President's Outstanding Student Award
The President’s Outstanding Student Award honors graduating undergraduate students in academic areas and University-recognized organizations. Students are nominated on the basis of academic performance in addition to devotion to the excellence of their departments and the University of Montana. One student is nominated per major-concentration within each academic department.
In order to qualify for the President's Outstanding Student Award, a student must be a graduate within the current academic year, earn an institutional GPA of 3.0 or higher, and demonstrate a commitment to their academic discipline through professional development, leadership, and service over the course of their academic career.
College of the Arts and Media
Art
Orion Bos
Orion has impressed us with his devotion and rigor to the discipline, while creating a deeply personal body of work of the highest caliber. He has gone beyond his coursework through his work as a print assistant for numerous Matrix Press visiting artists and volunteering as a print studio tech for the past year. He has showcased his work at a national print conference and continues to exhibit his work on several levels. He has been a natural leader within the student body and is just a super pleasant person all the way around, enthusiastic about everything.
Art - Art Education
Grace Spence
Grace consistently designed interdisciplinary student projects that allowed for personal expression and critical thinking. She was an asset to class discussions and a delight to work with and learn from.
Audio and Media Design
Matthew Knight
Matthew is an exemplary student who soaks in ideas, follows them to new discoveries, all with an artful approach toward creating engaging and inspiring work. His studies here at UM have shown he embodies the ideal creative traits we hope to inspire in all our students, and Matthew will surely find success in his life as someone who enriches the world with his art, empathy, dedication, and friendship.
Dance
Elisabeth Lundgren
Elle significantly represents the Dance Program's mission to "encourage creative thinkers who are articulate about their work, technically adept, and develop their own voice." She is an embodied performer, accomplished choreographer, and outstanding leader. She brings empathy and positivity to every space she enters; her passion for and advocacy of dance always radiates. Elle has changed lives and will continue to do so. The world is a brighter place because of her!
Dance - Pre-Dance Therapy
Seely Garrett
It is an honor to recognize Seely’s remarkable contributions and achievements. She embodies creative and scholarly research supported by a foundation of dedication, passion and kindness. Seely is a stunning performer, thoughtful choreographer, fervent researcher, and incredible advocate for arts integration. Dance is an art form that relishes commitment to interdisciplinarity; Seely represents this responsibility perfectly. We know she will have a huge impact within the dance world and beyond.
Journalism
McKenna Johnson
McKenna truly is a Renaissance student. While we would focus on her reporting, editing and design skills here at the School of Journalism, she is also a dancer, a French scholar and a leader in all these programs. Our faculty, who are known for their strong opinions, all agreed that McKenna represents the kind of outstanding senior the School hopes to produce and so we collectively and unanimously put her forward for this award.
Media Arts
Jessica Henderson
The Digital Filmmaking area in Media Arts/SVMA, is proud to honor Jessica Henderson with the president’s outstanding student award for their exemplary work and contributions to our University. Jessica has been an extremely dedicated student across the School of Visual and Media arts, an invaluable collaborator and professionally active in the greater Missoula Filmmaking community. Jessica’s personal and collaborative accomplishments include work as a director of photography, producing, directing and editing collaborative work with theater and dance and taking part and placing in the regional 2023 48hr film festival. The faculty of Digital Filmmaking and Media Arts cannot think of a better candidate to represent our department for this award.
Media Arts - Game Design and Interactive Media
Kaisha Gerhardt
The Game Design and Interactive Media program honors Kaisha Gerhardt with the president’s outstanding student award for their exemplary work and contributions to our University. Kaisha has been an extremely dedicated student across the School of Visual and Media arts, and professionally active in the greater Missoula community. Kaisha’s extracurricular accomplishments include: collaborating on a team that developed a virtual reality platform for the Rocky Mountain Elks Foundation, producing a solo exhibition at the Wren in downtown Missoula and currently works for Missoula’s Open Air, artist in residence program. The faculty of GDIM cannot think of a better candidate to represent our department for this award.
Music
Amanda Binaco
It is our honor to recognize Amanda Binaco's outstanding achievements in the School of Music. She excelled in academics, musicianship and in teaching practicum. Amanda is an inspiration to everyone who has been fortunate enough to be around her. During her time at UM she lost her mother to COVID, assumed guardianship of her niece, and needed to commute from Butte during the end of her education. Her tender heart and undeniable resolve will make her an incredible music teacher!
Theatre
Siena Cysewski
It is our honour to recognize Siena, who has shown her versatility as an actor and a technician in her work for the School and for Montana Rep. In her time at UM, she has become a powerful advocate for her peers, and we are very proud of her allyship. In her various classrooms and studios, she excels through her developing skillset, her aptitude for learning, and her generous work ethic. We are grateful for the opportunities we’ve had to work with Siena and wish her every success in her future.
Theatre - Acting
Blake Sowers
It’s an honor to recognize and celebrate Blake’s journey in the School of Theatre and Dance. He brings an incredible curiosity and an affable nature to every class, process, and production. He’s shown spectacular growth during his four years, both in terms of his craft and his composure. He is universally respected by his peers and brings a sense of both play and professionalism to every experience. In short, he’s a model Theatre and Dance student and we look forward to following his career.
Theatre - Design and Technology
Kendall Skoog
Even as a first-year student, Kendall proved to have tremendous potential as a designer, a technician and a manager. His aptitude for management helped make our alternate styles of storytelling possible during the pandemic. Now free of those restrictions, he has been instrumental in realizing productions for Theatre and Dance as an integral part of our technical, artistic and managerial teams. While we are sad he is leaving, we are thrilled to see where Kendall’s career will take him.
Theatre - Musical Theatre Performance
Andrew Lottis
Andy is a model student/performer as well as a committed advocate for the School’s student body. He tackled the challenges of virtual performance during the pandemic, then graced our stages in multiple live musicals, and recently displayed delightful Shakespearian craft. Andy has also performed numerous times with Zootown Cabaret and contributed to the dance productions. He is a positive force in the collaborative process, an exciting artist, and a dedicated scholar with a promising future.
College of Business
Accounting
Moritz Stoeger
The accounting faculty are pleased to select Moritz Stoeger as the Outstanding Senior in Accounting. Moritz is originally from Germany and is a UM Tennis team member. Moritz is a model student double majoring in accounting and finance, with [an impressive academic record]. Moritz completed an internship with SG Long and participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. After graduation, Moritz will be a Private Equity Analyst with Indigo Partners in Phoenix, Arizona.
Business Management
Liv Wilson
In all of her classes, Liv demonstrates her commitment to learning by putting forth high-quality work and incorporating feedback. She demonstrates leadership through team projects by consistently contributing more than her fair share and keeping the team on task. Beyond academics, Liv has an impressive record of campus service. In her work as the UM Advocate Coordinator, she trained and led her peer volunteers in their work welcoming new students to campus, which included providing performance feedback. Liv has demonstrated her drive and ambition by launching her own marketing consulting business. Liv's hard work and positive attitude will make a positive impact in whatever path she chooses.
Finance
J. Kolter Stevenson
The finance faculty are pleased to nominate Kolter Stevenson for the President’s Outstanding Student Award. Finance is one of several majors Kolter completed at UM. He won a Rhodes Scholarship, speaks multiple languages, and in addition to finance has interests in renewable energy, culture, and data and analytics. We are proud to count Kolter among our graduates.
International Business
Guillermo Martin Nieto
Guillermo is an exceptional student who possesses a remarkable combination of quiet composure, intelligence, and an unparalleled work ethic. He consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of complex issues and approaches challenges with a level-headedness. This is even more impressive since English is not his native language.
Management Information Systems
Sarah Keller
The MIS faculty selected Sarah Keller for the President’s Outstanding Student Award. She is an excellent student and very active in college life. She loves the outdoors and frequently performs during open mic nights downtown. As the president of the MIS student group MISA, Sarah worked with a wide variety of local and national employers to bring them in to talk to students. She worked tirelessly to make sure students took full advantage of these opportunities. She also served on two faculty search committees and was engaging and welcoming with the interview candidates. Sarah did her internship with KPMG and has accepted a full-time position with them.
Marketing
Ryan Cantrell
Ryan has [an exceptional academic performance history] and has been a great student in our marketing classes. He consistently asks thoughtful questions and follows-up. Ryan cares about the material and is a genuinely nice person.
Business Management
Addison Jacobson
Addi has been a thoughtful and diligent student in numerous business classes and has really stepped it up this semester with her participation in both Applied Sales and Entrepreneurship. Her contributions to the classroom are a benefit to all of her peers. She is a strong positive presence in class and can always be counted upon to raise the quality of the dialogue.
Sustainable Construction Technology
Matthew Brown
Matthew has demonstrated a commitment to gaining as much as he could from his time at Missoula College. His quality of work, effort, and team support were always outstanding. He took initiative even when at times it was hard to find and became a well-respected leader and role model among his classmates.
Phyllis J. Washington College of Education
Early Childhood Education: P-3
Jasmin Rabell
Jasmin Rabell is an outstanding student with a promising future in the field of early childhood education. Throughout her time in the Teaching and Learning program she has consistently pushed herself to reach new heights and embrace new challenges. Jasmin graduates not only with her degree, but with a deep-seated commitment to lifelong learning and a steadfast belief in the power of reflective practice and continuous improvement. Jasmin will undoubtedly enhance her future school communities through contributions benefiting both children and families alike.
Elementary Education
Johnny Peña
Johnny Peña's dedication to educational equity and his extensive service record make him a standout candidate for the President's Outstanding Student Award for Elementary Education. From teaching in marginalized communities, including a pop-up school located in a landfill in Juarez, to leading service trips in the Caribbean, Johnny has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving educational opportunities for underserved youth. He has worked tirelessly for food insecure children and college students in his service positions, and his reputation as a compassionate leader highlight his impact both on campus and in the community. In all of his K-8 school placements as a UM education student, Johnny excelled. His pedagogical skills were evident and effective, but it is his unwavering support for each student's individual success that truly sets him apart as a role model and leader in education.
W.A. Franke College of Forestry
Ecosystem Science and Restoration - Terrestrial
Rowan Grassi
Faculty describe Rowan as focused and diligent, committed to sustainability, and passionate about environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation. As an undergraduate, Rowan worked at the Herbarium at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, served as a field and laboratory research assistant in the Terrestrial Biogeochemistry Lab at UM, and worked as a student technician for UM Recycling. Rowan’s senior project examined homeowner knowledge, behavior, and educational preferences as they relate to using Firewise landscaping techniques to protect homes and other structures from wildfires. Rowan will be graduating with a Biology Minor and a Wilderness Studies Minor. After graduation, Rowan will be working for the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation as a Wilderness Ranger Fellow, an immersive wilderness conservation and management experience.
Environmental Science and Sustainability - Climate Science and Environmental Change
Junior Burks
While at UM, Junior did field and lab research with the PaleoEcology and Fire Ecology Lab, excelling in a wide range of activities, from fieldwork in mountainous terrain in the Northwest and Northern Rockies to preparing tree-ring samples with woodshop tools, and from performing detailed lab work counting tree-rings with image analysis and a microscope to developing lake-sediment records through careful subsampling of cores. Junior also participated in a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Arizona’s Biosphere 2, where he designed and conducted a project examining methane emissions from a flooded tropical forest. His senior honors thesis examines how climate and the physical environment influence the growth of western larch seedlings that have established naturally after wildfires. Faculty describe Junior as curious and always asking good questions, with outstanding research skills and a passion for ecology. After graduating from UM, Junior will be starting a Ph.D. in the Ecology, Evolution, Environment, and Society Program at Dartmouth College.
Environmental Science and Sustainability - Ecosystem Science and Restoration
Tessa Jarden
Tessa spent two summers with the Montana Conservation Corps, fighting wildfire in Alaska, restoring elk and sage grouse habitat, and managing invasive species. She also worked three seasons as a wildland firefighter in Colorado and Montana, did fieldwork examining climate-fire feedbacks in boreal forests, interned at the PEAS Farm, and was awarded a Udall Scholarship. Faculty have highlighted her impressive work ethic and teamwork skills, her ability to ask excellent questions and engage intellectually with project goals, and her outstanding ability to work effectively in incredibly remote and rugged conditions. Tessa has really enjoyed helping other UM students as a chemistry tutor and as a Learning Assistant in Agroecology. She will be presenting her undergraduate thesis on biocultural restoration of common camas this spring at the UM Conference on Undergraduate Research. After graduation, she will be conducting research in forest and fire ecology as a field technician with the U.S. Forest Service Fire Sciences Laboratory.
Environmental Science and Sustainability - Environmental Policy and Planning
Margaret Woods
Maggie is completing a double major in Environmental Science and Sustainability and Political Science, which reflects her passion for environmental policy. While at UM, she also participated in the Wilderness and Civilization Program and volunteered with the Wilderness Institute to remove weeds from boat camps on the Smith River. Maggie also interned for the Missoula Public Health Department working on air quality and for Kathleen Williams for Montana researching election issues and doing outreach to voters. She’s graduating with an exciting and diverse skillset that includes ArcGIS mapmaking, horse and mule packing, and REI retail sales. This summer, she’ll be mapping and measuring invasive annual grasses for the UM Spatial Analysis Lab. After that, she plans to find a job in environmental policy.
Environmental Science and Sustainability - Resource Conservation
Ava Worbets
Ava brought passion, dedication, and an impressive ability to bridge disciplines to her undergraduate studies, completing a double major in Environmental Science and Sustainability and Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management. During her time at UM, she worked with the Institute on Tourism and Recreation Research, conducting surveys for National Parks and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Ava led backcountry trips for UM’s Freshman Wilderness Experience and led youth outdoor activities for Missoula Parks and Recreation. In 2022, she received the Brave Soul Award for her work to empower girls to participate in outdoor activities. Her leadership, initiative, and insights have been much appreciated by the faculty. Ava is now pursuing an M.S. degree focused on nature-based tourism here at UM.
Environmental Science and Sustainability - Sustainable Livelihoods and Communities
Abigail Sherwood
It would be an understatement to say that Abigail has taken full advantage of her four years at UM! As a William A. Demmer Scholar, she interned with the Department of Interior Office of Wildland Fire, analyzing the impacts of U.S. wildfire policies. As a Max Baucus Climate Scholar, she interned for the Nature Conservancy, working on public policy and climate science in the Northern Great Plans. Abigail's senior thesis examined federal Superfund policy using the Smurfit-Stone Mill, an old mill in the town where she grew up, as a case study on challenges with community engagement under Superfund law. For the past two years, Abigail has been a lab technician in the UM PaleoEcology and Fire Ecology Lab where she uses dendrochronological methods to research wildfire history. Abigail is also an instructor with UM's Clark Fork Watershed Education Program, a distance runner on the Griz cross country team, Co-Chair of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and a Food Justice Scholar. When she graduates, Abigail will take a gap year before attending law school to focus on environmental law.
Environmental Science and Sustainability - Water Resources
Toby Dunn
While at UM, Toby interned with the Montana Climate Office, working on the Mesonet where she calibrated sensors, soldered and wired data loggers, and prepared for the field season, and later conducted an independent project using advanced analytical techniques for soil cores collected at Mesonet stations. Toby also completed a minor in Mathematics and is learning to program in R. Montana Climate Office Director Kelsey Jencso actively recruited Toby for graduate school because of her leadership, intellect, and creativity. Her M.S. in Systems Ecology will focus on modeling and identification of precipitation and soil moisture thresholds that lead to groundwater recharge across the state of Montana, research that will be used to improve drought monitoring and assessments of water supply.
Forestry
Jaiden Stansberry
The Department of Forest Management nominates Jaiden Stansberry for the President Outstanding Student Award. She has distinguished herself academically in our courses, she consistently volunteers her time for the college, and she was an exemplary Chief Push for the 105th Foresters Ball.
Geography
Kimarie Kresan
Kim came to UM after a chance encounter with GIS reawakened the map-lover in her and diverted her from life as a baker and freelance artist. She excelled here and completed her Geography degree and Certificate in GIS. Enamored with the vast web of connections that geographic inquiry exposes, she has been working in and loving GIS since finishing her very first Intro class. She's delighted with how far her new skills have taken her and is excited to move on and combine her artistic design and high-tech GIS skills in her new position as a Cartographer with S&P Global.
Parks, Tourism, and Recreational Management
Marissa Acosta
Marissa Acosta is a graduating senior in the Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management (PTRM) major in the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. Marissa is an engaged and motivated student who is passionate about the field of PTRM. Additionally, Marissa has excelled in all of her courses and is a great ambassador for PTRM! Her innovation, dedication, charisma, and drive will continue to make her a leader in the field and successful in her career. We are proud to have Marissa graduate from PTRM and look forward to what the future brings!
Resource Conservation
Sophia Schmidt
While pursuing her Resource Conservation degree, Sophia worked at the UM Mansfield Library Tech Support Desk, a position that enabled her to grow both professional and personally. She loved her final summer taking courses in field ecology at the Flathead Lake Biological Station. She’s now putting her education to work as the Assistant Supervisor for a Washington Conservation Corps Crew where she leads ecological restoration projects, assisting with planting and drainage on farms, removing invasive species, and restoring habitats.
Wildlife Biology - Aquatic
Christopher Kaminsky
Chris is an outstanding UM undergraduate with a passion for aquatic ecology and fisheries. He performed research during a semester abroad in Scandinavia on Atlantic salmon, where he extensively interacted with a European research group and was able to ask a question that advanced the objectives of the whole group. He has been offered a job with the USFS and will have a promising career in fisheries biology.
Wildlife Biology - Terrestrial
Vincent Gugliotti
Vinny's most notable strengths are his maturity and drive. Few undergraduate students have such a clear vision of what they want to do, and the ambition to get there. Vinny has made the most of his time here at the University of Montana, taking advantage of many opportunities to volunteer and gain experience. He was an undergraduate mentor in honors biostatistics, the student rep at faculty meetings for a semester, an officer in the Wildlife Society, and completed his undergraduate thesis comparing analytical methods for modeling elk habitat use from camera trap data, all while maintaining [an outstanding academic record].
College of Health
Communication Sciences and Disorders
McKinlee Mihelish
Ms. Mihelish is an outstanding student and undergraduate researcher in the BRAIN and LLEAD labs. She volunteers for the UM Chapter of the National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association; National Alliance for Mental Illness; and is the president of the Mental Health Allies student group. Ms. Mihelish was a student athlete (2020-2022), an inclusion advocate for MOSSAIC, and presented at DiverseU and UMCUR. She is wonderfully deserving of this recognition.
Integrative Physiology - Applied Human Physiology
Izaac Sessums
Izaac has been a model student within Integrative Physiology. He stands out in the classroom with high performances in upper division classes. He is equally impressive in hands on laboratory classes. Izaac’s working knowledge relates to several ways that he has bolstered his undergraduate career: 1) by serving as a research assistant who has been included on professional presentations and refereed publications, and 2) by working within the healthcare system, accumulating experiences that will lend to his future career.
Integrative Physiology - Exercise Science - Applied
Brianna Flynn
Brianna has been a consistent positive presence in our School since early in her career. She has been an active and engaged student in her courses, seeking out extra opportunities whenever possible. Specifically, she has been a student aide in our Basic Exercise Prescription class for several semesters. She provided mentorship and assistance to the students in these lab sections, and the majority of current underclassmen in our program have benefited from her empathetic and knowledgeable demeanor. As the instructor of record, I knew I could count on Brianna to volunteer for extra sections if another student called in sick, or if an enrolled student needed to make up a lab section. She is always seeking out ways to serve our School and the undergraduate students in our major.
Integrative Physiology - Exercise Science - Pre-Athletic Training
Jacqueline Long
Jackie has maintained [an impressive academic record] in her undergraduate career while actively engaging in professional development, community service, work and experiential learning. Jackie serves as a Northwest Athletic Trainers’ Association Student Senator representing the University of Montana AT program and she is an active member of the AT student association. She consistently lands on the Dean’s list and President’s list each semester demonstrating her ability to serve and lead in and out of the classroom.
Integrative Physiology - Exercise Science - Pre-Professional
Liberty Broughton
Liberty is exceptionally deserving of the President’s Outstanding Student Award due to her remarkable work ethic and impeccable leadership qualities. I have worked with Liberty in the classroom and as my research assistant. Throughout her tenure in both, she consistently demonstrates exemplary initiative, guiding her peers with clarity and enthusiasm. Her unparalleled work ethic is evident in every project she undertakes, consistently delivering results that exceed expectations. Moreover, her selflessness shines through her willingness to support others, prioritizing collective success over personal accolades.
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Madeline Davies
Madeline (Maggie) Davies is an outstanding pharmacy student as demonstrated by her academic excellence, service, leadership, and research to benefit underserved communities. She has helped increase the participation of American Indian and Alaskan Native communities in precision medicine research at the University of Montana, enhancing healthcare to those populations. Maggie has a proven track record for success and a demonstrated desire to accomplish her goals of becoming a highly productive pharmacist and a healthcare provider.
Pharmacy
Nathaniel Stiffarm
Nano is an exceptional student. He is earning dual degrees this May – Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Association. He was a Skaggs Scholar throughout the pharmacy program. Nano has a strong knowledge base and he is insightful, caring and witty. Nano was active in professional organizations, University programs, and community service. He worked as a pharmacy intern at the Blackfeet Community Hospital during the summers and All Nations Health Center during the school year. He will pursue a Post Graduate Residency at Whiteriver Indian Hospital in Whiteriver, AZ after graduation with the goal of returning to his tribal community to practice pharmacy.
Public Health - Community Health
Rachael Barry
Rachael is a brilliant, highly motivated, and focused public health student and peer educator at Curry Health Center Wellness. Her commitment to health education, mentoring, and learning is impressive. It’s been a great pleasure to walk alongside her during this part of her educational journey. Rachael is headed for great things in the future!
Public Health - General Public Health
Sapphire Pilney
Sapphire Pilney is a highly motivated student who has demonstrated passion for a range of public health issues and is committed to addressing health disparities. She has excelled in coursework as a public health and honors student, graduating with [highest honors]. Upon graduation, Sapphire will be inducted into Delta Omega, the National Public Health honorary society; only 1 UM undergraduate may be inducted each year.
Social Work
Ellie McCarty
Ellie is an exemplary student who consistently demonstrates leadership in classroom discussions. She is always an active participant in small group discussions and activities, but also makes sure to create space for quieter voices. Knowing that she wanted the experience of working in a school setting Ellie used her networking skills to create a new practicum position at a local elementary school, where she has worked in 1:1 and group settings with students and their families. Ellie's curiosity and dedication to her learning have allowed her to be wildly successful in her practicum setting, where she is beloved by both students and her colleagues.
College of Humanities and Sciences
Anthropology
Madeline Richards-Schlarman
Madeline is a bright and caring student and we have been delighted to have her in classrooms and as part of the campus community. She went above and beyond while working on her degree, taking classroom experiences related to public archaeology and putting those into practice. In one instance, she and her fellow classmates created First Friday event posters summarizing their research with urban archaeology collections from downtown Missoula. In another example, Madeline assisted with setting up pop-up exhibits featuring Emma’s Dress and the story of the Fort Shaw Indian Boarding School 1904 Ladies Basketball World Championship team. Madeline ended up helping with Nike N7 events where Emma’s Dress was highlighted, sharing what she learned with Grizzly basketball fans. Madeline even made time to assist outside the classroom to assist UM’s Emma’s Dress team with a large group of 4th graders who made a special trip from St. Ignatius, Montana to visit Emma’s Dress here on the UM campus. In and outside the classroom, Madeline shines.
Anthropology - Archaeology
Isabella Flores
Isabella Flores is a determined and resilient individual who persisted in completing her degree despite pandemic and other obstacles. She impressed faculty and fellow students with her enthusiasm for learning about the human condition and with her dedication to putting that passion into practice. In addition to her commitment to traditional coursework, she consistently made extra-curricular time to ensure she had a series of hands-on experiences, volunteering and also interning with public, urban archaeology projects right here in Missoula, spanning intense lab research and First Friday outreach events. She has subsequently left a legacy that undergraduate, MA, and PhD student teams, as well as faculty, dearly appreciate. We look forward to seeing her continue to flourish and are honored that she represents this institution.
Anthropology - Forensic and Biological Anthropology
Riley Scherer
Riley is the first student who comes to mind when I think about someone who possesses strong academic credentials, outstanding character, and high degree of motivation. Riley's always interested, engaged, and one of those students who we're grateful to have in class. I know they're planning on grad school and I look forward to seeing how the foundation they've built here grows in their future endeavors!
Biochemistry
Melia McSherry
Melia is graduating with degrees in both biochemistry and chemistry. Melia has excelled in graduate level chemistry courses and has been deeply involved in cutting-edge research. While in the research lab, Melia has diligently and independently worked to develop new stationary phases to improve the separation of biologically and pharmaceutically important compounds.
Biochemistry - Health Professions
Sierra Fleischmann
Sierra is a multi-talented young woman whose interest outside of solving chemical equations is the practice of taxidermy. In her spare time, Sierra has helped preserve rare animal specimens in the UM Zoological Museum collection and interned at the Missoula Crime lab Forensics Laboratory. Sierra is looking to combine her interest in taxidermy with her biochemistry background as a future Medical Forensic Pathologist.
Biology - Cellular and Molecular Biology
Ashlin Slanger
Ashlin was an outstanding student, a member of the Davidson Honors College and the Franke Global Leadership initiative, and an active participant in laboratory research. She has pursed multiple mentored projects at UM in molecular biology and genetics, as well as international research through a summer internship tracking marine biodiversity in Greece. Ashlin has also been committed to helping others as a learning assistant, a tutor, and through community service. Her passion and excellence in biology has earned her acceptance into the PhD program at the prestigious Van Andel Institute, where she will begin her graduate studies in biomedical sciences next fall.
Biology - Ecology and Organismal Biology
Erin Szalda-Petree
Erin is a Biology and Math double major earning Dean's list honors throughout her time at the University of Montana. Erin has taken full advantage of every opportunity for research experience. She has/is contributed to a project on legislative redistricting in Montana through the Math Department that has been submitted for publication, worked on a computational neuroscience project, and conducted research on a gut-brain signaling. Erin has given back to the Missoula community as an AmeriCorp summer associate for three summers with the ZooTown Arts Community Center.
Biology - Field Ecology
Haley Yarborough
While she was an undergraduate at UM, Haley not only excelled academically, but she threw herself into a wide variety of other activities. She helped conduct research on Hanta Virus in deer mice; she volunteered with the Clearwater Resource Council and helped conduct water quality monitoring; and she was an editor with the Montana Kaimen. Haley has been accepted in the Master’s Program in Environmental Writing at UM.
Biology - Genetics and Evolution
Rachel Halperin
Rachel Halperin excelled in her classes and conducted research on plant genetics for her Honors thesis. She stood out for her critical thinking and joy of learning. Rachel also helped her fellow students by serving as an undergraduate Learning Assistant in Freshman biology classes.
Biology - Human Biological Sciences
Andrew Engellant
Drew is outstanding in every respect. He is a natural leader, an extremely dedicated and hard worker, and a scholar. He has worked in several labs conducting research during his time at UM, including a beetle lab (analyzing videos of beetle behavior) and an exercise physiology lab (testing the limits of human performance). Drew has extensive training in backcountry rescue, and serves as a camp counselor, guiding kids into the wilderness, and on the search & rescue team in Whitefish and Glacier National Park. Drew is committed to a career in medicine and advancing human health.
Biology - Teaching General Science
Simon Hill
Simon was on the UM Track and Cross Country Team, specializing in longer distance running. He worked as a test subject in the Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism. He is starting as a science teacher at Big Sky High School and will bring his passion for biology and science to his classes.
Chemistry
Maysen Mindt
Maysen Mindt is an excellent student who has taken full advantage of learning opportunities at UM and through the Honors College to receive a well-rounded education and a keen understanding of the Chemical Sciences. Maysen will earn a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and a Minor in Biochemistry. Maysen showed great resilience and dedication to her research studies in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry investigating the use of silicone wristbands as passive samplers of exposure to wood smoke.
Chemistry - Forensic Chemistry
Gabriella Nelson
Gabi Nelson is an enthusiastic and outstanding student of Chemistry and Forensic Science. During her time at UM Gabi has completed an internship and worked at the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula and has conducted research in analytical chemistry on campus. In addition to a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Gabi has completed a Certificate of Applied Science in Brewing Science. Gabi has shown great curiosity and dedication to her studies and is well known by professors and peers for her positive attitude, helpfulness, and kindness.
Communication Studies
Daniel Jacobson
Daniel has shown leadership in both formal and informal ways during his time in our program. In class discussions or activities, it is common to see Daniel facilitating group organization or participation, and he has played a key role in maintaining the Lambda Pi Eta student honor society in Communication Studies. What has been equally impressive have been the many less formalized ways that Daniel has built camaraderie and connection through his engagement in his courses. In his Family Communication class, he participated in a service-learning project with a retirement community in town. He led his group in developing a personal connection with the retiree he worked with, and quietly modeled for others that it was "cool" to move beyond what was required of the class to build a meaningful intergenerational relationship of respect, affiliation, and care.
Communication Studies - Communication and Human Relationships
Amanda Bergstad
Amanda is the kind of student that every professor wants to have in the classroom: always prepared, actively engaged, and excited to learn. She elevates classes with contributions that are focused and well-reasoned without dominating discussions or making others feel “less than.” It has also been a delight watching her utilize Communication Studies concepts and theories outside of the classroom, particularly in her healthcare career. She is genuinely interested in exploring the world around her with a critical, thoughtful eye.
Computer Science - Algorithm Design
Michael Niekamp
Michael is an outstanding student who actively engages in class and often offers various insightful opinions outside of class hours. He has a solid foundation in Computer Science and has two summer internship experiences at technology companies, as well as research assistant experience at the Autonomous Aerial Systems Office. He also has a passion for developing innovative applications, proven by his participation in the "John Ruffatto Startup Challenge," where he demonstrated his leadership abilities and effectiveness throughout the entire process.
Computer Science - Data Science
Brianna Daniels
Brianna is a talented and deliberate student who immerses herself in all her coursework. Bri's focus is on Data Science and she has helped advance the field of fire and fuel modeling through contributions to open-source software packages and novel research questions. Bri brings intelligence, curiosity, and a high level of care to the problems she works on and lifts up any team that she is a part of. Bri is generous with her time and willingly contributes to critical departmental initiatives while representing the student body.
Computer Science - Software Engineering
Bogdan Boskovic
Bogdan is a constant source of energy and positivity. He reliably engages with course material and can be counted on to enrich in-class discussions, serving to enhance the learning experience for all around him. Bogdan is a talented user experience (UX) designer, as evidenced during his senior capstone project working with local consulting company ATG to develop a platform to encourage and recognize employee community engagement. Bogdan plans to continue developing this and all his CS skills by attending graduate school in the fall.
Computer Science-Mathematical Science
Aspen Morgan
Aspen Morgan has demonstrated exceptional ability in both Computer Science and Mathematics throughout her time at the University of Montana, consistently performing at the highest levels of proficiency across both disciplines. She has been a highly engaged student in both coursework and research. We are delighted to recognize Aspen as a scholar and to celebrate her contributions to our department.
Creative Writing
Julia Wynne
Julia is an outstanding writer and rigorous critic. Her essays display a compelling blend of brains and sensitivity, an uncanny eye, a fierce level of introspection, and an ear tuned to the subtlest modulations of the human heart.
Criminology
Amber Guymon
Simon was on the UM Track and Cross Country Team, specializing in longer distance running. He worked as a test subject in the Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism. He is starting as a science teacher at Big Sky High School and will bring his passion for biology and science to his classes.
East Asian Studies
Lia Hamilton
Lia Hamilton (Reed Point, MT) is a gifted writer and insightful student of Japanese and Chinese Literature. She is a double major in East Asian Studies and English. She volunteered at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center as a Cultural Partner with numerous students from Japan. She aspires to be a community librarian.
Economics
Clemens Wilson
Clemens is thoughtful, skilled, and hardworking, and he is breaking new ground for cellists in the Economics field. His thesis project examining the impact of railway noise on home prices is a good example of his meticulous approach, which will serve him well in the UM Economics Master's program next year.
English - Creative Writing
Kelsea Spotts
Kelsea Spotts is a talented author of lucid and formally innovative nonfiction prose, a writer who brings a probative and thoughtful dimension of study to her life-writing, with notable flair for evocative, telling detail. She is a careful reviser who produces original and well-crafted essays and stories of publishable quality. An integrative learner and deep reader, she is also one of the most attentive and considerate and astute participants at any workshop table.
English - English Teaching
Riese Munoz
An outstanding young teacher, Riese Munoz demonstrates daily a joyous outlook on learning, one that is curious, inclusive, and challenging. Riese’s pedagogical skills build the foundation, and her creative gifts provide the model that will help her students develop the intrinsic motivation to make their academic discoveries.
English - Literature
Tucker Hood
Tucker Hood is a standout among our impressive 2024 cohort of graduates. His professors and colleagues are always impressed by—and grateful for—Tucker’s commitment to community, by his wide ranging literary and cultural familiarities, and by his bold intellectual responses to form and content in US and Global literary cultures. Tucker also knows how to wear a smile along with his many stylish hats.
Environmental Studies
Odessa Ward
Odessa pursued her passion for sustainable food systems and gender equity through her major in Environmental Studies, her minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies through high-impact learning, research, and leadership experiences. She completed a full growing season—three semesters of supervised internship— at the PEAS Farm. She had an Agroecology Extension Summer Research Fellowship with University of Vermont, studying pest management in orchards. She also served as a Learning Assistant for an agroecology class here at UM, and in her senior year, as Gender Equity Research Center Director for the UM Branch Center.
French
McKenna Johnson
McKenna Johnson is a wonderful young woman of many talents and interests – beyond French also Journalism and Dance! She has been an excellent student to have in classes for the last four years and we are very pleased that she chose to devote her academic studies to a Major in French. We wish her every success on her future undertakings! We know that she will excel in everything she pursues! What a joy it has been to have her as a student.
Geosciences
Abigail Tucker
Abigail (Abby) Tucker grew up in Great Falls, Montana, where she developed an early love of geology. She came to UM in 2020 and immediately began her training in Geosciences. Abby has been an exemplary student, doing solid work in classroom and laboratory and gaining as much exposure to field geology as possible. Abby analyzed a one-of-a-kind Devonian-age rock core from north-central Montana for her undergraduate thesis. Following graduation, she will undertake an internship with SM Energy in Denver before moving to the University of Texas at Austin for graduate work.
History
Torrie Cooney
Torrie Cooney is an outstanding student, who is as humble as she is multi-talented and intelligent. In history classes, Torrie has been a leader in discussions and a model for other students in her sensitive and critically engaged reading of textual and visual sources. In addition, Torrie has energetically pursued her passion for public history. She has twice been the Browman Collections Intern at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. In her first internship, she initiated the idea for, and helped create, an exhibit featuring the museum's collection of clothes. The exhibit was one of the museum’s most popular and was featured on the front the page of the Missoulian. The museum was so impressed that they asked her to return again for the Browman Internship, where she served as a project lead in collections, overseeing the work of other interns. In short, Torrie is a dedicated and enthusiastic student, whose work has already contributed to local public history and preservation projects – and no doubt will continue to do so in the future!
History-Political Science
Scott O'Donnell
Scott O’Donnell has excelled from his first day on the UM campus. Inside and outside the classroom, Scott serves as a model student and community citizen—always engaged and enthusiastic, no matter the topic or challenge at hand. Even as a freshman, Scott knew he wanted to pursue his passions for history, political science, and education, working hard to become a high school social studies teacher. Upon graduation this year, Scott’s dream will become a reality as he prepares to embark on what promises to be a bright and successful teaching career. Congratulations, Scott!
Japanese
Lindsey Roosa
Lindsey Roosa (Missoula, MT) embodies the ideals of global engagement and has surpassed the limits of interdisciplinary studies. She is graduating with a double major in Japanese and Political Science, with a minor in Arabic studies. She also completed a certificate in Franke Global Leadership Initiative and participated in the Davidson Honors College. She studied abroad multiple times, including twice in Japan (Tohoku University and Sophia University), once in Jordan, and virtually in Morocco. On campus, she worked at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center, where she was a member of the student advisory board and an international programs coordinator; she also interned at MontPIRG. After graduation, she plans to return to Japan for advanced language study.
Linguistics
Bethany Tafoya
Bethany Tafoya entered UM with AP credits and is completing her BA in three years. She is graduating this Spring from the Davidson Honors College, receiving a BA in linguistics as well as a Certificate in Digital Design and a Certificate in English as a Second Language. Bethany has impressed her professors with her analytic ability, clarity of expression, and willingness to accept new challenges. In Spring 2022, she served as an undergraduate Research Assistant for Dr. Mizuki Miyashita.
Mathematics
Erin Szalda-Petree
Erin attended Hellgate High School and is a double major in Mathematics and Biology. She is an excellent student and has received the Math Sciences Hashisaki Award, two Research Scholar awards, and the George Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship for work through AmeriCorps at the Zootown Arts Community Center. Erin has participated in multiple research experiences including epigenetic research in woodsmoke-exposed mice with Dr. Yoon Hee Cho, computational neuroscience with Dr. Emily Stone, MT legislative redistricting with Dr. Kelly McKinnie, and currently works in Dr. Sarah Certel’s Neuroscience Lab.
Mathematics - Mathematics Education
Vivian Cummins
Vivian Cummins is well prepared to become a powerful teacher of mathematics. She excelled in coursework. She conducted undergraduate research. She volunteered in support of mathematics contests and events. As a student teacher, she demonstrated an ability to connect with her students – linking her strong knowledge of mathematics with their lived experiences. She is sure to play an influential role as a future mathematics teacher. Congratulations, Vivian, on this well-earned recognition!
Medical Laboratory Science
Annika Smith
Annika served as the Cheer Team Captain during her undergraduate years, and she thinks the travel with the UM Grizzly team were among her most memorable experiences. She is heading off to Seattle for a year of clinical rotations, and then will take her board exams to be a licensed medical lab scientist.
Microbiology
Jared McGourty
During his years as an undergraduate, Jared worked as a lab assistant conducting research on T7 phage viruses. His coolest experience was taking classes during the summer at Flathead Lake Biological Station. Jared already has an internship lined up with the Rocky Mountain Lab (of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases) in Hamilton, Montana.
Microbiology - Microbial Ecology
Eleni Wohl
If you look up “love of learning” you will find a photo of Eleni! Her thirst for knowledge and dedication to the field of microbiology is truly inspiring. One professor noted that in his long career as a professor, he had not encountered a more enthusiastic student. Eleni also worked on a wide variety of research projects.
Multidisciplinary Studies
Mark Spring
Mark Spring brings an infectious energy and love for life attitude to everything he does. At UM, he has creatively combined his interests in gerontology, non-profit administration, and communication studies into a multidisciplinary studies major. Mark's unique combination of skills and interests truly set him apart as he prepares for his next professional endeavor.
Native American Studies
Isabella Flores
Graduating with a BA in both Native American Studies and Anthropology, Isabella Flores embodies the strength and the passion of UM students. She has demonstrated both initiative and leadership by reaching out to students and offering assistance in helping other students understand difficult concepts. Isabella proves that she is Grizzly strong, never stopping to better her life and those around her in the face of adversity. It is without a doubt that Isabella will go on to achieve great things with the knowledge she obtained from UM.
Neuroscience - Cellular and Molecular
Alessandra Jester
Ali will be graduating with a BS/MS degree in Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience. During her education, Ali has excelled academically and through her research pursuits in Michael Kavanaugh's lab. Her research centers on understanding the mechanism of a genetic disorder associated with pediatric epilepsy and autism and her contributions toward the development of a novel treatment option for the condition. She has presented this work at two national meetings and multiple UM events, has interfaced with patient advocacy organizations, has won two research fellowships, and she is first author of a paper in preparation describing the work. She has also played a strong role in mentoring neuroscience undergraduate students both inside and outside the laboratory.
Neuroscience - Cognitive Neuroscience
Alexandria Larsen
Ali Larsen was a scholar athlete playing for the Griz soccer team while pursuing her degree in Cognitive Neuroscience. Her professors noted that Ali was meticulous and studious in her course work. She asked insightful and interesting questions about the material, indicating a true interest in Neuroscience. She was on the Dean's list, a student athlete, and did research in an Organic Chemistry lab during her time at UM.
Philosophy
Jacob Swank
Jake Swank is a supremely gifted student. By virtue of his intelligence, creativity, and self-discipline, his work in philosophy was nothing short of exemplary. Jake also majored in Environmental Science and Sustainability, and his work in this field was equally stellar, as is reflected in the fact that he was awarded a prestigious STARS scholarship. Despite his many gifts, Jake is a quiet, decent, unassuming person with whom it has been a pleasure to work. When he was not studying or working long hours as a waiter to support himself, Jake could be found playing music with his band, which has played at many venues within the Missoula area.
Physics - Astronomy
Kathryn Ross
Kathryn (better known as Kit or Ryn) is truly an outstanding physics and astronomy student. She’s a pleasure to have in class and has demonstrated sophisticated ability to link concepts between physics and other sciences, to form a comprehensive picture of the universe. In addition, she has demonstrated a commitment to departmental service in her leadership within the WGMIP group and her participation on a faculty search committee.
Political Science
Margaret Woods
I am pleased to nominate Margaret Woods for the general Political Science Outstanding Senior award. Maggie has performed admirably at UM. With [an impressive and well-rounded academic record], she is a double major in Political Science and Environmental Science and Sustainability. In my classes, I was most grateful for Maggie being there due to her in-class contributions, which were oftentimes superb and moved the class discussion to a next level. She is more than deserving of our appreciation and this honor.
Political Science - American Politics
Noah Vanderkar
Noah Vanderkar stands out among our majors for his remarkable intellectual growth. His passion is studying American politics and institutions. Vanderkar has not confined his political science studies to the classroom. Currently, his honors capstone is researching the history of student government on U.S. college campuses, including ASUM, and considering how a student judiciary could function to address disputes arising from student affiliated organizations on campus.
Political Science - International Relations and Comparative Politics
Carolyn Crowder
Carolyn Crowder is graduating with honors in political science, with emphasis in international relations and comparative politics. She also majored in creative writing and minored in journalism. While at UM, Carolyn studied abroad in Northern Ireland and Greece, and participated in the National Model UN conference in New York. Carolyn has been admitted to Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland, where she will prepare for a career in international reporting in situations of conflict and insecurity.
Political Science - Public Admin and Public Policy
Nicolas Kuster
For both his professors and his fellow students, Nick Kuster has been a consistent source of inspiration over the last several years. His positive attitude and good cheer have been infectious during his time in the Department. From his first days at UM, Nick was never shy about speaking up in class and offering his valuable contributions to discussions. Over the years, though, it was gratifying to see Nick develop as a student who could offer analysis that was increasingly thoughtful and nuanced. We’ve appreciated seeing Nick grow and will long remember his contributions to the Department and UM.
Political Science - Public Law
Mara McGinley
Mara McGinley is an exceptional student, who can succinctly summarize the legal arguments of major landmark cases on the Supreme Court. At the same time, she has demonstrated an ability to go beyond identifying key elements of legal theory in offering thoughtful insights into the nuances of language used in legal precedents. She is simply an outstanding student, who’s already well on her way to becoming a highly successful law school student.
Psychology
Elizabeth Danforth
Displayed a high level of intellect in Psychology as well as a strong enthusiasm to learn more in this subject; Helped re-establish the Psychology club as a university club; Currently conducting research to understand what experiences and skills contribute to effective online communication; Plans to pursue a career in School Psychology to help survivors of domestic violence
Russian
J. Kolter Stevenson
Kolter is a rare student, indeed, and a Russian proverb that speaks to his college trajectory might be "He who doesn't take risks, doesn't get to drink champagne." Throughout his four years in our program, we have continually appreciated his dedication, graciousness, and humor. That said, we can't not mention his academic achievements, as they are prodigious: in only four years he's graduating with four majors and two national awards. We are delighted that Kolter will be continuing his study of Russian at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar and cannot wait to see where this brilliant and intrepid young man goes from there!
Sociology
Sandee Sepulveda
Sandee Sepulveda is graduating with a Sociology major and a Business Administration minor. With [outstanding academic performance], she has been able to diversify her studies and pursue her passions. Thanks to the help of GLI, DHC, TRIO, MT10, and the Sociology Department, Sandee has accomplished many things during her college education. From studying abroad in Cork, Ireland, presenting at the Western Regional Honors Conference, volunteering with different local organizations, and working with classmates to gather donations for supply bags for human trafficking victims, Sandee is proud of her accomplishments and is grateful for all the support from faculty, classmates, family, and friends. After graduation, she will continue her work at local nonprofits and attend UM once more for the MBA program to strive for a career helping others.
Sociology - Criminology
Katherine Ellis
Katie Ellis is graduating summa cum laude from UM with a major in Sociology (concentration in Criminology). At UM, on top of her Sociology and Criminology course work, Katie excelled as an intern with the legal team at the Montana Innocence Project, and studied the Russian language. Katie will attend law school this fall, and ultimately hopes to work in the field of public interest toward a fair, equitable, and compassionate justice system in America.
Sociology - Inequality and Social Justice
Liliana Silver
Liliana Silver is graduating with a major in Sociology with a concentration in Inequality in Social Justice. Passionate about understanding the roots of inequality in American institutions, Liliana designed an independent Honors Capstone about American welfare attitudes over time. After graduation she will continue her work in the Missoula nonprofit sector, including an upcoming internship as a Baucus Leader MT.
Spanish
Kellen Beam
In only three years, Kellen Beam is graduating with a major in Spanish and a minor in Latin American Studies. Originally from Alaska, Kellen arrived at UM with over 28 credits through the advanced placement program. After spending Spring 2023 at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso (Chile), Kellen has worked for UM’s Global Engagement office as Faculty-Directed Study Abroad Coordinator. He brings genuine curiosity and passion to everything he does, including his academic career. It has been a pleasure to have such a dedicated student in class.
Sustainability Science and Practice
Owen Lee
Owen Lee is passionate about sustainable food and farming and is an avid mycophile—he loves learning about all thing fungi He has worked at the UM Dining Gardens next to the Iron Griz. For his capstone project, he designed and installed a “food forest” in the garden and wrote a Kless Sustainability Fund grant. He completed a full growing season at the PEAS Farm by taking the supervised internship at the farm in fall, spring, and summer semesters. He will start his third summer farming in Montana this summer at Lowdown Farm in Moiese.
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Odessa Ward
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is nominating Odessa Ward as our Outstanding Graduating Senior for 2024. Odessa embodies the mission of the WGSS Program through her critical thinking in class and her activism outside of it. She has an impressive ability to see the connections between her work in environmental justice and WGSS and articulate those for her professors and classmates. Her dedication extends to her campus activism in support of social justice for all. During her last semester on campus, she stepped up to be the Student Director of the Gender Equity Resource Center and has worked to expand and professionalize GERC and move it towards a promising future. WGSS is beyond thrilled to recognize Odessa's contributions to our program and to campus with this award.
Missoula College
Administrative Management - Social Media Management
Melina Peck
Melina Peck was a bright light in my classroom. She came prepared daily to learn with a joyful smile on her face no matter how she felt. She demonstrated commitment and dedication through regular attendance, active discussion, and diligent work to create a quality product, often after class and on her own. Her persistent work ethic, positive attitude, and strong advocacy for others helped to create a positive learning environment. It is an honor to be a participant in Melina’s accomplishment of her educational goals.
Business Management
Addison Jacobson
Addi has been a thoughtful and diligent student in numerous business classes, and has really stepped it up this semester with her participation in both Applied Sales and Entrepreneurship. Her contributions to the classroom are a benefit to all of her peers. She is a strong positive presence in class and can always be counted upon to raise the quality of the dialogue.
Diesel Technology
Ryan Aurin
Throughout the program, Ryan has been a model student. He seizes every opportunity to learn and constantly goes above and beyond in his work. His professionalism and dedication make him an exemplary technician that any team will be lucky to have.
Food Service Enterprises and Hospitality
Janelle Hooper
She displays an immense curiosity for all things culinary, on a daily basis, always striving to learn more. She is our most volunteer oriented student, who constantly offers help within her class, and has improved her leadership skills over the course of her last year, especially. She was tasked this semester with creating her own menu for our Blackfoot cafe, and it was one of the highlights of the semester. She baked fresh biscuits daily, created delicious specials, and really took the reins to make sure "her week" was a great success. She also volunteered to host a pop-up dinner at the Blackfoot cafe, during the week of finals, and we're using that event as a little fundraiser for the school. She has a chef friend from Alaska who is coming to visit for commencement, so Janelle, Lizzie, myself and our adjunct Chef Kyle, will be cooking two nights, May 8th and 9th for the public. It will be a 5 course menu, with N/A beverage pairings. This was all of her own accord, and we were very impressed with her idea, so we all are looking forward to it.
General AA
Ellie Haag
Ellie Haag is an amazing student whose academic success reflects her enthusiastic commitment to learning. The Department of Applied Arts and Sciences recognizes Ellie for the Outstanding Student Award for her exemplary leadership and education accomplishments. Ellie’s supportive and collaborative contributions have also helped other students thrive. As an undergraduate teaching assistant, she pushed herself to independently guide others’ learning with a welcoming professionalism and patience. She demonstrates critical and independent thinking, consistently exceeding expectations and requirements to make the most of her education.
General AA - Communication Studies
Owen Lee
Owen Lee has made exceptional contributions to our learning community at Missoula College through his remarkable work ethic, leadership, and effective communication skills. In his academic pursuits, Owen consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to learning and leading and actively engages with peers and instructors and contributes insightful perspectives during class discussions and activities. Owen's work as a Missoula College Admissions Griz Ambassador, and as a Teaching Assistant, further underscore his dedication to supporting and guiding others within our institution. Whether leading classroom activities or assisting prospective students during campus tours, Owen consistently enhances our learning community. Owen embodies the qualities that exemplify an outstanding student and is highly deserving of this recognition.
General AS
Marie Sainsbury
Marie Sainsbury’s enthusiasm and curiosity make her a delight to have in the classroom. Her engagement in thoughtful and critical discussion enriches the classroom community and pushes her classmates to think more critically about their own coursework. In addition, she doesn’t hesitate to lend a hand to her peers. Marie’s engagement and independent thinking are matched only by her resiliency and persistence.
Information Technology and Cybersecurity
Pheng Vang
Pheng Vang has demonstrated himself an exemplary student in the two years that he has been in the Information Technology program at Missoula College. He is diligent, consistent, and intelligent. I feel Pheng has much to offer this field in his future endeavors and congratulate him on his accomplishments.
Management - Entrepreneurship
Gary Jackson
Gary is a student who consistently goes above and beyond the requirements of his assignments and classes. His perspective from years of experience in multiple industries is a great benefit to his peers and to the classroom environment. He is a leader among his peers, a dedicated student, and a joy to teach.
Management - Sales & Marketing
Joshua Pallas
Josh is a student that any business professor would be lucky to have in their class. His full-time managerial position brings a great perspective into the classroom, enhancing the experience of his peers. He immediately applies what he learns in the real world, brings his learnings back to class, and always engages productively. His ability to produce work of the highest quality while also working a demanding full-time job is admirable. He is a great asset to our college community, as well as the Missoula business community at large.
Registered Nursing
Brooklyn Foust
Brooklyn has shown impressive dedication to her nursing studies in our ASN program. She is hard-working, accountable and professional -- all of the traits we like to see in nursing students. Brooklyn has also shown humility and grace under pressure. Her patients will be lucky to have her caring for them.
Sustainable Construction Technology
Matthew Brown
Matthew has demonstrated a commitment to gaining as much as he could from his time at Missoula College. His quality of work, effort, and team support where always outstanding. He took initiative even when at times it was hard to find, and became a well respected leader and role model among his classmates.
Welding Technology
Jacqueline Euker
Jackie has been an outstanding student throughout the entire Welding program. She has not only excelled in every welding process taught, but in all other academic aspects of the program as well. Her erudition, attention to detail, and unwavering focus will, without a doubt, elevate her to the top of her field. On behalf of all faculty in the welding program, it has been an honor and a privilege to have Jackie as a student and we know she will go on to do great things.
Campus Outstanding Student Awards
The Associated Students of the University of Montana (ASUM) strives to honor those students who have impacted their peers through their involvement in University-Recognized Organizations. These are students who stand out; individuals who have enriched the campus community, have demonstrated service minded leadership, or advocated for their peers within the club.
Campus Outstanding Student Award recipients who also meet the criteria for the President's Outstanding Student Award are denoted with an asterisk (*).
Linguistic Club
McKenna Flannigan
She puts impressive hard work and positive mindset into making the club a welcoming, fun and useful club.
International Students Association
Lina Spaes*
Lina has been actively involved with the club and helped us organize a lot of events making ISA recognizable among more and more international students. She has successfully acted as the president of the club and is an absolutely dedicated soul.
Chinese Students' Association
Wenting He
She has outstanding leadership skills, organizing activities such as lunar new year, Mid-autumn festival and Double 9 festival, etc. She is actively involved in campus and community culture events and contributing to the diversity of both. She is committed to making UM and MSO a loving and cozy home away from home for Chinese students on campus.
Haiheng Xu*
Haiheng is the vice president and treasurer of CSA, spending time and efforts in financially planning and executing events social and cultural for the members. He wrote a budget proposal for CSA. And throughout the year, Haiheng helps the president work with the students to make UM and MSO a warm home away from the home.
China Table Club
Gillian Gilbert
Gillian has good organizational and interpersonal skills. She designs and sets up weekly events, plus major Chinese and American cultural events. She works with the Chinese Students' Association and coordinates joint events. She is good at involving club members in planning.
Vanessa Stevens
Vanessa is the treasurer of the club. She is a very detailed person, preparing for and writing the budget proposal. She works with the president at planning each weekly event. She plans out the logistics for each event. She works with both the Chinese Students Association and Japan Club for joint activities, such as Majiang evening.
Pi Sigma Alpha Epsilon Mu
Jorgia Hawthorne*
Ms. Hawthorne, as co-president, worked to help revive the Political Science Honor Society, Pi Sigma Alpha Epsilon Mu. She actively encouraged our best majors to sign-up to the national membership. Under her leadership, the National organization gave the UM Chapter national recognition.
Ana Salyards
Ms. Ana Salyards, as co-president, helped to get our Political Science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha Epsilon Mu recognition with the national chapter. She helped direct the other UM chapter board members with organizing events. And she successfully got the UM Chapter a grant from the National PSA office for holding an induction ceremony of new members and essay contest.
French Club
Kayla Bridges-Payne
Kaya Bridges-Payne is an Outstanding Student because of her engagement with the club activities, which require working constantly with her peers, the adviser, professors and ASUM to animate the meetings of the club, decide collectively about activities and scheduling. Her engagement and efficiency clearly deserve to be recognized and awarded.
Model United Nations
Maxwell Shaver*
Our club is thrilled to nominate Max Shaver for the Model United Nations Outstanding Student Award. Max's exceptional dedication and leadership within our club have been truly remarkable. Having attended the national MUN conference twice, Max has consistently displayed outstanding diplomatic skills, critical thinking, and a collaborative spirit, making him a strong leader and team player within our organization. Max's contributions as a member of the Executive Committee in his final year were instrumental in the success of Model UN. Despite the demands of maintaining a stellar GPA and pursuing two majors, Max's unwavering commitment to excellence in both academic and extracurricular pursuits exemplify his exceptional work ethic and passion for learning. His ability to balance academic rigor with active involvement in our club showcases his remarkable time management skills and dedication to personal and professional growth. Max's outstanding achievements and positive impact on our club make him truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.
Latiné Student Union
Zyanné Cervantes*
Zyanné has served as an LSU officer for three years, working to establish connections across campus and with local non-profit organizations like Here Montana and Latino Outdoors. This year as president, she has spearheaded many projects for the Latiné Student Union, including a successful Diversity Ice Skating event at Glacier Ice Rink. She is an invaluable resource to those around her, regularly communicating with ASUM leadership, university administration, and local partners to further her mission of building community for Latiné students on campus. Her fellow LSU members appreciate her dedication, and are particularly struck by her humility, kindness, and excitement for community organizing.
Dance Club
Elisabeth Lundgren*
Elle is extraordinary! She has been the Dance Club president for 2 consecutive years and has invented engagement for the students, continued and grown opportunities and funding for the club, and created lasting legacies for future iterations of ASUM Dance Club. She is leaving big shoes to fill next year as she is graduating this year with a double major in DANCE and Communications. Elle is endlessly positive, motivates her peers, communicates beautifully with faculty, staff, and students alike, and works hard for the success of the Dance Club. Elisabeth (Elle) deserves to be celebrated!
Gender Equity Resource Center
Erin Heaton
The Gender Equity Resource Center is nominating Erin Heaton as our Outstanding Student of the year. In addition to excelling in a heavy class load across a major in Social Work with minors in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies and Sociology, Erin has devoted the past two years to making GERC a stronger and more meaningful organization for UM and for the broader community, as one of the student directors and as a volunteer. They have advocated tirelessly for GERC and the students it serves. Erin's dedication to GERC is an inspiration to us all and embodies what it means to put theory into practice.
Griz Downstage
Jacob Christiansen
Three years ago, Jacob arrived at UM’s School of Theatre and Dance as an MFA Candidate in Directing. One of his earliest contributions to the School was his passionate reinvigoration and visionary leadership of our ASUM Theatre Organization, which he renamed “Griz Downstage.” Under his direction, he wasted no time in recruiting a student population of similarly committed theatre undergrads; and with a steady hand, he moved the group into the production realm with an eye toward social justice topics, resulting in student-led productions of THE LARAMIE PROJECT and TWELVE ANGRY JURORS. Both productions were positively received by audiences and their social messages were theatrically potent. Further, they succeeded in making our ASUM organization a valued part of the School’s production season, as well as an additional training ground and performance resource for our Theatre majors.
National Student Speech, Language, and Hearing Association
Shannon Welby*
Ms. Welby is the president of NSSLHA. She is an excellent student and undergraduate researcher in the LLEAD, BRAIN, and VOICES labs. Ms. Welby has volunteered for Hope Speaks Uganda, MOSSAIC as a peer, Head Start as a childcare intern, and as a clinic volunteer for Key Communication Speech & Language Services. She is the recipient of the MSHA student research award as well as the UM Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Leadership Award. Ms. Welby is wonderfully deserving of this recognition!