One of the more recognizable faces on campus made quite the expression when he unexpectedly heard his name called at commencement.
When Vice President of Academic Affairs Alden Stout announced the recipient of Newman’s highest student honor, Corbin Molina was visibly stunned. In that moment, Molina learned he was the male recipient of Newman’s Harvey J. and Leona J. Ablah Awards, the university’s most prestigious accolade for graduating students.
Molina’s jaw hit the floor of Park City Arena while he approached the stage. He was completely speechless, which is rare for someone used to delivering monologues.
“I was blown away, I was not expecting that,” Molina said. “I am over the moon. Just super happy.”
A man of many talents
The recent graduate majored in chemistry with a minor in theater. Molina not only played the majority of lead roles in theatrical shows, but he was also a member of the Student Government Association, STEM Club, the MultiCultural Leadership Organization, chorale and troubadours, the Sloppy Joes Improv troupe and worked in the theater department as a stagehand.
Balancing each obligation with the added rigor of Newman’s science coursework is not an easy feat for a traditional four-year student. Still, Molina managed to graduate in three.
Considering the Ablah Award recipients must graduate with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher, Molina juggled his responsibilities extremely well. Molina’s nominator described him as “someone who always goes above and beyond in a selfless way.”
When Molina won the award, Director of Theatre Mark Mannette said, “That was pretty amazing. And then to see his reaction … even as he stood on stage, listening to the reasons why he was selected, you could tell he was washed over with appreciation and gratitude for receiving the award.”
“Winning this award shows that I have had a positive influence on this campus,” Molina said. “Seen by my teachers and my peers, knowing that I can do things — theater, production, science, all of that, I can be a light to this world. I aim to do that and achieve the dreams that people believe in me.”
Performing from the heart
One of the people who believed in Molina throughout his Newman journey was Deanne Zogleman, former instructor and director of Newman’s music department, who recently retired after more than two decades of teaching.
The Newman chorale performs every year at the Newman commencement ceremony. Molina joined his fellow classmates for one final performance with Zogleman before walking the stage to earn his diploma later in the ceremony.
“Deanne welcomed me into a family that will last a lifetime,” Molina said. “She has been one of the biggest role models for me. She taught me kindness, how to perform, how to put a smile on my face and ‘trust in the magic of new beginnings’ — that’s the quote she always uses,” Molina said. “That’s the one I am now using for her.”
Molina plans to join Zogleman’s Heart of America Men’s Chorus while working at OxyChem, a chemical plant in Wichita, before pursuing a master’s degree in nuclear engineering.
“I have run into so many people here at Newman who have changed my life,” Molina said.
Molina credited professors of chemistry Ryan Huschka and Alan Oberley for assisting him on his academic journey.
“Dr. Huschka helped me with chemistry, physics, thermodynamics, all the hard-to-pronounce classes,” Molina said. “Along with him is Alan Oberley. He is an amazing person and an amazing teacher for advanced and organic chemistry.”
Engraved in Newman’s legacy
As part of their award, every Ablah Award winner selects a mentor to be photographed with. That photo is then engraved into a bronze plaque that hangs in the Gorges Atrium in the DeMattias Hall.
Molina hopes that when people see the plaque of him and his mentor Zogleman, they remember his strong work ethic and ability to handle “all that life throws at you.”
Through thick and thin, Molina is determined to stay positive and be that positive influence for people around him.
“My mom’s favorite quote is ‘every storm runs out of rain,’” Molina said. “I believe that there’s always a bright side to every dark situation, and I want to help be that for others.”
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