Academic Awards Convocation celebrates scholarly efforts

Several Newman University students were recognized for exceptional academics and leadership during the annual Academic Awards Convocation April 9.

“Students are sprinting toward several finish lines — working on term papers, preparing for final exams and Scholars Day presentations, planning for graduation, selecting graduate schools, interviewing for jobs and some are even organizing weddings,” President Kathleen Jagger said. “It is time for us to reflect on and honor students for a joyous year of academic achievements.”

Candace Davis, advanced standing coordinator and co-chair of the Academic Awards Convocation committee, said she loves seeing the students recognized for their hard work.

“It gives them that extra boost of confidence for doing the work in their academics, making the GPA and being a part of the community as a whole at Newman,” Davis said. “It’s rewarding to watch them grow and be rewarded for those efforts.”

Students were awarded for their academic merits by the academic school. Additionally, the St. Catherine’s Medal, one of the most prestigious undergraduate student awards at Newman, was announced.

School of Arts and Sciences 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 Corbin Molina. Molina’s nominator described him as “always willing to roll up his sleeves and do what it takes to get the job done.”

Molina shakes Vice President of Institutional Advancement Alden Stout's hand. — Molina shakes Vice President of Institutional Advancement Alden Stout’s hand.

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. Rebekah Strickbine was the 2025 recipient. Her nominator described her as “an exceptional art student whose dedication and creativity impress her faculty every day.”

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. Victor Dixon received this award for his “active and enthusiastic participation in chorale, troubadours, as editor-in-chief of ‘The Vantage’ student newspaper and as an asset to the humanities.”

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. Kylie Real received this award, which is the highest recognition the history department can bestow. Real’s nominator said she has “consistently demonstrated excellence in the field of history, particularly with her paper, ‘George Orwell’s Disillusionment,’ which shows her high level of scholarship.”

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 wife, Robbi, dedicated this award to the social sciences at Newman University. Student Kinleigh Andrews received the award for her academic excellence. Her nominator shared that “her social skills and social problem-solving ability are exceptional and best represent the power of social science to make the world a better place.”

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. Mary Sicard earned this award for performing “extremely well in her courses, as an innately curious research student who also displayed perseverance and creativity.”

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 Luna Feillon received this award, and her nominator shared that Feillon “consistantly stands out with her impressive critical thinking skills, approaching difficult problems with both insight and precision.”

(From left to right) Mounir, Feillon and Judkins

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. Emily Pachta was recognized as the recipient for her “positive energy and excellent service as a role model who demonstrates to other students that it is possible to excel in academics and serving the university community.”

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. Joseph Lindsted earned this award for his “commitment to academics and respect in his interactions with peers and faculty members.”

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 Jack Judkins earned this award and was recognized by his nominator as a “dedicated, high-achieving student with a strong passion for science and healthcare.”

The Global Seal of Biliteracy is a credential that recognizes and celebrates bilingual proficiency and expands academic, professional and cultural opportunities for its recipients. Student Grecia Nuñez-Palomares earned the silver seal of biliteracy in Spanish/English.

School of Business & Technology awards

The Outstanding Business Data Analytics Student Award was awarded to Ali Mounir. His nominator shared that his “contributions as a team player and in the classroom are invaluable, consistently supporting and inspiring his peers.”

The Outstanding Accounting Student Award was given to Thomas Munn. He was nominated for serving as a “beacon of positivity whose tireless efforts to enhance the Newman experience are both recognized and deeply appreciated by his professors and peers.”

The Outstanding Bachelor of Business Administration Award was given to Juan Cordova. Cordova’s nominator described him as a “dynamic young professional and has a bright future no matter the pathways he pursues as he moves forward.”

The Outstanding Computer Science Student Award was awarded to student Nicole Soto. Soto was described as a “standout student” in her nominator’s words. “Her dedication to both her studies and team showcases her exceptional time management skills and passion for community involvement,” the nominator said.

The Outstanding Master of Business Administration student was awarded to Amy Ponce. Her nominator said “Amy exemplifies the spirit of the MBA program through her dedication to excellence in both her academic and professional pursuits, and we are incredibly proud of her growth, development and contributions.”

The Data Science Graduate Student Award was given to Julia Myers. Myers has distinguished herself as a leader, her nominator said, “and has perfected a fantastic combination of can-do attitude, outstanding communication, willingness to ask great questions, appetite for learning, passion for excellence and is an all-around outstanding person.”

The Outstanding Doctor of Business Administration Award was given to Terri Rice. Her nominator said she “has embraced the entrepreneurial role of being in our first cohort, offering input, feedback and support at every turn.”

The Outstanding Non-Traditional Student Award was awarded to student Jeremy Noel. Noel was nominated for his “demonstration of extraordinary commitment by balancing his demanding public service career with his academic journey.”

School of Education and Social Work awards

The Outstanding Education Intern for Outreach was presented to Raine Torres. Torres was nominated for her “outstanding dedication and professionalism, creating a warm and positive learning environment in her classroom.”

The Outstanding Education Intern for the Main Campus was given to Camdyn Kindred. Kindred’s nominator said she “displayed patience and care when addressing student behavior, ensuring minimal disruption to the flow of teaching and learning and fostered a positive and supportive learning environment.”

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 Asia Briggs, who “consistently demonstrates foundational skills in education, embodying the qualities of a knowledgeable, caring and reflective educator,” in her nominator’s words.

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 Addyson Bjurstrom, who “demonstrates a deep passion for education, ensuring that every child receives a high-quality learning experience tailored to their individual needs.”

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 Haleigh Pearson. Pearson’s nominator stated that she “exemplifies the university’s dedication to education through her passion for working with children and her commitment to making a lasting impact on society.”

The Excellence in Field – Social Work Award is given to a graduating Master of Social Work (MSW) student who has embodied has demonstrated a strong commitment to learning and growth throughout their field placements, consistently striving to deliver high-quality care to those they serve. Cody Saunders received the award for his “dedication, professionalism and compassion, which make him a valuable asset to the field of social work.”

The Excellence in Mastery of Social Work Award was presented to Jenna Giefer. This award is given to a graduating MSW student who demonstrates outstanding knowledge and dedication to the profession. Janna Giefer received the award, and her nominator said she has “consistently demonstrated strong academic standing and promise as a future social work professional.”

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. Patricia Limo earned this award for her “path to truly making a difference in the lives of others as an extraordinary future nurse.”

School of Catholic Studies awards

The Bishop Gerber Undergraduate Award for Excellence in Catholic Scholarship was given to Eliana Gaytán. Her nominator said she “consistently demonstrates a keen grasp of Catholic intellectual tradition and a desire to push herself and her classmates to learn more.”

The Bishop Gerber Graduate Award for Excellence in Catholic Scholarship was given to Will Mohr. Mohr’s nominator said he “demonstrated a deep understanding of Catholic intellectual tradition and an ability to communicate and apply that understanding effectively.”

Awarding of the St. Catherine’s Medal

St. Catherine was a thirteen-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.

Nathan Galicia was the 2025 St. Catherine’s Medal recipient.

One of Galicia’s nominators described him as someone who “demonstrates a strong commitment to faith and service by actively engaging in spiritual formation and outreach initiatives. His natural leadership qualities are evident in how he inspires and supports his peers, fostering a sense of community and purpose. Nathan’s dedication to becoming a youth minister is driven by his genuine desire to guide and mentor others in their faith journey, making him an exceptional candidate.”

Galicia excels academically and as a member of the Honors Program, where he continuously develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills that enhance his leadership ability. He is an active participant in Campus Ministry, where he coordinated the spring break service project for the second consecutive year, most recently with a group of students who traveled to Memphis. He sings in the troubadours, performs in theater, and serves as a student leader for the President’s Student Cabinet and in the Student Government Association as the newly elected president for 2025-26. He is a student-athlete on the bowling team and can often be seen in the front row of basketball and soccer games, cheering for and supporting his peers.

Another nominator summed up Galicia’s campus involvement best: “I don’t know if there is any area of student engagement where he has not participated.”

The junior strives to one day become a youth minister — a role driven by his desire to guide and mentor others in their faith journey.

“When I came on my first college tour, I wanted a place where I could feel comfortable in my faith and Newman has been a home for me since day one,” Galicia said. “I’ve found a family here, and there are a lot of faculty members who feel like they are personal mentors to me.”

The award was a “huge and unexpected honor,” Galicia said. Immediately after he was named the St. Catherine award winner, his mom — who tuned into the live-streamed event — sent him a congratulatory text from Texas.

“I’m going to go celebrate at Chile’s after this,” Galicia said with a laugh.

Ablah Award nominees

The 2025 Ablah Award nominees were also acknowledged, and the male and female winners will be announced at the Newman University commencement ceremony May 17. The 2025 female nominees are Andrea Fuentes, Ereka Hiser, Erika Iseman, Allie Johnson, Margaret Koenig, Emily Pachta, Isabel Porres, Rose Stewart and Alondra Valle. The male nominees are Juan Cordova, Daniel Cubias-Arteaga and Corbin Molina.

Special thanks

Newman University would like to recognize the hard work of the Academic Awards Convocation committee for coordinating the event: Melanie Flanagan, Davis, Alden Stout, Jill Fort, Sister Therese Wetta, ASC, Nika Sykes, Abbi Spelts, Ivy Annen and Clark Schafer.