Each spring we invite faculty, staff, graduating students and their families and friends to join us for one of the high points of the academic year. This ceremony and reception convey a sense of intellectual excitement and promise of future success to our entire graduating class.
During the ceremony, College award recipients are called to the stage to receive a graduation medal presented to them by the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. A photo and short bio of each of the recipients is featured in the Award Ceremony Program. Acknowledgement of these College level awards is also included in the Seattle University Commencement Program.
Each year one or two outstanding graduating students of the College of Arts and Sciences are chosen to receive the Hickey Award. These students are presented with a medal at the Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Awards Ceremony and also have the privilege of leading their class in the processional at graduation. Selection is based upon the student(s)' total contribution to academic life and is made by the department chairs and program directors of the College. The award honors the memory of Dr. Richard P. Hickey, professor of English, a beloved and respected teacher at Seattle University from 1947 until his death in 1968.
The College of Arts & Sciences Leadership & Professional Engagement Award recognizes the graduating student in the College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Programs who has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities and professional engagement. The recipient is an innovative forward thinker, making new roads in their chosen field. Their professional development efforts contribute to the vibrant educational experience in their graduate program.
The LeRoux Leadership Award recognizes the graduating student(s) who has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities, shown academic excellence, and performed significant service to the College. The recipients personify in character and in action the qualities of a liberal education, which constitute the "spirit" of our College. Selection is made by a faculty panel. The award honors the memory of Fr. William L Roux, S.J. who served as Dean of the College.
The College of Arts & Sciences Social Justice and Community Engagement Award recognizes the graduating student in the College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Programs who has demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice and community engagement. The recipient has gone above and beyond in their service to others, carrying with them the founding principles of a Jesuit education, making choices as a leader for a just and humane world.
The Wallace Loh Academic Excellence Award is given to the outstanding graduating student in the College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Programs. Selection is based upon exceptional graduate work in the classroom. Qualification evidenced by paper/article submission, conference presentations, fellowship or scholarship awards, and interdisciplinary scholarship work. The award honors the impact that Dr. Wallace Loh had upon graduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Loh served as Dean of the college from 1999-2008. Four Arts and Sciences graduate programs were created Under his leadership.
The Anthropology Award: Caleigh O'Donnell and Tessa Scoble
This award recognizes the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Fr. Joseph-Francois Lafitau, S.J. Society: Leah Siff
This undergraduate honor society recognizes achievement in anthropology by students in Jesuit institutions of higher learning. Ranked among the founders of the discipline, Fr, Lafitau was an early practitioner of the comparative method known for sensitive ethnological fieldwork and language acquisition. Members of the Lafitau Society shall exemplify both scholarship and service in their anthropological work in the context of a liberal arts tradition of Jesuit education.
Fr. Eugene Buechel, S.J. Award: Mikayla Medbery
This award recognizes an undergraduate Anthropology student in a Jesuit institution of higher learning who has achieved the highest standards in both scholastic achievement and service to others. Father Buechel represents lifelong dedication to both scholarship and service. The award bearing his name is given to the individual who exemplifies outstanding and persistent scientific curiosity along with willingness to engage and serve others.
Peronteau Award: Connor Crinion and Vic Vong
The Sociology major’s Peronteau Award is named in honor of Fr. Howard Peronteau, S.J., Seattle University pioneer and founder of the sociology major. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Segundo Montes Mozo, S.J. (1933 - 1989) Service Award: Jasmine Waland
As director of the Human Rights Institute, Segundo Mozo traveled abroad where he presented the results of his study of Salvadoran refugees and human rights. One of six Jesuit martyrs in El Salvador, he is described as compassionate and a true reconciler, devoting his life to others. The Mozo Service Award recognizes the graduating student in Sociology who has demonstrated outstanding service.
Buhr Award:
Art History: Flora Fattahi
Digital Design: Ghazaleh Vakili and Maya Wormwood
Interdisciplinary Art: Bailee Hiatt
Photography: Aunna Moriarty
Visual Art: Emily Wert
The Art and Art History Department's Buhr Award is named in honor of Mr. Anthony Buhr, who died serving his country in World War II. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the department.
Al Mann Award: Jamie Ding
The Asian Studies Program’s Al Mann Award is named in honor of the late professor Albert Mann, an Asian Historian. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Talevich Award: Kendly Puhan, Andrew Reid, and Haley Witt
The Communication Department’s Talevich Award is named in honor of Dr. John Talevich, long-time distinguished professor of journalism. This award is presented to the graduating students with the highest GPA in their major.
Kelliher Award: Nicollette Rindero, Courney Baker, Emily Stefhon, and Emily Levin
The Criminal Justice Department’s Kelliher Award is named in honor of Department founder Fr. Michael Kelliher, S.J. This award is presented to the graduating student(s) with the highest GPA in the major.
Eugene Corr Criminal Justice Service and Ethics Award: Sophie Jensen
The Eugene Corr Criminal Justice Service and Ethics Award honors a graduating senior in the Criminal Justice Department who has made significant service and ethics contributions to the criminal justice system. The award recipients are graduating seniors who have engaged in extraordinary service activities (e.g., volunteer work, research assistance, guest presentations, etc) that help improve the criminal justice system in ways that increase the potential for ethical conduct in the criminal justice profession.
McDonald Award:
English: Amanda Fawcett, Andy Havens, and Margaret Roberts
Film Studies: Brandon Bassler, Amy Williams, and Barbara Hoffman
The English Department’s McDonald Award is named in honor of former chair and distinguished professor Fr. Alex McDonald, S.J. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Hazel Wolf Award: Kennedy Dresh
The Environmental Studies Department’s Hazel Wolf Award is named in honor of ecologist Hazel Wolf. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Donovan Award: Christopher Potter
The History Department’s Donovan Award is named in honor of the late Fr. Joseph Donovan, S.J., long-time distinguished professor of history. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Newman Award: Elizabeth Larimer and Kayla Sager-Riley
The Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies Major’s Newman Award is named in honor of John Henry Cardinal Newman, whose vision of university education championed the interdisciplinary nature of this major. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Noel Brown Award: Tiffany Carpenter
The International Studies Department’s Noel Brown Award is named in honor of Noel J. Brown, graduate of Seattle University and Yale University and retired director of the United Nations Environment Program. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Speck Award: Nicole Pulse
The Sport & Exercise Science Major's Speck Award is named in honor of Sarah M. Speck, M.D., who hosts the exercise science lab in her medical practice. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Award for Excellence in Humanities: Harrison Feain
The Matteo Ricci Institute's Award for Excellence in Humanities is awarded to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Service and Leadership Award: Emi Wheeless
The Matteo Ricci Institute's Service and Leadership Award recognizes a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership abilities in service to the institute.
Brady Award: Sierra Lowe
The Military Science Department's Brady Award is named in honor of Major General Patrick H. Brady, a 1959 graduate of the Army ROTC program, Medal of Honor recipient, and emeritus member of the Seattle University Board of Regents. The award recipient is a graduating senior who has earned the highest GPA in the military science program.
Michels Award:
Spanish: Tira McGavin and Corbin Puhan
French: Michael Clymer, Austin Nelson, and Alexis Torres
The Foreign Language Department’s Michels award is named in honor of the Michels Family, supportive friends and benefactors of the Department. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Buhr Award:
Arts Leadership: Margaret Thompson
Interdisciplinary Art with an emphasis in Music: Josie McDonell
Theater: Brennan Bunn and David Cumpston
The Art and Art History Department's Buhr Award is named in honor of Mr. Anthony Buhr, who died serving his country in World War II. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the department.
Reichmann Award: Margaret Roberts
The Philosophy Department’s Reichmann Award is named in honor of Fr. James Reichmann, S.J., distinguished emeritus professor of Philosophy. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Dr. Jewel Prestage Award: Caroline Guess and Harneet Kaur
The Political Science Department’s award is named in honor of Dr. Jewel Prestage. This award is presented to the graduating student(s) with the highest GPA in the major.
Gaffney Award: Courtney Baker, Isabella McFarland Flores, and Nicollette Rindero
The Psychology Department’s Gaffney Award is named in honor of the late Fr. Louis Gaffney, S.J., distinguished professor of psychology and former president of Seattle University. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Dr. Thomas Cunningham Award: Kali McCollister and Jane Rohr
Wilson Award: Connor Crinion and Kathleen Hannick
The Public Affairs Major’s Wilson Award is named in honor of Woodrow Wilson, university scholar, administrator, and U.S. president. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Dr. Madeline Lovell Academic Excellence Award:;Dani Rae Bohbot and Erica Stewart
The Dr. Madeline Lovell Academic Excellence Award is bestowed on the graduating senior with the highest cumulative GPA. Dr. Lovell Associate Professor, Emeritus was truly inspirational as a scholar-educator. She was a faculty member in the Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work for 21 years (1992-2013) and founder of the BSW Program.
Taylene Watson, MSW Social Justice Award: Sebastian Sanchez
The Taylene Watson, MSW Social Justice Award is bestowed on the graduating senior who demonstrates a steadfast commitment to advancing social justice through leadership while at Seattle University. Ms. Watson, MSW has been recognized locally and nationally for her leadership in advancing the social work profession and issues of social justice while in her role as Director of Social Work at VA Puget Sound Healthcare System and as Executive Director of National Association of Social Work- Washington Chapter. She has been a founding member BSW’s Community Advisory Committee and long supporter of the program.
LaCugna Award: Claire Lucas and Sr. Paskazia Nakitende
The Theology and Religious Studies Department’s Lacugna Award is named in honor of the late Dr. Catherine LaCugna, noted theologian and Seattle University alumna. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Susan L. Secker Award: Hannah Lang and Tessa Scoble
The Women and Gender Studies Program's Susan L. Secker Award is named in honor of Dr. Susan Secker, distinguished professor, former chair of Theology and Religious Studies, former Associate Dean, and the first woman to be named Provost of Seattle University. This award is presented to the graduating student with the highest GPA in the major.
Majoring with departmental honors offers an opportunity for motivated and capable students to engage in extensive interaction with faculty and complete challenging directed study projects and research in their major.
Departmental Honors in Art and Art History: Laura Affolter, Madeleine Currer, Mariah Ribeiro, and Emily Wert
Departmental Honors in Creative Writing/English: Sena Crow, Tara de Bortnowsky, Kennedy Dresh, Amanda Fawcett, Amy Gulley, and Tira McGavin
Departmental Honors in History: Jessica Cable
Departmental Honors in Interdisciplinary Arts with Music Specialization: Twila Joselyn McDonell
Departmental Honors in International Studies: Kasha Bradford-Adams, Shayan Chishti, Tiffany Carpenter, Melissa Cuevas, Michaela Hodgson, Emi Montenegro, Austin Nelson, Nora Ridgeway, Hillary Sturgeon, Sophie Taylor, and Ruth Yohannes
Departmental Honors in Philosophy: Margaret Roberts
Departmental Honors in Political Science: Caroline Guess, Wendall Tseng, Patrick McGarry Jr., and Adrienne Hohensee
Departmental Honors in Sociology: Evelyn Chow, Connor Crinion, Taylor Jenkins, Molly Mattingly, Tessa Scoble, and Jasmine Waland
Departmental Honors in Theatre: Brennan Bunn, David Cumpston, and Nicholas Parsons
Departmental Honors in Theology and Religious Studies: Claire Lucas
Departmental Honors in Women and Gender Studies: Hannah Lang, Ames Zocchi
As an organization of student representatives in the College of Arts & Sciences, Student Executive Council is committed to the pursuit of academic excellence and freedom in an educational environment that values the unique contribution of each student. The purpose of the Scholastic Competition is to provide undergraduate students an opportunity to showcase their work, develop their writing and voice, and receive acknowledgement for their original, quality scholarship. Winners of the Scholastic competition are chosen by a panel of three professors and two students.
Humanities: Isabeau J Belisle Dempsey
Social Sciences: Claire Gunther and Anni Christensen
Visual Arts: Danny Tayara
Student success is largely dependent upon the resources available to students, the lessons taught inside and outside the classroom, and the guidance provided by faculty, advisors, and staff members. Recognizing this, the Student Executive Council invites their peers to nominate a Teacher, Advisor, and Staff member who goes above and beyond their job description to serve students. Students were able to nominate a Teacher, Advisor, or Staff member who made a significant impact on their journey at Seattle University.
Teacher of the Year: Nova Robinson
Advisor of the Year: John Nettles
Staff of the Year: Lilly Newell
