Merrill P. Freeman Medals

Nathaniel Cross is graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and Spanish. Born in the United Kingdom, Nathaniel has called Tucson home for most of his life. 

Nathaniel's own migration to the United States at a young age heightened his awareness for the importance of public service and constituent casework in immigration fields, catalyzing the community commitment that informs the receipt of this award. Throughout his undergraduate career at the University of Arizona, Nathaniel has worked to empower local migrant communities as an intern with Chicanos Por La Causa, a legal aid nonprofit, by aiding in the design and execution of biannual naturalization fairs, which help residents apply for citizenship at no cost. His devotion to this organization led to his selection as a Mellon-Fronteridades intern – a university program elevating historically overlooked narratives – which has empowered Nathaniel to bring greater attention to immigration issues facing Tucson and Southern Arizona communities through his creation of photojournalism exposition. 

Nathaniel's commitment to increasing the accessibility of quality immigration services is closely tied to his greater personal philosophy of empathetic and compassionate public service, also exhibited in his research as a Wildcat. As a political science research assistant, Nathaniel is studying methods to reduce gun violence and violent crimes around Tucson by investing in alternatives to law enforcement and collaborations with community partners. 

Nathaniel is a multi-semester recipient of the Dean's List with Distinction and Highest Academic Distinction awards. He has also been honored by his selection as a United States Senate Youth Program scholar, the Frances McClelland Youth Vision Award, and the Tara S. O'Connor Memorial and Patricia MacCordale scholarships. 

In 2024, Nathaniel began an accelerated Master of Public Policy in the School of Government and Public Policy. After graduation, Nathaniel plans to finish his master's degree and hopes to pursue international public service as a Fulbright Scholar or with the Peace Corps. 

Katie Nguyen is graduating with dual degrees in physiology and medical sciences from the College of Medicine – Tucson and molecular and cellular biology from the College of Science, with minors in personal and family financial planning and biochemistry. A first-generation college student from Chandler, Arizona, she is passionate about mentorship, inclusion and health care, dedicating her undergraduate career to fostering supportive spaces for students and underserved communities.  

Katie's involvement with Asian Pacific American Student Affairs helped her embrace her cultural identity. She began as an intern for the Vietnamese Student Association and Golden Lotus, a Vietnamese cultural dance group, eventually stepping into leadership roles to build community, celebrate heritage and mentor future leaders.  

Her commitment extends into academics, where she supports students as a teaching assistant for MCB181R: Introductory Biology under Dr. Leitner, and previously, Dr. Hester. These experiences reinforced her belief that effective teaching centers on recognizing students' unique needs and empowering them with the skills to succeed in their future careers.  

Determined to be the mentor she once needed, Katie serves as an APASA peer mentor at the Thrive Center, helping first-year students navigate university life, mental health challenges and identity exploration.  

Beyond campus, Katie has worked as a nursing assistant and caregiver, deepening her conviction that meaningful patient care extends beyond medical treatment. Committed to health care accessibility, she volunteers with initiatives supporting unhoused individuals, serving as a community health specialist at Z Mansion Clinic.  

Katie's greatest inspiration comes from working with children with special health care needs, particularly through adaptive recreation and as lead child supervisor at Saguaro City Music Theatre.  

Katie's dedication has earned recognition through the Betty B. Chastain Educational Foundation Scholarship and the Asian American Faculty, Staff and Alumni Association Tuition Scholarship.  

After graduation, Katie will continue working with Saguaro City Music Theatre and mentoring students at the U of A. Committed to health care advocacy, she aspires to become a pediatric physician and one day, a medical dean shaping the future of medical education.