WSU Reveals Ceremony of Excellence Honorees
OGDEN, Utah – Each spring Weber State University’s Center for Multicultural Excellence hosts the Ceremony of Excellence to recognize top graduating seniors who have demonstrated excellence in a number of categories such as academics, leadership, community, teamwork, diversity and inclusion. The recognition of this year’s 10 awardees occurs on the center’s website, and includes a video tribute and bio highlighting each student’s academic accomplishments.
“Each scholar chosen exemplified leadership and dedication that elevated the work of inclusion on campus and in the community,” said Kenneth Johnson, multicultural retention counselor. “The students selected for the award promoted the values of higher education through their efforts and example.”
To qualify for the award, the recipients had to graduate in 2020 with a grade point average of 3.2 or better. They had to identify as an ethnic minority, and/or have experience working closely with diversity and inclusion initiatives.
The Top Graduating Seniors were selected from a pool of nominations made by faculty, staff and fellow students.
Brian Alfaro, manufacturing engineering technology
Giovanna Bonella, Spanish commercial emphasis
Jaime Antonio Contreras Godinez, graphic design
Jacqueline Mendoza, special education
Bessie Pettigrew, criminal justice
Criseld Ruiz, elementary education
Jesus Saavedra, psychology
Parris Scott, dental hygiene and exercise & sports science
Janette Velasco Sanchez, social work
Irene Zelaya, dental hygiene
As with all the nominees, elementary education major Criseld Ruiz noted that her education has helped her become an effective advocate for underserved groups.
“I volunteered in different places, and I learned so many different skills, Ruiz said. “By volunteering, I have gained insight into the struggles of underrepresented groups. I have always advocated for underrepresented groups, not only at school but also in my community. It is extremely important for underrepresented groups to further their education by attending college.
Jesus Saavedra is a first-generation student who found a passion for research as he earned his degree in psychology with a minor in neuroscience.
“I ultimately aspire to return to an institution like WSU as a professor; able to inspire a new generation of students and scientists like my own professors did for me,” Saavedra wrote. “Without their guidance or my family’s support, I would not be where I am today.”
Dr. Forrest C. Crawford Distinguished Stewardship Award
The Ceremony of Excellence also includes the Dr. Forrest C. Crawford Distinguished Stewardship Award given to an outstanding graduate student. This year’s honoree is Phattia “Tia” Nero, who is earning a master of education with an emphasis in higher education leadership.
Crawford is the former WSU assistant to the president for institutional diversity and a teacher education professor. The award reflects his commitment, energy and leadership especially in regard to diversity initiatives.
For photos, visit the following link.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu- Contact:
Kenneth Johnson, Multicultural Retention Counselor
801-626-7751 • kdjohnson@weber.edu