Outstanding Students Recognized at Trinity

More than two dozen students at Trinity University were honored by the Student Life Division as leaders on campus. They were recognized by the University during the 15th annual Student Leadership Awards ceremony.

William Miles '16 of San Antonio, an urban studies major, received the Roman M. Lubetzky KINDness Award, the most prestigious award bestowed by the division for embodying and demonstrating the virtue of kindness and scholarship. At Trinity, Miles was a resident of HOPE Hall, and as a second year student he accepted an internship with the San Antonio Housing Authority to work on the Byrne Criminal Justice Initiative, a federal grant to understand and combat criminal activity in San Antonio's Eastside neighborhoods.

Four students received the Emerging Student Leader Award, which recognizes first-year, sophomore, or transfer students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a willingness to explore the unfamiliar.

Davis King ‘18 of Columbia, S.C., is a quarterback for the Trinity football team and is involved on campus as an University Tour Guide, Student Ambassador, Trinity Distinguished Representative, and a member of Trinity's Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Mary Kathryne "Kassie" Kelly '18 of San Antonio is a music education major. She is a resident mentor; rush chair of Mu Phi Epsilon, the professional co-ed music fraternity; treasurer for Trinity Progressives; and a faculty-nominated student member on the selection committee for the University's Quality Enhancement Plan.

Janett Munoz '18 of San Antonio, a double major in biochemistry and molecular biology, is an Orientation Team member, a Trinity Distinguished Representative, and a member of the Trinity Spirit Organization.

Tahlar Rowe '18 of Houston, a political science major, is president of the Black Student Union, a Trinity Distinguished Representative, a member of TigerTV, and the social chair for HOPE Hall.

Two students received the Thurman Adkins "Unsung Hero" Award in recognition for their loyal and unselfish contribution to the Trinity community through a "behind the scenes" role.

Callum Squires '17 of London, England, a German studies major, is a forward on the men's soccer team, co-president of Trinity's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, a resident mentor, an intern in the Office of Admissions, and a columnist for the Trinitonian.

Rebecca Prager '17 of Las Vegas, a neuroscience and Spanish double major, was a summer program coordinator and intern at the Children's Shelter of San Antonio where she provided learning opportunities for children ages 5-10. In the community, she also tutored high school students through the Learning Lab, volunteered at the San Antonio Ronald McDonald House, and was vice president of the Rotary Club. On campus, she has been involved with HOPE Hall since 2013 and has been active in Greek life. As a member of Sigma Theta Tau, a social sorority, she has helped organize service projects at Woodlawn Elementary, the Daily Bread Food Ministries, and the Fisher House Foundation.

Five students received the Coleen Grissom Continued Commitment & Dedication Award in acknowledgment for their substantive service to the community through long-term service and involvement.

Ana Ruiz '16 of Houston, a business major, gave back to the San Antonio community throughout her four years at Trinity as a resident in HOPE Hall. During her time in HOPE Hall she served as director of community outreach and relations. Ruiz was also a Trinity University Student Ambassador serving as the sophomore class gift chair, and then leading the Senior Gift Committee.

Christian "Chris" Soto '16 of El Paso, Texas, an urban studies major, was a member of the Residential Life Student Staff and was on Trinity's cross country and track and field teams.

Federica "Freddie" Earl '16 of Austin, Texas, served as a Student Ambassador, where she was elected as co-chair for the 2014-15 academic year, and re-elected for 2015-16. Earl also served as the representative of the Student Ambassadors at alumni and donor events.

Hayley Sayrs '16 of Phoenix, a biology and environmental studies double major, was involved as a student leader in TU Fit, and then as manager for the Trinity Market. As a peer tutor, Sayrs worked directly with first-year students in a selected topics course in Biology, "Gardening in South Texas," that she designed.

Cameron Archer '16 of Houston, an accounting and business major, is a member of the Omega Phi social fraternity. Archer was voted to represent the Greek Council Executive Board as the men's co-chair for the 2015 calendar year.

Thirteen students received The Presidential Award of Excellence. The award is presented to senior students whose long-term commitment to the community is of the highest caliber, while enacting as role models that create opportunities for others to lead.

Ashwin Adivi '16 of San Antonio, a biochemistry/molecular biology and history double major, served as president of the Omega Phi fraternity and as co-chair of the Student Conduct Board. Adivi also was a member of the American Medical Student Association and the events coordinator and treasurer for the Indian Student Association.

Rebecca "Becca" Burt '16 of Austin, a communication and human communication double major, was a marketing intern, visit intern, and summer recruitment intern in the Office of Admissions at Trinity. Burt was also a Trinity Distinguished Representative intern, a member of the Mu Phi Epsilon professional music fraternity, and a member of Alpha Phi Omega, the national co-ed service fraternity.

Bria Woods '16 of San Antonio, a communication major, served as a residential life student staff member beginning her sophomore year, serving in every student staff position. Woods was also a Distinguished Trinity Representative, a member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, former president of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, and an intern with KRTU and TigerTV.

Cairo DeGaillard '16 of Houston, a mathematical finance major, served as the first-year liaison, community service coordinator, and then president of the Black Student Union. DeGaillard was also part of the student Orientation Team and the Prowlers dance team.

Eric Booker '16 of Baytown, Texas, a marketing and political science major, was a member of the residential life student staff, and of the track and field team, where he served as the representative to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Booker was also a member of the Omega Phi social fraternity, serving as vice president. He also served on the Greek Council Judicial Committee, and as chief of staff with the Student Government Association. Additionally, Booker served on the policy committee for the Coalition for Respect and acted as a liaison between University staff and the student body.

Lacritia "Lucky" Byas '16 of Forth Worth, Texas, a mathematics major, served as president of the social sorority Gamma Chi Delta. Byas was also a member of the Phi Sigma Pi national honor fraternity and the Trinity University Math Society. She also served as a coordinator for the 2015 Women's Ambassador Forum annual conference.

Luisa Ruge­Jones '16 of San Marcos, Texas, a human communication major, conducted research in the Department of Student Affairs at Trinity that was then applied to the training for the Student Conduct Board. Ruge-Jones also served on the student conduct assessment committee and as the volunteer leader of the Trinity University Stand Band.

Lyric Smith '16 of Houston, a business analytics major, began serving as a resident mentor with residential life her second year at Trinity. Smith also served as social chair of the Black Student Union and as director of Trinity University Volunteer Action Committee (TUVAC).

Michaela Knipp '16 of Lufkin, Texas, an ancient Mediterranean studies major, was a member of the Trinity Distinguished Representatives and the social sorority, Zeta Chi. Knipp served as a student staff member for residential life. She consistently served as a summer intern in the Office of Admissions, sharing her story with groups of prospective students.

Rebekah Williams '16 of San Antonio, a theatre major, served on the residential life student staff beginning her sophomore year. Williams was also a member of the Mu Phi Epsilon professional co-ed music fraternity, the Trinity University Players, TigerTV, and a Trinity Distinguished Representative.

Sam Michaelson '16 of Tyler, Texas, an art and communication double major, served as a member of the residential life student staff. She was also the president of the social sorority, Alpha Chi Lambda, and a member of the Trinity women's swim team.

Taylor Mobley '16 of Southlake, Texas, a communication and theatre double major, served as a member of the Residential Life student staff. Mobley also worked as a tour guide and an intern for the Admissions Office, where she frequently moderated Campus Life panels for the Admissions Office open house programs. She was also an active member of the Black Student Union, serving as the public relations chair, and as a part of TigerTV and the Not So Late Show.

Ingrid Harb '16 of Coahuila, Mexico and doubled majored in business administration and international business and marketing with a minor in human communication. She is the founder of the Women Ambassador Forum, an international female empowerment and leadership forum held annually and for which she raised $45,000 to launch. At Trinity she has been on the cross country team, a member of the spirit committee, a member of the Student Government Association, active in the Spurs social sorority, and studied abroad in China.