{"id":479,"date":"2026-04-08T11:17:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T18:17:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/?page_id=479"},"modified":"2026-04-21T13:09:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T20:09:40","slug":"2026-top-ten-seniors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Top Ten Seniors"},"content":{"rendered":"<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-width--full wsu-notch--large wsu-notch-medium-top wsu-spacing-bottom--none wsu-spacing-before--none\"  >\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-section__inner wsu-width--content\">    \n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-text-align--center wsu-spacing-after--large\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-page-title wsu-align-item--center\" >\r\n    \n\n<h1 class=\"wsu-font-color--gray-70\"><strong>2026<\/strong> Top Ten Seniors<\/h1>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--halves\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-color-background--white wsu-spacing-after--none wsu-spacing-padding-left--xxmedium wsu-spacing-padding-right--xxmedium\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<p class=\"wsu-spacing-after--large\">For more than 80 years, Washington State University has recognized ten of the top seniors in each graduating class. The <a href=\"https:\/\/alumni.wsu.edu\/\">WSU Alumni Association<\/a> selects those students who represent the highest standards in specific aspects of the college experience: academics, athletics, campus involvement, community service, and visual and performing arts.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-padding-left--xxmedium wsu-spacing-top--medium\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n\n<ul class=\"wsu-list--columns-2 wsu-custom-list\"><li><a href=\"#gonzalez\">Joan \u201cJo\u201d Castaneda Gonzalez<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#rickard\">Eva Rickard<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#borgida\">Ben Borgida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#lundgren\">Emily Lundgren<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#iyer\">Bhargav Iyer<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#ramirez\">Mauro Ramirez<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#andersen\">Aunjelique Andersen<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#elliot\">Audrey Elliot<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#clifton\">Kendal Clifton<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#lewis\">Hai Xing Lewis<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta wsu-spacing-after--large wsu-spacing-before--small\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/2024-top-ten-seniors-copy\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button  wsu-button--style-action\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tView 2025 Top Ten Seniors\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div><\/section>\n\n<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-width--full wsu-color-background--white wsu-spacing-after--none wsu-spacing-top--hero\" id=\"gonzalez\" >\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-section__inner wsu-width--content\">    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-lines-gray\" style=\"top:0;left:0;right:120px;height:35px;width:auto\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-crimson-light\" style=\"top:-12px;left:7%;right:45%;height:35px;width:auto\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-spacing-top--default wsu-spacing-bottom--default wsu-spacing-after--xxmedium wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-top--default wsu-spacing-bottom--medium\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-max-width--xxmedium wsu-video-section\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-heading\" >\r\n    \n\n<h2>Joan \u201cJo\u201d Castaneda Gonzalez<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-custom-award-category\">Award Category: Academics<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-subhead wsu-font-color--gray-60\" >\r\n    \n\n<p>College of Arts and Sciences, Honors College<br>Biochemistry, Chemistry<br>WSU Pullman<br>Everson, Washington<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3>Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Barry M. Goldwater Scholar; Scott and Linda Carson Undergraduate Research Excellence Award; first author for journal article published in WIRES Nanomedicine &amp; Nanobiotechnology, 2025; Research Poster Presentation Award, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Students, 2025; student leader for Leadership in STEM through Applied Mentoring Programs (LSAMP)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Favorite WSU activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I think the Leadership in STEM through Applied Mentoring Program is fantastic. It\u2019s for students who are underrepresented in STEM fields. When I moved to Pullman, I didn\u2019t know anyone. Through LSAMP, I\u2019ve met a lot of people that I\u2019ve stayed in touch with. The LSAMP Center also serves as the hub for a National Institute of Health-funded research program that I\u2019m involved in. We get a lot of people through that space, and it\u2019s always just nice to be around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Amelia Ramirez Vargas was one of the people I mentored. It has been really nice to mentor her and grow academically with her. We won an award at one of the regional conferences and we also won a national award. Seeing the people that you mentor have success is really wonderful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Future plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I will be moving to Minnesota to start my PhD in organic chemistry at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. There are two routes I\u2019m interested in. I would love to become a research professor, where I would continue to do research and mentor students. The other interest of mine is to work at an industrial pharmaceutical company to help develop the next generation of medicines.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-padding-left--none wsu-spacing-padding-right--none wsu-spacing-top--hero\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-position--relative wsu-spacing-after--large\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-wsu wsu-hide--desktop\" style=\"top:30%;bottom:-5vw;left:-5vw;height:auto;width:calc( 75% + 5vw)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator wsu-decorator--profile wsu-decorator--gonzalez wsu-decorator--background  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-dark\" style=\"top:-5vw;bottom:-5vw;left:50%;height:auto;width:calc( 150% + 180px)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wsu-image--style-framed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1408\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Jo-Castaneda-Gonzalez_7537-792x1408.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Jo-Castaneda-Gonzalez_7537-792x1408.jpg 792w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Jo-Castaneda-Gonzalez_7537-396x704.jpg 396w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Jo-Castaneda-Gonzalez_7537-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Jo-Castaneda-Gonzalez_7537-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Jo-Castaneda-Gonzalez_7537-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Jo-Castaneda-Gonzalez_7537-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-lines-gray\" style=\"top:0;bottom:0;left:-100%;right:-100%;height:auto;width:auto\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta  wsu-text-align--center wsu-position--relative\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"#\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button wsu-custom-button\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack To Top\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div><\/section>\n\n<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-width--full wsu-color-background--white wsu-spacing-top--large wsu-spacing-after--none\" id=\"rickard\" >\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-section__inner wsu-width--content\">    \n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-top--hero wsu-spacing-padding-left--none wsu-spacing-padding-right--none\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-position--relative wsu-spacing-after--large\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-wsu wsu-hide--desktop\" style=\"top:30%;bottom:-5vw;right:-5vw;height:auto;width:calc( 75% + 5vw)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator wsu-decorator--profile wsu-decorator--rickard wsu-decorator--background wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-dark\" style=\"top:-5vw;bottom:-5vw;right:50%;height:auto;width:calc( 150% + 180px)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wsu-image--style-framed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1408\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Eva-Rickard_v_6331-792x1408.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-482\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Eva-Rickard_v_6331-792x1408.jpg 792w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Eva-Rickard_v_6331-396x704.jpg 396w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Eva-Rickard_v_6331-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Eva-Rickard_v_6331-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Eva-Rickard_v_6331-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Eva-Rickard_v_6331-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-bottom--medium\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-align-item--right wsu-max-width--xxmedium wsu-video-section\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-heading\" >\r\n    \n\n<h2>Eva Rickard<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-custom-award-category\">Award Category: Academics<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-subhead wsu-font-color--gray-60\" >\r\n    \n\n<p>College of Arts and Sciences, Honors College<br>Data Analytics<br>WSU Pullman<br>Billings, Montana<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3>Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>First place Undergraduate Research Award at Veterinary Medicine and Molecular Biosciences Annual Showcase (2023 and 2024); undergraduate lab assistant at WSU Duttke Laboratory, studying molecular mechanisms that drive the pathogenesis of Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia; selected as one of three WSU students to be asked to give an oral presentation of their independent research to Pacific Northwest National Labs Research and Development professionals; MD Class of 2030 accepted to three Top 50 programs; WSU Alumni Association Leadership Award (2024 and 2025); WSU Undergraduate Research Award (2024 and 2025); Carson Research Scholar Fellow (2025); Glenn Terrell Presidential Scholarship recipient (2022-2025); 2025 WSU Goldwater Award recipient; co-author on Nature Protocols article; ABRCMS 2024 Molecular Biology Poster Award; Wilderness First Responder; Pullman Regional Hospital volunteer coordinator<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Favorite WSU activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m really proud of my first poster presentation. I had only been working in the lab for six weeks, and I was still really gaining confidence both in the material and in myself. I was taking my first 100-level biology course that semester when my principal investigator, Dr. Duttke said, \u201cLet\u2019s do a poster.\u201d It\u2019s kind of scary but he said, well, if you think you can do it, I want you to do it and I\u2019ll help you. I said okay, so I put together this poster and I presented it. And then I ended up winning and I think it was just such a big boost for my confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Future plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m accepted into medical school and trying to keep my mind open about the specialty. I would probably say anesthesia or some application of family medicine. I don\u2019t know if I would continue the research with Alzheimer\u2019s, but I definitely see myself doing other sorts of research. I\u2019m very passionate about women\u2019s health, so I could see myself doing some sort of research in medical school.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-lines-gray\" style=\"top:0;bottom:0;left:-100%;right:-100%;height:auto;width:auto\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta  wsu-text-align--center wsu-position--relative\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"#\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button wsu-custom-button\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack To Top\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div><\/section>\n\n<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-width--full wsu-color-background--white wsu-spacing-top--large wsu-spacing-after--none\" id=\"borgida\" >\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-section__inner wsu-width--content\">    \n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-spacing-top--default wsu-spacing-bottom--default wsu-spacing-after--xxmedium wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-top--default wsu-spacing-bottom--medium\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-max-width--xxmedium wsu-video-section\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-heading\" >\r\n    \n\n<h2>Ben Borgida<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-custom-award-category\">Award Category: Athletics<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-subhead wsu-font-color--gray-60\" >\r\n    \n\n<p>College of Arts and Sciences, Honors College<br>Biology<br>WSU Pullman<br>Shoreline, Washington<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3>Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WSU men\u2019s golf team player, 30 tournaments, fifth individually at the Canadian Collegiate Tournament in Toronto, and two team tournament victories; vice president and co-founder, Athletes in STEM; Pac-12 representative, WSU athletic department; vice president and president, Student Athlete Advisory Committee; NCAA Student-Athlete leadership convention; Special Olympics basketball coach; Student Athlete of the Month 2025; WSU Honor Roll 2022-2025; WCC All Academic selection; WSU Athletics Student of the Year, Teammate of the Year, 2024-2025; Butch\u2019s Bash, engaging local youth with student-athletes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Favorite WSU experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Being involved as the vice president of Student Athlete Advisory Committee last year, then president this year, has opened my eyes to how the athletic department works and the environment between different teams and coaches and staff. That\u2019s been a very rewarding experience to plan events and to work on stuff behind the scenes and see that come to fruition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of my good friends, Samantha Krew [Top Ten Senior 2025], and I founded the Athletes in STEM club. That was great being able to foster a community of people who often feels alone, working on Friday and Saturday nights in the library with practice and minimal days off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve spent a lot of time practicing with my teammates at the golf facility and there are countless memories of really good things. And there are also tough times that have happened where you just feel like you can rely on the people who support you the most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Future plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I have a fifth year of eligibility because I redshirted my freshman year, so I\u2019ll be back at WSU playing on the golf team. I\u2019ll take some classes, not working necessarily towards a degree, but hope to spend some time volunteering or working in a hospital or dental office. After that, I\u2019ll decide if I want to apply to dental school or medical school or pursue some other route.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-padding-left--none wsu-spacing-padding-right--none wsu-spacing-top--hero\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-position--relative wsu-spacing-after--large\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-wsu wsu-hide--desktop\" style=\"top:30%;bottom:-5vw;left:-5vw;height:auto;width:calc( 75% + 5vw)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator wsu-decorator--profile wsu-decorator--borgida wsu-decorator--background wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-dark\" style=\"top:-5vw;bottom:-5vw;left:50%;height:auto;width:calc( 150% + 180px)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wsu-image--style-framed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1408\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Ben-Borgia_7257-792x1408.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-483\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Ben-Borgia_7257-792x1408.jpg 792w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Ben-Borgia_7257-396x704.jpg 396w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Ben-Borgia_7257-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Ben-Borgia_7257-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Ben-Borgia_7257-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Ben-Borgia_7257-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-lines-gray\" style=\"top:0;bottom:0;left:-100%;right:-100%;height:auto;width:auto\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta  wsu-text-align--center wsu-position--relative\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"#\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button wsu-custom-button\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack To Top\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div><\/section>\n\n<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-width--full wsu-color-background--white wsu-spacing-top--large wsu-spacing-after--none\" id=\"lundgren\" >\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-section__inner wsu-width--content\">    \n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-top--hero wsu-spacing-padding-left--none wsu-spacing-padding-right--none\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-position--relative wsu-spacing-after--large\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-wsu wsu-hide--desktop\" style=\"top:30%;bottom:-5vw;right:-5vw;height:auto;width:calc( 75% + 5vw)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator wsu-decorator--profile wsu-decorator--lundgren wsu-decorator--background wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-dark\" style=\"top:-5vw;bottom:-5vw;right:50%;height:auto;width:calc( 150% + 180px)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wsu-image--style-framed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1408\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Emily-Lundgren_v_6077-792x1408.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-484\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Emily-Lundgren_v_6077-792x1408.jpg 792w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Emily-Lundgren_v_6077-396x704.jpg 396w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Emily-Lundgren_v_6077-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Emily-Lundgren_v_6077-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Emily-Lundgren_v_6077-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Emily-Lundgren_v_6077-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-bottom--medium\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-align-item--right wsu-max-width--xxmedium wsu-video-section\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-heading\" >\r\n    \n\n<h2>Emily Lundgren<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-custom-award-category\">Award Category: Athletics<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-subhead wsu-font-color--gray-60\" >\r\n    \n\n<p>College of Arts and Sciences<br>Digital Technology and Culture<br>WSU Pullman<br>Chula Vista, California<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3>Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Women\u2019s swimming; four-time qualifier for NCAA swimming championship; All-American in the 200-yard breast stroke (2024, 2025, 2026); All-American in the 100-yard breast stroke (2026); Academic All American 2025; WSU record holder for 100-yard butterfly stroke, 100-yard breast stroke, 200-yard breast stroke, 200-yard individual medley; 2025 Mountain West Swimmer of the Year; 2024 US Olympic Trials qualifier; represented Team USA at the 2023 World University Games; interned four years with WSU Athletics creative video department<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Favorite WSU activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Athletics and swimming was such a huge part of my time here. Training, competing, and traveling with my teammates helped me find a sense of belonging at WSU. Representing WSU on a national level was so much fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anytime we traveled, we got a bunch of \u201cGo Cougs!\u201d One of my favorite trips was the Pac-12 championships in Seattle my sophomore year. A bunch of Coug fans came out to watch us swim. On the way home, as the flight attendants were doing their checks, they said, \u201cA huge shoutout to the WSU swim team.\u201d Everyone on the flight erupted with a \u201cGo Cougs!\u201d I still think about that. It was pretty crazy and super sweet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Future plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m planning to get an MBA, and then I have two possible paths. I could continue swimming professionally to qualify for the 2028 Olympic trials. The 2028 Summer Olympics are being held in Los Angeles. Or I could begin my creative video career. I would be looking for internships or jobs within college athletic departments or professional sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I want to be a big advocate for women in sports. I also want to bring more visibility to swimming. It\u2019s a sport that gets lots of attention every four years at the Olympics, but there\u2019s so much intense, fast swimming happening in between. I want to help connect sports fans with the world of competitive swimming.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-lines-gray\" style=\"top:0;bottom:0;left:-100%;right:-100%;height:auto;width:auto\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta  wsu-text-align--center wsu-position--relative\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"#\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button wsu-custom-button\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack To Top\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div><\/section>\n\n<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-width--full wsu-color-background--white wsu-spacing-top--large wsu-spacing-after--none\" id=\"iyer\" >\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-section__inner wsu-width--content\">    \n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-spacing-top--default wsu-spacing-bottom--default wsu-spacing-after--xxmedium wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-top--default wsu-spacing-bottom--medium\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-max-width--xxmedium wsu-video-section\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-heading\" >\r\n    \n\n<h2>Bhargav Iyer<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-custom-award-category\">Award Category: Campus Involvement<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-subhead wsu-font-color--gray-60\" >\r\n    \n\n<p>College of Arts and Sciences<br>Biology<br>WSU Pullman<br>Puyallup, Washington<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3>Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>ASWSU director of legislative affairs; representative for the World Federation of United Nations Associations Model UN in Geneva, Switzerland; WHO Diplomat Award; USSA Distinguished Leader Award; WSU Distinguished Leader Award; Cougar lobbying; Pre-Dental Club president; undergraduate research assistant in the Guo Group collaborating with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratories for the vitrification of waste from molten salt reactors; Undergraduate Research Fellowship; Canadian Light Source visiting scholar; published in the American Chemical Society<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Favorite WSU activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s an easy one \u2013 Apple Cup 2024. We beat the purple guys 24-19. I wasn\u2019t able to be there, but I watched it on TV, and I could hear all the shouts and the screams in Pullman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Future plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A lot of what I want to do is in the health care space. I\u2019m hoping to find something that merges my work in policy and my academic background in biology. I\u2019m taking a gap year, but I do plan to get professional credentials in dentistry, so four years of dental school.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-padding-left--none wsu-spacing-padding-right--none wsu-spacing-top--hero\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-position--relative wsu-spacing-after--large\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-wsu wsu-hide--desktop\" style=\"top:30%;bottom:-5vw;left:-5vw;height:auto;width:calc( 75% + 5vw)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator wsu-decorator--profile wsu-decorator--iyer wsu-decorator--background  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-dark\" style=\"top:-5vw;bottom:-5vw;left:50%;height:auto;width:calc( 150% + 180px)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wsu-image--style-framed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1408\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Bhargav-Iyer_7442-792x1408.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Bhargav-Iyer_7442-792x1408.jpg 792w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Bhargav-Iyer_7442-396x704.jpg 396w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Bhargav-Iyer_7442-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Bhargav-Iyer_7442-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Bhargav-Iyer_7442-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Bhargav-Iyer_7442-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-lines-gray\" style=\"top:0;bottom:0;left:-100%;right:-100%;height:auto;width:auto\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta  wsu-text-align--center wsu-position--relative\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"#\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button wsu-custom-button\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack To Top\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div><\/section>\n\n<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-width--full wsu-color-background--white wsu-spacing-top--large wsu-spacing-after--none\" id=\"ramirez\" >\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-section__inner wsu-width--content\">    \n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-top--hero wsu-spacing-padding-left--none wsu-spacing-padding-right--none\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-position--relative wsu-spacing-after--large\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-wsu wsu-hide--desktop\" style=\"top:30%;bottom:-5vw;right:-5vw;height:auto;width:calc( 75% + 5vw)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator wsu-decorator--profile wsu-decorator--ramirez wsu-decorator--background  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-dark\" style=\"top:-5vw;bottom:-5vw;right:50%;height:auto;width:calc( 150% + 180px)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wsu-image--style-framed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1408\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Mauro-Ramirez_v_2784-792x1408.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Mauro-Ramirez_v_2784-792x1408.jpg 792w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Mauro-Ramirez_v_2784-396x704.jpg 396w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Mauro-Ramirez_v_2784-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Mauro-Ramirez_v_2784-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Mauro-Ramirez_v_2784-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Mauro-Ramirez_v_2784-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-bottom--medium\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-align-item--right wsu-max-width--xxmedium wsu-video-section\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-heading\" >\r\n    \n\n<h2>Mauro Ramirez<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-custom-award-category\">Award: Campus Involvement<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-subhead wsu-font-color--gray-60\" >\r\n    \n\n<p>College of Arts and Sciences<br>Biology\/Pre-med<br>WSU Pullman<br>Wenatchee, Washington<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3>Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Executive Director of Health and Safety for the ASWSU; uncertified senator for ASWSU; executive vice president of the WSU Multicultural Greek Council; president and vice president of La Hermandad de OeMeTe Aztec-Based Brotherhood; Cougar Health Services executive director search committee member; WSU Compliance and Civil Rights Committee member; College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) mentor; Mayo Clinic of Medicine and Science Undergraduate Scholar Program Scholar; director of registration for the Asian Pacific American Student Coalition\u2019s S.H.A.P.I.N.G student-led conference; D\u00eda de Los Muertos coordinator for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlan; team leader and director of team leaders for the C.A.S.H.E. student-led conference; D\u00eda de la Familia coordinator for Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlan; Hearts in Motion 10-day medical mission trip volunteer in Guatemala; President\u2019s Honor Roll Spring 2024; 2024 Multicultural Greek Council President of the Year; 2025 Washington Apple Education Foundation Scholarship recipient; 2025 Herbert L. Eastlick Scholarship recipient; 2025 Gabriel Cardenas Scholarship recipient; 2025 La Alianza de WSU Scholarship; 2025 study abroad in Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Favorite WSU experiences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I am the vice president of the first and only Aztec-based brotherhood in the Pacific Northwest, Hermandad de OeMeTe, and last year I was president. Last year, the day we had our annual dance, Brownstyle, and alumni banquet was one of the most memorable events I experienced at WSU. I got to give a speech and spend time with my loved ones and help send off our seniors. It was really special to me to see my friends who were graduating and hear them talk about their experiences. It was a really bittersweet moment. It\u2019s almost like I saw myself in their shoes. Here I am one year later, preparing for Brownstyle dance and alumni banquet and my own senior send-off. A lot of work goes into the event. We work toward it the entire year. To see it come to light is the most rewarding feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Future plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>My plan after graduation is to take a two-year gap before starting med school. In the meantime, I\u2019ll be seeking jobs as a phlebotomist and will stay here in Moscow, Idaho. I plan to take the MCAT in September, then apply to med school the next cycle. I want to stay at WSU for med school. I\u2019m interested in becoming an orthopedic surgeon or a family physician. I\u2019m looking to stay in state, especially in under-served communities. I always knew I wanted to go into medicine. I feel like my years at WSU have helped me to understand what it\u2019s like to give back and work for something bigger than yourself. The 10-day Hearts in Motion medical mission trip I took to Guatemala through WSU really opened my eyes and cemented my plans.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-lines-gray\" style=\"top:0;bottom:0;left:-100%;right:-100%;height:auto;width:auto\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta  wsu-text-align--center wsu-position--relative\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"#\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button wsu-custom-button\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack To Top\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div><\/section>\n\n<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-width--full wsu-color-background--white wsu-spacing-top--large wsu-spacing-after--none\" id=\"andersen\" >\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-section__inner wsu-width--content\">    \n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-spacing-top--default wsu-spacing-bottom--default wsu-spacing-after--xxmedium wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-top--default wsu-spacing-bottom--medium\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-max-width--xxmedium wsu-video-section\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-heading\" >\r\n    \n\n<h2>Aunjelique Andersen<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-custom-award-category\">Award Category: Community Service<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-subhead wsu-font-color--gray-60\" >\r\n    \n\n<p>Murrow College of Communication<br>Media Innovation<br>WSU Global<br>Fallbrook, California<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3>Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WSU Global Campus Student Ambassador; ASWSU Global Student Senate; Cougs &amp; Cubs; Creative Writing club; Cougar Wellbeing Collective; First Gen Club; Cougar Leadership Program; Coug Day at the Capitol<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Favorite WSU activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Coug Day at the Capitol. It was scary because none of our team had done it before and we didn\u2019t know what to expect. But it ended up working out. The fun part for me was doing the research on the senators so I could tailor our message to them or their legislative assistant. It was fun because it was quick, we had to think fast and collaborate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Future plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I have a business, I do video and photography, but I also want to get into the media field towards film. My goal is doing video episodes, finding positive stories and highlighting what is going well in the community. I also want to volunteer for nonprofits that are smaller, that might need visibility to get funding.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-padding-left--none wsu-spacing-padding-right--none wsu-spacing-top--hero\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-position--relative wsu-spacing-after--large\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-wsu wsu-hide--desktop\" style=\"top:30%;bottom:-5vw;left:-5vw;height:auto;width:calc( 75% + 5vw)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator wsu-decorator--profile wsu-decorator--andersen wsu-decorator--background  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-dark\" style=\"top:-5vw;bottom:-5vw;left:50%;height:auto;width:calc( 150% + 180px)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wsu-image--style-framed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1188\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Aunjelique-Andersen-1-792x1188.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Aunjelique-Andersen-1-792x1188.jpg 792w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Aunjelique-Andersen-1-396x594.jpg 396w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Aunjelique-Andersen-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Aunjelique-Andersen-1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Aunjelique-Andersen-1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Aunjelique-Andersen-1-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-lines-gray\" style=\"top:0;bottom:0;left:-100%;right:-100%;height:auto;width:auto\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta  wsu-text-align--center wsu-position--relative\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"#\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button wsu-custom-button\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack To Top\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div><\/section>\n\n<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-width--full wsu-color-background--white wsu-spacing-top--large wsu-spacing-after--none\" id=\"elliot\" >\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-section__inner wsu-width--content\">    \n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-top--hero wsu-spacing-padding-left--none wsu-spacing-padding-right--none\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-position--relative wsu-spacing-after--large\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-wsu wsu-hide--desktop\" style=\"top:30%;bottom:-5vw;right:-5vw;height:auto;width:calc( 75% + 5vw)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator wsu-decorator--profile wsu-decorator--elliot wsu-decorator--background  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-dark\" style=\"top:-5vw;bottom:-5vw;right:50%;height:auto;width:calc( 150% + 180px)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wsu-image--style-framed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1408\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Audrey-Elliot_v_7231-792x1408.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Audrey-Elliot_v_7231-792x1408.jpg 792w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Audrey-Elliot_v_7231-396x704.jpg 396w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Audrey-Elliot_v_7231-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Audrey-Elliot_v_7231-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Audrey-Elliot_v_7231-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Audrey-Elliot_v_7231-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-bottom--medium\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-align-item--right wsu-max-width--xxmedium wsu-video-section\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-heading\" >\r\n    \n\n<h2>Audrey Elliot<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-custom-award-category\">Award Category: Community Service<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-subhead wsu-font-color--gray-60\" >\r\n    \n\n<p>College of Arts and Sciences<br>Rhetoric and Professional Writing<br>WSU Pullman<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3>Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>WSU Country Swing Club; Latah Alliance on Mental Illness; Backcountry Hunters and Anglers WSU Chapter; Colfax Senior Center; Phoenix Conservancy; Palouse Habitat for Humanity; Palouse Discovery Science Center; Community Action Center; WSU Stormwater Services; STAGE Theatre<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Favorite WSU activity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Probably WSU country swing nights. I\u2019m president of that club, we\u2019ve got over 2,000 members and usually have 150 to 200 attendees every Friday. I have a lot of fun going there, getting to instruct these amazing individuals in country swing. It\u2019s the largest club on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Future plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m definitely going to take a minute after I graduate and travel a bit and see the world. I want to work in environmental justice and sustainability. So I want to get a better look at what I want to protect. Understanding the world around me will make me a powerful advocate.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-lines-gray\" style=\"top:0;bottom:0;left:-100%;right:-100%;height:auto;width:auto\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta  wsu-text-align--center wsu-position--relative\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"#\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button wsu-custom-button\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack To Top\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div><\/section>\n\n<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-width--full wsu-color-background--white wsu-spacing-top--large wsu-spacing-after--none\" id=\"clifton\" >\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-section__inner wsu-width--content\">    \n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-spacing-top--default wsu-spacing-bottom--default wsu-spacing-after--xxmedium wsu-row--sidebar-right\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-top--default wsu-spacing-bottom--medium\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-max-width--xxmedium wsu-video-section\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-heading\" >\r\n    \n\n<h2>Kendal Clifton<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-custom-award-category\">Award category: Visual\/Performing Arts<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-subhead wsu-font-color--gray-60\" >\r\n    \n\n<p>College of Arts and Sciences<br>Music Education, Instrumental, Choral, and General Music<br>WSU Pullman<br>Puyallup, Washington<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3>Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>President and vice president, National Association for Music Education, WSU Collegiate Chapter; vice president, Allegro of WSU School of Music; president, Percussion at WSU; &nbsp;Music Special Scholarship, 2023; Performing Arts Scholarship, 2024; Harold Wheeler Memorial Scholarship, 2025; WSU University Singers, Chamber Singers, Concert Choir; principal of percussion in WSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble; Senior Recital, October 2024; WSU Symphony Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble; Washington Idaho Symphony Orchestra substitute, 2023;&nbsp; co-Music Director at Concordia Lutheran Church; counselor for the Cougar Summer Music Camp; School of Music\u2019s Music Major for a Day<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Favorite WSU experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the parents\u2019 weekends, my parents were here for a football game, and they both went to WSU as well, and so did my brother. So that was nostalgic\u2014a very iconic Coug moment. It\u2019s hard to beat that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Probably my favorite experience so far was last semester. I had my senior recital. So, I played percussion instruments\u2014the marimba, the timpani, the xylophone, and a multi-percussion setup. And I got to play in front of my friends and family, who traveled across the state to come here, and in front of my professors, who have supported me. And it was a super emotional experience. I finished my last piece of music, and people were applauding, and I was very proud of myself. I had been working really hard with the help of my professor, so that was the biggest musical thing I\u2019ve done\u2014because usually I\u2019m in the bigger groups, and the parts I\u2019m playing are important, but it was kind of a \u201cme\u201d moment, and I was just soaking it all in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Future plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>My ultimate dream is to be a high school band or choir teacher. I would love to have a really strong music program at whatever school I end up at. More short term, I\u2019m just so excited to enter the teaching field. I cannot wait to teach. I\u2019ve been doing some of my student teaching, and that will be what I do in the fall. I knew I wanted to be a music teacher, so it\u2019s been a long time coming. That&#8217;s just what I know I&#8217;m meant to do.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-padding-left--none wsu-spacing-padding-right--none wsu-spacing-top--hero\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-position--relative wsu-spacing-after--large\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-wsu wsu-hide--desktop\" style=\"top:30%;bottom:-5vw;left:-5vw;height:auto;width:calc( 75% + 5vw)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator wsu-decorator--profile wsu-decorator--clifton wsu-decorator--background wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-dark\" style=\"top:-5vw;bottom:-5vw;left:50%;height:auto;width:calc( 150% + 180px)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wsu-image--style-framed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1408\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Kendal-Clifton_V_6420-792x1408.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-489\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Kendal-Clifton_V_6420-792x1408.jpg 792w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Kendal-Clifton_V_6420-396x704.jpg 396w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Kendal-Clifton_V_6420-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Kendal-Clifton_V_6420-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Kendal-Clifton_V_6420-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Kendal-Clifton_V_6420-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-lines-gray\" style=\"top:0;bottom:0;left:-100%;right:-100%;height:auto;width:auto\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta  wsu-text-align--center wsu-position--relative\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"#\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button wsu-custom-button\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack To Top\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div><\/section>\n\n<section  class=\"wsu-section wsu-width--full wsu-color-background--white wsu-spacing-top--large wsu-spacing-after--none\" id=\"lewis\" >\r\n    <div class=\"wsu-section__inner wsu-width--content\">    \n<div class=\"wsu-row wsu-row--sidebar-left\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-top--hero wsu-spacing-padding-left--none wsu-spacing-padding-right--none\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-position--relative wsu-spacing-after--large\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-wsu wsu-hide--desktop\" style=\"top:30%;bottom:-5vw;right:-5vw;height:auto;width:calc( 75% + 5vw)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-decorator wsu-decorator--profile wsu-decorator--lewis wsu-decorator--background wsu-decorator--style-block-gray-dark\" style=\"top:-5vw;bottom:-5vw;right:50%;height:auto;width:calc( 150% + 180px)\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large wsu-image--style-framed\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"792\" height=\"1408\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Hai-Xing-Lewis_v_2350-792x1408.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Hai-Xing-Lewis_v_2350-792x1408.jpg 792w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Hai-Xing-Lewis_v_2350-396x704.jpg 396w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Hai-Xing-Lewis_v_2350-768x1365.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Hai-Xing-Lewis_v_2350-864x1536.jpg 864w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Hai-Xing-Lewis_v_2350-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/s3.wp.wsu.edu\/uploads\/sites\/3256\/2026\/04\/Top-Ten-Senior-Hai-Xing-Lewis_v_2350-scaled.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 792px) 100vw, 792px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\r\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-column wsu-spacing-bottom--medium\"  style=\"\">\r\n\t\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-align-item--right wsu-max-width--xxmedium wsu-video-section\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-heading\" >\r\n    \n\n<h2>Hai Xing Lewis<\/h2>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wsu-custom-award-category\">Award Category: Visual\/Performing Arts<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container wsu-custom-subhead wsu-font-color--gray-60\" >\r\n    \n\n<p>College of Arts and Sciences<br>Art History, Exhibition Studies<br>WSU Pullman<br>Bend, Oregon<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3>Involvement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitor ambassador and gallery assistant at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art; collaborative artist research with Professor Michael Holloman; lead curator for two art exhibitions within the art department; Ellen Warren Roberts Endowed Scholarship<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Favorite WSU experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>My freshman year I was able to take a gallery procedures course, and I got to assist with installing an upcoming exhibit at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. It was a good taste of what I wanted to do potentially. I\u2019ve been working with the museum on and off whenever I\u2019ve been able to these past few years, and I\u2019ve loved being able to experience art both in the classroom and in the real world while also learning the behind-the-scenes of gallery work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I also got to immerse myself in the art of Florence, Italy, for my study abroad in spring 2025. I did a lot of traveling with friends and solo, but the artwork was a key thing. Some days I would have my lecture in a church looking at an actual fresco on the wall, and we\u2019d also have classes in the museums. They have so many museums! It was amazing getting to see a lot of famous artworks in person, like Botticelli\u2019s <em>Birth of Venus<\/em> and Michelangelo\u2019s <em>David<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Future plans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since I\u2019ll have achieved my bachelor\u2019s degree in just three years, I plan on taking a year to gain work experience and to travel before pursuing my master\u2019s degree in curatorial studies starting fall 2027. I think my next step would be finding curatorial work. My ultimate goal is to become a collections manager at an art museum, working more with the art, more of that behind-the-scenes work.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<\/div>\r\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-container  wsu-position--relative\" >\r\n    \n<div class=\"wsu-decorator  wsu-decorator--style-lines-gray\" style=\"top:0;bottom:0;left:-100%;right:-100%;height:auto;width:auto\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wsu-cta  wsu-text-align--center wsu-position--relative\" >\n\t<a \t\t\t\t\thref=\"#\"\t\n\t\tclass=\"wsu-button wsu-custom-button\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\tBack To Top\t\t\t<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div><\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":34856,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"categories":[],"tags":[],"wsuwp_university_category":[],"wsuwp_university_location":[],"wsuwp_university_org":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/479"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/34856"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=479"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/479\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":514,"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/479\/revisions\/514"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=479"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=479"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=479"},{"taxonomy":"wsuwp_university_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wsuwp_university_category?post=479"},{"taxonomy":"wsuwp_university_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wsuwp_university_location?post=479"},{"taxonomy":"wsuwp_university_org","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wsu.edu\/toptenseniors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wsuwp_university_org?post=479"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}