Student of Distinction: Tyler Golding – Department of Music

April 17, 2024.Reading time 4 minutes.

Head shot of Tyler Golding framed by blue and red background with white brush strokes. Text says, "Tyler Golding Department of Music M.A. in Percussion Performance"

“After graduating from the University of the Pacific with a degree in Percussion Performance in the spring of 2019, I have done my best to contribute to the community that helped raise me.”

Student of Distinction: Micaelina Ramírez-Chávez – Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures

April 16, 2024.Reading time 5 minutes.

Head shot of Micaelina Ramírez- Chávez framed by blue and red background with white brush strokes. Text says, "Micaelina Ramírez-Chávez Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures M.A. in Spanish"

“My first approach to a community college was purely out of curiosity, as realistically, I didn’t see myself attending one as being feasible. Being an immigrant, who left my parents at the age of fifteen, now a single mother with a minimum-wage job, I knew it would require great sacrifices to embark on such an academic journey.”

Student of Distinction: Jane “Chloe” King – Department of Linguistics

April 15, 2024.Reading time 2 minutes.

Head shot of Chloe King framed by blue and red background with white brush strokes. Text says, "Jane 'Chloe' King Department of Linguistics M.A. in Linguistics"

“Chloe has consistently impressed me, along with most everyone else on the faculty, with her initiative and level of achievement.” Dr. Sean Fulop, professor and chair of the Department of Linguistics.

Dean’s Medalist Honorable Mention: Luis Granados Torres – Department of English

April 13, 2024.Reading time 4 minutes.

Head shot of Luis Granados Torres framed by blue and red background with white brush strokes. Text says, "Luis Granados Torres Department of English M.A. in English Literature"

Luis Granados Torres is a graduate student receiving his M.A. in English literature. He is a graduate Dean’s Medal nominee from the Department of English.

Student of Distinction: Jessica Bonstein – Department of Communication

April 12, 2024.Reading time 4 minutes.

Head shot of Jessica E. M. Bonstein framed by blue and red background with white brush strokes. Text says, "Jessica E. M. Bonstein Department of Communication M.A. in Communication"

Jessica Bonstein is a graduate student receiving her M.A. in communication and is the graduate Dean’s Medal nominee from the Department of Communication.

Dean’s Medal Honorable Mention: Julie Ann Araujo – Department of Art, Design and Art History

April 11, 2024.Reading time 5 minutes.

Head shot of Julie Araujo framed by blue and red background with white brush strokes. Text says, "Julie Araujo Department of Art, Design, and Art History M.A. in Studio Arts"

“Everyone has a voice, and it sometimes takes people a lifetime to find it. I have found mine at this university. My story isn’t sad but one of perseverance. I have an endless list of people who believed in me; without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Dean’s Medalist: Sofia James, Department of Theatre and Dance

April 10, 2024.Reading time 4 minutes.

Head shot of Sofia James framed by blue and red background with white brush strokes. Text says, "Sofia James Department of Theatre and Dance B.A. in Theatre Arts with emphasis in design/technology"

“Ultimately, theatre can be an instrument of change, and I aspire to help bring about that change.”

Standard Bearer: Taylor Carrillo – Department of Philosophy

April 9, 2024.Reading time 4 minutes.

Head shot of Taylor Carrillo framed by blue and red background with white brush strokes. Text says, "Taylor Carrillo, Department of Philosophy, B.A. in Pre-Law Philosophy, Minor in Criminology."

“What stands out in her writing is that she identifies the central philosophical issue and the resources needed to address it —down to the sentences in the readings that express the most pertinent and persuasive justifications for a view — without fear of challenging distinctions and multi-faceted claims.” ~ Dr. Mariana Anagnostopoulos, associate professor of philosophy.

Student of Distinction: Alexandra Cota – Department of Music

April 8, 2024.Reading time 2 minutes.

Head shot of Alexandra Cota framed by blue and red background with white brush strokes. Text says, "Alexandra Cota, Department of Music. B.A. in Music with emphasis in vocal performance."

“My my senior year of high school I knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in music as it had become my greatest passion.” ~ Alexandra Cota

Standard Bearer: Lillian Hammerstrom – Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures

April 7, 2024.Reading time 4 minutes.

Head shot of Lillian Hammerstrom framed by blue and red background with white brush strokes. Text says, "Lillian Hammerstrom, Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures. B.A. in Spanish, B.A. in Political Science, Minor in English Literatures."

“Language is more than words, and a narrative is more than just a summary of someone’s life; it comes with the full completeness of who they are, their background and everything they are capable of contributing to the world.” ~ Lillian Hammerstrom