SEHD Honors Purpose-Driven Students and Partners at 2026 Undergraduate Recognition Celebration
Julia Cummings | School of Education and Human Development Apr 27, 2026.jpg?sfvrsn=2bcb4_3 "UCD (282)")
The CU Denver School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) welcomed more than 100 students, families, faculty, staff, and community partners to campus for the 2026 Undergraduate Recognition Celebration earlier this month, recognizing 42 students and two partner organizations. The annual celebration honors award recipients whose academic journeys reflect SEHD’s commitment to leadership, professionalism, service, and community-engaged learning.
Emceed by Arianne Rivera (EdD ‘25) the celebration balanced recognition and reflection, emphasizing that student success is shaped by both relationships and rigor. “Every individual receiving recognition tonight was noticed for their unique contributions,” Rivera said. “Someone was impacted by the work they did, the kindness they shared, or the innovation of their thinking.”
Dean Marvin Lynn addressed students with remarks centered on pride, gratitude, and responsibility, reminding students that their recognitions reflect far more than academic achievement alone. “We recognize that success is not just about academics,” Lynn said. “It may start there, but it also involves leadership, professionalism, service, and how you show up as human beings.”
Student Leadership, Service, and Academic Excellence
SEHD honored students across multiple award categories celebrating leadership, collegiality, professionalism, service, and academic excellence.
Recipients of the Leadership award
Leadership awards were presented to Kaitlyn Dubois, William Huff, Evelyn Marmolejo‑Paz, and Vincent Vuong for their initiative, collaboration, and sustained contributions to the SEHD community.
Recipients of the collegiality and professionalism award
Collegiality and professionalism awards recognized Kori Curtis, Lisbeth Estevez, Aljajiana Galan, Emma Garcia, Asani Pugh, and Pooja Marwaha for their integrity, respect, and professionalism in classrooms and field experiences.
Recipients of the community service award
Community service awards honored Tramane Hudson, Hayley Jackson, Diego Lucero, Lorraine Potvin, Klara Sharp, Vika Sroymalai, and Orlando Valencia, whose academic work extended beyond the classroom through community engagement.
Recipients of the outstanding student award
Outstanding student awards were presented to Kya Baker, Jennifer Cox, Danica Germane, Ethan Glenn, Nate Melendez, Keydi Munoz, Ayrton O-Neal, Damaris Otero, and Antonio Tasayco for combining academic excellence with a strong commitment to SEHD values.
Recipients of the peer leadership award
Peer leadership awards recognized Orlando Valencia and Vika Sroymalai for their service within the SEHD Student Success Center, advocacy, and sustained support of fellow students.
Program Honors
The celebration also recognized excellence within the Undergraduate Teacher Education and Human Development and Family Relations programs specifically.
Within Teacher Education, Story Fisher received the Passionate Educator Award, Mazin Klapperich was honored with the Community Educator for Equity Award, and Malia Seal received the Curious Researcher Award.
Outstanding Mentor Teacher Awards were presented to Audrey Arias, Hannah Drager, Sarah Rypkema, and LeighAnn VanGundy for their guidance and commitment to preparing future educators.
The Barbara L. Seidl Undergraduate Champion Award honored Wajhia Ali, Andrea Rios, and Batol Swade for advocacy, leadership, and dedication to undergraduate student success.
Within the Human Development and Family Relations program, the Harriette Pipes McAdoo Academic Excellence Award was presented to Angeles Ahmadi, while the Outstanding Partner Award honored Developmental FX for its sustained collaboration supporting student learning.
Outstanding Graduates
SEHD’s outstanding graduates were selected for excellence in scholarship, leadership, and contributions to the SEHD community. Awardees included Sammy Garcia and Jennifer Kilbourne, Spring 2026 graduates, as well as Sofia Montanez Trujillo and Aaron Valle, Fall 2025 graduates.
Celebrating What Comes Next
As SEHD students and graduates step forward into classrooms and community organizations, this evening marked a moment to pause, celebrate, and look ahead.
“These recognitions are building blocks for your professional success and your personal growth,” the Dean said. “We are incredibly proud of each of you and excited to see where your paths lead next.”