Outstanding University of Arizona Graduates Honored for Achievements
The University of Arizona’s annual Centennial Achievement Awards celebrated nine remarkable students this year, recognizing their exceptional perseverance and leadership. The awards ceremony, held on December 9 at the historic Old Main, honored these students for their remarkable academic successes and contributions to the university community. Two undergraduates were among the awardees, showcasing their dedication to education and service.
President Suresh Garimella praised the awardees, stating, “Each of these students embodies the spirit of the University of Arizona: resilience, service and an unwavering commitment to learning. Their journeys inspire us, and their stories strengthen the Wildcat community.”
The Centennial Achievement Awards, established in 1984 by Student Affairs and expanded in partnership with the Graduate College in 1987, are awarded annually by a committee of faculty, staff, and peers. This group selects graduating students who demonstrate extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to the university.
Provost and Chief Academic Officer Patricia Prelock expressed her admiration for the students’ accomplishments: “The achievements earned by each of these students should be a powerful reminder of what is possible when dedication meets opportunity. Your success reflects not only your hard work, but the vision we share for every student: to feel supported, to thrive in their studies and to build a future filled with purpose and joy.”
2023 Centennial Achievement Award Recipients
Jennitza Barreras
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Spanish
Overcoming academic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Barreras returned to the University of Arizona in 2022 with a renewed sense of purpose. She has since served in numerous leadership roles, including student council treasurer and social media chair, helping fellow students achieve their academic goals.
Spencer Metz
Bachelor of Arts in Law
Following the loss of his father, Metz decided to remain at the university, citing the supportive community as a key factor. He is an active senior, contributing as a member of the Undergraduate Advisory Cabinet, Bobcats Senior Honorary, and co-chairing the All Leadership Council. Metz also serves as head citation editor for the Arizona Undergraduate Law Review.
Alyssa Prichard
Master of Science in Business Analytics; MBA
Prichard is recognized as an innovative technologist and dedicated leader. As president of the Full-Time MBA Student Association, she fosters community and enhances the student experience, while also assisting undergraduates as a graduate teaching assistant.
Anthony Singleton
Master of Arts in Higher Education
Singleton’s passion for guiding students blossomed during his undergraduate studies. He actively participates in the university community, working as the graduate assistant for the MLK Culture and Engagement Hub and organizing the Tucson MLK Day Celebration.
Mourad Abdennebi
Doctorate in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching
Hailing from Morocco, Abdennebi contributes to the Arabic Flagship Program as a graduate teaching associate, focusing on curriculum development. His research explores cognitive and neural mechanisms in adult second language learning.
Angus Leydic
Doctorate in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching
A first-generation American, Leydic’s research aims to improve the lives of minoritized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals. They have served in numerous roles, including graduate student liaison to the SLAT Executive Council.
Raymond Owino
Doctorate in Natural Resources
Born in Kenya, Owino’s passion for wildlife conservation led him to a career in natural resources. His doctoral research focuses on the ecology and conservation of giraffes in East Africa.
Jennifer Shim
Juris Doctor
In her final year at the James E. Rogers College of Law, Shim serves as note editor for the Arizona Law Review and has been selected for a clerkship with the Hon. John Hinderaker at the U.S. District Court in Tucson.
Jazzie Terrell
Doctorate in Rhetoric, Composition and the Teaching of English
Terrell integrates real-world experiences into their teaching and research, focusing on community education and digital tools for marginalized communities. They teach writing courses and their dissertation involves archival recovery and digital literacy.
Recipients of the Centennial Achievement Awards receive a stipend—$250 for undergraduates and $500 for graduates—along with an engraved plaque recognizing their achievements.
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