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dean's distinguished graduates

A portrait of Akash Thakkar standing outside and smiling widely with greenery in the background.

Giving a Sip

May 20, 2021 by Emily Nielsen

Akash Thakkar is an economics and Plan II honors senior from Austin, Texas. In this Q&A, read more about how his passion for economics research came to be and how he’s implementing it in the real world through a charitable giving app.

Donatus Nnani with a huge smile, looking off to the left of the camera.

Engaging with Opportunities

May 20, 2021 by Emily Nielsen

Donatus Nnani is a religious studies and psychology senior from Detroit, Michigan. In this Q&A, read more about his time in the military and his undergraduate research experience.

A portrait of Estefania Rodriguez smiling while standing outside in front of a black metal fence. Green leaves are visible behind her.

Helping Others Learn

May 20, 2021 by Emily Nielsen

Estefania Rodriguez is a Mellon Engaged Scholar Initiative Fellow from Houston, Texas, who is triple-majoring in journalism, Latin American studies, and international relations and global studies. In this Q&A, read more about her research into environmental justice and prison abolition, as well as her deep passion for teaching.

A portrait of Celeste Oon outside on campus with her arms crossed.

Speaking to the World

May 20, 2021 by Emily Nielsen

Celeste Oon is an Asian studies and linguistics senior from San Antonio, Texas. In this Q&A, read more about her thesis on Asian transnational fandoms, her advice to other first-generation students and what it was like co-founding her nonprofit organization.

Forged in the Fires of My Liberal Arts Classes: Dean’s Distinguished Graduates Q&As

May 18, 2018 by Emily Nielsen

Every spring, the College of Liberal Arts recognizes 12 outstanding seniors as Dean’s Distinguished Graduates; students who have dedicated themselves to scholarship, leadership and service to the college and university community. Each 2018 recipient will be honored at the College of Liberal Arts joint commencement ceremony on May 18. The award, established in 1980, is […]

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Living with Purpose and Passion: In-Depth with 3 Dean’s Distinguished Graduates

May 20, 2016 by Emily Nielsen

Each spring, 12 graduating seniors in the College of Liberal Arts are named Dean’s Distinguished Graduates. The award honors students for their leadership, scholarly achievements and service to the community. The acknowledgment of the Dean’s Distinguished Graduates has become an integral part of the college’s spring commencement ceremony, with more than 400 students recognized since […]

Student News header

Spring/Summer 2012 Student Awards

November 1, 2012 by Jessica Sinn

 SEPTEMBER The College of Liberal Arts has honored two students with a Larry Temple Scholarship. The 2012-13 Larry Temple Scholarship winners are: William Hoenig, a Plan II Honors sophomore majoring in electrical engineering and economics; and Nicole Kruijs, a Plan II Honors sophomore majoring in public health. Go to this website for more details. The Asian […]

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