SEE ALL PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT »
Two seniors are the Outstanding Students of the Year for Outstanding Co-Curricular Contributions. They are:
Holly F. Leopardi, who is earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with a minor in Chemistry. Leopardi is recognized for her exceptional achievement as an undergraduate experimental physicist who has sustained academic excellence in multiple disciplines. Her nominators cited Leopardi’s uncanny ability to make connections across many disciplines in science, technology and mathematics. Since 2011 Leopardi has made major contributions to a joint research project between HSU and the University of Washington that investigates the nature of gravitational physics and tests the Equivalence Principle of Einstein’s General Relativity. Leopardi has worked with faculty in the Dept. of Physics & Astronomy as a grader and student research assistant and is an instructor in the Dept. of Mathematics’ Academic Excellence Workshops. Leopardi has published two peer-reviewed articles and has presented her work at the American Physical Society, the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, the Caltech Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics and the Alexander Von Humboldt Conference.
Cherrish Courtney-Lynn Robinson, who is earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from the Department of Critical Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies. Robinson has been a lead mentor since the founding of the Retention through Academic Mentoring Program in 2012, where she manages a caseload of 25 freshmen while simultaneously monitoring and supporting the work of 15 mentors. Robinson also serves as a research intern with the MultiCultural Center, where she investigated best practices and models of African American academic centers. At the 2013-14 Campus Dialogue on Race, Robinson co-presented “(De)constructing HSU as a Post-racial Campus: A Discussion of White Privilege and Racism.” In addition to her leadership role with RAMP, Robinson has served as vice president of the Black Student Union and worked with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.
Other Awards Presented at the April 10 ceremony:
- Academic Excellence in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences — James Barnett, major in Communication and Psychology.
- Academic Excellence in the College of Natural Resources and Sciences — Nicholas Ponvert, major in Marine Biology.
- Academic Excellence in the College of Professional Studies — Jennifer Van, major in Child Development.
- Best Individual Artistic Achievement, Visual & Performing Arts— Felix Francisco Quintana, major in Art.
- Best Poster Presentation to a Professional Association—James Courtney, major in Environmental Resources Engineering.
- Best Professional Publication— Shareen McFall, major in Journalism.
- Best Undergraduate Research Project—Alexis Grant, major in Sociology.
- Club Advisor of the Year—Morgan King, Waste-Reductions & Resource Awareness Program
- Excellence in Community Service—Sabrina Navarro, major in Zoology.
- Excellence in Intercollegiate Athletics—Taylor Mitchell, major in Business Administration.
- Excellence in Sports Clubs—Sean de la O, major in Cellular and Molecular Biology.
- Outstanding Contribution to an Associated Students Program—Jennifer Alejo, major in Political Science and International Studies.
- Outstanding Contribution to a Campus Club, Program, or Organization—Alexander Fest, major in Psychology.
- The Al Elpusan Award for Student Activism—Terrevia Shirley, major in Business Management.
- The Brian Lorensen Residence Life Staff Award—Jason Garza, major in Communication.
- The Patricia O. McConkey Outstanding Graduate Student Awards—Claire Ajina, Psychology; Amanda Alexander, English, Literature emphasis; Taylor Cannon, Sociology; Lauren MacDonald, English, Teaching of Writing emphasis; Megan Mefford, Education; Sara Schremmer, Sociology; Sarah Stednitz, Psychology.