Awards Ceremony Nominations
As we approach the spring semester, we welcome all students, staff, and faculty to join us in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of our Online or Adult Learners. It is essential to highlight their hard work and resilience and show our appreciation for their dedication to their studies.
Nominate someone who embodies one of our award categories. Your nomination has the power to inspire a culture of appreciation and encouragement.
Spring 2026 Nominations are now open
Please consider nominating a student for the Adult Learner of the Year (ALOTY). Consider nominating an undergraduate student who, despite facing obstacles, has inspired others and deserves recognition for their exceptional journey of triumph and perseverance in learning.
Please consider nominating a student for the Online Learner of the Year award (OLOTY)*. This student should exemplify academic excellence, boundless positivity, relentless determination, and exemplary leadership.
*This student must be enrolled in a fully online undergraduate program.
As we honor the dedication and hard work of our adult learners, we also want to acknowledge the unwavering support of those who have helped our students along the way. These individuals have been instrumental in motivating and guiding students toward their goals, and we are grateful for their commitment to helping our students succeed!
2026 Nominated Students
Adult Learner of the Year
Check back after the 2026 ceremony to view Nominated Students
Online Learner of the Year
Past Award Recipients
Award Recipients 2025
- Adult Learner of the Year: Arland Wallace
- Adult Learner of the Year Finalist: Anesha Gonzalez
- Adult Learner of the Year Finalist: Robin Monroe
- Online Learner of the Year: Steve Curbelo
- Online Learner of the Year Finalist: Kyrsten Crawford
- Online Learner of the Year Finalist: Robin Stonebarger
- WSU Partner: Ali Levine
- Community Partner: Dr. La'Tonya Rease Miles
Award Recipients 2024
- ALOTY: Deborah Royse
- OLOTY: Willow Chesky
- Applied Learning: Olivia McClung
- Community Partner: Urban Adult Learner Institute
- Leadership: Richard "RJ" Kunde
- Service: David Smith
- Research: Dave Joshua Del Mar
- WSU Partner: HOPE Services
ALOTY Student Nominations: Alicia Allen, Arland Wallace, Cynthia Pizzini, Dave Joshua Del Mar, David Smith, Deborah Royse, Fabiola Ayarza Anorga, Ibrahim Ibrahim, Lisa Bolin, Nick Rodriguez, Olivia McClung, Richard RJ Kunde, Robin Monre, Scott St. Clair, and Terry Knox.
OLOTY Student Nominations: Jenae Huling, Martha Hernandez, Scott St. Clair, Taylor Baxter, and Willow Chesky
Award Recipients 2023
- ALOTY: Jennifer Johnson
- Community Partner: CAEL
- WSU Partner: Lynette Murphy
- ALOTY Finalist: Hannah Perez
- ALOTY Finalist: Corri Newman
Award Recipients 2022
- ALOTY: Billy Wilson
- Community Partner: Alpha Sigma Lambda
- WSU Partner: Kim Sandlin, Director of Student Success
- ALOTY Finalist: Kate Magathan
- ALOTY Finalist: Emily Hedrick
- SPSY Finalist: Chelsea Morales
- SPSY Finalist: Breasia Sharkey
Award Recipients 2021
- ALOTY: Billy Wilson
- Community Partner: Alpha Sigma Lambda
- WSU Partner: Chad Steinkamp, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Admissions
- ALOTY Finalist: Kate Magathan
- ALOTY Finalist: Emily Hedrick
- SPSY Winner: Apple Holder
- SPSY Finalist: Breasia Sharkey
- SPSY Finalist: Chelsea Morales
Award Recipients 2020
- ALOTY: Inneke Vargas, Psychology
- Community Partner: Bernard Osher Foundation - www.osherfoundation.org
- WSU Partner: Angela Zeorlin, Assistant Director for Scholarships, Office of Financial Aid
- ALOTY Finalist: Dawna Raehpour
- ALOTY Finalist: Daniel Johnico