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Honors Students Shine Among WSU Top Ten Seniors

Honors Students Shine Among WSU Top Ten Seniors

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

The Honors College at Washington State University proudly celebrated four outstanding seniors who were selected as members of Washington State University’s 2026 Top Ten Seniors class one of the university’s highest student recognitions.

Joan “Jo” Castaneda Gonzalez, Eva Rickard, Ben Borgida, and Audrey Elliot were recognized for exemplifying excellence in academics, leadership, service, athletics, research, and community impact. Selected by the Washington State University Alumni Association, the Top Ten Seniors award honors students who represent the very best of the Cougar experience.

Jo Castaneda Gonzalez, recognized in academics, distinguished herself through groundbreaking undergraduate research, national scholarship recognition, and leadership in STEM mentoring programs. She will continue her academic journey this fall pursuing a PhD in organic chemistry at the University of Minnesota.

Eva Rickard, also recognized in academics, earned numerous research awards while conducting Alzheimer’s and dementia research at WSU. A Goldwater Award recipient and future medical student, Eva exemplifies the Honors College commitment to research and service.

Ben Borgida was recognized in athletics for his success as a member of the WSU men’s golf team while also serving in numerous leadership roles across campus athletics. In addition to his academic accomplishments in biology, Ben helped found Athletes in STEM, creating community and support for student-athletes pursuing demanding academic pathways.

Audrey Elliot was honored in community service for her exceptional involvement and leadership across numerous organizations dedicated to mental health awareness, sustainability, education, and community engagement. From leading the WSU Country Swing Club to volunteering with organizations throughout the Palouse, Audrey’s commitment to serving others reflects the heart of the Cougar spirit.

Together, their accomplishments reflect the strength of the Honors experience and the opportunities available to students who strive to lead both inside and outside the classroom.

The Honors College congratulates Jo, Eva, Ben, and Audrey on this extraordinary achievement. Go Cougs!

Read more about the Top 10 Graduates: WSU Top Ten Seniors | Washington State University

A Night of Recognition and Celebration for the Honors College Class of 2026

A Night of Recognition and Celebration for the Honors College Class of 2026

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

The Honors College at Washington State University celebrated the Class of 2026 during its annual commencement ceremony. The evening highlighted the academic excellence, service, research, and creativity that define the Honors experience at WSU.

The ceremony featured a musical performance by Jordan Slaughter, who performed East Wind by Shulamit Ran, adding a memorable artistic touch to the celebration. Graduates and guests also heard remarks from retiring Associate Dean David Shier, whose years of service and dedication to Honors students have had a lasting impact on the honors college community.

As part of the ceremony, each graduate received an Honors medallion to be worn during the university-wide commencement ceremonies, symbolizing their achievements and membership in the Honors College community.

A special tradition of the ceremony included recognizing the Honors College Gonfalon Bearers, students selected for their outstanding academic achievement and leadership to represent the college during university commencement ceremonies. This year’s honorees were John Crowley, Jasmin Chu, and Miles Boudinot.

The prestigious S. Town Stephenson Award, one of the highest recognitions presented by the Honors Council, was awarded to four exceptional graduates whose academic accomplishments, intellectual curiosity, and diverse commitments distinguished them throughout their undergraduate careers. The 2026 recipients included Ben Borgida, Matthew Bunge, Katelyn Smith, and Nitara Sukumaran.

The ceremony also recognized faculty mentors whose guidance helped shape the academic journeys of Honors students through the Outstanding Thesis Advisor Awards. This year’s recipients included Dr. Porismita Borah, Dr. Joe Compeau, Dr. Wes Dowd, Dr. Minjoo Kim, Dr. Sergey Lapin, Dr. Pavan Munaganti, Dr. Amanda Stahl, and Dr. Aaron Wacker.

The Spring 2026 Faculty Award was presented to Dr. Shawna Herzog, associate professor of history, in recognition of her outstanding teaching, mentorship, and commitment to Honors students. Known for challenging students to think deeply and independently, Herzog has served the Honors College in numerous capacities, including as an Honors Faculty Fellow and member of the Honors Council.

The evening concluded with the presentation of the Dean’s Award, honoring graduating seniors who exemplify the mission and values of the Honors College through academic excellence, service, and commitment to others. This year’s recipients were Emma Soderstrom and Eva Rickard.

As graduates received one final standing ovation from family, friends, faculty, and staff, the ceremony served as both a celebration of achievement and a sendoff into the next chapter of their lives. Congratulations to the Honors College Class of 2026 and Go Cougs!