Awards for Excellence

This award honors a senior undergraduate student with a GPA of 3.51 or higher who has completed at least three semesters at University of Idaho. Nominees show strong involvement in extracurricular activities and demonstrate leadership and service on campus and in the community.

For more information, email Sandy Larsen or call 208-364-4030.

See this year's award recipients

This award recognizes a graduating graduate student with a GPA of 3.51 or higher who demonstrates exceptional research or creative work with potential for significant impact in their field. Nominees are also actively involved in campus or community service, leadership and extracurricular activities.

For more information, email Sandy Larsen or call 208-364-4030.

See this year's award recipients

This award recognizes a third-year law student in the top 10% of their class who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, along with meaningful involvement in extracurricular activities, campus leadership and community service.

For more information, email Sandy Larsen or call 208-364-4030.

See this year's award recipients

Funded through Africa Night and ASA fundraising, the African Student Association Scholarship award recognizes students actively involved in ASA and campus activities. The award is given to one or two full-time University of Idaho students each year who have completed at least one academic year and meet GPA requirements (2.8 undergraduate, 3.0 graduate) and who demonstrate financial need. 

2025-2026 award recipient

• Gifty K. Bempong 

2024-2025 award recipient

• Olamide Oluwatade 

Funded by the Honors Leadership Council in honor of Alton Campbell, this award recognizes a student who has significantly strengthened the campus community. Recipients must be a current U of I undergraduate with a minimum 2.0 GPA who demonstrate exceptional initiative in organizing events and fostering meaningful dialogue or service, as well as showing a deep, ongoing commitment to building and sustaining a vibrant student community.  

2025-2026 award recipient

• Kapil Poudel

2024-2025 award recipient

• Peyton Loffer 

The ASUI Presidents’ Scholarship, established in 1996 by former ASUI presidents including Mary Ruth Mann, Roy L. Eiguren and Carl F. Wurster, annually awards at least one deserving University of Idaho undergraduate who has demonstrated active involvement in ASUI programs.  

Nominations and applications highlight leadership, academic achievement, commitment to serving all students and meaningful campus engagement.

2025-2026 award recipient

• Zoha Aqeel

2024-2025 award recipients

• Martha Smith
• Peyton Loffer 

The Athena Student Excellence Award endowment recognizes and invests in students who are committed to advancing access, inclusion and opportunity for underrepresented communities through their academic work and involvement outside the classroom.

Each year, one or more degree-seeking University of Idaho students are selected to receive the award. The number and amount of awards vary based on the endowment’s annual earnings and may grow over time as the fund continues to build.

In addition to recognition, the award may provide financial support for opportunities that enhance students’ personal and professional development — such as attending conferences, participating in events or pursuing activities that strengthen leadership, communication and other key skills. These experiences help students succeed both during their time at U of I and beyond.

Recipients are selected by a committee that includes former Athena executive board members and University of Idaho faculty or staff.

Betsy Thomas served as director of the U of I Women’s Center from 1985 to 1997. During her tenure, she strengthened the center’s impact by advocating for permanent staff positions and expanding opportunities for student workers, volunteers and interns.

Established in the early 2000s to honor her legacy of service, the Betsy Thomas Justice and Opportunity Scholarship was renamed in 2026 as the Betsy Thomas Justice and Opportunity Award. It recognizes students whose exceptional service reflects Betsy’s commitment to advocacy and inspires others to support underrepresented communities.

Any current University of Idaho student, regardless of gender, is eligible to apply or be nominated.

Applications and nominations highlight the candidate’s motivation, innovation, involvement and commitment to advancing social justice through academic work, volunteerism and community service.

2025-2026 award recipient

• Samira Saddam

2024-2025 award recipient

• Akorede (Koko) Seriki 

The Vandal Career Catalyst Award recognizes one student each academic year at University of Idaho who shows exceptional commitment to professional development and creates meaningful career opportunities for their peers. Eligible nominees are first-year, sophomore or junior students with a 3.0 GPA or higher who demonstrate leadership in career initiatives, dedication to their own growth, strong academic performance and a positive impact on fellow Vandals through mentoring, programs or faculty and professional recommendations.  

Recipients receive financial support and campus recognition for advancing a culture of career readiness and ambition at U of I.  

2025-2026 award recipient

• Sarina Dahal

This award honors a student or alumni who has displayed exceptional contribution, dedication and growth during their cooperative education experience. This individual has shown great work ethic, professionalism and willingness to face the obstacles in the real world while going above and beyond to exceed expectations.

2025-2026 award recipient

• Micah Harder

2024-2025 award recipient

• Zinnia Shrestha 

Donald R. Theophilus was a member of University of Idaho faculty for nearly 40 years and was university president from 1954-1965. One of the highest distinctions at University of Idaho, this award is presented to graduating seniors who have an outstanding record of academic achievement and service to the university community. Students are selected from the top applicants of the Outstanding Seniors category.

2025-2026 award recipients

• Claire Shelton
• `Lezly Macias

2024-2025 award recipients

• Amara Bailey
• Chloe McDougal 

This award honors the memory of Frank W. Childs IV by recognizing a graduating senior at University of Idaho who has been actively involved in the Associated Students University of Idaho (ASUI) and demonstrates outstanding leadership, academic excellence and campus engagement.  

Nominees are full-time students with recent ASUI involvement who have participated in leadership activities, received academic honors, participated in student organizations or living groups and made other notable contributions to the campus community.

2025-2026 award recipient

• Seyi Arogundade

2024-2025 award recipient

• Tanner McClain 

This award honors the legacy of George Dafoe by recognizing one full-time student at University of Idaho who has served in the Associated Students of the University of Idaho (ASUI) or its programs and demonstrates outstanding leadership, dedication and integrity. Eligible nominees must have at least one semester remaining and show a positive impact on ASUI, the student body and the campus community through their service and involvement. 

2025-2026 award recipient

• Gagandeep Singh

2024-2025 award recipient

• Saloni Khetan 

Guy Wicks served the students of University of Idaho for 34 years before retiring in 1965. Guy, along with his wife, Grace, were fixtures of the university community whose impact is still felt today. This award, one of the highest honors at the institution, recognizes senior students exhibiting outstanding success based on GPA, campus activities and service to the university in the spirit of Wicks’ legacy.

2025-2026 award recipients

• Lily Givens
• Tegveer Basraon

2024-2025 award recipients

• Hailey Faith
• Lauren Fitzgerald 

This award is presented to an individual undergraduate student who has demonstrated exceptional motivation, innovation and involvement in community service. Students may earn this award more than once in their academic career.

2025-2026 award recipient

• Claire Shelton

2024-2025 award recipient

• Saloni Khetan 

This award honors the legacy of Jennie Eva Hughes, the first African American graduate of University of Idaho in 1899, by recognizing a current student who demonstrates a strong commitment to multicultural engagement and advocacy.

Any current University of Idaho student is eligible to apply or be nominated.  

Applications and nominations showcase the candidate’s meaningful service to multicultural communities, genuine interest in advancing multicultural issues and innovative contributions to programs or initiatives that promote greater understanding and awareness across cultures, both on campus and in the broader community.

2025-2026 award recipient

• Kwasi Asare Agyemang

2024-2025 award recipients  

• Daniela Aguilar Carranza
• Rim Tekle 

This award recognizes an ASUI-affiliated or University Recognized Student Organization at University of Idaho that demonstrates exceptional motivation, innovation and commitment to unpaid community service in the Moscow–Pullman area.  

Eligible ASUI Recognized Student Organizations (ASOs) or University Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) are nominated by students, faculty, staff or administrators, and recognize the organization’s purpose for serving, sustained dedication to community needs and the measurable impact of its volunteer efforts beyond required philanthropic activities. 

2025-2026 award recipient

• Food Recovery Network

This award is presented to 10 first-year students who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and academic achievement and who are committed to serving the university community.  

2025-2026 award recipients

• Morgan Apt
• Savannah Muse
• Sam Trejo
• Tran Tran
• Keira Downs
• London Rios
• Ronnie Davis
• Arman Khachatryan
• Allison Isenberger
• Jose Bravo

2024-2025 award recipients

• Bryan Juarez Ruiz
• Elise Buxton
• Kaden Kerr
• Seyi Arogundade
• Shakil Salim
• Charlie Neaman
• Dristanta Silwal
• Jack Adams
• Parya Poosti 

This award is presented to 10 sophomores who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and academic achievement and who are committed to serving the university community.

2025-2026 award recipients

• Alma Azocar Agu
• Fedi Brighi
• Hafiza Sikder Anisha
• Laishram Leika Devi
• Farhan Fuad
• Rashmi Dhakal
• Kwasi Asare Agyemang
• Shirlyn Ngure
• Vaishnavi Pandey
• Anjal Karki

2024-2025 award recipients

• Catherine Niehenke
• Margaret Hunter
• Michelle Mendoza
• Steve Lemeshko
• Youbesh Dhaubhadel
• Aayushree Lama
• Christer Kaigarula
• Riyan Shrestha
• Upal Kundu 

Started in 1923, the Silver Lance Award recognized outstanding men who held leadership positions on campus. This award evolved to recognize any student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership traits.  

This award is presented to 10 juniors who have demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and academic achievement and who are committed to serving the university community.

2025-2026 award recipients

• Connor Blum
• Samira Saddam
• Sarina Dahal
• Kasey Smith
• Aayushree Lama
• William Hall
• Hitesh Silwal
• Jessica Estrada
• Cadence Monson
• Wikin Nepal

2024-2025 award recipients

• Claire Shelton
• Martha Smith
• Maya McBride
• Saloni Khetan
• Sophia Robertson
• Lacey Hunt
• Perla Gutierrez
• Shriza Thakur
• Willow Oswald
• Zinnia Shrestha 

This award is presented to 10 seniors who are exceptional leaders at University of Idaho with demonstrated outstanding service, leadership and academic achievement and who are committed to serving the university community.  

2025-2026 award recipients

• Lezly Macias
• Lily Givens
• Kenzie Eppey
• Claire Shelton
• Talha Bin Jalal
• Julia Palmer
• Tegveer Basraon
• Cody Conger
• Jonathan Wattles
• Justin Baldwin

2024-2025 award recipients

• Amara Bailey
• Celeste Condie
• Chloe McDougal
• Claire Smith
• Dan Blanchette
• Daniela Aguilar Carranza
• Hailey Faith
• Lauren Fitzgerald
• Matthias Aranda
• Peyton Loffer 

This award recognizes an ASUI Recognized Student Organization (ASO) or University Recognized Student Organization (RSO) at University of Idaho that delivers outstanding co-curricular programming beyond required chapter activities.  

Established by the ASUI Funding Board and the Department of Student Involvement, the award honors organizations whose cultural, educational, social or civic events meaningfully enhance student life and enrich the campus community.

2025-2026 award recipient

• Soil Stewards

2024-2025 award recipient

• Students of Design 

Former University of Idaho President Richard Gibb earned the reputation for being exceptionally student-centered and was particularly supportive of non-traditional students. This honor is presented as a capstone award to a student who has entered post-secondary education in a non-traditional fashion (i.e. not directly from high school) and has overcome a variety of obstacles while providing service and leadership to the campus community.

2025-2026 award recipient

• Morgan Hill

2024-2025 award recipient

• James Lasso 

This award recognizes four high-performing student employees nominated by their supervisors each spring for exemplary work across University of Idaho departments and centers.

2025-2026 award recipient

• Anahi Duran

2024-2025 award recipients

• Dakota Gorges
• Sameer Mankotia 

Virginia “Ginny” Wolf served as a professor of physical education at University of Idaho from 1964 to 1982 and played a pivotal role in advancing equity for women on campus. She chaired the U of I Women’s Caucus and helped lead efforts that established key initiatives to promote gender parity.  

Created in 2002, this award honors individuals who, like Ginny, demonstrate a sustained commitment to social justice and advocacy that drives meaningful, lasting change. Each year, the award is presented to one University of Idaho student of any gender who exemplifies long-term engagement in justice-focused activism, a strong record of leadership and impact in advancing access and inclusion, and the courage to challenge oppression. Applicants or nominees also demonstrate exceptional motivation, innovation and involvement through their academic work, volunteerism and community service.

2025-2026 award recipient

• Luella Smith

Established in 2006 and named for its first recipient, this award honor the efforts of graduate faculty who excel as mentors. This award is part of the College of Graduate Studies’ continuing efforts to support excellent mentoring of graduate students at University of Idaho.

2026 award recipient

Janine Darragh
Professor of Literacy and ESL Education
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

2025 award recipient

Emad Kassem 
Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering 
College of Engineering 

This award recognizes graduate students who demonstrate excellence in teaching. Many forms of teaching exist throughout the graduate school experience, including classes and labs, mentoring and assisting professors in instructing and developing course materials. This award is part of the College of Graduate Studies’ continuing efforts to support and recognize outstanding teaching by graduate students at University of Idaho.

2026 award recipient

Annie Sheneman
Graduate student, Department of English
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

2025 award recipient

Nick Koenig 
Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences 
College of Science 

This award is part of the College of Graduate Studies’ continuing efforts to recognize and encourage excellence in research and creative activity by graduate-level students at University of Idaho.

2026 award recipient

Ahmad Mukhtar
Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
College of Engineering

2025 award recipient

Hossam Hassan 
Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Nuclear Engineering 
College of Engineering 

This award recognizes faculty who have demonstrated exceptional support and guidance for postdoctoral scholars and fellows. The award is presented by the College of Graduate Studies and the Office of Research and Economic Development.

2026 award recipient

Sarah Wu
Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
College of Engineering

2025 award recipient

Christopher Marx 
Professor, Department of Forest, Rangeland and Fire Sciences 
College of Science 

This award is part of the continuing effort by the College of Graduate Studies and Office of Research and Economic Development to recognize and encourage excellence in research and other creative activities by postdoctoral fellows at University of Idaho.

2026 award recipient

Marina Subramaniam
Research Scientist I
Aquaculture Research Institute

2025 award recipient

Temitayo Olagunju 
Postdoctoral fellow, Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences 
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences 

This award was established to recognize and encourage excellence in all forms of scholarly research and creative activity. One award will be made in the amount of $5,000 to an eligible faculty member.

2026 award recipient

Ryan Long
Professor, Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences
College of Natural Resources

2025 award recipient

Lilian Alessa 
Co-director of the Center for Resilient Communities and Professor in Environmental Design and Landscape Architecture 
College of Art and Architecture 

This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional teaching in General Education courses by engaging students through innovative practices that support student achievement, student access and student problem-solving skills that align with General Education Learning Outcomes.

2026 award recipient

Ashley Kerr
Associate Professor, School of Global Studies
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

2025 award recipient

Theresa Allen 
Senior Instructor, Department of Math and Statistical Sciences 
College of Science 

This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exemplary service to the General Education Program. Such service supports practices that enhance student achievement, student access and student problem-solving skills that align with General Education Learning Outcomes.

2026 award recipient

Annette Folwell
Professor and Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

2025 award recipient

Dean Panttaja 
Professor Emeritus, Department of Theatre Arts 
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences 

This award recognizes exemplary faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching and a strong dedication to students. The award intends to encourage and reward faculty for their pursuit of excellence and show the value teaching holds for our university.

2026 award recipient

Florian Justwan
Associate Professor, Department of Politics and Philosophy
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

2025 award recipient

Ashley Kerr 
Associate Professor, School of Global Studies 
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences 

This award recognizes exemplary faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching and strong dedication to students. It is intended to encourage and reward teaching faculty for their pursuit of excellence and show the value of teaching.

2026 award recipient

Ryan Gillespie
Assistant Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

2025 award recipient

Markie McBrayer
Assistant Professor, Department of Politics and Philosophy 
College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences 

This award recognizes outstanding academic advisors who demonstrate strong dedication to student needs and passion for inspiring students to discover and achieve their full potential. It is intended to encourage and reward advisors for excellence and show the value advisors hold for our university.

2026 award recipient

Corey McKenna
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

2025 award recipient

Erik Larson 
Associate Professor, Department of Business 
College of Business and Economics 

The Dr. Arthur Maxwell Taylor Award for Excellence in Work with Indigenous Communities recognizes a University of Idaho faculty member, staff member or team of employees whose work demonstrates meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities. Established in honor of Dr. Arthur Maxwell Taylor, this award celebrates individuals or teams whose efforts strengthen relationships with tribal or Indigenous communities through collaborative teaching, research, outreach, service or professional practice.

2025 award recipient  

Dylan Hedden-Nicely 
Associate Dean of Faculty and Professor of law 
College of Law 

This award is given to a faculty member who makes significant contributions to outreach and engagement. Recipients apply their expertise to serve communities, expand access to knowledge and create meaningful public impact.

2026 award recipient

Andrew Scheef
Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

2025 award recipient

George Tanner 
Senior Instructor, Department of Business 
College of Business and Economics 

This award was established to honor faculty members who exemplify interdisciplinary or collaborative efforts. The individuals must have contributed to substantial and lasting connections to people, units, programs or departments within University of Idaho.

2026 award recipients

• Theresa Allen
  Senior Instructor, Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science
  College of Science
• Tim Boester
  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science
  College of Science
• Suzanne Cazeau
  Instructor, Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science
  College of Science
• Roy Cruz
  Academic Specialist, Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science
  College of Science
• Jordan Hardy
  Instructor, Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science
  College of Science
• Mike Love
  Instructor, Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science
  College of Science
• Annelise Nielsen
  Instructor, Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science
  College of Science
• John Pawlina
  Instructor, Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science
  College of Science
• Molly Sutter
  Instructor, Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science
  College of Science

2025 award recipient

Berna Devezer 
Associate Professor, Department of Business 
College of Business and Economics 

This award is given to gifted faculty members, usually during the middle of their career, who have demonstrated a commitment to outstanding scholarship, teaching and engagement. Eligible faculty will have completed three years of full-time service at the university in either tenured, tenure-track or non-tenure-track professorial ranks, including faculty-at-large. Up to nine awards are available annually.

2026 award recipients

• Shiyi Chen
  Associate Professor, Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences
  College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• Cate Egan Loiacono
  Associate Professor, Department of Movement Sciences
  College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
• Geoffrey Heeren
  Professor
  College of Law
• Ashley Kerr
  Associate Professor, School of Global Studies
  College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
• Amin Mirkouei
  Associate Professor, Department of Nuclear Engineering and Industrial Management
  College of Engineering
• Diana Mitchell
  Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences
  College of Science
• Chris Remien
  Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistical Science
  College of Science
• Daniel Robertson
  Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
  College of Engineering
• Philip Stevens
  Associate Professor, Department of Culture, Society and Justice
  College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

2025 award recipients

• Erkan Buzbas 
  Associate Professor, Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences 
  College of Science
• Christopher Caudill 
  Professor, Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences 
  College of Natural Resources
• Benjamin Cover 
  Associate Professor of Law 
  College of Law
• Matthew Fox-Amato 
  Associate Professor, Department of History 
  College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
• Paul Rowley 
  Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences 
  College of Science
• Andrew Scheef 
  Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Instruction 
  College of Education, Health and Human Sciences
• Nathan Schiele 
  Associate Professor, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering 
  College of Engineering
• Rebecca Scofield 
  Associate Professor and Department Chair, Department of History 
  College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
• Damon Woods 
  Associate Professor, Art and Architecture Design Lab 
  College of Art and Architecture 

This rank is bestowed on U of I faculty in recognition of sustained excellence, as judged by peers, in scholarly and artistic achievement; breadth and depth of teaching in their discipline; and university service as well as service involving the application of scholarship, creative activities that address the needs of one or more external publics.

2026 award recipients

• Michelle (Shelley) McGuire
  Professor, Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences
  College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• Alistair Smith
  Professor, Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences
  College of Science

2025 award recipients

• Adam Jones 
  Distinguished Professor, Department of Biological Sciences 
  College of Science
• Scott Minnich 
  Distinguished Professor, Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences 
  College of Agricultural and Life Sciences 

This award honors the legacy of Virginia “Ginny” Wolf, a longtime professor and advocate at University of Idaho, by recognizing a faculty member who demonstrates sustained leadership and courage in advancing social justice.  

Created in 2002, the award celebrates individuals whose long-term activism, advocacy for access and inclusion, and commitment to challenging inequity reflect the lasting impact of Wolf’s work on campus. 

This award honors exempt staff who demonstrate exemplary service and upward career progression. As the first award of its kind at the university, it complements — but does not replace — the Outstanding Staff Awards. The prize is open to full-time staff who lead or provide high-level administrative support within departments, colleges or administrative units. Nominees must have at least 10 years of service and cannot hold executive leadership roles, though administrative support staff for the president and provost remain eligible.

2026 award recipient

Eric Bennett
Director of Development, College of Science
UI Foundation

2025 award recipient

Jana Joyce 
Department Manager, Department of Math and Statistical Science 
College of Science 

The Dr. Arthur Maxwell Taylor Award for Excellence in Work with Indigenous Communities recognizes a University of Idaho faculty member, staff member or team of employees whose work demonstrates meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities. Established in honor of Dr. Arthur Maxwell Taylor, this award celebrates individuals or teams whose efforts strengthen relationships with tribal or Indigenous communities through collaborative teaching, research, outreach, service or professional practice.

2025 award recipient

Meggie Cafferty 
Associate Director of Scholarships 
Office of Student Financial Aid Services 

This award recognizes outstanding academic advisors who demonstrate strong dedication to student needs and passion for inspiring students to discover and achieve their full potential. It is intended to encourage and reward advisors for excellence and show the value advisors hold for our university.

2026 award recipient

Amber Ziegler
Academic Advisor
University Advising Services 

2025 award recipient

Kaylena Townsend 
Lead Academic Advisor 
University Advising Services 

The Outstanding Staff Awards have recognized the dedication and impact of University of Idaho staff since 1972. Created as a companion to the university’s longevity awards, these honors celebrate non-faculty employees who go above and beyond in their roles. Staff are nominated by peers or supervisors and selected based on quality of service, exceptional effort, initiative and interpersonal skills. Awards are presented each spring in six categories—Senior Leadership, Non-Faculty Exempt, Technical/Paraprofessional, Service/Maintenance, Skilled Trades and Administrative Assistants.

2026 award recipients

Outstanding Employee Award: Non-Faculty Exempt

• Barbara Broyles
  Program Manager
  Center on Disabilities and Human Development
• Blair Ehlert
  Technical Business Analyst
  Office of Sponsored Programs

Outstanding Employee Award: Administrative Assistant

• Jennifer Baillargeon-Hauck
  Program Coordinator
  Independent Study in Idaho
• Sharon Murdock
  Executive Assistant I
  College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
• Kathleen Skovgard
  Administrative Specialist III
  Office of Research and Economic Development

Outstanding Employee Award: Skilled Trade

Michel Mell
Steam Specialist
Facilities

2025 award recipients

Outstanding Employee Award: Senior Leadership

Yolanda Bisbee 
Executive Director 
Office of Tribal Relations

Outstanding Employee Award: Non-Faculty Exempt

Luke Sheneman 
Director of Research Computing and Data Services 
Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences

Outstanding Employee Award: Administrative Assistant

Mónica Martínez 
Business Specialist III 
College of Education, Health and Human Sciences

Outstanding Employee Award: Service/Maintenance

Connor Knickerbocker 
Recycling and Solid Waste Technician 
Facilities

Outstanding Employee Award: Skilled Trade

Rick Wilkins 
HVAC/R Machine Shop Supervisor 
Facilities

Outstanding Employee Award: Technical/Paraprofessional Employee

Renee Jensen-Hasfurther 
Business Manager I 
College of Science 

The Outstanding Team Award honors University of Idaho staff who demonstrate exceptional teamwork on unique, non-routine projects. Established in 2005 following the success of the Goldschmidt Conference hosted on campus, this award recognizes teams of three to 15 members who go beyond their regular duties to achieve a shared goal. Eligible teams must include mostly board-appointed staff and showcase collaboration, creativity and a commitment to excellence.

2026 award recipient

Vandal Onboarding — University Communications and Marketing

Outstanding Team Leader

• Jodi Walker, Executive Director of Communications and Co-CMO

Outstanding Team Members

• Christy Day, Human Resources Coordinator
• John Kosh, Director of Business Development, Marketing & Communications
• Sean McIlraith, Athletics Executive Assistant
• Emilie McLarnan, Student Support Case Manager
• Riley Reintjes, Recruitment Assistant
• Celi Rivera, Admin Specialist
• Barb Smith, Executive Assistant
• Jane Westervelt, Executive Assistant

2025 award recipient

Financial Aid – FAFSA Project Team

Outstanding Team Leader

• Randi Croyle, Former Director of Financial Aid

Outstanding Team Members

• Daniel Carlos, Interim Director of Financial Aid
• Meggie Cafferty, Associate Director of Scholarships
• Cassie Smith, Associate Director of Financial Aid
• Trevor Humble, Technical Product Manager
• Brady Nelsen, Information Reporting Analyst
• Josh Escusa, Enterprise Developer I
• Don Pierce, Enterprise Developer III
• Paul Rumelhart, Enterprise Developer IV 

The Staff Education Award supports the academic goals of students who are children, stepchildren, grandchildren or legal dependents of current University of Idaho staff or honored staff retirees. About four $500 scholarships are awarded annually ($250 per semester) to full-time U of I students, selected at random regardless of class level or financial need. Students may receive the award twice.

2026 award recipients

• Jacob Cornwall
• Allison Dorigo
• Chesney Helmke
• June Kirchmeier

2025 award recipients

• Dominic Dorigo
• Aidan Prakash
• Luke Salsbury
• Samantha Unger

This award honors the legacy of Virginia “Ginny” Wolf, a longtime professor and advocate at University of Idaho, by recognizing a staff member who demonstrates sustained leadership and courage in advancing social justice.  

Created in 2002, the award celebrates individuals whose long-term activism, advocacy for access and inclusion, and commitment to challenging inequity reflect the lasting impact of Wolf’s work on campus.