Originally published May 5, 2023, by Sacramento State University Communications

Every year, the dean of each of Sacramento State’s seven academic colleges bestows a prestigious award upon a student who stands out academically, professionally, and personally.

Recipients of the Deans’ Awards are considered the top graduates in their respective college and are selected by professors and administrators, who assess their academic and social contributions. These students exemplify what it means to be a Hornet, making an impact in the classroom, on campus, in the community, and in their personal lives.

Additionally, two of the seven students – Norma Sanchez and Aylaliya Assefa Birru – will be recognized with a President’s Medal of Honor, presented annually by President Robert S. Nelsen.

All of the recipients will be recognized during Commencement, May 19-21, at Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento.

Whether overcoming adversity, mentoring fellow students, advocating for and aiding in community outreach efforts, or meeting life’s challenges head-on with perseverance and strength, these students, many of whom started at the University during the pandemic, have gotten past roadblocks and succeeded in their educational aspirations.

As this year’s Commencement ceremonies approach, read each of the honorees’ stories below:

• Arts and Letters: Resourceful History major persevered on path to a degree, career in diplomacy
• Business/President’s Award: Myriad, serious challenges did not stop Norma Sanchez
• Education: Holly Wilson uses triumph over her struggles to help others cope
• Engineering and Computer Science: Powering through problems leads to honors for Brennan Beell
• Health and Human Services: Tanesha Rose Sullins, Sac State star scholar and sprinter, races to the finish line
• Natural Sciences and Mathematics: Abigail McInnes plans to use her science education to ‘make a difference’
• Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies/President’s Award: Prison, uncertainty don’t deter Aylaliya Assefa Birru

For more details about Commencement, visit csus.edu/commencement.