University of Arizona Honors Exceptional Graduates at 161st Commencement
In an inspiring celebration of academic and community achievements, the University of Arizona will honor seven distinguished graduating seniors during its upcoming Commencement ceremony. These students have demonstrated remarkable accomplishments both academically and in their communities, making them standout members of the university’s 161st graduating class.
The Commencement, scheduled for May 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Arizona Stadium, offers a full schedule of events that can be explored on the Commencement website.
Chosen through faculty and peer nominations, these award recipients have been recognized for their resilience, significant achievements, and positive influences on their families and communities.
Provost Award
The Provost Award is given to a distinguished graduating student who transferred from an Arizona community college, recognized for perseverance, academic dedication, university contributions, and leadership.
Angela White, graduating summa cum laude, has majored in neuroscience and cognitive science, alongside psychological science. Despite early challenges due to mental illness, White pursued her interest in science, beginning at Pima Community College and then transferring to the University of Arizona.
Under Zachary Cohen’s mentorship, White initiated the Leveraging Exercise for Anxiety and Depression project, which explores exercise interventions for mental health. Her accolades include the W.A. Franke Honors College Exploratory Mini-Grant and several scholarships. She founded the Gathering Resources to Optimize Wealth Academy, which offers financial literacy education to numerous adolescents and adults.
White intends to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Arizona post-graduation.
Robie Gold Medal
The Robie Gold Medal recognizes individuals who exemplify personal integrity, leadership, eagerness to exceed expectations, and patriotism.
Patrick Tanori Quintero, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology, has contributed significantly to an inclusive academic environment through research and mentorship. His research spans language acquisition, social support in education, and identity studies.
Quintero’s engagement includes roles as a College of Science Ambassador and LifeSTEP mentor, where he supported students with behavioral challenges. His work with the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program has led to multiple research presentations.
Quintero will join the University of Pittsburgh’s doctoral program in clinical and developmental psychology, backed by several scholarships for his dedication to the Hispanic community.
Robert Logan Nugent Award
The Robert Logan Nugent Award honors students who embody the ideals of former U of A executive vice president Robert Logan Nugent.
Ryan Sadowsky, earning a degree in business administration, majored in management information systems. His contributions include founding The FreshSole Project to donate shoes and leading the Eller Leadership Board to mentor first-year students.
Sadowsky has improved academic processes through technological solutions and supported financial literacy education. His professional experience includes a role at Goldman Sachs and an upcoming position at Merit Foods of Arizona.
Merrill P. Freeman Medal
The Merrill P. Freeman Medal is awarded for outstanding character, honoring Merrill Freeman’s legacy as a U of A regent and chancellor.
Nathaniel Cross, graduating with honors in political science and Spanish, has dedicated his efforts to immigrant support and public service. His initiatives with Chicanos Por La Causa and the Mellon-Fronteridades program have fostered community empowerment.
Cross’s research focuses on reducing violence through community partnerships, and he has been recognized with numerous academic awards. He plans to complete a Master of Public Policy and pursue international public service roles.
Additional Honored Graduates
Aaliyah Thompson-Mazzeo, graduating magna cum laude in mechanical engineering, balances her engineering studies with dance. Her leadership roles include positions in the Engineering Student Council and the National Society of Black Engineers. Thompson-Mazzeo will pursue a doctorate in biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
Siena Sevillano Shedd, with a degree in physiology and medical sciences, has been active in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and various community service roles. She aims to pursue a medical degree, focusing on accessible health care.
Katie Nguyen, a dual-degree graduate in physiology, medical sciences, and molecular biology, is committed to mentorship and health care support for underserved communities. Her future goals include becoming a pediatric physician and influencing medical education as a dean.
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