Convocation Departmental Awards

2021

African American Studies Art and Art History Asian Studies Biology Business Leadership Chemistry Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies Communication Studies Economics Education English Exercise Science

French and Francophone Studies Gender and Queer Studies Geology German Studies Hispanic Studies History Honors International Political Economy Latin American Studies Latina/o Studies Mathematics and Computer Science Music

Occupational Therapy Philosophy Physical Therapy Physics Politics and Government Psychology Religious Studies Science, Technology, and Society Sociology and Anthropology Special Interdisciplinary Major Theatre Arts

African American Studies Department

African American Studies Special Awards

This award has been initiated by the African American studies faculty to honor two students who, over the last two years, have both persisted through substantial obstacles to achieve remarkable growth and success in their academic and community endeavors.

• Donovan Wilson

Outstanding Graduating Major Award

This award is based on the student’s overall performance in the classroom, on campus, and in the broader community. The award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, including grade point average and classroom contribution. This student excels in African American studies courses, as well as in the broad spectrum of courses that make up a Puget Sound liberal arts education. In keeping with the commitment of African American studies, this student is also recognized for service to the immediate campus community and the extended community beyond the campus as a part of good academic citizenship.

• Jade Herbert
• Anna Mondschean
• Isaac Sims-Foster

Outstanding Graduating Minor Award

This award is based on the student’s overall performance in the classroom, on campus, and in the broader community. The award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, including grade point average and classroom contribution. This student excels in African American studies courses, as well as in the broad spectrum of courses that make up a Puget Sound liberal arts education. In keeping with the commitment of African American studies, this student is also recognized for service to the immediate campus community and the extended community beyond the campus as a part of good academic citizenship.

• Asha Berkes
• Tomicia Blunt

Outstanding Returning Major Award

This award is based on the student’s promise and overall performance in the classroom, on campus, and in the broader community. The award recognizes promise, as well as outstanding academic achievement, including grade point average and classroom contribution. In keeping with the commitment of African American studies, this student is recognized for service to the immediate campus community and the extended community beyond the campus.

• Jordan Calhoun
• Kalina Cordero
• Leona Derango
• Sofia McLaren

Outstanding Returning Minor Award            

This award is based on the student’s promise and overall performance in the classroom, on campus, and in the broader community. The award recognizes promise, as well as outstanding academic achievement, including grade point average and classroom contribution. In keeping with the commitment of African American studies, this student is recognized for service to the immediate campus community and the extended community beyond the campus.

• Jaylen Antoine
• Ruthy McBride
• Isabele Riser

Art and Art History Department

Eileen E. Henstreet Book Award

This award was created by the parents of Eileen E. Henstreet in her memory. Each year the Department of Art and Art History selects an outstanding student to receive the honor.

• Miranda Karson
  Miranda Karson, a studio arts major with a concentration in ceramics and minor in Spanish, is recognized for her exemplary devotion to making art and thinking critically. She served as the course assistant in ceramics this past spring and is a strong member of the Puget Sound arts community. Congratulations to Miranda on being awarded the Henstreet Award from the Department of Art and Art History!

Art and Art History Department Honors

• Cameron Milton
  Cameron Milton is graduating with a studio arts major, with a concentration in painting, in addition to minors in both Religious Studies and Sociology and Anthropology. He has been a dedicated member of our studio art program, with thoughtful commitment to his studio practice and the classroom community. Through complex layering, Cam’s nuanced digital paintings reflect both lived experience and in-between spaces. We congratulate Cam on earning Honors in Art and Art History from Puget Sound and for being nominated to Phi Beta Kappa. We wish him well as he attends Antioch College’s Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy graduate program this fall.
• Rachael Stegmaier
  Rachael Stegmaier has been awarded the distinction of graduating with Honors in the Department of Art and Art History at the University of Puget Sound. Rachael’s high grade point average reflects her excellent academic work in disciplines across the university, while completing her major in Art History and minor in Spanish. As a student leader, she serves as editor of Wetlands Magazine, a publication focused on gender, sexuality, and intersectionality, as design editor of the science publication, Elements, and docent in the Puget Sound Museum of Natural History, endeavors that indicate her multifaceted interests and expertise.  In 2020, Rachael was the recipient of the Offield Travel Award, a competitive endowed travel opportunity that will allow her to see works in Italy and Spain in person when travel resumes.

Asian Studies Program

Robert G. Albertson Award

Awarded in honor of Professor Albertson (Asian studies and religion, 1956–87), founder of the Asian Studies Program at Puget Sound, to the graduate who has made a distinguished contribution to the spirit of the Asian Studies Program.

• Lauren Finnigan
  Lauren has excelled in both her Japanese major and in the Business and Leadership Program, while also working, studying abroad, and actively participating in Japanese and Asian Studies co-curricular activities. Her academic achievements and her deep engagement with Japanese culture have distinguished her as an outstanding representative of the Asian Studies Program.

Suzanne Wilson Barnett Writing Award in Asian Studies

Award presented in recognition of Professor Barnett (Asian studies and history, 1974–2007) to the Asian studies student who wrote the outstanding paper in an Asian studies course during this academic year. The award honors Professor Barnett’s commitment to scholarly inquiry and effective writing in the multidisciplinary field of Asian studies.

• Malcolm Willig, 2020 winner

Biology Department

Gordon D. Alcorn Award

Presented to the outstanding senior biology major in recognition of academic achievement, accomplished research in biology, and outstanding service to the department and to the greater community.

• Ashley Brauning
  Ashley is an enthusiastic researcher whose work sheds light on the mysteries of how plants respond to environmental stress at the molecular level. She sets high standards for quality of work and engagement, leads by example, and drives community within the lab group. She is a skilled and considerate teacher in her roles as an Instructor Assistant at Puget Sound and as a tutor for many local high school STEM students.

Beverly Pierson Research Engagement Award

Given to a student who has demonstrated exceptional research dedication, engagement, and commitment during their time at University of Puget Sound.

• Sean Grealish
  Sean’s dedication and thoughtful approach to his research is exemplary. He is careful, meticulous, and passionate, and has devoted two summers and two semesters to his research project. Along with his outstanding service as a docent and executive member of Phi Sigma, Sean has contributed in many ways to our vibrant research community. He consistently and independently finds novel ways to approach his research question, and doesn’t shy away from a challenge. He leaves Puget Sound with the preparation, mindset, and motivation to succeed in his pursuit of further research experiences in graduate school.

Outstanding Instructor Assistant Award

Presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and talent for helping other students to learn and appreciate the science of biology during service as a course assistant.

• Lauren Augusta
  Her extraordinary ability to connect with and gain the trust of the students she worked with, as well as her meticulous and transparent approach to turning graded work into a meaningful resource for all learners made Lauren an easy choice for this year’s Outstanding Instructor Assistant Award.
• Shani Zelenko
  Shani has earned this year’s Outstanding Instructor Assistant Award through her solid knowledge of course material and her ability to connect with students. Shani consistently goes above and beyond to help those struggling with introductory biology and is a wonderful resource and mentor for first-year aspiring biologists.

Outstanding Symposium Speaker Award

• Helena Heyer-Gray
  Helena is a dedicated research scientist and an excellent public speaker. Her research on microbial egg protection in lizards has already contributed to one submitted manuscript and will pave the way for future projects for years to come.

Outstanding Sophomore Award

For students who do exceptional work in the two biology courses taken during their second year.

• William Bitner
• McKenna Boulet
• Alexi Ebersole
• Benjamin Fox
• Olivia Fross
• Fay Fujimoto
• Capriana Jiang
• Megan Mooney
• Colby Smith
• Hailee Ueyama

Outstanding First-Year Student Award

Conferred on students who do outstanding work in their first-year biology courses.

• Brooke Bogdanovich
• Mariah Canton
• Lara Flanagan
• Deniz Kelemet
• Kaitlin Riggin
• Andrew Saddler
• Alexandra Solodilov
• Svetlana Solodilov
• Myah Stauffer
• Logan Winn 

School of Business and Leadership

Outstanding Academic Achievement Award

This award recognizes excellence in academic achievement in business major courses.

• Carly Geane Cashen
  Carly’s academic accomplishments reflect excellence in a wide range of subjects and are matched by her ability to work effectively with those around her. Thank you for demonstrating excellence in Business and Leadership at Puget Sound.

Business Leadership Program Excellence Award

This award recognizes a graduating BLP student who best represents the ideals of the program, such as leadership, professionalism, integrity, open-mindedness, and respect for others. It also recognizes their exemplary endeavors in support of the BLP and the university.

• Carly Geane Cashen
  Carly stands out not only for academic achievement, with the highest GPA in her BLP cohort, but also for personal investment in her community. In addition to building strong relationships with classmates and professors, Carly served in many roles where she put others ahead of herself, including the executive board of Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and president of Mortar Board.

Business Administration Major Excellence Award

Awarded to a student who demonstrates such characteristics as academic excellence, professionalism, integrity, intellectual curiosity, and practical application of business principles.

• Austin James Morioka
  A.J. is an exceptional student who has excelled despite taking an extremely difficult course of study. Industrious, diligent, intelligent, and thoughtful, he seeks out challenges; he exemplifies the ideal of a liberal arts scholar and critical thinker.

International Business Major Excellence Award

This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated excellence in such areas as cross-cultural communication skills, sophisticated understanding of the global business context, and genuine openness to diversity.

• Kip Lily Aubrey
  Kip exemplifies the traits that will make him successful in international business and communications: tact, cultural sensitivity, intellectual curiosity, business acumen, and teamwork. Well deserved, Kip!

Excellence in Finance

• Declan Furey Peloso
  Declan has excelled throughout his study of finance, as he has sought out the most difficult courses and taken leadership positions in both Four Horsemen Investments and the Puget Sound Investment Club. Even more notably, he has always demonstrated the highest level of personal integrity and honor, serving as a role model not only to his finance colleagues, but also to the community as a whole.

Excellence in Accounting

• Sarah Rae Firstenburg
  Sarah exemplifies the key qualities of an effective accountant - integrity, professionalism, collegiality, and academic excellence. Congratulations, Sarah!

Excellence in Management

• Madeline Rae Stranzl
  Madeline exemplifies dedication to excellence in management and leadership in both process and outcomes, demonstrating respect, high standards, and the ability to work collaboratively.

Chemistry Department

American Chemical Society Student Affiliates Award

Awarded to the chemistry or biochemistry major with the highest GPA in chemistry.

• Mirelle Schoeberlein

Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies Department

David A. Lupher Philology Prize

Awarded by the faculty of the classics and ancient Mediterranean studies department to recognize the special facility demonstrated by this student in seeking to master the translation of Greek and Latin.

• André-Philippe C. Therrien
  André-Philippe C. Therrien has been unanimously selected by the Department of Classics and Mediterranean Studies to receive the David A. Lupher award. André is bilingual, and his natural abilities with language—now including ancient Greek and Latin—is profound. He adds to these a strong work ethic and a deep interest in understanding language in its ancient context. A dedicated philologist and a careful scholar, he uses the derivations and meanings of words to gain insights into the texts he studies. His papers focus closely on the logic of ancient thought and are densely argued. He also delights in learning new and unexpected things that deepen his understanding of antiquity.

Laurel Wreath Award

Awarded by the faculty to the graduating major whose work has been distinctive and deemed worthy of the recognition given to Olympic victors.

• Kelsey Koscienski
  As a first-year student, Kelsey Koscienski leapt directly into an upper-level Latin course and demonstrated prowess equivalent to that of the two seniors in the course. Over the next three years she broadened her work to include ancient Greek, gender studies, and archaeology. In recognition of her high level of academic achievement across this range of material from the ancient Mediterranean world, the department crowns Kelsey with the Laurel Wreath.

Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies Department Honors

• Olivia Couture
  Olivia Couture is an academic dynamo who has contributed in numerous ways to Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies (CAMS). In classes, she always exceeded expectations for preparation, her sharp mind ready to dig in deeply with her classmates. A terrific Latin student, Olivia not only honed her own skills but also generously served as Latin tutor through the Center for Writing, Learning & Teaching (CWLT) and for high school students in the Seattle area. Olivia’s impressive thesis on Herodotus and the divine in Neil Gaiman’s American Gods suggests that Olivia will carry antiquity with her into her future as a writer of fantasy. For this outstanding work, CAMS is proud to award Olivia with Honors in the Major.

Communication Studies Department

W. H. Baisinger Outstanding Graduate Award

Awarded in honor of Professor Wilbur Baisinger to students who distinguish themselves both in academic achievement and significant contribution of service to the department.

• Lars Defty and Emma Sheppard

The Department of Communication Studies is pleased to honor two students with the Baisinger Award – Emma Sheppard and Lars Defty.

Emma has distinguished herself as a true scholar of human communication. Her notable contributions as a major include her stellar written work, her ability to think deeply and insightfully about cutting-edge topics in the field, and her knack for elevating the work of her classmates. Lars has excelled as a thinker and researcher in classes on both the social scientific and humanistic side of the discipline. His notable contributions as a major include his insights to class discussion, his work as a course assistant, and his passion for considering how scholars can engage the public. Both Lars and Emma have earned the distinction of being the outstanding graduating seniors in communication studies.

Michael P. Madden Research Award

Awarded in recognition of ongoing commitment to scholarship through significant research and writing.

• Natalie Willoughby

Mary Christine Pence Course Assistant Award

This award, named for a former student, recognizes an outstanding undergraduate course assistant.

• Tara Denney

Economics Department

Ernie Combs Award

Awarded in honor of Ernie Combs, founding father of the Department of Economics, whose commitment, vision, and wisdom still guide us today. A fiercely principled man of selfless dedication, he was also a man of gracious humor and boundless faith in the future, embodying the spirit of his favorite song, Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” This award is presented to the outstanding graduate in economics, in recognition of combined mastery of economic theory, analysis, and its application to important social issues.

• Rachel Kadoshima
  Rachel Kadoshima embodies the spirit of this award and its namesake in every way. During her time at Puget Sound, Rachel was not only an excellent and enthusiastic student, but she engaged with the department in every way she could, writing for the Sound Economics Blog, engaging other students as a Course Assistant, or just dropping into your office hours to talk economics. Through her enthusiasm and positivity she made those around her, be they classmates, her course assistant students, or faculty, better. Ernie would no doubt have appreciated as much as we did the wit in her oft Keanu Reeves themed emails to her Econ 101 CA students. So with great enthusiasm worthy of Rachel herself we present her with the Ernie Combs award for 2020-21.

School of Education

Education Studies Award for Outstanding Performance

The Education Studies Award is given to a student who has performed and achieved at an exceptional level as a student in the education studies minor. Through coursework and participation in school environments, this student has shown significant growth and capacity in questioning their own biases and social location and inequities that shape school institutions, and in critically considering how educational policy and classroom practices impact the learning opportunities available to P-12 students.

• Nicole Gherima Ramiro Cariño
  As a first-year student, Nicole Cariño met with School of Education faculty to talk about issues of equity in education and how she might impact the lives of students. Nicole brings exceptional commitment and critical insight as she engages with classroom spaces, students, and educational systems. She builds community and coalition to assert the central role of equity and justice in the work of education.
• Kelsey Koscienski
  Kelsey Koscienski cares deeply about issues of equity and social justice. She is a deep thinker who consistently offers insightful commentary. She leans in to critical feedback and persists in the face of challenges to stretch herself to grow as an educator.

English Department

English Department Honors

• Janelle Ariota
  A truly gifted essayist and critical thinker, Janelle is also a consistent leader in the classroom, where her thoughtfully phrased questions and comments add depth to every class session.
• Isabelle Horn
  At once a talented literary critic and a gifted creative writer, Izzy Horn conjures lyrical scholarly arguments and constructs rigorous poetic images.
• Marleen Pan
  Marleen’s creative writing and literary scholarship are remarkable for their originality and ability to synthesize and present complex ideas with generosity, sophistication, and clarity.

Barry Bauska Senior Creative Writing Award

The Barry Bauska Award is given each year to the outstanding senior English major with an emphasis in creative writing.

• Olivia Couture
  Olivia Couture exemplifies what it means to be a creative writer in community. She has excelled as a student in fiction and poetry workshops, writing memorable work that explores the human condition in the most surprising, elegant, and affecting ways.

Philip Hager Senior Literature Major Award

The Philip Hager Award is given each year to the Outstanding Senior in the English Literature Major.

• Janelle Ariota
  Janelle is an exceptional scholar of literature, one who exemplifies intellectual originality, sensitivity, and autonomy. She reads perceptively across periods and genres, and writes with elegance, nuance, and insight.

Peter Greenfield Award

The Greenfield Award is given in recognition of Professor Peter Greenfield, who taught in the English department from 1983 to 2011. The award is given to the student whose leadership has enhanced the intellectual life of our department.

• Zeno Deleon Guerrero Jr.
  At a moment when individuals and institutions are grappling with issues of equity, inclusion, and representation, Zeno has been an exceptional, generous, and gracious leader for awareness and change in our class and campus conversations.

Esther Wagner Fiction Prize

• Isabelle Horn for "Sidereal"

This science-fiction short story absorbed the judges from start to finish with its compelling characters, complex and highly successful world-building, sophisticated plot, and its poignant and lyrical ending.

Sandler Critical Essay Award

• Alex Miller for "Pronouns and Paradox in Paradise Lost"

This essay received the highest of accolades for its levels of research, analysis, and originality of insight. Alex argues that the paradoxical gender associations in John Milton’s Paradise Lost should complicate any interpretation of the poem that identifies the Fall with the feminine.

Nixeon Civille Handy Poetry Award

• Yuki Morgan for "You’re a Virgo, aren’t you?"

This is a carefully crafted and thoughtfully controlled poem in which every word is perfectly placed to shape our perceptions of the speaker and the addressee, and the tension involved when encountering and confronting self-doubt as an artist.

Exercise Science Department

Roberta Wilson Outstanding Graduate of the Year

This award, named in honor of a long-standing professor in the department whose vision and eye for the future defined and shaped the exercise science major, is given to a senior who, over their four years at the university, has demonstrated exceptional scholarship, leadership, communication skills, community and university involvement, and extraordinary potential for success in the field.

• Samantha Reed
  Samantha’s enthusiasm for Exercise Science was a joy to watch and the quality of her work was among the best the department has seen. Her genuine interest in learning was contagious and she never hesitated to help others. Her role as a peer advisor is a testament to her leadership and desire to support and help others be successful.

French and Francophone Studies Department

French Studies Department Honors

• Zoë Kern
  Zoë Kern is one of the top students we have had in our department. She has been taking upper-division French classes since her first semester, and excels in every class. Zoë consistently goes above and beyond in her coursework and in her work in our department, and she does so with a warm smile and a caring and professional attitude. She takes pride in her work, and we take pride in her. Congratulations, Zoë!

Michel Rocchi Award

With this award, colleagues in the department seek to honor the service of Michel Rocchi, professor of French studies at Puget Sound from 1973 to 2017. Professor Rocchi’s dedication and contribution continue to inspire the department. The prize recognizes the excellent achievements of students who exemplify his commitment to French language and literature.

• Rachel Jackson
  Rachel Jackson brings energy into every room - even on Zoom! A top-notch student, Rachel’s contributions to class discussion demonstrate reflective and analytical thinking, as well as contagious enthusiasm. Rachel’s continuous willingness to share her time by volunteering to help whenever it is needed is truly appreciated. Merci, Rachel!

Marcelle Martin Award

Awarded to a student majoring in Romance languages who has demonstrated excellence in music, art, or theater and has a high degree of fluency in the chosen Romance language.

• Talia Ackerman Hirsch
  Dance, art, and history are three areas where Talia has excelled, and we are so lucky to have her bring her talents to her study of French language, culture, and literature. Her delightful attitude and high standards for herself lead to her outstanding performances. Félicitations, Talia!

Justin Martin Memorial Award

Awarded to a student majoring in international affairs with French as the language of emphasis.

• Zoë Kern
  Zoë Kern deserves this award in addition to departmental honors. Her French Language and International Affairs major has provided her an outlet to explore the interconnectedness of international politics, economics and French language and culture. She has already put these connections to work, and she will surely continue to do so in the future.

Jacquie Martin Award

To be awarded for excellence in French literary studies to be selected by the faculty in French studies. Book award from the private French library collection of Professor Emerita Jacquie Martin.

• Audrey Reiss
  Already an accomplished student as a sophomore, we cannot wait to see where Audrey takes her interests and her studies. She has done excellent work in the French literature classroom, and her talent as a writer and researcher are commendable. Congratulations, Audrey!

Myra Dupertuis Prize

The Myra Dupertuis Prize is awarded to an outstanding graduating student of French who has not formally studied in France.

• Fielding Burnette
  Graduating in three years, Fielding Burnette never ceases to impress. He came to college with an ambitious plan, and has cheerfully accomplished all his goals through hard work and the impeccable standards he has set for himself. May your plans include an extended stay in France, Fielding! Best of luck to you. Félicitations!

Esperanza Gurza ’61 Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to outstanding students majoring in French who are also enrolled in Spanish courses.

• Xavey Bzdek
  Xavey Bzdek has a natural gift for languages. He has impressed his French and Spanish professors, and we look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.

Outstanding Minor

• Morgan MacFarlane
  Morgan MacFarlane’s natural curiosity, the depth and professionalism of her research, her willingness to grapple with difficult problems, and the near-perfection of her French writing make her the easy choice for this award. Best of luck to you, Morgan. You will go far!

Gender and Queer Studies Program

E. Ann Neel Award in Women/Gender Studies

The E. Ann Neel Award in Women/Gender Studies recognizes students who have considerably contributed in the classroom to advance our collective understanding of the workings of gender, as well as demonstrated a deep personal commitment to addressing issues of gender justice in our community.

• Anna Mondschean
  It has been such an honor to watch Anna Mondschean develop into the complex thinker and committed community organizer she is today. Anna has double majors in Gender and Queer Studies and African American Studies. She has a minor in Education Studies and intellectual interests in experiential learning. Using this transdisciplinary background, Anna has contributed in robust ways to our campus and beyond. She interned with the Washington State LGBTQ Commission where she worked to strengthen community connections during COVID-19 and she closed-captioned and transcribed Pride Month videos. On campus, she created a podcast showcasing the work of community partners. She has tutored peers and published a critical review of a conference presentation. And her thesis work, on Black feminist pedagogies and experiential learning in Higher Ed, demonstrates the original connections Anna makes across disciplines. Without question, Anna’s academic career is one of brilliance and leadership rooted in justice.
• Emma Piorier
  It has been an immense privilege to teach Emma in three classes, work with her on her senior thesis project, and collaborate with her to support the Freedom Education Project Puget Sound (FEPPS) BA program in prison through a WA Campus Compact Fellowship. Emma is an intellectual dynamo. Her academic work demonstrates a deep commitment to social justice, rigorous and original scholarship, and creative problem solving whether she is writing about religious movements for social justice or gender and incarceration. Emma is a person who can theorize, plan, and then get things done. Just this year, she constructed an entire house on wheels to archive stories of coming of age and girlhood with a website (www.thegirlhouseproject.com) to collect and document the project; produced a biweekly newsletter for students in prison; and created a permanent free library on campus as a tangible reminder of issues of educational access and mass incarceration. Her brilliance, drive, and dedication are truly remarkable and an indication of tremendous things to come.

Gender and Queer Studies Department Honors

• Dana Levy
  Dana Levy receives Honors in the Major for his consistently superb work across the four years in Gender & Queer Studies. Dana devoted a huge amount of research to his senior thesis on trans musicology and on the work of the Black trans composer Beverly Glenn-Copeland. Applying theories of queer temporality, Dana argued that trans time does not fit within the boundaries of conventional straight time. Dana’s study “transes” the time of music itself by contextualizing sound and form within trans time and trans history.

Geology Department

Geology Department Honors

• Eddie Strand
  The Geology Department is pleased to recognize Eddie Strand’s outstanding academic record with the award of Departmental Honors.

Al Eggers Award

Awarded by the University of Puget Sound geology faculty to a graduating geology major whose work successfully integrates field study and laboratory analysis in outstanding research. The award is given in the spirit of our colleague and friend Dr. Al Eggers, professor emeritus of geology.

• Whitney Worrell
  Whitney completed her senior thesis on two trace fossil assemblages in Washington State. Her research took her into the field for several weeks of mapping and sampling, into the lab for many more weeks of sample prep and analysis, and also into museum collections to collaborate with paleontologists at other institutions. Congratulations Whitney!

Norman R. Anderson Award

The Norman R. Anderson award is presented each year to the outstanding geology major. It recognizes the graduating senior who best exemplifies the spirit and joy of learning, the intellectual breadth, and the love of geology that was so characteristic of Professor Norman Anderson, who was a member of the geology faculty for more than 40 years and chair of the department for almost 30 of those years.

• Lexus Sullivan
  We are pleased to recognize Lexus Sullivan as the 2021 recipient of the Anderson Award. In addition to being a leader in the classroom and the Geology Club, and an outstanding TA, Lexus conducted thesis research that improved our understanding of the origins of the Cascade volcanic chain. It seems particularly appropriate to acknowledge her research today – just before the 41st anniversary of the May 18, 1980, eruption of Mt. St. Helens. Congratulations Lexus!

Stewart Lowther Award

Awarded by the University of Puget Sound Geology faculty to a graduating geology major who displays a passion for fieldwork. This award is given in the spirit and memory of our colleague and friend Dr. J. Stewart Lowther, a member of our department from 1957 to 2008.

• Samuel Dickerson
  Sam dedicated himself to extensive research fieldwork for independent projects focused on the restoration of salmon habitat in rivers and streams from Cascade headwaters to Puget Sound. Congratulations Sam!

German Studies Department

Helmut L. Jueling Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to an outstanding rising senior in German studies.

• Matthew Roge
  Matt Roge is a rising senior majoring in German Studies and History. Matt exhibits an impressive level of commitment to coursework, sustained engagement both in and out of the classroom, and a genuine willingness to go above and beyond what is asked of him. His passions for history, culture, and language (also Spanish!) are evident in everything he does, and his sense of humor and positive attitude distinguish him in every regard.

German Studies Department Honors

• Lars Defty
• Zoe Welch

Hispanic Studies Department

Charles and Bertha Robbins Award

Awarded to an outstanding student of Spanish.

• Ellie Schnorr
  Ellie has demonstrated an outstanding command of the Spanish language and a deep interest and sensitivity to cultural diversity. Her enthusiasm for learning and growing intellectually is not a duty but a way of life that she carries out with maturity, joy, and respect.
• Lenora Yee
  Lenora has shown outstanding intellectual ability and impressive levels of maturity and sensitivity. Her passion for creative writing, literature and art is evident from her double major in English and Spanish, her minor in Music. Her commitment to diversity as founder of COMBS, Coalition of Multiracial and Biracial Students, and her many contributions to the Department of Hispanic Studies are most appreciated.

Hispanic Studies Department Honors

• Juliano Estrada Donatelli
  Juliano is an emerging scholar whose intellectual rigor and insatiable curiosity allow him to understand the significance of the works he studies, well beyond the context of a given course.

History Department

Kathy Phibbs Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1991 by Gwen and Phil Phibbs to be awarded to women interested in history and reading, with a commitment to outdoor recreational activities.

• Olivia Babcock
  Olivia is an inspiring presence in the classroom and beyond; she tackles big questions and values the opinions of others.
• Maddy Hadden
  Maddy brings a deep love of learning and a seriousness of purpose to all of her work.
• Maija Petterson
  Maija consistently encourages peers and professors to think about hard questions, and models how to do this for us all.

Roy N. Lokken Memorial Book Award

Established in honor of Professor Lokken, a member of the Class of 1941, who went on to a career as a historian and college teacher. Awarded to selected majors who have impressed the faculty with their achievement, promise, resolution, and aspiration; awards are for the purchase of books.

• Olivia Babcock
  Olivia models the integrity, hard work, and imagination involved in the historical enterprise and inspires her fellow students and professors.
• Meredith Folensbee
  Meredith provides a daily model of seriousness about the study of the past, keen critical thinking, and ready engagement that inspire her classmates and her professors.
• Alexander Jacobson
  Alex is an agile thinker with a flair for thinking comparatively across historical periods and cultures.
• Samuel Kaufman
  Sam is passionate about how the study of history can help us create a better world in the present.
• Fran Leskovar
  Fran’s love of history is matched by the richness of his thought and his exceptional capacities in speaking and writing about the past.
• Pamela Lozano
  Pamela thinks creatively and compassionately about how history can inform and contextualize issues related to social justice.
• Charlotte Nabors
  Charlotte approaches historical sources with great creativity and sensitivity.
• Maija Petterson
  Maija provides keen, thoughtful insights in class and is especially adept at analyzing and contextualizing difficult material.
• Matthew Roge
  Matt brings his joy for history and language to every classroom and is an excellent researcher and writer.

William Breitenbach Best History 200 Paper

Established in 2017 in honor of retiring Professor of History William Breitenbach, who was an inspired and inspiring teacher and mentor to generations of majors and minors, and was also instrumental in creating and teaching the introductory methods course History 200: Doing History.

• Gabriel McHenry
  Gabe is honored for the paper "From Freeks to Phreaking: Evolution of Youth International Party Tactics, 1967-1973." Gabe’s essay is a thoughtful, well-crafted analysis of the aims, evolution, and contradictions of the Youth International Party and its varied strategies.
• Jessie Navis
  Jessie is honored for the paper "(Im)printed Femininity: Representations of Women in Shiseido’s 20th Century Advertising." Jessie’s paper is nuanced and elegantly crafted, unpacking both Shiseido’s advertising campaigns as well as the literature surrounding women’s agency in Taishō-era Japan.

Honors Program

Honors Alumni Scholarship 2021

• Cas Almond
• Teddy Carbone
• Kevin Covarrubias
• Kelsie Neumann

Cas, Teddy, Kevin, and Kelsie receive this award in acknowledgement of their exceptional service to the Honors Program and its members. Thank you for all you do.

Coolidge Otis Chapman Honors Scholars

Students who have completed both the prescribed coursework of the Honors Program and an approved senior thesis are eligible for this designation.

• Amelia Bergen
• Olivia Couture
• Alexis Földváry
• Kate Harris
• Alexander Jacobson
• Lukas Karoly
• Kelsey Koscienski
• Jenna Krueger
• Lohitvenkatesh Oswal
• Lydia Thompson
• William Whittenburg
• Natalie Willoughby
• Kyra Zapf

These students have completed all requirements for graduation as a Coolidge Otis Chapman Honors Scholars. In writing and presenting their honors theses, they have shown profound grace and resilience when coping with unprecedented events. ​Congratulations! We are proud of you.

International Political Economy

International Political Economy Outstanding Student Award

• SaraJane Griffiths
  SaraJane is a voraciously curious scholar who is driven to tell the untold story. She is a champion for women and BIPOC in tech and computing, and she skillfully combines intellectual rigor with passionate advocacy. Congratulations SaraJane.
• Lia Van Steeter
  Lia is an outstanding student who has demonstrated the highest level of achievement in International Political Economy. Her work in every single course was fantastic, and she was also an exceptional peer advisor for first year students. Congratulations Lia.

Pros Ta Akra Academic Achievement Award

Awarded to graduates who have demonstrated the highest level of sustained performance in international political economy as indicated by their grade point average in the major.

• Lia Van Steeter
• Zoe Welch

The department is pleased to recognize Lia’s additional accomplishments in academic performance with Pros Ta Akra.

Zoe has consistently impressed us throughout her coursework in International Political Economy. Her work ethic, top notch research and writing skills, and enthusiasm, make it a delight to work with her.

Latin American Studies Program

Our Americas Award for Academic Achievement in Latin American Studies

This annual award honors the outstanding interdisciplinary skills and regional knowledge demonstrated by a senior Latin American studies minor through high academic achievement in the Latin American studies curriculum.

• Gabriela Alejandra Herrera
  Gabriela has excelled in all her multidisciplinary work in Latin American Studies. Her strong academic work combined with her immersive study abroad experience in Oaxaca, and her role as a leader of Latinx student groups on campus, have made Gabriela a savvy and sophisticated thinker of the social, economic, and political realities of Latin America. The “Our Americas” Award honors her outstanding academic achievements, her deep understanding of the region, and her commitment to community.

Latina/o Studies Program

Latina/o Studies Excellency Award

This award is granted by the Latina/o Studies Program at the University of Puget Sound in recognition of a student’s academic excellence and community involvement. The student receiving this award has produced research that moves the Latino community forward.

• Nicole Gherima Ramiro Cariño
  Nicole Cariño has distinguished herself as an exceptional student, an extraordinary scholar, and most of all as an outstanding student leader at the University of Puget Sound. She is not only insightful in her scholarship on Education, Latine, and Filipino Studies, but also committed to the project of racial and transformative justice in the campus community, fostering student leaders who will empower their own communities. Nicole has worked for the University of Puget Sound School of Education, as well as the Office of Experiential Learning. She is also a Posse Scholar and served as the ASUPS President her senior year. Nicole has surpassed all expectations and has earned the distinction of being chosen as the Latina/o Studies’ outstanding graduating senior for this year’s class of 2021.

Mathematics and Computer Science Department

Edward Goman Outstanding Senior Award

Awarded in honor of Professor Goman to a senior major in mathematics and computer science, in recognition of superior academic performance.

• Manya Mutschler-Aldine
• William Rader Whittenburg

While the Edward Goman Award for Outstanding Senior is often awarded to one student in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, this year the department determined that two outstanding seniors are equally deserving: Manya Mutschler-Aldine and William Whittenburg.

Manya is graduating with majors in Computer Science and Politics & Government. Throughout her time at Puget Sound, Manya consistently impressed the Computer Science faculty not just with her stellar academic performance, but with her deep insight, curiosity, and her wide-ranging interests. Her excellent communication skills and extensive computer science background made her an effective tutor for the department, and also helped support a successful summer research project that produced a paper with Manya as co-author.

William is majoring in Mathematics and is a member of the Honors Program. During his senior year, William undertook a research project that is the basis for his Honors thesis. Mathematics faculty note that William consistently asked insightful questions in class, questions that often penetrated to the heart of the concepts under discussion. William brought that same desire for deep understanding to his honors thesis research in ways that helped him master difficult ideas and develop novel results of his own.

Goman Book Award

Awarded in honor of Professor Goman to senior majors in mathematics and computer science, in recognition of academic excellence and department service.

• Gennie Cheatham
• Nathaniel Chusid
• Darian Gill
• SaraJane Griffiths
• Rayna Holley
• Rei Ishii
• Emma Kauzmann
• Nate Kloempken
• Sophia Sangervasi
• Tuan Tran
• Kiana Walter
• Anna Watson

Goman Book Awards are given to students whose presence has been a particularly positive contribution to the department. We congratulate this year’s awardees and thank them for all that they have brought to the department.

School of Music

Delwen and Genevieve Jones Scholarship

This scholarship, made available through a generous gift from Dr. and Mrs. Jones, is awarded annually to outstanding student musicians with a preference given to music majors.

During this challenging year, the School of Music would like to honor all scholarship recipients in 2020 and 2021.

• Jane Heyer
  Jane Heyer is an accomplished student musician who has now won this prize for two consecutive years because of her immense contributions to the School of Music’s community through her dedication within the piano studio and as a pianist in chamber music ensembles, the Wind Ensemble, and Tacoma’s Rising Stars Series. She is a sought-after artist within the music community, able to perform fiendishly difficult works due to her artistic prowess, genuine enthusiasm for music, and her willingness to lift up everyone around her. As Jane graduates from the School of Music, we know she will bring her passion and skill to bear in all her future endeavors.
• Aric MacDavid
  Aric MacDavid is an ambitious, prodigiously gifted musician who received the Bachelor of Music degree in Bassoon Performance in 2020 summa cum laude with honors in performance. In addition to his excellence on the bassoon, demonstrated by his Concerto/Aria Competition win in 2017, he excels as a jazz performer on the alto saxophone, a composer whose work has been performed by the University Symphony Orchestra and other Puget Sound ensembles, and a scholar whose superb research and writing were honored with a Writing Excellence Award in 2018. The Puget Sound community was inspired and delighted by the boundless energy he brought to his wide-ranging endeavors.
• Drew Shipman
  Drew Shipman is an enthusiastic and multitalented music education major who serves as principal flutist in multiple performing ensembles within the School of Music. Among his many noteworthy musical accomplishments, Drew was honored as the winner of the School of Music’s Concerto/Aria Competition in 2018. Additionally, Drew is an exceptional pianist and a member of the CWMEA (Collegiate Washington Music Educators Association) chapter on campus. He is a model citizen who impresses his professors and peers both in the classroom and on the performance stage. Upon graduation, Drew is sure to be an incredible asset to the public school system and an inspiring mentor to his students.

School of Occupational Therapy

Watson William Wade Award

Presented to graduating occupational therapy students who have consistently shown unselfish devotion to facilitating the learning of others.

• Rachel Mieko Kasashima
  Rachel demonstrates effective leadership through her diligence and attention to detail. Her ever-positive attitude motivates peer engagement in learning.
• Jessica Lauren Kresl
  Jessica leads with intentionality and commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and social inclusion. Her calm, open demeanor supports peers in sharing and deepening their learning.

Department Service Award

Given in recognition of exceptional commitment to the curricular and cocurricular experience of occupational therapy students.

• Kasen Augusta Boie
• Ashley Michelle Chan
• Loran Anna-Marie Edwards
• Sarah Mages Farley
• Breanna Marie Gabriel
• Claira Ruth Geller
• Rebekah Joy Jurgensen
• Victoria McGaughey
• Jessica Dawn Oppenheimer
• Olivia Marie Wasilenski

Philosophy Department

John and Kathryn Magee Memorial Scholarship

Awarded in honor of Kathryn Magee and longtime professor John Magee to junior or senior students showing promise and achievement in the academic discipline of philosophy.

• Brian Kim
  Brian has impressed everyone at Puget Sound with his insightfulness, enthusiasm, engagement, and drive. Brian’s accomplishments include a successful summer research project, and active participation in Ethics Bowl and philosophy conferences on campus and beyond. Congratulations, Brian!
• Sienna Murphy
  Sienna shined during her time at Puget Sound, thanks to her intelligence, independence, motivation, and maturity. In addition to being an engaged departmental citizen, her presentation at an external conference has earned her enthusiastic praise from the keynote speaker. Congratulations, Sienna!

School of Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Fellowship Recipients

A three-year departmental scholarship award to support graduate study in the School of Physical Therapy, based on extraordinary quality of application to the program.

• Amber Nicole Calhoun
  Amber holds herself to a standard of excellence in all aspects of her life. She performed exceptionally well in the DPT graduate program in addition to managing a household with young children while her husband was deployed. She demonstrates a high degree of personal integrity and compassion, both of which are admirable qualities for anyone in a health profession and we are fortunate to count her among our graduates.
• Hannah Jean Descoteaux
  Hannah Descoteaux is a kind individual with a big heart. She is exceptionally thoughtful and a problem solver, as I witnessed many times during our 3 years of research collaboration. I could always count on Hannah to step up when needed, and do the right thing. The PT profession, and her patients, will be better and stronger because of her. Congratulations, Dr. Descoteaux!
• Hannah Fishman
  Hannah presented herself with a stellar file clearly warranting a fellowship, but upon arrival we understood what a fine addition she was to our cohort. Hannah has her own drummer. In PT school this means a unique perspective and diversity of thought. She is kind, humble, and reflective and our profession is a better one as she enters it.
• Elizabeth King Jusko
  Liz Jusko will be an ideal Doctor of Physical Therapy. Her sound clinical reasoning skills along with her friendly demeanor have followed her throughout the Physical Therapy Program and will allow her to be an effective and engaging health care professional. She was a joy to have in class. We are honored to now call her a colleague. Congratulations Dr. Jusko!
• Erin Micha Krekling
  In addition to her stellar academic record, we find Erin remarkably insightful, considerate, and dedicated. She is always gracious in managing her work and nurturing relationships. These traits, combined with her maturity have made Erin a leader in her cohort of students. Additionally, she is always willing to represent our program by corresponding with prospective students. Her professionalism and dedication to excellence are exemplary.
• Anna Kaye Ortung
  Anna Ortung is an extraordinarily reflective woman with the intellectual capacity to master extremely complex concepts. Buttressing these talents is a solid work ethic and a thirst for learning that will allow Anna to excel as a physical therapist. She understands the intricate nature of the human experience and will assuredly help to lead our profession in its evolution toward holistic care. Congratulations Anna!​
• Elise Rachelle Whisler
  Elise is an intelligent, curious, and thoughtful student and an exceptional individual. She has a clear heart for her chosen profession, which is demonstrated by the enthusiasm, compassion, and empathy with which she approaches her patients. Her future patients will be lucky to have her in their corner and her future colleagues will be lucky to have her on their team. Congratulations, Elise.

Beardsley Family Foundation Scholarship

Awarded to a physical therapy student who is sincere, earnest, easy to teach, and overcoming financial need.

• Natalie Elizabeth Rudnev
  Natalie is one of the very youngest people to enter our DPT program. She came in with a rare maturity of work ethic, eagerness to learn, and well-developed sense of personal responsibility. Throughout her time at UPS, we have all come to know and genuinely respect her as a person of deep character and kindness, with a strong sense of professionalism driven by sincere compassion. Natalie has gracefully navigated salient hurdles of both academic and personal life to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, driven by empathy and focused on the best interest of people she serves. She will make an outstanding physical therapist, in all the ways that matter most.

Roger Williams Scholarship

Awarded by the department faculty to students who combine scholarship with excellent capacity for professional relationships with patients and colleagues.

• Jordan Kawika Minoru Kamahele Hirae
  Jordan carries himself with a quiet confidence. He is an independent thinker that will listen carefully, then offer remarkable insights – what a combination to portend success as a physical therapist. Congratulations, Jordan, on all you have accomplished at Puget Sound, both as an undergraduate and now a DPT.

Physical Therapy Honored Faculty Scholarship

The endowment supporting this award derives from funds donated in the name of a number of physical therapy faculty members, and it honors a student who has demonstrated particular potential in critical inquiry and clinical research.

• Lindsay Putnam-Dirringer
  Lindsay’s intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and leadership would make her an asset on any research team. However, it is the compassion and dignity that she brings to every encounter that make her stand out as a clinician researcher. She will be sought-out by her patients and respected and trusted by her colleagues. Congratulations, Lindsay.​

Ross Family Memorial Award

Awarded to outstanding physical therapy students overcoming financial need.

• Elizabeth Joy Piper
  Liz Piper has demonstrated her talents in many ways. She is first a kind, caring individual, which underlies everything she does. She is a leader among her peers and an advocate for the profession. If anything needed to be done within her class, she was the go-to person. She is mature, witty and considerate of others. All of these talents will serve her well as a new Doctor of Physical Therapy. It was an honor to be part of her DPT education. Congratulations, Dr. Piper!
• Megan Burnam
  Megan combines a generosity of spirit with a willingness to step up when needed. Those attributes have served our program and her cohort on countless occasions. The PT profession now has another leader with heart. Congratulations, Megan!

Wade and Marlene Allison Endowed Scholarship

Awarded to a graduate D.P.T. student in good standing demonstrating financial need.

• Sarah Uno
  Sarah’s path to this milestone was not easy. Through the twists and turns, she has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication to the profession. Her indomitable spirit will serve as a point of inspiration for her future patients. Congratulations, Sarah!

Physics Department

Raymond and Olive Seward Award

A scholarship established by Olive Seward to honor her husband, Raymond S. Seward, professor of physics from 1923 to 1955. This award recognizes outstanding physics majors.

• Noah Leibnitz
  The Department of Physics presents the Raymond and Olive Seward Award to Noah Leibnitz. This award is a scholarship established by Olive Seward to honor her husband, Raymond S. Seward, professor of physics from 1923 to 1955. The award recognizes outstanding physics majors. Throughout his time at Puget Sound, Noah has demonstrated technical acuity and keen physical insight in the way that he approaches problems in both the classroom and the lab.
   
• Curtis Hills
• Vanessa Schultz

While not majors in Physics, the department also recognizes the outstanding work of Curtis and Vanessa. Well done.

Thomas Malcolm and Hilda Enden Jack Scholarship

Awarded to outstanding physics majors.

• Owen Shellhammer

Eleanor Jessel Conti Memorial Scholarship

Awarded to outstanding students who are committed to pursuing the dual-degree engineering program.

• Kelsy Bryson
• Will Swenson
• Joshua Wah-Blumberg

Politics and Government Department

Elizabeth Ann Breysse ’17 Memorial Award

This honor is awarded in memory of Elizabeth Breysse ’17 to students who combine academic excellence and creativity in their coursework in politics and government with broad, sustained, effective engagement and leadership in the department, the university, or broader communities.

• Sophia Semenjuk

Psychology Department

Honors in Psychology

Awarded to the top 10% of the graduating class, this honor recognizes students’ high level of academic performance and scholarly engagement as psychology majors.

• Sophia Allen
• Michelle Kofman
• Sarah Nasson
• Emma Sheppard
• Kylie Wong

Distinction in Psychology

This award recognizes students for their high level of academic performance and scholarly engagement as psychology majors.

• Allie Baker
• Elise Hendrickson
• Caled Jaesler
• Noelle Kerr
• Jenna Krueger
• Hadley Polinsky
• Cale Spence
• Shayla Tyler

The Department of Psychology Outstanding Service Award

This award is given to recognize those who have made a clear and positive difference to the psychology department through commendable service contributions.

• Cas Urban

Religious Studies Department

Douglas R. Edwards Award for Scholarly Excellence

This award, established in honor of religious studies colleague Professor Douglas Edwards, honors the religious studies major who has intellectually distinguished him- or herself by writing the most intellectually rigorous and original thesis in religious studies in the past year. Professor Edwards, distinguished professor of religion from 1987 to 2008, renowned for his expertise in biblical archeology, set the standard in the Department of Religious Studies for the highest level of scholarship. With this award, his colleagues seek to memorialize Professor Edwards’ commitment to scholarly excellence by recognizing the graduating senior who has demonstrated superb scholarly achievement.

• Miranda Langford

Science, Technology, and Society

Science, Technology, and Society Department Honors

• Rebecca Lumbantobing
  Rebecca is an extraordinary student. Words that come to mind include: generous, thoughtful, intelligent, ethical, and driven. She consistently processes readings and composes work at a graduate-student level and does far more work than assignments require. Her commitment to social justice issues and her attention to how knowledge systems relate to issues of power and equity both locally and globally consistently raised class discussions to a higher and more engaged level. We are very proud of her commitment to navigating complexities and ambiguities in the world in the interest of making a difference with respect to conservation and environmental justice.

Sociology and Anthropology Department

C. Wright Mills Award for Excellence in the Major

This special departmental award is given to a student majoring in sociology and anthropology for excellence in the major.

• Nicole Gherima Ramiro Cariño
  C. Wright Mills asserts “the sociological imagination…is the capacity to range” thoughtfully in inquiry “from impersonal and remote [social] transformations to the most intimate features of the human self—and to see the relations between the two.” Nicole Cariño embodies that imagination residing at the core of our work in Sociology and Anthropology, and blends keen social scientific insight with boundless passion for justice and equity. Her scholarly achievements and intellectual prowess are matched only by her efforts to engage in the spirit of mutual humanization characteristic of the best liberal arts traditions. The SoAn department is better for your contributions, Nicole!

Leon Grunberg Service Award

This special departmental award is given to a student majoring in sociology and anthropology for service to the department.

• David Wetzel
  With his friendly and thoughtful presence in our classes, David has quietly woven his way into the culture of the Sociology & Anthropology department. He brought an honest, reflective, and inquisitive attitude to his engagements with our disciplines, reflecting an intellectual maturity far beyond his years. David always embraced opportunities to contribute to the department’s improvement, and took the lead in organizing student events as part of our faculty search processes. Whenever help was needed, David was not only eager to serve department needs, but took those responsibilities seriously, embodying the collaborative spirit of the Leon Grunberg Service Award. We have been lucky to have David with us as a SOAN major these past years, and we wish him continued success in the future. Congratulations, David!

Honors in the Major, Sociology and Anthropology

• Nicole Gherima Ramiro Cariño
• Karina Cherniske

Congratulations, Nicole, on the C. Wright Mills Award for Excellence, and Honors in the Major!

Karina Cherniske exemplifies all of the qualities and aspirations we have for students in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. As her professors well know, the quality of her work is high, and her contributions to class discussions are always welcome. Moreover, Karina carries the perspectives she’s developed at Puget Sound to a frame of global concern: the worldly footprint she’s developed, although impeded by the pandemic, has made her a more thoughtful and reflective American. Most of all, however, Karina has a curiosity about the world that can’t be taught, and in combination with the invaluable ethnographic capacity to befriend strangers, we’re all excited to see where life’s possibilities will carry her.

Special Interdisciplinary Major

Honors in the Major

• Tovah Helene Gordon

Special Interdisciplinary: Ethnic Studies in Visual Culture

It has been a privilege to serve as academic advisor and thesis director for Tovah’s Special Interdisciplinary Major. Her interest in Ethnic Studies and Visual Culture led her to seek out a winding path through Art, Film, History, Sociology, African American Studies, Asian Studies, and Latin American Studies to create her own SIM program. She also completed minors in Spanish and Latina/o Studies to supplement her learning. Her thesis “Manos a la obra: An Exploration of Transnational Visual Culture” successfully combines the several fields represented in her major and examines the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico as a site of contention, protest, repression, and impact upon later movements in Mexico and the U.S.  The project offers a careful and detailed analysis of images (photographs, murals, prints) that illustrate government control and the power of the people--showing how powerful art as a medium can be. Tovah’s work is evidence that an image is indeed worth a thousand words.

Theatre Arts Department

Excellence in Theatre Arts

This award recognizes consistently excellent work in theater production and studies.

• Lauren VonEschen