Outstanding and Unforgettable
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
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
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.