As the University of Arizona celebrates its 162nd Commencement, the spotlight will be on seven exceptional seniors recognized for their remarkable achievements both academically and in their communities. These students have been chosen based on nominations from faculty and peers, highlighting their dedication and significant contributions.
The Commencement ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Casino Del Sol Stadium. For those interested in attending or learning more, the full schedule and additional details can be found on the Commencement website.
Provost Award
The Provost Award acknowledges a graduating student who transferred from an Arizona community college, emphasizing perseverance, academic excellence, and leadership.
Grant Palmer, graduating summa cum laude from the College of Medicine – Tucson, has been honored with this award. His journey began in rural Arizona, where he became aware of healthcare disparities, fueling his passion for rural medicine. He started his academic career at Eastern Arizona College, achieving a perfect GPA and earning recognition as a First-Tier All-Arizona Academic Team member and Coca-Cola Gold Academic Team Scholar. At the University of Arizona, he maintained his 4.0 GPA while balancing coursework, research, leadership, and work as a nationally registered EMT.
Palmer’s commitment to underserved communities is evident in his work as an EMT and his leadership with Street Medicine Tucson, where he focuses on outreach for unsheltered individuals and bilingual patient education. His role on the Transfer Advisory Board of Students further showcases his dedication to supporting fellow transfer students.
Robie Gold Medals
The Robie Gold Medals are awarded to two students who embody personal integrity, initiative, and a wide range of interests, in honor of Wendell T. Robie and Inez Benzie Robie.
Braelyn Huff, a summa cum laude graduate in economics and politics, philosophy, economics, and law, is a first-generation student from Pennsylvania focused on financial wellness and education. Her work as a lead Take Charge Cat ambassador and her role with the Tucson Metropolitan Commission demonstrate her commitment to financial literacy. Huff’s research includes her honors thesis on menstrual product taxation and her published article “Double Moral Hazard and the Student Loan Crisis.” She plans to pursue a joint economics doctoral degree and Juris Doctor.
Gabriel Trinidad, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in physiology and medical sciences, has dedicated his time to health equity and community service. His work at El Rio Community Health Center and involvement with Nosotros Comprometidos a Su Salud reflect his commitment to community health. After graduation, he intends to continue his work at El Rio and prepare for medical school, with aspirations to specialize in addiction medicine.
Robert Logan Nugent Award
This award honors students who display accomplishments that align with the high ideals of Robert Logan Nugent, a former U of A executive vice president, through active campus participation and community service.
Alicia Salazar Contreras, earning degrees in speech, language, and hearing sciences and Spanish, is dedicated to advocating for Spanish-speaking communities. Her work includes developing the Sopa de Pescado diagnostic passage and providing interpreting services with ARSOBO. She plans to become a bilingual speech-language pathologist to support underserved communities.
Lane Vazquez Luna, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, has focused on service and mentorship. His research on glaucoma-related protein interactions and his volunteer work through MexZona and the Campus Pantry highlight his dedication to community service. He plans to pursue a degree in optometry, combining his interests in science, service, and policy.
Merrill P. Freeman Medal
The Merrill P. Freeman Medal is awarded to students exhibiting outstanding moral character and dedicated service to the university and community.
Imon Contractor, an Army veteran and honors student at the Eller College of Management, is recognized for her leadership and community engagement. Her military background and internship with Knight-Swift Transportation underscore her commitment to service. She will join General Mills as a business management associate and pursue an MBA.
Nicholas Davis, earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in accounting, has excelled academically while significantly impacting the Tucson community through volunteer work and nonprofit engagement. He plans to continue his studies at Eller and become a certified public accountant to support nonprofit organizations.
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