Several outstanding student scholarship recipients were recognized at the 45th annual Odegaard Award Celebration held May 7, at UW’s Husky Union Building.
The dinner and scholarship fundraiser was hosted by the UW Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA&D) and the Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Due to the support of sponsors, donors, and friends, almost $300,000 was raised to benefit scholarships for underrepresented minority, low-income and first-generation students.
Several of these students were celebrated for their contributions on campus and in the community, while achieving academic excellence. Top honors went to President’s Achievement Award winner Savannah Romero and Wells Fargo Vice President’s Award winner Max McDonald.
Also acknowledged as recognition scholars were Ashley Alday (Educational Opportunity Program Celebration Scholar), Diana Betancourt (Lydia A. Gonzales Scholar), Jocelyn Castillo (Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program Legacy Scholar), Natalie Guterson (Del Rio Global Citizens Scholar), Jimmy Nguyen (Murray, Pitre, Baker, Rosebaugh Scholar), Alecia Pak (Educational Opportunity Program Celebration Scholar), DeeAnna Personius (Robert T. and Nancy J. Knight Scholar), Keyaria Rhodes (Bank of America Scholar), Randy Salgado (Educational Opportunity Program Celebration Scholar), Chad Shapard (Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program Legacy Scholar), Danny Shelton (UW Athletic Scholar), Ashley Smith (School of Medicine Scholar), Sarra Tekola (William P. and Ruth Gerberding/Early Identification Program Scholar), Shanece Washington (Graduate Opportunities and Minority Achievement Program Scholar) and Nicole Yamane (QFC Scholar). (end)
Ashley Alday
Educational Opportunity Program Celebration Scholar
Major: Social Welfare
After graduation, Ashley intends to gain experience that will assist in her pursuit of a master’s degree. Her goal is to become a social worker in the public education system and work with at-risk high school students.
Jimmy Nguyen
Murray, Pitre, Baker, Rosebaugh Scholar
Major: Psychology
Jimmy has dreamed of going into medicine since he was a child. After graduation, he intends to work as an emergency medical technician to gain experience and funds for medical school.
Alecia Pak
Educational Opportunity Program Celebration Scholar
Majors: Pre-Nursing & Public Health
After graduation, Alecia plans to become a registered nurse and eventually go on to work as a pediatric nurse practitioner.
Danny Shelton
University of Washington Athletic Scholar
Major: Anthropology
Danny was selected 12th in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. In addition to his football career, Danny’s future plans include pursuing graduate school and establishing a youth club in his community focused on elite standards in education and sports.
Nicole Yamane
QFC Scholar
Major: Political Science
After graduation, Nicole plans to attend law school and go on to serve underrepresented minority populations by ensuring they have equal legal, civil and political rights.