Outstanding and Unforgettable

Jamie Bear, Outstanding Student of the Year edition, in a white toga with a gold laurel wreath on his head

Celebrating Excellence: Meet the 2024-2025 CLA Outstanding Students

The College of Liberal Arts is excited to announce the 2024-2025 cohort of Outstanding Students—an exceptional group of individuals who shine brightly in their departments and beyond. Selected by faculty and staff who have witnessed their dedication, growth, and achievements firsthand, these students represent the very best of what CLA stands for: curiosity, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to learning.

To be named an Outstanding Student is a remarkable honor. It speaks to more than academic excellence—it’s a recognition of passion, leadership, and meaningful impact across classrooms, communities, and creative spaces. Whether through research that asks bold questions, service that uplifts others, art that inspires, or leadership that brings people together, these students exemplify what it means to lead with purpose.

Each department chooses their honorees based on their own criteria, celebrating the unique strengths of their students. Some recognize one standout; others highlight several. However many are chosen, one thing is clear: these students have made their mark—and they’re just getting started.

To the students selected—congratulations. You’ve earned this honor, and we are so proud to celebrate you.

 

Anthropology

  • Danielle Lopez Stamm
  • Hazel Probst
  • Xochitl Martinez

Arctic and Northern Studies

  • Nels Ure, Outstanding Undergraduate Student
  • Katie Craney, Outstanding Graduate Student

Art

  • Jaylon Pate, Outstanding BA Student
  •  Kevin Carroll, Outstanding BFA Student
  • Sarah Dexter, Outstanding MFA Student

Communication

  • Anna DeVolld

English

  • Sophia Martin

Global Languages & Literatures

  • Lizzy Hahn

History

  • Trevor Chrzan

Journalism

  • Philipp Moosmayer

Justice

  • Patrick Deslaurier, Outstanding BA Student
  • Megan Williams, Outstanding MA Student

Linguistics

  • Duncan Forrest

Music

  • Olivia Buzby, Most Outstanding Music Student
  • Cody Webb, Most Outstanding Freshman
  • Ben Lucia, Most Outstanding Graduating Senior
  • Evelina Savonin, Outstanding Graduating Grad

Philosophy

  • Ryan Pullis

Political Science

  • Cole Osowski, Outstanding Pre-Law Student
  • Cadence Conner, Outstanding Political Science Student

Psychology

  • Chikachuilaq (Shooka) Bennett

Social Work

  • Danelle Shellikoff

Theatre & Film

  • Kjrsten Colleen Schindler

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies 

  • Kayla Johnson
  • Sarah Manriquez
  • Destiny Rymer

 

Once again, congratulations to our 2024–2025 Outstanding Students! Your hard work, heart, and accomplishments inspire us all. Be sure to check back soon—we’ll be adding photos, student spotlights, and links to interviews so you can get to know these incredible scholars even better.