A Toast to Santa Clara University’s Class of 2025 Award Winners

University President, Julie Sullivan, presents valedictorian award to Grace Davis ’25. Photo by Dylan Ryu

Santa Clara University celebrated the Class of 2025 with the largest “Senior Toast” in the tradition’s 15-year history, recognizing 23 graduating students for exceptional service, leadership and academic excellence. Held in the Mission Gardens on Friday, the event included remarks from University leadership and faculty, a campus blessing, and the announcement of this year’s valedictorian: Grace Davis ’25.

Davis, a double major in political science and philosophy with a minor in gender & sexuality studies, was honored for her leadership in reviving the Santa Clara Community Action Program and her research contributions at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. She also served as a student ambassador and on the Associated Student Government during her time at the University.

“She has helped to create intentional spaces where all voices are heard and valued,” said Jeanne Rosenberger, vice provost for student life, who spoke during the event.

The ceremony began with opening remarks from University President Julie Sullivan, who praised the Class of 2025 as one of compassion and integrity.

“You are what the world needs now,” Sullivan said. “You care about others near you and around the world.”

The Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J. Award, the only award handpicked by the University’s president, was presented to Claire Alford ’25 and Sydney Shelby ’25. 

Alford, a public health science major and biology minor, led the Native American Coalition for Change and will pursue a Master of Public Health at Dartmouth College. 

Shelby, who double-majored in public health science and biology with minors in African American studies and medical and health humanities, co-founded the Black Pre-Health Student Association and will begin a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic’s Office of Biomedical Ethics.

Finance major Clayton Baldwin ’25 received the Nobili Medal for academic achievement and leadership. Baldwin served as co-president of the SCU A Cappella Council and president of Vocalicious, leading the group to the quarterfinals of the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. 

Hydeia Wysinger ’25, a psychology and public health major, earned the Saint Clare Medal for her contributions to student life, including her roles as co-chair of Igwebuike and co-founder of the Black Pre-Health Student Association.

The Richard J. Riordan Award, which honors student commitment to community service, was awarded to four students: Camille Annett ’25, Isabella Burleigh ’25, Katie Ott ’25 and Davis. 

Annett, a psychology major, worked as a crisis counselor and mental health educator. Burley, who double-majored in psychology and political science, contributed to Title IX policy work and leadership within SCCAP. Ott, a mechanical engineering major, contributed to humanitarian engineering projects through Engineers Without Borders in locations ranging from Rwanda to Arkansas.

Five students were recognized with the Gracelyn Rillorta Bateman Award for Inclusive Excellence. Mary Xiang ’25, a public health and biology major, led campus food justice efforts and served on the Basic Needs Committee. Imaan Qureshi ’25, a psychology and political science double major, was active in ASG, the Muslim Student Association and Students for Justice in Palestine. 

Tay Grett ’25, a psychology major, advocated for disabled and queer students through roles in the Disabled Students Union and various equity committees. Lillian Cooper ’25, a public health major, focused her academic work on health equity and published several studies. Diego Acevedo Garcia ’25, a communication major and graphic design minor, revitalized KSCU radio as general manager and served as a peer mentor in the LEAD Scholars program.

Student Life Awards were given to Erandi Arciga Duenas ’25, Bianca Duarte ’25, Shiv Jhalani ’25 and Ray Nguyen ’25. 

Duenas, a marketing major with an ethnic studies minor, held leadership positions in the Latinx Student Union, the Women’s Network and Athletics. Duarte, who double-majored in psychology and public health, contributed to Res Life and the Multicultural Center’s youth empowerment program; he plans to pursue a master’s in counseling psychology at the University. Jhalani, a computer science major, supported students as a peer advisor in the Career Center and participated in the Association for Computing Machinery and Theta Tau. Nguyen, a finance major and co-president of the Vietnamese Student Association, worked in residence life and served on the Opus Prize Oversight Committee. He will begin a position as a financial analyst at Apple following graduation.

Two students were named recipients of the Neider Family Alumni Service Award, given to seniors entering service work after graduation. Krista Gorham ’25 will join the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Washington, D.C., supporting unhoused individuals with HIV or AIDS through Joseph’s House. Emily Hofstetter ’25, a double major in public health science and communication, will serve as a case manager for the Bethesda Project in Philadelphia, assisting adults experiencing homelessness.

Campus minister Elise Dubravec offered a blessing inspired by the phrase “Here Be Dragons,” invoking courage for the graduates as they enter new chapters beyond Santa Clara University. 

Communication professor Andrew Ishak concluded the ceremony with a toast, reminding students that their memories and decisions at Santa Clara University will shape their future.

“There will always be a little bit of Santa Clara in everything that you do,” Ishak said.

The event ended with a champagne toast and music from a Spotify playlist curated by the class. As seniors celebrated, they were reminded to reflect on the friendships and moments that defined their time on campus by Rosenberger.

“Make time to thank the people who made a difference,” Rosenberger said, “and enjoy your time with the friends you’ll never forget.”