The following Warner Pacific University students were recognized for their outstanding achievements at the Spring 2024 commencement on May 11, 2024, at Sunset Church.
Wilma I. Perry Award for Transformation: Grecia Salinas-Molina
Grecia graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching, and she is a transformational influence in the life of her students. This award is given in recognition of Grecia’s excellence in the classroom and life of service.
About the Recipient: Grecia demonstrates academic excellence and a fierce commitment to equitable opportunities for all students. She truly believes in education and in her responsibility to make a difference in her school community. She has balanced many responsibilities while pursuing her degree and her teaching credential. As a native Spanish speaker, Grecia actively seeks strategies to close the achievement gaps for her students and enrich their learning experiences. Grecia has been transformed by her journey with her peers at WPU and will be transforming the lives of her students for many years to come.
About the Award: Wilma I. Perry was a talented pastor and teacher who exemplified the transformational power of education, earning her doctorate degree as an adult learner prior to joining the faculty at Warner Pacific University. The Wilma I. Perry Award is presented to a Professional and Graduate Studies student who demonstrates a life of service, academic excellence, integrity, and transformation.
Milo L. Chapman Award for Service: Gelsi Tuz-Uxul
Gelsi graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Community Engagement; she is an exemplary student leader who has had a major impact on the campus community during her time at WPU. This award is given in recognition of Gelsi’s achievements and community contributions.
About the Recipient: Gelsi is an exemplary student leader with a passion for service, and she has contributed greatly to the campus community during the past four years at WPU. She is thoughtful and introspective, and seeks out opportunities for personal growth in order to develop and hone her leadership skills. Whether mentoring new students through their first year of college, volunteering at a recruitment event, sharing her art on a banner for a special event, serving on a City Builders leadership team, or working the late shift as a Resident Assistant, Gelsi has demonstrated joyful service with a willing heart to every corner of our campus community.
About the Award: Milo L. Chapman was a man who served Warner Pacific University as a model of servanthood to this community. The Milo L. Chapman Award is given to a student who clearly exemplifies a life of faith and the joy of serving.
Marshall K. Christensen Award for Academic Excellence: Kassidie Bukoski
Kassidie graduated with a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Kinesiology and Sports Medicine; Kassidie is an excellent student who will be continuing her studies to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. This award is given in recognition of Kassidie’s academic excellence in scholarship and practice.
About the Recipient: Kassidie is a hardworking and excellent student who is well known on campus as a friendly and responsible leader both in the classroom and on the field. She is a two-sport varsity athlete (soccer and softball). She has been masterful at balancing her studies with her athletic pursuits. This fall she will attend Hawaii Pacific University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program; having overcome a torn ACL, she understands the challenges of the rehabilitation process. She is patient, compassionate, and demonstrates excellent communication skills; she will be an amazing physical therapist.
About the Award: Marshall K. Christensen was the university’s fifth president and was a man who exemplified academic excellence. The Marshall K. Christensen Award is given to a student who best embodies the values characterizing academic life at Warner Pacific University.
A.F. Gray Award: Maryhan Ezzat
Maryhan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science; she is an excellent student and a generous individual who has been actively involved in many areas of service. This award is given in recognition of Maryhan’s academic excellence and community leadership.
About the Recipient: Maryhan is an excellent student and an Act Six scholar; she brings a thoughtful intellectual strength into every learning space. Maryhan is a caring, generous person who goes out of her way to help others and build community. She has been an active member of campus life, serving as a peer mentor and working in student government. Maryhan is an involved and dedicated member of her church; her faith inspires her to service. She currently works as a pharmacy technician at a local retail chain and will be continuing her studies in a Doctor of Pharmacy program. Maryhan’s goal is to make sure everyone has access to safe and accurate health care, and we know she will be a skilled and caring pharmacist.
About the Award: Albert F. Gray was the first president of Warner Pacific University and was a man who demonstrated the living example of a godly life, a disciplined mind, and a warm and loving heart. The Albert F. Gray Award is given to a student who clearly exemplifies the values of Warner Pacific University.
Division Awards
Division of Arts and Social and Behavioral Sciences
Outstanding Student in Criminal Justice: Krisnan B. Gamboa
Outstanding Student in Communications and Community Engagement: Gelsi J. Tuz-Uxul
Outstanding Student in Digital Media: Chiarra Niner Bettega
Division of Business
Dean’s Award for Academic Achievement in Business Administration: Angela Amaya Bartolo
Outstanding PGS Student in Accounting: Betty S. Ayers
Outstanding Traditional Student in Accounting: Shelby Martin
Outstanding Traditional Student in Accounting: Jose Ochoa-Delgado
Outstanding Traditional Student in Business Administration: Matthew Solomon
Outstanding Master of Business Administration Student: Brandie L. Cornell
Outstanding Master of Business Administration Student: Katie S. Trippet
Outstanding Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Student: Kathy Nguyen
Division of Education
Excellence in Teaching: Lauren C. Adams
Division of Natural Sciences and Health
Outstanding Student in Biological Sciences: Maryhan Asharf Ezzat
Outstanding Student in Cybersecurity: Owen Daniel Clayton
Outstanding Student in Kinesiology: Naly Moua
Outstanding Student in Sports Management: Josiah A. Castillo
Outstanding Student in Sports Medicine: Kassidie R. Bukoski
Division of Nursing
Excellence in Nursing Practice: Tommy Nguyen
Outstanding Leadership in Nursing: Jillian Nicole Villareal
Division of Social Work
Excellence in Social Work Professional Practice: Faith Elizabeth Arroyo
Outstanding Student in Social Work: Laura D. Barnhart