Class of 2024 Student Recognition & Awards

Recognizing graduates and their continual drive to learn more and be of service to the greater good.

The Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health honors graduate and undergraduate students with the Evening of Excellence and Celebration of the Magis. 

The Evening of Excellence provides an opportunity for graduate students to celebrate their scholarly accomplishments with an interdisciplinary group of faculty and students. Students completing a Master of Public Health and/or Master of Science degree share their capstone projects, engage in scholarly discourse, and learn from fellow students and faculty. 

In addition, the Parkinson School acknowledges outstanding exercise science, healthcare administration, and public health undergraduate students with the Celebration of the Magis. Magis is a Latin word meaning "more" or "greater" and is related to the phrase "ad majorem Dei gloriam," the motto of the Society of Jesus and Loyola University Chicago. The awards recognize how honorees are always striving to do better and truly achieve magis.

Below are the honorees.

Evening of Excellence

SPIRIT OF SAINT IGNATIUS AWARD

This award is presented to a student or group of students who best exemplify the “Spirit of Saint Ignatius.” The awardees demonstrate a positive influence on their peers and the community, as well as demonstrate Jesuit values.

• Mercedes Muniz Telleria (Dietetics) 
• Ronit Goswami (EXCM) 
• Ben Zelmer (MHA) 
• Phuong Pham (MLS) 
• Zachary Wilder (MPH) 

PRIDE OF PARKINSON AWARD

The Pride of Parkinson Award celebrates a Parkinson student who has demonstrated a deep commitment to leadership, service, and excellence. 

• Joaquin Ivan Guzman  

FELLOWSHIP AWARD

The Loyola Stands Against Gun Violence Fellows received the 2024 Fellowship Award. Over the course of the year, these fellows delved into education, advocacy, leadership, and community engagement, all with a central focus on preventing gun violence. 

• Gabriela Fuentes 
• Idiake Irumundomon  
• Elizabeth DeLoreto 
• Tijana Nikolic 
• Zachary Wilder 

Celebration of the Magis

DEAN'S GOLD MEDALLION  

The School’s highest honor, this award is presented to four-year students who exemplify Jesuit values and demonstrate excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.

• Exercise Science: Angela Decker
• Healthcare Administration: Kareena Patel 
• Public Health: Mia Silvestros  

ADVOCACY & LEADERSHIP AWARD  

This award recognizes graduates who demonstrate who demonstrate loyalty to the philosophy of their program. Awardees demonstrate leadership abilities, as well as service to their community. Awardees advocate for quality healthcare that is accessible to those in need. 

• Exercise Science: 
  • Andreea Georgescu
  • Grace Tylutki
• Healthcare Administration: Melissa Rodriguez
• Public Health:
  • Valerie Alvarez Renteria
  • Elle Laurencelle

SPIRIT OF SAINT IGNATIUS AWARD 

This award is presented to a student or group of students who best exemplify the “Spirit of Saint Ignatius.” The awardees demonstrate a positive influence on their peers and the community, as well as demonstrate Jesuit values.

• Exercise Science: 
  • Rebecca Sawko
  • Naomi Noguera
  • Andreea Georgescu
  • Angela Decker
  • Mila Howard
• Healthcare Administration:
  • Ashley Soderlind
  • Giovanna La Porta
  • Suha Saba
  • Brigitte Cueter
  • Mila Stropkay
  • Jocelyn Currie
• Public Health: 
  • Valerie Alvarez Renteria
  • Sabina Cerda
  • Jennifer Gaucin
  • Swetha Ramkumar
  • Kathryn Seaman
  • Aman Kothadia
  • Mia Silvestros

INTERNSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD

This award recognizes students who demonstrate exemplary commitment and accomplishment while completing their academic internship. 

• Exercise Science:   
  • Amy Burkett
  • Naomi Noguera 
• Healthcare Administration: Amina Robinson  
• Public Health: Isabel Almedia  

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AWARD

• Healthcare Administration: Shoaib Syed Haq  
• Public Health
  • Shanti O’Neil
  • Aman Kothadia

HONORS CERTIFICATES

Exercise Science

• Emily Banitt
• Hannah Cass
• Marisa Grant
• Madilyn McLain
• Elizabeth Piro
• Rebecca Sawko
• Grace Tylutki 

Healthcare Administration

• Jocelyn Currie
• Giovanna La Porta
• Bridget Meyers
• Melissa Rodriguez

Public Health

• Sabina Cerda
• Jennifer Gaucin
• Aman Kothadia
• Jasmine Natividad
• Maya Rao
• Solea Smith
• Kely Ann dela Cruz

SCHOLASTIC SILVER MEDALLION

Exercise Science

• Amy Burkett
• Lina Alejandra Colmenares Alba
• Angela Decker
• Leslie Doan
• Mila Howard

Healthcare Administration

• Brigitte Cueter
• Shoaib Syed Haq
• Gia Larucci
• Kareena Patel
• Amina Robinson
• Suah Saba
• Mila Stropkay
• Sahaj Vanani

Public Health

• Elle Laurencelle
• Shanti O’Neil
• Kathryn Seaman

Other Awards

PRESIDENT'S MEDALLION

Every year, the University honors one student from each school and college who exemplifies the aims of a Jesuit education: leadership, scholarship, and service. These students excel not only in the classroom but also in the world, and are dedicated to serving those around them.

• Exercise Science: Daniel Gans