Awards & Recognitions

Senior & Provost Awards

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The University of Arizona Senior Awards are some of the highest honors granted to undergraduates. The Freeman, Robie, and Nugent Awards, and the Provost Award, are presented at the university-wide Spring Commencement in May. They are not dependent on field of study, but rather on character and impact.  

 

Congratulations to our 2025 Senior and Provost Award Recipients!

Each year, the University of Arizona honors a select group of outstanding graduating seniors who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, made significant contributions to the campus community, and shown integrity and resilience in the face of challenges. This year, Student Affairs congratulates the following recipients:

  • Nathaniel Cross - Merrill P. Freeman Medals
  • Katie Nguyen - Merrill P. Freeman Medals
  • Patrick Quintero - Robie Gold Medals
  • Aaliyah Thompson Mazzeo - Robie Gold Medals
  • Ryan Sadowsky - Robert Logan Nugent Award
  • Siena Shedd - Robert Logan Nugent Award
  • Angela White - Provost Award

Learn more about each recipient below.

Award Descriptions

Dr. Merrill Freeman was born in Ohio in 1844 and served the University of Arizona as a regent and as a chancellor. His will provided for two medals to be awarded annually to students selected by the UA administration. Recipients are recognized for their outstanding moral character, dedicated service to campus, and meaningful engagement within the community. This is a medal award.

The Robie Gold Medals honor Wendell T. Robie, Class of 1917, and Inez Benzie Robie, Class of 1916, who established the award. These prestigious medals are awarded to graduating seniors who exemplify personal integrity, initiative, and a breadth of interests. Recipients are active contributors to the University of Arizona community and consistently demonstrate a willingness to give more than what is required.

The Nugent Award, established by the University of Arizona Alumni Association, honors the memory of Robert Logan Nugent, who was serving as Executive Vice President of the University at the time of his passing in June 1963. This award recognizes graduating seniors whose accomplishments reflect the high ideals of Dr. Nugent, including active, enthusiastic participation in campus life and dedicated service to the University and community.

Established in 2014, the Provost Award honors an exceptional graduating student who transferred to the University of Arizona from an Arizona community college. The award recognizes perseverance and commitment to academic studies, meaningful contributions to the University community, and above-average scholastic ability and leadership.

Awards Criteria and Nomination Form

Eligible students must have graduated in December 2024 or be scheduled to graduate in May 2025. Awardees must complete the degree check process and be in good standing with the University.  

The nomination period for the 2025 Senior and Provost Awards starts on Monday, January 10, 2025, and ends on Monday, January 27, 2025, at noon. Late nominations will not be considered. 

If you have any questions about these awards, please contact the Student Affairs Awards Team at studentaffairs@arizona.edu.