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.
Nominations are now closed for 2024.
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.
Service Award- Recognizes an adult learner who exemplifies what it means to be service-oriented through studies, work or personal life.
Research Award- Recognizes an adult learner who has completed exceptional work in undergraduate research.
Applied Learning Award- Recognizes an adult learner who has excelled through their applied learning experience.
Leadership Award- Recognizes an adult learner who exemplifies leadership, either through studies, work or personal life.
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!
2024 Student Nominations
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every student, staff, and faculty member who took the time to nominate individuals for our 5th annual award night. It is your unwavering support and collaborative spirit that allows us to recognize and celebrate the well-deserving OAL Shocker Students. We look forward to celebrating each one during our event!
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 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
Past Award Recipients
ALOTY Winner
Billy Wilson, Pre-Social Work
WSU Partner
Kim Sandlin, Director, Office of Student Success
Community Partner
Alpha Sigma Lambda
ALOTY Finalist
Kate Magathan, Honors Baccalaureate
SPSY Finalist
Chelsea Morales, Teacher Apprentice Program™
ALOTY Finalist
Emily Hedrick, Biomedical Engineering
SPSY Finalist
Breasia Sharkey, Forensic Science
ALOTY Winner
Billy Wilson, Pre-Social Work
SPSY Winner
Apple Holder, Pre-Nursing
WSU Partner
Chad Steinkamp, Assistant Director, Undergraduate Admissions
ALOTY Finalist
Kate Magathan, Honors Baccalaureate
SPSY Finalist
Chelsea Morales, Teacher Apprentice Program™
Community Partner
Christie Summervill on behalf of Working Men of Christ Ministries - www.workingmenofchrist.org
ALOTY Finalist
Emily Hedrick, Biomedical Engineering
SPSY Finalist
Breasia Sharkey, Forensic Science
ALOTY Winner
Inneke Vargas, Psychology
WSU Partner
Angela Zeorlin, Assistant Director for Scholarships, Office of Financial Aid
ALOTY Finalist
Dawna Raehpour, Health Science
Community Partner
Bernard Osher Foundation - www.osherfoundation.org
ALOTY Finalist
Daniel Johnico, Media Arts