Award Winners for 2024-2025

Each student, staff and faculty member featured here exemplifies leadership and has significantly contributed towards the University's mission of teaching and learning, faith and formation, and service and leadership.  

Congratulations to all of the award winners!

 

Associated Students of the University of Portland (ASUP) Award Recipients

  • Event of the Year – ASUP Films & A24 Present An Advanced Screening of Y2K
  • Club /Organization of the Year – KDUP
  • Club Advisor of the Year –  Dr. Anita Gooding
  • Campus Program Board (CPB) Member of the Year – Caprice Damon
  • Senator of the Year – Ben Carey-DiGregorio
  • Faculty Member of the Year – Dr. Amy Ongiri
  • Staff Member of the Year – Carmen Ruiz
  • Student Leader of the Year – Camille Dela Cruz

 

Division of Student Affairs Award Recipients

Outstanding Contributor to Core Themes

Nancy Copic

Nancy Copic | Assistant Director, Student Media

Nancy has worked in our division for 16 years—advising, educating, and supporting student journalists. She has developed a culture of success at The Beacon, our student newspaper.  Under her guidance, an impressive number of student journalists have earned prestigious internships and landed respectable jobs in the profession. Nancy is an exemplar, relational leader—taking the time to nurture the potential in each student she works with.

Newcomer in Student Affairs

AJ Christensen

AJ Christensen | Assistant Director, Patrol Operations

Since joining the Department of Campus Safety and Emergency Management, AJ has repeatedly proven himself to be an incredible resource for our campus.  He coaches our campus officers on investigative techniques, ensures coverage and support for the line staff of the department, and also spearheads the well-regarded Campus Safety Instagram account—serving as a vital source of information and connection with students and our campus community.

Rev. John Van Wolvlear C.S.C. Award For Outstanding Involvement in Student Affairs

Kevin Liu

Kevin Liu

Involved in many capacities on and off-campus, Kevin has participated in varied campus programmingas a student leader in our residence halls, as an active participant and supporter in our Moreau Center and Campus Ministry departments to make each event and program run smoothly. He has exemplified great leadership and supporta good friend to all. Kevin has been described as “omnipresent in Lund”, a welcoming presence who lives the University of Portland mission.

Outstanding Contributions to Diversity and Inclusion

Haniel Morquecho Baltran

Haniel Morquecho Baltran

Throughout Haniel's years at UP, he has shown up as a joyful, grounded, and generous presence. Whether through mentorship, fitness, or education, he brings a contagious energy, an open heart, and a deeply rooted belief in the power of community. His impact is woven into many corners of our campus life—leading Zumba classes, mentoring fellow tour guides, helping prospective students feel at home, and speaking courageously and vulnerably on panels about why representation in education matters.

Br. Fulgence Dougherty C.S.C. Award

Aruzhan Mukhanova

Aruzhan Mukhanova

An active member and officer in UP's International Club, Aruzhan has also participated in numerous other clubs and events.  She has been an outstanding international student admissions ambassador, providing solid information and advice about the academics and life at UP.

Center for Gender and Sexuality Allyship

Haniel Morquecho Baltran

Haniel Morquecho Baltran

With a vibrant and welcoming presence, Haniel celebrates and uplifts the dignity of all people. Their unapologetic embodiment of self opens space for others to do the same, particularly queer students who may be struggling to find their place on campus and in the world. Haniel wants to use their experiences as an FGEN, Latinx student who is part of the LGBTQ+ community to strive to be a positive role model for their students at a formative age, especially those who might not normally see themselves represented in school.

Outstanding Hall Council Executive Award

Luke Gunnels

Luke Gunnels

Consistently engaged at Hall Council, Luke presented creative ideas and brought a positive energy to each space they’re in. He was proactive in looking for ways to support various areas of Hall Council. Luke's leadership and willingness to pitch in wherever needed made a difference.

Holy Cross Award for Residential Mission

Fr. Nicholas Guiney, C.S.C.

Fr. Nicholas Guiney, C.S.C.

Fr. Nik's exuberance, passion, and pastoral approach shine through as a beacon for the work of residence life. His creativity and social media savviness brought residentiality to life through social media and shared it with the UP community. Fr. Nik demonstrates his passion for the Holy Cross and UP community through his supportive work with Campus Ministry, the baseball and basketball teams as Chaplain, and other committees he serves on.

Residence Life Pilot Award

Gen Du

Gen Du

Nominated as an "all star RA"Gen is reliable, knows their residents, and is a dedicated leader in Residence Life. Gen stands out as someone who cares deeply for their residents, and is a trusted RA on duty to respond well in the toughest of situations. Her positivity and hospitality exudes around campus, making sure you are seen and belong at UP.

Director’s Award for Meritorious Service within Residence Life

Heather Calder

Heather Calder

With a cheerful energy every day, Heather is a dedicated second year RA who has maintained and grown in their dedication for the work of Residence Life.  She dealt with some tough situations and handled them with grace and smiles. In a mentorship role for fellow RAs on her hall team, Heather is a great partner for RAs across campus.

Rev. John B. Delaunay, C.S.C. Wellness and Advocacy Award

Isabella Hull

Isabella Hull

Isabella demonstrated tireless advocacy for student health and safetymost visibly in her leadership roles with Students Against Sexual Assault (as SASA's co-president), and as founding member along with the Treasurer role for the newly formed Reproductive Justice and Education Club.  Her dedication to promote healthy relationships, prevent interpersonal violence, and support survivors created an inclusive environment.

Community Care Award

Isaac Kelly

Isaac Kelly

Along with another student (Anthony Lucero), Isaac and Anthony observed a car on fire at the campus main lot (on the eve of February 9th, 2025). With exemplary bravery, both students secured fire extinguishers and raced toward the vehicle to suppress the fire. Their example spurred on other members of the UP community to helpand soon the fire was out. Their decisiveness and leadership made a difference for the community!

Community Care Award

Anthony Lucero

Anthony Lucero

Along with another student (Isaac Kelly), Anthony and Isaac observed a car on fire at the campus main lot (on the eve of February 9th, 2025). With exemplary bravery, both students secured fire extinguishers and raced toward the vehicle to suppress the fire. Their example spurred on other members of the UP community to helpand soon the fire was out. Their decisiveness and leadership made a difference for the community!

Student Activities Media Award - Brian Doyle

Molly Dinsmore

Molly Dinsmore

Molly's positive spirit and relentless passion helped relaunch KDUP into a new era at UP. She oversaw the establishment of a new studio in Kenna Hall, and the acquisition and implementation of new radio industry standard software programsallowing for the reintroduction of 24/7 live streaming of music and radio broadcasting. She prioritized strong student engagement and helped to empower KDUP on campussafe spaces for students to be seen, heard, and supported.

Campus Ministry Award - Rev. Fred Barr C.S.C.

Madelyn Allen

Madelyn Allen

Madelyn actively participated in varied Campus Ministry events—Sunday Masses, other at-large university liturgies, and small groups such as Catholic Conversations. She helped to lead and guide the reestablished Encounter with Christ retreat. Her humor, faith, and leadership were always present to fellow students.

MCSJ Award - Kate Johnson

Kari Thordarson

Kari Thordarson

Kari is a dedicated leader who actively seeked opportunities to be engaged with community, both on and off campus. She participated in the Plunge Into Your Neighborhood Pre-Orientation program (as a small group leader, and eventually a lead Co-coordinator), an immersion participant (and eventually an Immersion Coordinator), and also served as a Service and Justice Coordinator). Kari also volunteered with various organizations, and planned a collaborative event with L’Arche Portland.

College of Arts and Sciences Award | Kay Toran

Janice Singharaj

Janice Singharaj

Janice demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to serving underserved communities, both locally and globally. Her passion, dedication, and compassionate care to help those with limited access to resources is a genuine expression of her empathy and a lifelong commitment to making healthcare accessible to all.