Dear Members of the University Community,

Last night the Class of 2021 gathered together for a brief event when we announced our Senior Award recipients. I am happy to share with you the students who were selected to receive the respective University awards. The awardees will also be recognized at the virtual Commencement ceremony on June 12: 

• The Valedictorian honor is conferred annually on a graduating senior selected for outstanding academic achievement and University service. The Valedictorian for the Class of 2021 is Haley Howard, who will graduate with a double major in Political Science and Ethnic Studies. We look forward to her valedictory address at our virtual Commencement.

• The Saint Clare and Nobili medals are presented to the female and male graduate judged outstanding in academic performance, personal character, school activities, and constructive contribution to the University. The St. Clare Medal will be awarded to Briahna Jackson, a Psychology and Ethnic Studies double major. The Nobili Medal will be presented to Alexander Quan, who is a Neuroscience major, with multiple minors. 

• The Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. Award is given to a graduating senior who exemplifies the ideals of Jesuit education, especially being a "whole person of solidarity in the real world" and having the courage and faith to build a more just and humane world. For 2021, the Kolvenbach Award will be presented to Ciara Moezidis, our outgoing Associated Student Government President, who will graduate with a double major in Political Science and Communication.

We also acknowledged the following students who were presented with other awards as noted:

• Sam Broyles and Katherine Kuwada each received the Richard J. Riordan Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions in the area of community service.

• Cassidy Basham, Olivia Figueira, and Nina Molanphy were presented with Student Life Awards to recognize their contributions to the overall quality of life in the University community.

• The Gracelyn Rillorta Bateman Award for Inclusive Excellence is awarded to a student(s) or student organization that has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing an inclusive environment at SCU. This year, Camila Khorrami, Liyah Lopez and Daniel Mendoza were presented with the award.

• Abby Fafinski and Martimeano Villa received the 2021 Neider Family Alumni Service Award, which provides financial support to seniors who are leaving SCU and going directly into a service program or project.

Congratulations to all our award recipients and to the Class of 2021. May they be confident of their special place in the Santa Clara community. God bless all of our graduates!

Sincerely, 

Lisa A. Kloppenberg
Acting President