCS and has changed my entire perspective on life.  My goal is to pursue my MFA and possibly my doctorates to further accelerate myself into the field of the arts and performance.  Ultimately my goal is to teach at the University level and to be a continuous student for life. 

Grace Rudolph
Outstanding Undergraduate in Art History
Outstanding Undergraduate in Museum Studies

Grace’s love of art and museums started at an early age during elementary school field trips. Since then, it has grown into a passion that she has pursued through her degree in Art History and Museum Studies and Gallery Practice at UCCS. Her goal is to work as a professional Educator, Registrar, or Curator so that she can preserve unique histories and artifacts into perpetuity and help students achieve the same motivation for learning that she gained through her childhood experiences with museums. Over her time at UCCS, she was a member of the UCCS Art Club, speaker at the UCCS Visual and Performing Arts Festival, and curator of the Post-Pandemic Stress Art Show at the Heller Center. She also contributed to an exhibit for the Western Museum of Mining and Industry; assisted with an accession proposal and collection research for the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum; and designed an exhibit, inventoried items, and created proper collection policies for her internship with the Colorado Springs Day Nursery. As a junior, she presented her thesis on Banksy and the commodification of graffiti. She currently works as a Collections Research Assistant for the American Numismatic Association and Museum, where she helped install the new Americana Gallery. Grace plans on using her degree to continue exploring all the ways museums can serve their communities! 

Hope Johnson
Outstanding Undergraduate in Film Studies

Hope is a psychology major with minors in sociology and film studies. She is passionate about film studies. Her favorite classes have been Psychology in Film; Ecofeminist Cinema; and Disability, Deafness, and the Body in Film. Film Studies courses have helped Hope in honing different skills that will be beneficial in her career and personal life, including public speaking, being more observant, open-mindedness, and approaching certain topics with sensitivity. Some topics she is passionate about include mental health, trauma, and disability representation.  Being honored with the Outstanding Film Studies Award is a testament of Hope's commitment and a milestone in her academic career. She would like to thank her family, Manny, and Nadine for their endless support and for encouraging her to push beyond her limits with her hard work, determination, persistence, and resilience.

Skye Maldonado
Outstanding Undergraduate Student  in Music

Skye Maldonado is a trans woman, electronic musician, design professional, and ever searching soul. She began writing music in 2016, when her father bought her a small MIDI keyboard to begin experimenting and exploring sonic landscapes. Her heart brought her towards the music program at UCCS in 2020, and she was not disappointed. The program is filled with students and faculty that care about all forms of music, and thanks to this open-minded community, Skye was able to grow as a composer and performer by leaps and bounds. From being nervous to sing solo, to performing an entire set of pop songs, the program has helped her build her confidence in an invaluable way. Skye also found friends among her incredible classmates, and additionally, found a friend in her private lesson instructor, Dr. Jon Forshee, who propelled her compositional skills forward, and has also been there to discuss life’s matters in a way she didn’t know she needed. At Skye’s core is empathy and a desire to understand and support others, and the music program at UCCS has helped her do that and more. The Visual and Performing Arts program is filled with so many talented and incredible people with hearts that deserve to be recognized, and Skye hopes the program continues to grow into a beacon for musical talent in Colorado.

Michael Miller
Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Music

Michael Miller is a musician who was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1997. He attended Pikes Peak Community (State) College before transferring to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs in 2021. His experience at PPCC was instrumental in his growth as a musician and student, and Michael credits his former professors Gayle Grace and William Malone for helping get his life on the right track. During his time at UCCS, Michael founded the UCCS Performance Symposium which gives all Visual And Performing Arts students the opportunity to perform bi-monthly in front of their faculty and peers in a safe, judgment-free environment. This has been a wonderful way for students to get experience performing in front of people while simultaneously bringing the artistic community together. Michael studies the classical guitar with Colin McAllister and plans on pursuing graduate school for guitar performance after completing his bachelor’s degree.

Matt Phillips
Outstanding Undergraduate in Theatre

Laura Kuykendall
Outstanding Undergraduate in Visual Art

Laura Elyse Kuykendall is an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores animals, nature, and maternal bonds through sculpture, drawing, painting, and textiles. Rooted in a lifelong affinity for animals, Laura's creative practice delves into the hidden realms of these creatures, telling their stories while addressing themes such as folklore, extinction, renewal, and sacrifice. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, Laura spent her childhood in nature, preferring the company of animals to people. In 2008 she moved to Colorado Springs and in 2022 she received her Associates of Art degree at Pikes Peak State College. She currently creates and lives in Monument, Colorado with her partner, their two children, and their many pets.

Abraham Guevara
Outstanding Undergraduate in Visual Art

Inspired by abstraction and surrealism, Abe’s interdisciplinary work consists of soundscapes, video projections, 2D illustration, painting, and photography. Through these formats he explores the intersection of nature, science, language, mythology, and personal history. Before arriving at UCCS, Abe was mentored by Burmese artist Sitt Nyein Aye, where he learned to engage with philosophical questions via various material techniques and processes. Raised in a multicultural family in southern Colorado near the Raton Basin, Abe’s heritage instilled within him an appreciation for varied perspectives and fostered a yearning to engage with diverse people. Abraham currently resides in Fountain, Colorado, with his family, including his beloved grandmother.

Annaliese Allen
Dean's Choice Award - Sacrament

Artwork: (tea bag works) Sacrament, wood, gold leaf, teabags, nails, sheep wool, dimensions vary, 2023
Annaliese Allen recently discovered a fascination regarding the histories and traditions surrounding tea. The ritual of making tea, the warmth it brings, and the community it cultivates has held a significant space in her life. In many of Annalise’s relationships, raw stories have been shared with a cup of tea in hand. Reflecting the slow process of tea practices, she has implemented collage and assemblage to tell the most vulnerable aspects of her story. When deconstructed, used tea bags are incredibly delicate, possessing an organic, skin-like quality that references the human body. While every stitch forms a patchwork of all that Annaliese is, revealing her fragility, flaws, and failings, it is the promise of redemption that brings hope and healing to both her work and her life.    Annaliese Allen was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Growing up in a multicultural home and spending the first decade of her life living in three states and five countries, Annaliese has a deep-rooted love of diverse culture and food. Although the beautiful foothills of Colorado Springs, Colorado have long been home, Annaliese seeks every opportunity to travel. Graduating from Pikes Peak State College in 2017 with a double AA in Studio Art and Art History, Annaliese was adamant that school was behind her. Spending the next five years exploring different job opportunities, she eventually realized her calling lay in the arts. Returning to school in the fall of 2022, Annaliese is currently pursuing a BA in Visual and Performing Art at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Upon graduating from UCCS she will continue her education pursuing a MFA.

Laura Elyse Kuykendall
Dean's Choice Award

Artwork: (animal works)  Immurement, charcoal on wood, 48 x 48”, 2023
Laura Elyse’s work explores animals, nature, and maternal bonds through a diverse artistic approach encompassing sculpture, drawing, painting, and textiles. Rooted in a lifelong affinity for animals, Laura's artistic focus delves into the hidden realms of these creatures, unraveling untold stories that span from the past to the future. Her work reveals the profound interconnectedness between the natural world and humanity. Her 2D art captures wildlife, emphasizing the whimsy of nature and showcasing the natural beauty of animals through delicate details. Laura’s 3D work is intertwined with themes of motherhood. Using textiles, her sculptures evoke warmth and openness, symbolizing the nurturing embrace of the natural world creating a tangible connection between art and emotion. Her art embodies themes of folklore, extinction, renewal, and sacrifice.    Laura was born in Kansas City, Kansas. She spent her childhood among nature preferring the company of animals to people. At an early age, she escaped into her drawings merging her love for art and animals. Laura moved to Colorado Springs in 2008 and Colorado quickly became home. She decided to return to school and started college in 2020 expanding her art studies, learning new mediums, and delving into 3D sculpture. In 2022 she received her Associates of Art degree at Pikes Peak State College. She currently studies at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and will receive her BA in Visual Art in the summer of 2024. She will be appearing in the annual senior exhibition Sonder at GOCA Marie Walsh Sharpe Gallery. She currently creates and lives in Monument, Colorado with her partner, their two children, and their many pets.

Nicole Asuquo
Outstanding Undergraduate student

Nicole Asuquo is a double major in Political Science and Women and Ethnic Studies with a minor in Pre-Law. She is graduating Summa Cum Laude. Nicole is a scholar, activist, and leader. She is the Vice President of Sisterhood, a club that seeks to empower and uplift Black women and other Women of Color by creating a safe space for community on campus. Nicole is also a Kane Scholar, Chancellor's Award recipient, the Big XII Senior of the Year, Clyde's 5 Student Leader, and the Outstanding Student for the WEST Department. Nicole plans to continue her pursuit of knowledge, social justice, and advocacy for marginalized communities in the healthcare system through a legal degree post-graduation. 

Amanda Espinel
Outstanding Undergraduate student

Amanda Espinel is the first double major in Women’s and Ethnic Studies and History since the degree program was approved last spring. As a transfer student from PPSC, she views her two years at UCCS as the best of her undergraduate career and has loved every WEST course she’s taken. Some of Amanda’s proudest achievements include the opportunity to be an interviewer for Season Five of The Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ Oral History Project and presenting it at the Mountain Lion Research Day. She also stepped out of her comfort zone to play a pivotal character, Maria, for Dr. Herrera's staged reading of “The Presence of Absence.” For Amanda, being honored as WEST’s Outstanding Undergraduate Student is the culmination of a wonderful experience at UCCS.

Megan Moen
Outstanding Undergraduate Student

Megan Moen (she/her) is a Women's and Ethnic Studies major with a minor in Sociology. Since enrolling as a freshman in 2020, she has found a passion and love for the people and the work within the WEST department and has dedicated the past four years to fostering the rich and colorful community. Megan began her academic career undeclared, with little-to no direction, but was quickly swayed into a Women's and Ethnic Studies major by Dr. Tua'one. Megan prides herself off of her creative contributions to classroom settings, as well as the love and care she demonstrates for her peers and professors. Despite working two jobs in addition to a full-time school schedule, she continues to put her whole heart and energy into everything she does, in her personal, work and academic life. As a scholar and an advocate, Megan will be leaving UCCS with both a diploma and a drive to create meaningful change in her community.

Taylor Vallance
Outstanding Service & Activism Award

Taylor Vallance has been on and off the UCCS campus since they were five years old. To say that they have and will always be a “Mountain Lion” is an understatement. As a WEST student, Taylor says they had the distinct pleasure of learning how to lead from the greatest role models. Taylor was inspired to contribute to the UCCS Leadership Conference as a presenter for the past three years and both led and partnered with multiple student movement initiatives on campus. Taylor’s activism culminated in receiving the 2024 Ron Wisner Human Spirit and Leadership Award and WEST’s Outstanding Service and Activism Award. Taylor leaves as a proud and more confident person because of the many mentors they had at UCCS. 

Hailey Clark
Outstanding Undergraduate Student - WEST Bachelor of Innovation

Hailey Clark is proud to graduate with a degree in Women’s and Ethnic Studies and a Bachelor of Innovation. She views both degrees as integral to her future and her inspiration to enact change. Hailey acknowledges the grace and patience she has received throughout her time at UCCS and is thankful for the many amazing professors she has met, who have contributed to her education and care about the success of their students. Hailey will miss UCCS and is excited to be part of this year’s graduating class.