In a ceremony marked by personal reflections and student tributes, Newman University’s Honors Program celebrated six graduating seniors on May 9 in the Bishop Gerber Science Center. The event highlighted the extraordinary academic achievements and community contributions of Isabel Porres, Cassie Moeder, Angelica Rodriguez, Nathan Nguyen, Mary Sicard and Emma Taylor.
A legacy of service
The highlight of the event came when program director Kelly McFall, Ph.D., announced Porres as the recipient of the 2025 Maggie Di Silvertro Award, presented to the student who has rendered the greatest service to the program.
“I first met Isabel in the Honors Lounge nearly five years ago,” McFall said. “Even then, she revealed herself not as a clipboard of achievements, but as a deeply reflective, thoughtful person who genuinely wanted to be part of our community.”
The award includes both a monetary prize for Porres’ future endeavors and a designated fund for her to direct toward Honor Program enhancements.
“Isabel has never been content with the status quo,” McFall added. “Whether in Q&A sessions, council meetings, or one-on-one chats in my office, she constantly pushed us to think harder, dream bigger and be better.”
Academic excellence and personal growth
Each graduate was recognized individually by McFall for their unique contributions to the Honors community.
Taylor, who completed her Newman degree in just two years, was praised for her exceptional capstone project.
“Her work was one of the best I’ve seen — dozens of her peers are better equipped for life after graduation because of her insights,” McFall noted. Taylor plans to return to Newman for an MBA with an emphasis in healthcare administration.
Moeder, who will pursue a doctorate in medicine in Arizona, was celebrated for her leadership and resourcefulness. During a study-abroad trip to Europe, McFall discovered Moeder’s uncanny ability to locate quality coffee without ever falling behind the group — a skill that became emblematic of her thoughtful approach to community building.
“Whenever there was a need — book discussions, council meetings, flight-planning sessions — Cassie volunteered first and led by example, lifting our entire program,” McFall said.
Rodriguez was recognized for her growth as a leader and problem-solver. McFall recalled a pivotal moment when Rodriguez, then president of the National Summit group, successfully managed a room of frustrated peers despite being “thrown into the fire.”
“What impresses me most isn’t that Angelica stood her ground in debates on poverty or happiness, but how she’s grown into someone who listens as well as leads,” McFall observed. Like Taylor, Rodriguez plans to return to Newman for an MBA in healthcare administration.
A continuing journey
In his closing remarks, McFall emphasized that graduation marks not an endpoint but the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the Honors community.
“This program will never be the same because you all are here — this isn’t a four-year experience; it’s a forty-year journey, and we can’t wait to celebrate every step with you,” he told the graduates.
McFall encouraged the honorees to carry forward the example set by their peers: “As you move into new chapters — whether familiar or unknown — remember that you have the power to be somebody’s hope.”
The celebration concluded with refreshments, final well-wishes for finals week and summer, and a group photograph commemorating the accomplishments of these exceptional students.
(left-right: Nathan Galicia, Mary Sicard, Eliana Gaytán, Jack Judkins and Rebekah Strickbine)
Explore Newman University’s Honors Program
The Newman University Honors Program challenges students to stretch themselves intellectually and personally. Through specialized coursework, study abroad opportunities, and community engagement, the program fosters critical thinking, leadership skills and a commitment to service that extends beyond graduation.
