Class of 2026 and College Awards

The 2026 Commencement season officially ended at the close of summer quarter, marking the completion of studies for our all of our undergraduate cohorts. Awards below were presented during annual celebrations held in both spring and summer quarters.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Sister Mary Ruth Niehoff Award

Given to outstanding seniors nominated and elected by the faculty of the College of Nursing. Criteria for choosing the recipient include academic excellence, personal qualities and community involvement. 

Jordan Aria Fester

Anna Terese Mitchell

Spirit of the College of Nursing Award

Given to a senior who has promoted student service activities. Criteria or characteristics to consider include: leader, catalyst, motivator and initiator.

Elinor Bowen-Keyes

Jazmin Murillo-Romo

Nursing Service Award

Given to seniors who have contributed to his or her peers and patients in the following manner: Mentor, Motivator, Role Model, Collaborator, Listener, One who unifies and promotes community, and volunteer/participant in College of Nursing activities.

Liyat Shenkute

Ayleah Bowser

Class Speakers, Most Inspirational Faculty and Most Outstanding Administrative Staff

Awardees are elected by students in the graduating cohorts. 

Traditional Cohort

Class Speaker, Benjamin Ebalobo

Most Inspirational Faculty, Margot Sprague, MSN, RN

Most Outstanding Administrative Staff, Maiya Mosteller, MBA

Transfer Cohort

Class Speaker, Morgan McKibbin

Most Inspirational Faculty, Emina Polovina Bayomy, DNP, ARNP, RN

Most Outstanding Administrative Staff, Ronda Mitchell

Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Ultrasound

Seattle University College Scholar Award

Given to a College Scholar who has achieved an outstanding academic record. 

Nhu Tang

Cohort Leadership & Service Award

Acknowledges seniors who have been leaders within their cohort, encouraged student involvement and promoted cohort cohesion. Criteria or characteristics to consider include leader, mentor and initiator.

Alyssa Garvey

Rylen Manuel

Academic Achievement Award

Acknowledges a senior who has demonstrated academic excellence.

Gigi Engel

Most Improved Award

Acknowledges a senior who has shown significant growth in either their theory or clinical coursework.

Marcus Alonzo

Master of Science in Kinesiology

Provost's Award for Graduate Student Excellence

Given to the Seattle University graduate students who have maintained the highest grade point average throughout their program and have also demonstrated outstanding leadership.

Brenna Dunston

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Awards for the Class of 2026 are presented at the DNP Hooding Ceremony. Class of 2029 awards are presented at the Advanced Practice Nursing Immersion (APNI) cohort's Welcome to the Profession ceremony held at the completion of their prelicensure coursework. 

Joanne McFadden Student Excellence Award

Recognizes and honors an outstanding graduating student who reflects the Seattle University mission, demonstrating excellence in leadership abilities and manifesting commitment to service through involvement with college, university, and community activities. This award honors the memory of JoAnn McFadden, a former graduate student in the College of Nursing, who herself embodies these characteristics. 

Destiny Rosado, '26

Nursing Service Award

Mariana Quezada, '26

Lia Pagtakhan, '29

Spirit of Nursing Award

Mark Perpose, '26

Thea Trejo, '29

Class Speakers, Most Inspirational Faculty and Most Outstanding Administrative Staff

Awardees are elected by students in the cohorts. 

Class of 2026

Class Speakers, Simran Atwal and Adrian Nava

Most Outstanding Administrative Staff, Makeila Kapenda

Most Inspirational Faculty Award, Dr. Teresa van Winkle

Class of 2029 APNI Cohort

Student Speaker, Mekdes Asgedom

Most Outstanding Administrative Staff, Brian O'Malley

Most Inspirational Faculty Award, Dr. Annette Thomas