Honors Day Program 2025

TUESDAY, APRIL 15 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

THE RALL LEGACY

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he Rall name has held a special place in North Central’s history since 1917, when Dr. Edward Everett Rall (pictured left) was inaugurated as the College’s fifth president.

During his three decades of service to the College, Rall steered North Central through two world wars and the Great Depression, and doubled enrollment from 447 to 929. He also directed a major campus expansion that included Pfeiffer Hall, Kaufman Hall and Merner Field House. In 1930, the house at South Brainard Street was purchased by Charles Rall, Edward’s brother, for the Rall family. Five College presidents resided in Rall House with their families before it became home to some of today’s academic programs.

The Rall legacy continued with Rall’s sons, both of whom graduated from the College and went on to earn an M.D. and a Ph.D. Today’s symposium is named for Joseph Rall ’40 (see below). David Rall ’46 is considered the founder of modern environmental medicine. He identified ways to prevent leukemia from spreading to the brain and headed both the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program.

President Rall died in 1975, but the College still honors his vision of the ideal education—one that “develops the power to think, produces the open mind, destroys prejudice, and inculcates a genuine love of truth and hatred of sham or intellectual hypocrisy.”

DR. JOSEPH E. RALL ’40 1920 - 2008

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he annual Rall Symposium for Student Research was named in 1998 to honor Joseph Edward “Ed” Rall ’40, M.D., Ph.D. (pictured left), an internationally renowned research scientist whose half-century career at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) included serving as director of all intramural research.

Before joining the NIH, Rall was a fellow at the Mayo Foundation in Rochester, Minn., and taught at Cornell University Medical College and the Sloan-Kettering Institute.

A thyroid specialist, Dr. Rall helped devise therapies to prevent thyroid disease. He authored more than 160 scientific papers and books and earned numerous awards from the medical and scientific communities.

He received honorary doctorates from North Central College, the Free University of Brussels and the University of Naples. The University of Minnesota Mayo Foundation honored him with an Outstanding Achievement Award, and North Central awarded him the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1966.

Rall took a leadership role in the College’s 1995 Kresge Science Challenge that brought $2 million in new support to his alma mater’s science program. He also inspired the creation of the Rall Symposium. For many years, he invited esteemed scientists to speak at the symposium and collaborated with students on their research projects.

2025 RALL SYMPOSIUM FOR STUDENT RESEARCH

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n institution of the liberal arts and sciences, North Central College provides an impressive array of opportunities for students to design and conduct independent scholarly research projects in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, business, preprofessional disciplines, and fine arts. Undergraduate and graduate students can examine their own disciplines and make interdisciplinary connections as they plan, collect and evaluate data, document results and present their findings.

Students can collaborate with faculty in their ongoing research, or they can design and implement their own independent projects under faculty supervision. A number of these projects are carried out as part of the College Scholars Honors Program, and many have been funded by the College’s Richter Grant program. North Central students regularly present the results of their scholarly and artistic work at local, regional and national professional meetings.

North Central College celebrates the 27th year of the Rall Symposium for Student Research in 2025. Students who were part of Beta Beta Beta, the American Chemical Society and Pre-Health Organization initiated the first Rall Symposium in 1998. They were supported by President Emeritus and Life Trustee Harold R. Wilde, Ph.D., and Professor of Mathematics and Dean of Faculty Emeritus R. Devadoss Pandian, Ph.D. The symposium is named for Joseph Edward “Ed” Rall ’40, M.D., Ph.D. Rall was involved in the Symposium from its inception until his death in 2008 and played a critical role in attracting Nobel Laureates and other distinguished scholars to speak to attendees.

HONORS DAY 2025 8:30 a.m. - noon . . . . . . . . 27th Annual Rall Symposium for Student Research

Noon - 1:15 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Luncheon

8:30 - 9:20 a.m. . . . . . . . . . Poster Presentations Session 1 Judy G. Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center, 131 S. Loomis St.

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.. . . . . . 49th Annual Honors Convocation

9:35 - 10:55 a.m.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oral Presentations Various classrooms, Wentz Science Center 11:10 a.m. - noon. . . . . . . . Poster Presentations Session 2 Judy G. Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center

Kaufman Dining Hall, 221 S. Brainard St.

Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave.

3:30 - 4:30 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reception Wentz Concert Hall Lobby

4:30 - 7:30 p.m.. . . . . . . . . . . . . Honor Society Events Locations listed below

HONOR SOCIETY EVENTS 4:30 p.m.

ALPHA ETA

KAPPA DELTA PI

PHI ALPHA THETA

PSI CHI

Allied Health Professions

Education

History

Psychology

Multipurpose Room, New Hall

Judy G. Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center

Student Lounge, second floor, Harold & Eva White Activities Center

Judy G. Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center

SIGMA TAU DELTA

Sociology

LAMBDA ALPHA Heininger Auditorium, Larrance Academic Center

English

JAPANESE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

Koten Chapel, Kiekhofer Hall

Japanese

BETA BETA BETA

SIGMA NU TAU

Biology

Entrepreneurship

Room 17, Larrance Academic Center

Room 254, Wentz Science Center

Room 200, School of Business & Entrepreneurship

Anthropology

LAMBDA PI ETA

Communication and Media Smith Hall, Old Main OMICRON DELTA EPSILON

Economics Room 200, School of Business & Entrepreneurship

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION

Finance Room 200, School of Business & Entrepreneurship

ALPHA KAPPA DELTA Heininger Auditorium, Larrance Academic Center SIGMA DELTA PI

SIGMA BETA DELTA

Spanish

Management

Campus Store

Room 200, School of Business & Entrepreneurship PI MU EPSILON

Mathematics Room 101, Wentz Science Center

PI DELTA PHI

NU RHO PSI

French

Neuroscience

Room 244, Language Resource Center, Oesterle Library & Learning Commons

Judy G. Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center

PHI SIGMA IOTA

World Languages & Cultures Room 244, Language Resource Center, Oesterle Library & Learning Commons

5:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

April 23

CHI ALPHA SIGMA

BLUE KEY

ALPHA ALPHA ALPHA

DELTA PHI ALPHA

Athletics

Leadership Judy G. Stevenson Hall, Wentz Science Center

First Generation College Students

German

Gregory Arena, Merner Field House TAU SIGMA

Pfeiffer Hall

Transfer Students Smith Hall, Old Main

MORE INFORMATION ONLINE You can find details about each presentation listed in this program online.

Visit our webpage or scan the QR code to the right.

Visit northcentralcollege.edu/honors-day

Scan the QR code

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POSTER PRESENTATIONS: SESSION I 8:30 - 9:20 a.m.

Judy G. Stevenson Hall, second floor, Wentz Science Center Gold, Glory, and Deception: Hitler’s Olympic Propaganda Luciano Abish ’28, Business Management Advisor: Gregory H. Wolf

Defining the “New Woman”: The Perception of Gender Roles and Sexuality in France during the Interwar Period Ayshe Ali ’26, Social Science/History and Secondary Education Advisor: Shereen Ilahi

Design and Evaluation of a Computer-Controlled Spectrometer Nazifa Anis ’26, Applied Mathematics and Physics Advisor: Orion Pearce

Sleep and Memory for Emotional Experiences *Stella Bank ’26, Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychology *Amelia Deliberto ’27, Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience *Raven Range ’27, Psychology Advisor: Alexis Chambers

Setting Europe Ablaze: The Unlikely Success of the Special Operations Executive Section F 1939-1945 Emily Bartel ’26, Social Science/History and Secondary Education Advisor: Shereen Ilahi

The Second Founding and Arendt’s Revolutionary Spirit: The Experience and Legacy of the Exclusion of Slavery Abigail Black ’25, Political Science and Sociology Advisor: Sean Butorac

Comparing the Effects of Drawing, Coloring, and Writing on Mood and Self-Efficacy Casen Camarillo ’25, Psychology Advisor: Marissa Bamberger

The Blueprint of Genocide; Aktion T4 and the Rise of Eugenics in Nazi Germany Anna Cameron ’25, Social Science/History and Secondary Education Advisor: Shereen Ilahi

Protein Interaction of Myosin VIIA and Singed in Drosophila Melanogaster Charlotte Kumler ’25, Biology Advisor: Jennifer Sallee

The Iconography of Indoctrination: The Hitler Youth and Organization of German Girls Danny DiMartino ’28, Actuarial Science Advisor: Gregory H. Wolf

Competition Between Metal Ions for Adsorption Sites on Exhausted Coffee Grounds *Allie Dockins ’25, Biochemistry *Brian Sorg ’27, Environmental Science Advisor: Rebecca Sanders

The Modern Colonization of Therapy Miranda Dominguez ’27, Economics and French Horn Performance Advisor: John Stanley

Engaging All Students: Supporting Anxious and Neurodiverse Learners in the Writing and Speaking Centers Rebecca Elsen ’25, English Literature Advisor: Jennifer Smith

Invertebrate Host Species Shed Saprolegniaceae Zoospores into Aquatic Environments at Varying Rates Hannah Galletti ’27, Biology Advisor: Gregory Ruthig

Doping NASICON with Yttrium for Samples with High Density and Ion Mobility, while Maintaining Low Levels of Impurities Drazen Gierman ’26, Mechanical Engineering Advisor: Shan-Ju Chiang

The Pathogenic and Saprobic Effects of Water Mold on Host Species *Dallas Gillson ’26, Biology: Biomedical Science *Evelyn Kandler ’26, Biochemistry Advisor: Gregory Ruthig

Pamphlets of Faith and Defiance: The White Rose Nonviolent Resistance Against the Nazi Regime, 1942-1943 Mia Giometti ’26, Social Science/History and Secondary Education Advisor: Shereen Ilahi

Gender Differences in Support for Bathroom Bills

Using Geographic Information Systems to Address Village Infrastructure Needs in Masumbi, Kenya

*Arron Hanson ’25, Psychology *Kyla Smetana ’25, Psychology *Emily Mostaccio ’26, Psychology Advisor: Claudia Peter-Hagene

Amelia Cook ’26, Environmental Studies Advisor: Reed Perkins

Undernourished Male Cricket Mating Songs Fall Flat

Does Game Attendance and Percentage of Top Ranked Players Increase an NFL Team’s Winning Record?

*Cleo Hawthorne ’25, Biology and Biological Sciences Charlotte Kumler ’25, Biology Advisor: Chandreyee Mitra

*Lucy Culig ’25, Accounting Jessica Pesavento ’25, Finance Garrett Grastorf ’25, Business Economics Advisor: Najrin Khanom

Redefining Gender and Sexuality: The Evolution of Women’s Roles in New German Cinema Addison Daugherty ’28, Graphic Design Advisor: Gregory H. Wolf

Project Purple: A New Take on an Ancient Pigment *Holly Helmers ’26, Biology: Biomedical Science *Mark Horton ’26, Chemistry Advisor: Nicholas Boaz

Medusa’s Many Faces: The Male Gaze, Perfect Victims, and a Symbol for Survivors Lucie Jumonville ’27, Studio Art Advisor: Mike de Brauw

The Experiences of Children During the Holocaust: Survival, Suffering, and Resilience in Concentration Camps Victoria Del Carmen ’26, Social Science/History and Secondary Education Advisor: Shereen Ilahi

*Denotes presenters

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ORAL PRESENTATIONS 9:35 - 10:55 a.m.

Wentz Science Center Historical Perspectives Moderator: Shereen Ilahi

Factors Impacting Jury Decision-Making in Criminal Sentencing Location: WSC 354

Divorced, Beheaded, Died, Divorced ... But Why?: German Painter Hans Holbein The Younger’s Portrait of Anne of Cleves

Tiera Jimerson ’25, Sociology and Criminology Advisor: Raleigh Blasdell

Public Opinion on Correctional Education in U.S. Prisons

Marina Jòkanović ’26, Art History and Acting Advisor: Gregory H. Wolf

Madeleine Hughes ’25, Criminology and Sociology Advisor: Raleigh Blasdell

Out on Campus: Early LGBTQ+ Activism at North Central College

Correlations and Causation

Nicole Mendez-Villarrubia ’25, Journalism and Media Communication Advisor: Steve Macek

Causes of the Salem Witch Trials Milam Phills ’26, Secondary Education and Social Science/History Advisor: Bruce Janacek

The Use of Magic in Tudor England Courtney Czuprynski ’25, History Advisor: Bruce Janacek

Location: WSC 040

The Impact of the 2007 Global Financial Crisis on Trade Balances Across Economies *Jai Acharya ’25, Accounting and Economics *Sergio Bracco ’25, Finance and Business Economics Advisor: Miranda Mendiola

Magnetic Fields’ Influence on Stellar Activity: An Inquiry into the Relationship Between Stellar Class and Stellar Activity

Emotions, Ethics and Philosophy Moderator: Quanisha Charles

Moderator: Miranda Mendiola Valdez

Location: WSC 104

“I Feel, Therefore I Can Be Free”: Audre Lorde and the Liberatory Power of Centering Emotions Ashlyn Allemand ’25, Sociology Advisor: Jennifer Smith

*Samuel Salvador ’26, Philosophy Brian Vargas (Lewis University) Advisor: Paul Bloom

Altered Perception: The Effect of Resume Quality on Disabled Applicants in Online Interviews Allison Bobek ’26, Molecular Neuroscience Advisor: Karl Kelley

The Function of Filial Piety in the Analects of Confucius John Spatara ’26, Shimer: Humanities and Environmental Studies Advisor: Daniela Barberis

Behind the Stripes: A Virtue Theory Analysis of NCC’s Men’s Cross Country Team

Our Home as a Lab Moderator: Joanna Weremijewicz

Location: WSC 013

Where Are the Women? Analyzing the Inclusion of Women-Identifying Authors in North Central College Syllabi

Kyle Mudler ’25, Biochemistry Advisor: Perry Hamalis

Elisabeth Gardner ’25, Political Science Advisor: Suzanne Chod

Executive/Leading Women and Their Relationship to Apologies in the Workplace

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Abundance Differs Based on Inoculation in a Post-Agricultural Restoration

Olivia Rosenberg ’25, Communication and Sociology Advisor: Mara Berkland

Ian Rosales ’25, Biology: Biological Science Advisor: Joanna Weremijewicz

Health and Fitness

Using Geographic Information Systems to Document Healthcare Equity in Chicago

Moderator: Rachel Luehrs

Location: WSC 010

Comparing Cardiorespiratory Fitness Levels Between First Generation and Continuing Generation College Students Francesca Whalen ’25, Exercise Science Advisor: Rachel Luehrs

Accessibility to Athletic Trainers and AEDs in Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death: A Critically Appraised Topic Corine Hamilton ’26, Masters of Athletic Training Advisor: Taylor Arman

Exploring the Differences in Executive Functioning Between Athletes and Non-Athletes

Elizabeth Watts ’27, Environmental Business Advisor: Reed Perkins

Beyond Barriers: Understanding and Improving Diabetes Care for Undocumented Migrants in Illinois Jasmine Tixta ’25, Health Science Advisor: Nicole Rivera

Cinema and Music Moderator: Jonathon Kirk

Location: WSC 356

The Excruciating Importance of Pretension: Thomas Vinterberg and the Dubious Path Toward Moderation

Amanda Melton ’25, Psychology Advisor: Daniel VanHorn

Dominick Gramarosso ’25, English Writing Advisor: Saul Kutnicki

Aspects of the Justice System

The Cinematic Code of Silence: Omertà, Mafia Myths, and Italian Identity

Moderator: Raleigh Blasdell

Location: WSC 036

Before the Badge: Hiring Practices of Midwestern Police Departments Samantha Kaczmarek ’25, Psychology, Crimonology, and Sociology Advisor: Raleigh Blasdell

CIT Differences Between Municipal Police Departments Ella Waughop ’25, Psychology and Criminology Advisor: Raleigh Blasdell

Paytyn Bavaro ’25, Anthropology Advisor: Matthew Krystal

A Theoretical Analysis of Neil Young as a Singer-Songwriter Rowan Brandou ’26, Music Performance and Theatre Advisor: Jonathon Kirk

Music: The Soundtrack (And Product) of Our Lives Zachary Scalafini ’26, Music Composition Advisor: Yu Zheng

*Denotes presenters

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ORAL PRESENTATIONS 9:35 - 10:55 a.m.

Wentz Science Center Politics, Doctrine and Influence

Transformative Storytelling: Student Roundtable

Moderator: William Muck

Moderator: Sophie Hand

Location: WSC 034

The “Yon-Fluenza” Outbreak in Japan: A Crucial Display of South Korean Soft Power Through One K-Drama Maxine Ocampo ’25, Global Studies Advisor: William Muck

A (MAD)der World: Practiced Nuclear Doctrine or Lip Service?

Ethan Garard ’25, Political Science Advisor: Suzanne Chod

Navigating the Nexus of Knowledge, Polarization, and Legitimacy: A Survey Experiment on the American Public’s Perception of the U.S. Supreme Court

Location: WSC 256

Transformative Storytelling: Student Roundtable *Elmeka Elme ’26, Theatre: Acting *Mitchell Corbett ’28, Crimonology *Andres Perez Delgadillo ’27, Secondary Education and Social Science/History *Jessica Ramirez ’25, Environmental Studies *Abigaile Phanor ’25, Marketing *Daphne Younge ’27, Computer Science *Juan Espinoza ’27, Special Education Advisor: Sophie Hand

Our Immigration Stories: Student Roundtable

Victoria Leonard ’25, Global Studies and Chinese Advisor: Suzanne Chod

Moderator: Jelena Sánchez

Unveiling Sino-Kenyan Relations and the Paradox of Foreign Influence

*Amanda Azpeitia ’28, Biology *Juan Espinoza ’27, Special Education *Caroline Huerta ’28, Diagnostic Medical Sonography *Olivia Mattison ’28, Exercise Science *Ashley Quinones ’28, Diagnostic Medical Sonography *Brian Salmeron ’25, Health Science *Jade Serrato ’27, Psychology *Heiry Sierra ’28, Criminology Advisor: Jelena Sánchez

Elie Imani ’25, Political Science Advisor: William Muck

Creative Endeavors Moderator: Rebecca Strang

Location: WSC 015

The Cards You Are Dealt Austin Scott ’25, Graphic Design Advisor: David Cordero

Our Immigration Stories: Student Roundtable

Center for Social Impact: Fellows Roundtable Moderators: Suzanne Chod and Eric Shuman

Giants of Another Size Richard Lahm ’25, English Writing and English Literature Advisor: Jennifer Jackson

Subgenres and Cohesive Fragmentation: The Lyric Essay as a Tool to Reclaim Agency After Trauma Rebecca Elsen ’25, English Literature Advisor: Rebecca Stafford

Our Lives Through Objects: Reclaiming Agency While Honoring Women Who Came Before Hannah Pruett ’25, English Writing and Organizational Communication Advisor: Jennifer Jackson

Marketing, Brand and Promotion Moderator: Jeffrey Anstine

Location: WSC 254

Location: WSC 101

Student Athlete Advocacy Social Media Accounts: What are They Promoting?

Hailey Poe ’25, Sport Management and Ethical Leadersihp Advisor: Krystina Sarff

From Grrreat to Green: A Comparison of U.S. and Latin American Approaches to the Regulation of Convenience Food Ads Targeting Children

Location: WSC 042

Creating a Safe-Space: Theatre as an Act of Inclusion for Elementary Students Jake Keller ’26, Musical Theatre and Theatre: Directing and Dramaturgy Advisors: Suzanne Chod and Eric Shuman

Growing Our Community: How a Community Garden Can Serve as a Third Place for North Central College and Naperville Margaret Sizemore ’25, Mathematics Advisors: Suzanne Chod and Eric Shuman

Pandemic Fallout: Student and Community Belonging at NCC in the Shadow of Covid-19 Abigail Black ’25, Political Science and Sociology Advisors: Suzanne Chod and Eric Shuman

Reading Country: Supporting Access to Public Libraries in Rural Communities Aaliyah McCormick ’26, Political Science Advisors: Suzanne Chod and Eric Shuman

Bridging the Gap: The Path Toward Naperville’s Climate Action Plan Roselynne Orrala ’28, Environmental Business and Economics Advisors: Suzanne Chod and Eric Shuman

Jose Gomez Briceno ’28, Management and Entrepreneurship Advisor: Casey Gough

The 2LOVE Brand Kathryn Wagner ’25, Philosophy and Graphic Design Advisor: Hale Ekinci

American Marketing Association Competition *Claira Panos ’25, Marketing and Entrepreneurship *Dylan Becker ’25, Business Management *Vianni Duarte ’26, Organizational Communication *Aiden Healy ’26, Marketing and Business Management *Jadyn Smith ’26, Marketing Advisor: Donnavieve Smith

TO VIEW THE PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS: Visit northcentralcollege.edu/ honors-day Scan the QR code

*Denotes presenters

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POSTER PRESENTATIONS: SESSION II 11:10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Judy G. Stevenson Hall, second floor, Wentz Science Center Two-Faced: Mental Health Reflected, A Visual Representation of Anxiety Through Technology Andjela Kesar ’25, Interactive Media Studies: Technology Advisor: David Cordero

Cardinal Lens: Raising Environmental Awareness Through Photography Kristina Kesar ’25, Environmental Studies Advisor: Christine Rabenold

Why Do People Consume Cannabis?

Daphne Kolody ’25, Psychology Advisor: Mary Jean Lynch

Further Understanding the Role of Bzz1 during Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis Abby MacKenzie ’25, Biology Advisor: Steve Johnston

From Marriage to Motherhood: Nazi Policies on Women, 1938-1945 Victoria Robinson ’26, Social Science/History and Secondary Education Advisor: Shereen Ilahi

The Role of Religious Leaders in Navigating Trauma Mia Rogers ’25, Psychology and Shimer: Humanities Advisor: Nicole Rivera

Interpretations of “Sin” and How It Is Used to Control Female Bodies Megan Sinnaeve ’26, Sociology Advisor: Raleigh Blasdell

Biochemical Identification of MyosinVIIA Binding Partners Kate Taylor ’26, Biology Advisor: Jennifer Sallee

Ketamine’s Effects on the Dentate Gyrus and Ventral Subiculum C-Fos Activity during Oxycodone Incubation of Drug Seeking

*Maisha Marzan ’25, Biology and Applied Mathematics Anthony Flores ’25, Biology Rebecca Grecco ’25, Biology Advisor: Chandreyee Mitra

*Lukasz Teper ’26, Behavioral Neuroscience Stephanie SHerrod ’24, Molecular Neuroscience and Psychology Marjia Angelovska ’24, Molecular Neuroscience Ari Watts ’26, Molecular Neuroscience Natalie Falco ’26, Molecular Neuroscience Advisor: Micheal T. Stefanik

Using FRET Microscopy to Compare the Binding Affinity of Various PLM Mutants to the NKA Pump

Children’s Museums and Communities

Effects of Temperature in Gryllodes sigillatus Mating Behavior

*Alexis Mazzenga ’25, Exercise Science Seth Robia (Loyola University Chicago) Advisor: Marylin Skarbek

Neurocognitive Deficits and the Risk for ACL Injury Luis Moreno ’26, Masters of Athletic Training Advisor: Kendall Selsky

Developing Intermuscular Coherence and Clustering Index as Features for Machine Learning Models of ALS Avinash Moses ’24, Molecular Neuroscience Advisor: Naoum Issa (University of Chicago)

Effects of Diet Quality and Quantity on Mating Behaviors in Male G. sigillatus Crickets *Zach Mottlow ’25, Biology Bailey Lomahan ’25, Environmental Science Advisor: Chandreyee Mitra

Observing Dose-Dependent Attenuation of Oxytocin in the Cocaine-Seeking Behavior of Differentially Reared Rats *Trinity Murray ’26, Molecular Neuroscience *Stephanie Sherrod ’24, Psychology and Molecular Neuroscience *Elizabeth Norman ’25, Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Holly Helmers ’26, Biology: Biomedical Science Miranda “Lily” Baker ’26, Molecular Neuroscience Advisor: Margaret Gill

In Physically Active Individuals that Have Sustained a Concussion, Does Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Improve Recovery Time?

*Teresa Chew ’26, Psychology and Philosophy *Adeline Salgado ’25, Psychology Deisy Perez ’26, Behavioral Neuroscience Courtney Ryan ’26, Psychology Advisor: Nicole Rivera

Mythbusting: Journaling to Debunk Psychology Misconceptions and Explore Social Circles’ Beliefs *Colette Tozier ’26, Psychology Mia Rogers ’25, Psychology and Shimer: Humanities Natalie Peters ’24, Psychology Advisor: Marissa Bamberger

Refuse to Lose: The Legacy of John Thorne Eduardo Valdes ’27, Social Science/History and Secondary Education Advisor: Shereen Ilahi

Three COX10 Point Mutations, Potentially Associated with Leigh Syndrome in Humans, are Partially Functional at Low Expression Levels in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae *Amber Vande Hei ’-25, Biomedical Science *Kyla Border ’25, Biomedical Science Advisor: Steve Johnston

Decolonizing the Arab Revolt: Arab Agency in a British-Dominated Narrative Cristian Walsh ’26, History Advisor: Shereen Ilahi

Dark Matter Detection Simulation for MAGIS-100

Kellyann O’Neil ’26, Masters of Athletic Training Advisor: Taeopae Wetterman

Nicholas White ’26, Mathematics and Physics Advisor: Mandy Kiburg

Effects of Static Stretching and Dynamic Stretching Relating to Muscle Stiffness

Case Study: The Coffee Lab Sustainability Report

Harsh Patel ’26, Masters of Athletic Training Advisor: Scott Ellis

Abigail Black ’25, Political Science and Sociology Advisor: Esen Andiç-Mortan

Fruits of My Labor: Writing, Illustrating, and Designing a Picture Book About Creativity and Burnout Andrea Peguero Gonzalez ’25, Studio Art Advisor: Hale Ekinci

*Denotes presenters

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49TH ANNUAL HONORS CONVOCATION 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Wentz Concert Hall

*Processional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Proud Heritage” by William Latham North Central College Concert Winds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Lawrence Van Oyen, Conductor Audience, please stand.

Invocation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Perry Hamalis Cecelia Schneller Mueller Professor of Religion; Professor of Religious Studies Welcome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Abiódún Gòkè-Pariolá President Awards Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Kristin Geraty Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES ART and DESIGN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Hale Ekinci Diane Duvigneaud Senior Art Award: Kathryn Wagner Outstanding Major in Art and Design: Andrea Peguero Gonzalez BIOCHEMISTRY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Stephen Johnston Outstanding Major in Biochemistry: Kyle Mudler BIOLOGY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Chandreyee Mitra Outstanding Major in Biology: Kyla Border CHEMISTRY and PHYSICS Outstanding Major in Chemistry: Taylor Nelson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Nick Boaz Outstanding Major in Physics: Eric Novello. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Paul Bloom COMMUNICATION and MEDIA STUDIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Amy Grim Buxbaum John Madormo Outstanding Student Broadcaster: Ashly Rico Outstanding Major in Communication Studies: Olivia Rosenberg Outstanding Student in Forensics: Rebecca Elsen Outstanding Major in Interactive Media Studies: Emma Akers Outstanding Major in Journalism and Media Communication: Karla Damian Outstanding Major in Organizational Communication: Breanne Sheffer COMPUTER SCIENCE and ENGINEERING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Donghwoon Kwon Outstanding Major in Computer Science and Engineering: Rares-Mihail Neagu ENGLISH STUDIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jennifer Smith Outstanding Major in English: Dominick Gramarosso Outstanding Major in Literature: Mason Collins Outstanding Major in Writing: Ryan Schmidt

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HISTORY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Luke Franks Outstanding Major in Social Science/History: Sarah Tanny James Henry Breasted Class of 1890 Outstanding Major in History: Gage Nielsen MATHEMATICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Katherine Heller Outstanding Major in Actuarial Science: Isaac Ortiz Outstanding Major in Applied Mathematics: Maisha Marzan Outstanding Major in Mathematics: Anthony Kindness MECHANICAL and ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING Outstanding Major in Mechanical Engineering: Madeline Barickman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Shan-Ju Chiang Outstanding Major in Electrical Engineering: Colby Kingsbury . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Daniel Rico-Aniles MUSIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Susan Chou Clarence Juhnke Outstanding Music Major Award: Caroline Derango Outstanding Major in Music Education: David Lange PHILOSOPHY and RELIGIOUS STUDIES Outstanding Major in Philosophy: Justin Schroeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Greg Lynch Outstanding Major in Religious Studies: Sydney Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Shelley Birdsong POLITICAL SCIENCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. William Muck Outstanding Major in Political Science: Elie Imani PSYCHOLOGY and NEUROSCIENCE Outstanding Major in Psychology: Samantha Kaczmarek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Karl Kelley Outstanding Major in Neuroscience: Elizabeth Norman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Maggie Gill SHIMER GREAT BOOKS SCHOOL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Stuart Patterson Outstanding Student in the Shimer Great Books School: John Spatara SOCIOLOGY, CRIMINOLOGY and ANTHROPOLOGY Outstanding Major in Sociology: Ashlyn Allemand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Raleigh Blasdell Outstanding Major in Criminology: Dakota Drew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Raleigh Blasdell Outstanding Major in Anthropology: Paytyn Bavaro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Matthew Krystal THEATRE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Laura Lodewyck Outstanding Major in Musical Theatre: Gabriela Sorrentino Outstanding Majors in Theatre: Kelly Ahr and Nathan Dittemore Outstanding Major in Theatrical Design and Technology: Alyson Meyers WORLD LANGUAGES and CULTURES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Norval Bard Outstanding Student in Chinese: Elie Imani Outstanding Student in French: Arianna Teichman Outstanding Student in German: Alexander Wickersheim Outstanding Student in Japanese: Abigail Scuito Outstanding Student in Spanish: James Crue

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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACCOUNTING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Sarah Kostelny Outstanding Major in Accounting: Lucy Culig ECONOMICS and FINANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Gwendolyn Tedeschi Outstanding Major in Economics: Davis Nelson Outstanding Major in Finance: Nicholas Larak MANAGEMENT and MARKETING Outstanding Major in Management: Breanne Sheffer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jeffrey Anstine

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION & HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Kathleen King Outstanding Major in Elementary Education: Tea Milazzo Outstanding Major in Secondary Education: Megan Lemley HEALTH SCIENCES Outstanding Major in Health Science: Jasmine Tixta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Molly Swick Outstanding Major in Sport Management: Hailey Poe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Krystina Sarff KINESIOLOGY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Rachel Luehrs Outstanding Major in Exercise Science: Francesca Whalen

INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES EAST ASIAN STUDIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Brian Hoffert Outstanding Major in East Asian Studies: James Crue ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Chandreyee Mitra Outstanding Major in Environmental Studies: Bailey Lomahan INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Jennifer Smith Dr. Francine G. Navakas Student in Interdisciplinary Studies: Rebecca Elsen LEADERSHIP, ETHICS and VALUES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Julie Nagashima Outstanding Major in Ethical Leadership: Hailey Poe

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RECOGNITIONS Class of 2025 College Scholar Honors Theses [see page 11] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Sue Lafferty Scholar All-Americans [see page 12] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Daniel VanHorn Distinguished Military Graduate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Julie Carballo Award Recipient: Dakota Drew

COLLEGE AWARDS Outstanding Service to Student Life Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Julie Carballo Award Recipient: Monaya Ali Margaret Youel Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ms. Julie Carballo Award Recipients: LaTavia Davison and Nicole Mendez-Villarrubia Harold R. Wilde Distinguished Service Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Jaydon Brown Megan Sweeney ’01 Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Karl Kelley Award Recipient: Samantha Kaczmarek Outstanding Senior Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Abiódún Gòkè-Pariolá Closing Remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Abiódún Gòkè-Pariolá Alma Mater

North Central is the school we love, To her we sing this praise, And from the East and from the West You hear the voices raise...

Hail! Hail! North Central Hail!

Our Alma Mater true, We’ll always, always loyal be To you, to you, to you. *Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Proud Heritage” by William Latham

Please stand and remain in seats until faculty process out.

An Honors Reception will be held in the Wentz Concert Hall Lobby immediately following the Convocation.

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Student

Director

COLLEGE SCHOLAR HONORS THESES Thesis Title

Ashlyn Allemand �����������������������������Jennifer Smith ���������������������������� “I Feel, Therefore I Can Be Free”: Audre Lorde and the Liberatory Power of Centering Emotions Elisabeth Gardner ��������������������������Suzanne Chod ���������������������������� Where Are the Women? Analyzing Syllabi at North Central College to Elevate the Voices of Women-Identifying Authors Andjela Kesar ����������������������������������David Cordero ���������������������������� Two-Faced: Mental Health Reflected Kristina Kesar ����������������������������������Christine Rabenold ������������������� Cardinal Lens: Raising Environmental Awareness Through Photography Victoria Leonard ����������������������������Suzanne Chod ���������������������������� Navigating the Nexus of Knowledge, Polarization, and Legitimacy: A Survey Experiment on the American Public’s Perception of the U.S. Supreme Court Nicole Mendez-Villarrubia �����������Steve Macek ������������������������������� Out on Campus: Early LGBTQ+ Activism at North Central College Victoria Monte ��������������������������������Gregory H. Wolf �������������������������� The Mythology of Baseball: How the New York Yankees Used the American Dream to Achieve Cultural Ubiquity Kyle Mudler ��������������������������������������Perry Hamalis ����������������������������� Behind the Stripes: A Virtue Theory Analysis of North Central College’s Men’s Cross Country Team Maxine Ocampo �����������������������������William Muck ������������������������������� The “Yon-Fluenza” Outbreak in Japan: A Crucial Display of South Korean Soft Power Through One K-Drama Andrea Peguero Gonzalez �����������Hale Ekinci ����������������������������������� Fruits of My Labor: Writing, Illustrating, and Designing a Picture Book About Creativity and Burnout Hailey Poe ����������������������������������������Krystina Sarff ����������������������������� Student Athlete Advocacy Social Media Accounts: What Are They Promoting?

Mia Rogers ����������������������������������������Nicole Rivera ������������������������������� The Role of Religious Leaders in Navigating Trauma Jasmine Tixta ����������������������������������Nicole Rivera ������������������������������� Educating on Disparities: Healthcare System Deficiencies and Diabetes Outcomes in Undocumented Latinx Immigrants Olivia Wegner ����������������������������������Jonathon Kirk ����������������������������� A Reflection of the Gift of Music Francesca Whalen �������������������������Rachel Luehrs ���������������������������� Comparing Cardiorespiratory Fitness Levels of First Generation and Continuing Generation College Students Emily Yost ����������������������������������������Patrcia Schacht ������������������������� Exploring North Central College Students’ Perception of Climate Change

Student

RICHTER INDEPENDENT STUDY FELLOWSHIP RECIPIENTS

Thesis Title

Nicole Baker �������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������� Identifying the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Community in a Post-Agricultural Prairie Restoration Elie Imani �������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������� Bringing Horizons: Evaluating the Impact of Sino-Kenyan Infrastructure Partnerships on Local Development and Global Relations Andjela Kesar ����������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������� Two-Faced: Mental Health Reflected Kristina Kesar ��������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������� Cardinal Lens: Raising Environmental Awareness Through Photography Andrea Peguero Gonzalez ����������� ������������������������������������������������������� Fruits of My Labor: Writing, Illustrating, and Designing a Picture Book About Creativity and Burnout Ian Rosales ��������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������� Quantifying Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in a Post-Agricultural Prairie Restoration

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SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICANS Baseball 2024 ABCA Academic Team Award Football 2024 CSC Academic All-Americans: BJ Adamchik, Bobby Behmer, Jeske Maples NFF Hampshire Honor Society: James Hart, Will Kettelkamp, Myron Lewis, Joey Lombardi, Nic Rummell, Jarod Thornton, Antwain Walker NCAA Elite 90 Award: Bobby Behmer Men’s Cross Country 2024 USTFCCCA All-Academic: Luke Hoffmann, Matt Jett, Clark Kelly, Jacob Kluckhohn, BJ Sorg, Emerald Svienty USTFCCCA All-Academic Team Award

Women’s Cross Country 2024 USTFCCCA All-Academic: Lily Anderson, Julia Benes USTFCCCA All-Academic Team Award Women’s Golf 2024 WGCA All-American Scholars: Reagan Braker, Mallorie Clifton, Tatiana Cooper, Aleksa Gizewicz Women’s Lacrosse 2024 IWLCA Academic Honor Roll: Lucy Culig, Ellie Gosselin, Tori Leonard, Abby MacKenzie, Reese McMullen, Annelise Oster, Madison Smith, Taylor Smith

Men’s Golf 2024 GCAA All-America Scholar Team: Zachary Lunde

Women’s Soccer 2024 CSC Academic All-American of the Year: Elle Sutter CSC Academic All-American: Kassandra Salviola, Elle Sutter USC Scholar All-American: Kassandra Salviola USC Team Academic Award

Men’s Soccer 2023 USC Scholar Team Academic Award

Women’s Swimming & Diving 2024 CSCAA Scholar All-America Team Award

Men’s Swimming & Diving 2023 - 2024 CSCAA Scholar All-America Team

Women’s Tennis 2024 ITA Division III Scholar Athletes: Mikayla Edquiban, Kate Herlihy, Kayla McSweeney, Nina Patience ITA All-Academic Team Award

Men’s Tennis 2024 ITA Division III Scholar Athletes: Matt Crossland, Ned Curley, Brian Gambuzza, Rafael Lessa, David Vilarroig Martinez Men’s Track & Field 2024 USTFCCCA All-Academic: Anthony Divenere, Luke Hoffmann, Jayden Leise, Braden Nicholson, Connor Riss, Emerland Svienty USTFCCCA All-Academic Team Award Men’s Volleyball 2024 CSC Academic All-American: Tyler Donovan Men’s Wrestling 2025 NWCA Scholar All-American: Casey Aikman, Robby Bates, Raymond Cavey, Josh Robinson, Kenny Siwicki, Ethan Spacht, Tyler Starr

Women’s Track & Field 2024 USTFCCCA All-Academic: Gwen Berenyi, Alexandra Draves, Mercedes Jackson, Natalie Johnson, Hannah Jones, Katelyn McCann, Kyla Miller, Cali Minkie, Lindsey Novak, Cire’ Smith CSC Academic All-Americans: Hannah Jones, Lindsey Novak USTFCCCA All-Academic Team Award Women’s Triathlon 2024 CTCA Scholar All-Americans: Abigail Anderson, Charlotte Kumler, Hailey Poe Women’s Volleyball 2024 AVCA Team Academic Award Women’s Wrestling 2025 NWCA Scholar All-Americans: Riley Aamold, Bella Bolek, Caylynn Chandler, Dakota Drew, Mikayla Garcia, Taylor Graveman, Emma Grimm, Gracie Guarino, Fiona McConnell, Taylor Miess, Eliano Paramo, Sydney Park, Sydney Perry, Sydney Petzinger, Lizzie Raleigh, Kendra Ryan, Sara Sterner, Clare Waite, Halle White, Dasia Yearby, Amaya Yoshizumi, Zurri Zamora

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Indicates building with event