Several Newman University students were recognized for exceptional academics and leadership during the annual Academic Awards Convocation April 15.
“Newman University is a special place, and the students we honor tonight have answered the call to lead lives of significance and service,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Alden Stout said. “We celebrate not just achievement, but character. Not just what our students have learned, but who they have become.”
He also thanked all Newman professors who “pour themselves into these students.”
“There are faculty who challenged our students, believed in them, who stayed late and came early because a student’s future was on the line,” Stout said. “Faculty who did not just teach a subject; they modeled a vocation.”
Stout concluded by reflecting on a colleague, Director of University Relations Clark Schafer’s words: “What does success look like?”
“This is precisely what it looks like,” Stout said, pointing to the audience of academic excellence awardees. “Let’s all congratulate them one last time.”
Following a performance by the Newman troubadours, led by Director of Music Mary Ellen Swords, students were awarded for their merits by academic school. Additionally, the St. Catherine’s Medal, one of the most prestigious undergraduate student awards at Newman, was announced.
Jump to:
- School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Catholic Studies
- School of Business & Technology
- School of Education and Social Work
- School of Healthcare Professions
- Awarding of the St. Catherine’s Medal
- Ablah Award nominees
- View/download photos
School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Catholic Studies awards
The Creative Initiative Award, given to a junior or senior who has demonstrated excellence in creative activities such as publications, performances, awards or creative projects, was given to Steven Brown. Brown’s nominator described him as someone who “managed to capture the hilarious comedy of one lead theater role and the depth of human sadness in the other — demonstrating his range as an actor.”
The Fine Arts Achievement Award is presented to a junior or senior who has demonstrated excellence in the visual arts in the form of exhibitions, awards, creative projects or community involvement. Gabriel Trevino was the 2026 recipient. His nominator described him as someone whose “artistry is matched only by his character, grit and the unwavering faith he brings to our campus community.”
The Humanities Achievement Award is given to a junior or senior who has demonstrated excellence in humanities-related activities like publications, presentations, awards or scholarly endeavors. Abi Vannatta received this award for being “proactive, willing to learn and embrace expanding her skillsets as a writer who aims to transform society through the power of the written word.”
The Joyce Suellentrop Prize for Distinguished Scholarship in History is named for professor emeritus Suellentrop, who taught history, English and journalism at Newman and served as Newman University’s first archivist. Andrew Meyer received this award, which is the highest recognition the history department can bestow. Meyer’s nominator said his paper, “How’d we get here?,” which uncovered the arguments that led to Sacred Heart College being renamed after Cardinal (now Saint) Newman, was “terrific, showing how institutional identities can emerge from accident and serendipity.”
The Robbi and Larry Heck Outstanding Social Science Student Award is named for professor emeritus Larry Heck, Ph.D., who taught sociology for 48 years, created the criminal justice program more than 20 years ago and served as the pre-law advisor with grace and distinction until he retired in 2020. Heck and his late wife, Robbi, dedicated this award to the social sciences at Newman University. Student Sydney Le received the award for her academic excellence. Her nominator shared that “she goes above and beyond in her work, adding personal reflection, creativity and fun to her presentation.”
The Outstanding Senior Chemistry Student Award is given to a senior majoring in either chemistry or biochemistry. The recipient must exemplify excellence in upper-division lecture and laboratory chemistry courses. Hayley Stewart earned this award for “putting in the effort, displaying incredible persistence and bringing a unique sense of curiosity to her work.”
The Sister Margaret Knoeber Undergraduate Chemistry Award honors the late Sister Knoeber, who founded the chemistry program at Newman, and is given to an outstanding undergraduate enrolled in chemistry courses. Student Emma Lintecum received this award for her “outstanding work, time management and helpfulness toward other students.”
The Sister Claudine Axman Award was established in 1988 in honor of Axman, an ASC sister and a devoted professor of biology for more than 30 years. The award is given to a biology student who has demonstrated superior academic performance and leadership in the community. Monica Redondo was recognized as the recipient for her “discipline, teamwork and positive presence reflect the legacy of Sister Claudine Axman.”
The Steve Palubicki Award is given to an outstanding biology major who has completed either the second or third year of college and serves as an excellent example. Alexa Ornelas earned this award for her “calm and thoughtful demeanor, combined with her commitment to service and learning, which ensures she will make a lasting difference as a future Newman graduate.”
The Surendra P. Singh Outstanding Freshman in Biology Award recognizes an outstanding freshman whose academic progress and interest in science demonstrate the same passion for scientific discovery that Singh has lived for decades. Student Kristine Pham earned this award and was recognized by her nominator as a “collaborative spirit with a commitment to excellence and curiosity that extends beyond the classroom.”
The Excellence in Spanish Study Abroad Award recognizes undergraduate students who ventured beyond the classroom to engage internationally while communicating in Spanish. Awardees demonstrated a strong work ethic and returned with a commitment to honor human dignity by building understanding, connections and justice through language and an ever-expanding global perspective. Katherine Stewart, Kylie Real, Anna Lobmeyer and Quinn Toomey received this award for their willingness to communicate and understand other cultures as they serve their communities.
The Bishop Gerber Undergraduate Award for Excellence in Catholic Scholarship was awarded to Dylan Sykes and W. David Beutel. Sykes was nominated for her paper, “To Seek, To Find, To Flourish: The Place of Philosophy in the Complete University,” where she demonstrated “great potential for contributing to the life of the Church and academia in the years to come.” Beutel was nominated for his master’s thesis, “Challenges to Development of Doctrine in Catholic Theology,” which showed his “great promise for future scholarship connecting Catholic tradition with some of the pressing issues of our day.”
School of Business & Technology awards
The Outstanding Business Data Analytics Student Award was awarded to Jacob Schintgen. His nominator shared that he is a “natural talent in the field, and we look forward to seeing his future contributions to the profession.”
The Outstanding Accounting Student Award was given to Valeryia Lioukina. She was nominated for her “dedication to supporting others, hard work and positive impact which make her truly deserving of this honor.”
The Outstanding Bachelor of Business Administration Award was given to Sam Somerhalder. Somerhalder’s nominator described him as “demonstrating discipline, leadership and a commitment to growth, respresenting the very best of our students.”
The Outstanding Computer Science Student Award was awarded to student Kellen Curtis. Curtis was described as a “standout student” in his nominator’s words. “He has distinguished himself through his software engineering projects, showing a strong aptitude for building functional and creative solutions,” the nominator said.
The Outstanding Master of Business Administration student was awarded to Silas Limes. His nominator said, “Silas consistently demonstrates an ability to translate complex concepts from the classroom into real-world application. Having had the opportunity to teach Silas in several graduate courses, I have seen firsthand his thoughtful approach, strong work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement.”
The Data Science Graduate Student Award was given to Christal Shaner. Shaner has distinguished herself for “turning talent into real-world impact,” her nominator said, “even while completing her degree, she was recruited as a Data Engineer by Emprise Bank — one of the leading data science teams in the region. That kind of recognition from the professional community says everything.”
The Outstanding Doctor of Business Administration Award was given to Ashley Gerlach. With more than 15 years of experience working in Beechcraft, Spirit Aerosystems and now Boeing Companies, as well as serving as a professor at Wichita State University for more than nine years, the School of Business & Technology was honored to present this award to Gerlach.
The Outstanding Nontraditional Student Award was awarded to student Lindsey Barnes. Barnes was nominated for her “discipline, consistency and a commitment to growth, earning a reputation as a dedicated and dependable student.”
School of Education and Social Work awards
The Outstanding Education Intern for Outreach was presented to Amaya Perez. Perez was nominated for her “ability to translate theory into meaningful classroom practice, all while maintaining a joyful, student-centered environment, makes her an outstanding representative of our education program.”
The Outstanding Education Intern for the Main Campus was given to Claire Hamlett. Hamlett’s nominator said she “demonstrated a natural, intuitive ability to connect with students and teach with confidence, and is clearly committed to the craft of teaching.”
The Sister Susan Reeves Award is named for Reeves, who served as a dedicated educator and chair of the education department until her death from cancer in 2007. As the founding author of the School of Education’s conceptual framework, her vision continues to shape the Newman program today. This award honors an outreach education student who exemplifies the principles of the conceptual framework, just as she did. The award was given to April Beach, who “embodies that rare balance of dedicated scholar and warm, caring practitioner, ensuring that every student in her classroom feels genuinely seen and supported,” as her nominator stated.
The Sister Sylvana Schulte Award is named for a dedicated educator and principal who served in numerous elementary schools across Kansas and Oklahoma. She was widely respected for her unwavering commitment to students, teachers and families, particularly in western Kansas. This award was presented to Abigahil Gallegos, who was recognized for her “exceptional performance and dedication to staying and continuing to serve in the place she loves.”
The Sister Vivian Miller Award is named for the devoted elementary teacher who served in numerous Kansas schools and played a key role in helping the Adorers establish schools in Brazil. This award was presented to student Travia Smith. Smith’s nominator stated that she “has modeled the perseverance and resolve that define an exemplary educator — showing up fully, whether supporting her peers or leading in her placement, and inspiring those around her in both roles.”
The Excellence in Field – Social Work Award is given to a graduating Master of Social Work (MSW) student who has demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and growth throughout their field placements, consistently striving to deliver high-quality care to those they serve. Manuel Perez received the award for his “excellence in field performance, his dedication to learning and his ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those he serves.”
The Excellence in Mastery of Social Work Award was presented to Rachel Breaux. This award is given to a graduating MSW student who demonstrates outstanding knowledge and dedication to the profession. Breaux’s nominator said her “leadership, resilience and passion for empowering others truly embody the values and future of the social work profession.”
School of Healthcare Professions awards
The Distinguished BSN Graduate Award is presented each semester to a student who has demonstrated excellence in academics, school and community involvement and shows a commitment to the nursing profession. Alysha Keck earned this award for being “an exceptional example of leadership and service whose commitment to service extends well beyond campus. She shows empathy and the love of God to everyone who she encounters, whether patient, family or staff.”
Awarding of the St. Catherine’s Medal
St. Catherine was a 13th-century woman renowned for her love of learning. Christian legend remembers her as a woman ahead of her time, both in learning and her involvement in public life. The St. Catherine Medal is awarded annually to a junior who has contributed outstanding service and established an excellent record of academic achievement.
Melissa Arguijo was the 2026 St. Catherine’s Medal recipient.
One of Arguijo’s nominators described her as someone who “embodies what it means to be a Newman University student.”
They said, “She is already fulfilling the mission of Newman by transforming society, beginning with our campus. She is a warm presence who … is continuously acting, engaging and exemplifying what she believes is how we should all be in our lives. All of this happens on top of her serious dedication to her academics in her nursing education.”
Arguijo practices servant leadership in her many extracurricular involvements, such as with the Hispanic-American Leadership Organization, Campus Ministry and Student Government Association, where she will step into the role as president for the 2026-27 academic year. She is also a member of the Sloppy Joe Improv Troupe, where she recently took first place in an improv competition in Omaha, Nebraska.
“I feel like a lot of people believe in me, but I tend not to believe in myself,” Arguijo said of receiving the award. “This award made me feel truly blessed and loved to know that I have such a great support system.”
Reflecting on her own transformation throughout her time at Newman, Arguijo credits her undergraduate experiences for teaching her how to study, be a better leader and “become a better person emotionally and spiritually.”
“I wouldn’t have that without Newman,” Arguijo said. “It’s taught me how to truly share my faith with others, helping them get closer to their faith.”
Ablah Award nominees
The 2026 Ablah Award nominees were also acknowledged, and the male and female winners will be announced at the Newman University commencement ceremony May 16. The 2026 female nominees are Eliana Gaytán, Alysha Keck, Valeria Rodriguez, Travia Smith, Hayley Stewart and Ariana Sweitzer. The male nominees are Ethan Albers, Shaurya Datta, Matthew Fowler, Nathan Galicia, Jonathan Garcia Vega, Joseph Luebbe, Thomas Munn and Gabriel Trevino.
View/download photos
Special thanks goes to the Academic Awards Convocation planning committee for making this event possible: Melanie Flanagan, Abbi Spelts, Clark Schafer, Sister Therese Wetta, Candace Davis, Geri Tyrell, Sarah Lugo and Anna Engel.
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