CAHSS Excellence Awards 2025

About

It is an honor to write this letter on behalf of Jasmine Hoffer for the Jeffers Chertok Dean’s Honor Award. Jasmine is an exceptionally driven student leader with an established track record of academic excellence and service. While maintaining a 4.0 GPA, Jasmine also serves as the President of EWU’s PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America) chapter and is a student employee in Event Planning. In Jasmine’s role as President, she has taken the university’s mission of preparing students for success after graduation to heart and has helped organize several professional development and networking events including three “Open to Work” workshops for students in partnership with the EWU Career Center focused on creating resumes, LinkedIn profiles and interviewing and PRSSA’s annual Pro-Tour where students of all majors are able to network with industry professionals for jobs and internships. Jasmine also represented EWU at the international PRSSA ICON Conference in California and the PRSSA Leadership Assembly in North Carolina this year.

Jasmine has also played a significant role in the success of several university events through her role in Event Planning from helping with “Giving Joy Day,” to graduation. In her position as a PR intern with EWU’s Office For Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Jasmine also helped organize and develop promotional materials for EWU’s annual DEI Week.

We have been consistently impressed by Jasmine’s leadership initiative and her ability to inspire both her fellow students and professors; When Jasmine puts her mind to something, she goes out of her way to make it happen and encourages others to do the same. Jasmine is the type of student that makes teaching at EWU such a joy-she will go far in whatever she aspires to!

About

I am pleased to nominate Tyler Tamoush for the Jeffers Chertok Dean’s Honor Award. Tyler is an outstanding student whose academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community service are a credit to the Communication Studies Department and to Eastern Washington University.

Service and leadership have consistently defined Tyler’s character, both during his time at Eastern and prior. In addition to maintaining a 4.0 GPA, he serves on the City of Spokane’s Plan Commission and has contributed to the City’s Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee. His local community has benefited from his leadership, having served in roles as Head of the Neighborhood Council, a two-year term as Chair of Neighborhood Safety Committee (representing all three districts), Secretary of the Budget Committee and a District 1 Community Assembly representative for a City Council work group.  

A decorated Army veteran, Tyler served from 2012 to 2019, with deployments to Afghanistan and Kuwait. His commitment to service has continued throughout his academic journey. While at Eastern, Tyler was awarded an internship with the City of Spokane where he was instrumental in producing a video series with City Cable 5 that highlighted unrecognized community heroes. 

In the classroom, Tyler is a model student and leader. He actively contributes to discussions with insight and respect, consistently produces exemplary academic work, and demonstrates leadership in all situations. 

Tyler’s achievements, character, and dedication to public service make him an exceptional candidate for the Jeffers Chertok Dean’s Honor Award. I am confident that he will continue to be a force for good and an outstanding representative of the Eastern Washington University community.

About

(Unfortunately, Tyler couldn’t be present at the awards ceremony, so Dr. Holmgren accepted Tyler’s award on his behalf.)

The Economics Department proudly nominates Tyler Mumm for the Jeffers Chertok Dean’s Honor Award.  Mr. Mumm will graduate with a 3.90 overall GPA, a 3.94 in his Economics B.S., and a 3.88 in his  Mathematics B.S. He has consistently earned Dean’s List recognition and will graduate Summa Cum Laude. 

Tyler has achieved academic excellence through diligence, discipline, and initiative. His demanding  coursework at EWU helped him develop strong study habits that contributed to passing Actuarial Exam P— an impressive accomplishment. In fall 2021, he organized peer study groups for Calculus III and Physics,  demonstrating leadership and collaboration. 

In 2024, Tyler began working as a Research Financial Analyst at Cancer Care Northwest. The team he is part  of manages clinical trials that give cancer patients access to cutting-edge treatments not yet widely  available. He is responsible for finalizing contracts with pharmaceutical sponsors and facilitating site  readiness for patient enrollment by building studies in the clinical trial management system. His work has  had a tangible impact on expanding treatment access for cancer patients in Eastern Washington. 

Tyler’s contributions extend beyond academics and research. As a Starbucks barista, he demonstrated  excellent customer service and built strong connections with the public. He also volunteered as a barista at a local church, where proceeds supported charitable causes, such as providing essential resources to  individuals living in poverty worldwide. 

Tyler Mumm exemplifies academic excellence, initiative, and community service. His achievements and  dedication make him a deserving candidate for the Jeffers Chertok Dean’s Honor Award.

About

Cheyenne (C.B.) Nygaard is an excellent student who is a leader in the classroom and beyond. Cheyenne challenges herself as a writer and a thinker, which results in some great writing, both analytic and creative. In addition to taking the required classes in her major, she pursued an independent study to learn more about one of her favorite speculative fiction authors. Cheyenne participated in the EWU Spring Symposium this spring. During her time at EWU, Cheyenne has been active with her sorority, taking on a variety of committee roles. Cheyenne will represent EWU well as an alumna.

About

From the beginning of our work together, it was clear to me that Lauren Christensen is one of the exceptional students in our program. She exhibits an admirable work ethic that shows her commitment to her academic career and to the profession of teaching English. Additionally, she possesses the qualities instructors hope to see in all of our students and teacher candidates: she is a respected leader among her peers and serves Eastern Washington University and her community as daily practice. Ms. Christensen is a consistent leader in her classes at EWU, and I have witnessed her continual support of her fellow teacher candidates as they have struggled through the pressures of transitioning into the teaching profession. The texts that we read and discussed in her program courses were both difficult and dense. Ms. Christensen was able to navigate these readings with insight and grace. In many cases, she was able to assist her colleagues in making sense of the material. Additionally, I believe that Ms. Christensen’s consistent high grades in her courses shows leadership in her ability to juggle leadership commitments while maintaining academic integrity. As a leader, Ms. Christensen strives to always be a positive, nurturing, and encouraging role model for her students. I am continually impressed with Ms. Christensen’s leadership and service to EWU and to her community are continually impressive. To find these sorts of leadership skills and commitment to service, at this early career stage, is uncommon and very welcome.

About

Brandon Welte, a double major in Philosophy and English Studies, is a model of academic excellence, civic engagement, and scholarly achievement—qualities that make him a worthy recipient of the Jeffers Chertok Dean’s Honor Award. With a perfect GPA of 4.0 within the Philosophy major, Brandon has exhibited exceptional intellectual commitment and discipline. His academic accomplishments are underscored by the publication of a philosophical article, “The Peaceful Pursuit of Democratic Activism,“ in School and Society, a peer-reviewed professional journal. This is a rare achievement for an undergraduate in Philosophy, and it shows his ability to produce original, thoughtful scholarship as well as his commitment to contributing meaningfully to the public good.

In addition to his academic success, Brandon has shown a strong civic commitment to his community both on campus and off through his active involvement with the EWU Philosophy Club and his volunteer work with the Spokane Riverkeeper. His participation in protecting local waterways and advocating for environmental justice reflects a desire to apply his philosophical and ethical training to real-world challenges.

Brandon’s blend of academic distinction, scholarship, and community engagement exemplifies the spirit of the Jeffers Chertok Award. His record reflects not only personal achievement but also a dedication to using his education in the humanities to become the kind of person, in the words of Henry James, “on whom nothing is lost”—engaging thoughtfully and constructively with the world around him

About

As lead editor, Daisy Roberts breathed new life into our undergraduate literary journal NW Boulevard. She also took over the position of social media editor for our national literary journal, Willow Springs magazine, when the graduate student in that position was in crisis, and became the best social media editor we’ve ever had, making vlogs, posting on new and upcoming platforms, communicating with authors, and tracking and analyzing statistics. She trained the social media editor for Willow Springs Books as a kindness to them and visited several of my undergrad classes to promote both Willow Springs magazine and NW Boulevard. Daisy brings people together. She is bright in the sense that she is wickedly smart and a fine writer, and also bright as in shiny and inspirational. She is full steam ahead all the time and joyous in her efforts.

About

(Unfortunately, Jacquelyn couldn’t be present at the awards ceremony, so Professor Marc LaPointe accepted Jacquelyn’s award on her behalf.)

Jacqui Walker has been enthusiastically selected by the Art Program for the Jeffers Chertok Deans’ Honor Award in recognition of her exceptional academic performance, artistic excellence, and dedicated service to both the EWU community and the broader public.

As a Bachelor of Fine Arts student, Jacqui has consistently demonstrated intellectual rigor, creative innovation, and technical mastery. Her studio practice is rooted in deep material, historical, and conceptual research, with a particular focus on how memory is held within the body. The work she produced for the BFA Thesis Exhibition reflects her ability to translate complex ideas into poetic and powerful visual language.

Beyond her personal achievements, Jacqui is a leader among her peers. She offers insightful critique, technical expertise, and emotional support, fostering a collaborative and compassionate studio environment. Whether helping classmates install their work, assisting with mold making and casting, or encouraging others during critiques, Jacqui is a steady and generous presence.

Jacqui also extends her impact beyond the university. She is currently working with the City of Coeur d’Alene to install a series of site-specific sculptures addressing climate change, with a particular focus on the escalating threat of catastrophic wildfires. This public engagement reflects her commitment to socially conscious art and environmental advocacy.

Jacqui Walker exemplifies the values of academic excellence, leadership, and civic responsibility. We are proud to honor her with this award.

About

EWU Film nominates Beckett Schoenleber for the Jeffers Chertok Dean’s Honor Award. Mr. Schoenleber  has been a dedicated student and an exceptional contributor to Film and Digital Media. During his time in  the Film Program at EWU, Beckett has demonstrated leadership through exceptional departmental service,  community engagement, creative work, and exemplary class participation. In the Summer of 2024, Beckett  

helped to transform the R-TV building, creating a digital media lab, renovating our equipment checkout  spaces, making a creator space, and designing a student lounge. In addition, Beckett supported Film at  multiple recruiting events. Once classes began, Beckett took steps toward restoring the EWU Film Society.  

Beckett has gone beyond the classroom by taking his work into the community. Beckett screened his short  documentary Expo ’74: Fair to the Future at the Spokane International Film Festival and at the Indigenous  and Environmental Film Festival that celebrated the 50th anniversary of Expo ‘74. In addition, Beckett  worked with Professor Chase Ogden on a documentary about the Spokane River. This collaborative project  led to the Expo ’74 film being revised and integrated into the documentary The River Speaks, Ogden’s  feature about the Spokane River. This work is a great example of Beckett’s consistent efforts to go above and  beyond expectation. Beckett Schoenleber is a worthy recipient for the Jeffers Chertok Dean’s Honor Award.

About

Kenia Flavius has distinguished herself in the Music Technology program, making substantial contributions to individual & group projects throughout her residency.  Her passion for both live sound & film sound is evident through the work she has undertaken.  After completing her Music Outreach class at the Bing Crosby Theatre, Kenia was hired on as the monitor technician—a role usually reserved for experienced audio engineers.  Likewise, her senior capstone project garnered attention from Cate Moye (former post-production manager from Skywalker Sound), as well as Ben Burtt—the legendary sound designer behind the Star Wars, Indian Jones, & ET films. Faculty have observed how she engages in supporting her peers in the music technology program, including in her job with university productions. Kenia goes above and beyond in her interactions with people, approaching everyone with kindness, respect and a true sense of joy. She always takes time to encourage other students. Kenia is also an outstanding trumpet player, and has performed every year throughout her degree in Marching Band, Wind ensemble, and has also been a regular member of Code Red.  Kenia has been absolutely on top of her academics as evidenced by her 4.0 GPA. One professor described Kenia as follows: “She has a fantastic attitude, and has been a joy to teach.” Kenia is truly one of our treasure at EWU and exhibits all of the qualities that define success in life. Congratulations from the Music Faculty!

About

Chasen is a very talented, creative and responsible student. He exhibits wisdom, maturity, grace, humility and unrelenting motivation. He is also a gifted actor, technician, and musician. Chasen is dependable, exceptionally hard working and always a pleasure to work with. He’s played multiple lead roles at EWU Theatre and Spokane Valley Summer Theatre. His most recent credits are playing Joe in “Waiting for Lefty” and Nigel Bottom in the musical “Something Rotten”. He’s also been an indispensable theatre technician in our scene shop, working tirelessly on our sets and lighting.  We are exceptionally proud of Chasen and excited for his future which will begin with a returning contract with Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Thank you, Chasen, for your outstanding contributions to EWU Theatre. YOU WILL BE MISSED! Go Eags!

About

Mickie Ohmert is an exceptionally creative and intellectually insightful individual. As a scholar, Mickie unapologetically invites diverse and nuanced understandings of the world at large. They have an astute ability to combine educational approaches by using spoken word poetry along with feminist theories to illuminate intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality with issues of disability and experiences of embodiment. Mickie is invested in holistic personhood. In their plans to serve as a community-based therapist, Mickie has examined the intersections of body image, identity formation, racial categorization, and eating disorders. Mickie is an outspoken advocate and educator concerning topics of mental health, disability, and subjectivity. Their work is intellectually rigorous and artistically accessible. Their focus on healing extends beyond any single population and encapsulates a balance that is rare and deeply needed.

The GWSS faculty unanimously and wholeheartedly agree that Mickie Ohmert is an outstanding student and an exceptional example of the sort of engagement we aim to foster in this program. We sincerely hope you will consider this fine candidate for this prestigious award.

About

Since arriving at Eastern in 2023, Devon Wilson has been on fire. Last year, he won the Jeffers Chertok  Memorial Scholarship. At that time, we said “Devon is a bright, determined student who has a passion for  archaeology and the ancient world. He’s enthusiastic about everything he does and brings his best self to  his work. He’s currently taking classes in history, where he’s apparently asking questions so sophisticated  that his instructor finds himself nonplussed. In my classes, Devon constantly delights me with sophisticated  questions, strong ideas, and a solid grasp of how to read, think, and write like a budding scholar.” Since  then, he’s only grown further. He went to an archaeological field school last summer in Bulgaria at the  ancient Greek town of Pistiros, where he easily earned A’s. Then, he turned his attention to Maya  archaeology. He’s just given a class presentation on integrating postmodern archaeology, ontological  theory, and Maya Studies that was work we’d expect from a graduate student.  

He’s presented research he’s done at the Student Research and Creative Works Symposium twice as well as  sharing his work with high school students at our regional History Day. In addition to archaeology, he taught  himself historical linguistics to look at how Proto-Indo-European led to modern words in English and has  taken both Latin and Spanish. While he wasn’t able to stay in Europe for the fall due to scheduling issues  between his summer fieldwork and the fall term in Greece, he was awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman  International Scholarship, a State Department award that is highly competitive. He’s going to work as an  archaeological technician for a few years, then go on to get a masters degree and continue his work as a  professional archaeologist. We’re looking forward to what he does next!

About

The History Program is proud to nominate Tiegan Farley for the Chertok Prize. Tiegan’s interests range from  Latin American and women’s history to cultural anthropology, and she has done stellar work in all of her  classes. As Ed Slack put it, she “is like kryptonite to pseudo-scientists such as Immanuel Velikovsky,  Zachariah Stichin, and Erich Von Daniken. Tiegan won the History Faculty Scholarship for 2024-25 and has  one of the highest GPAs in the major, all the while holding a full-time job and serving as an officer in the  History Club/Phi Alpha Theta. She presented a research paper on Women in the Mexican drug trade at the  2025 Phi Alpha Theta Northwest regional conference, which convened in Missoula, MT. Tiegan has also served as a judge for Eastern Washington Regional History Day, holding her own among other judges including PhD historians. Tiegan plans to pursue graduate work in either women’s history or gender and  feminist studies. We’re proud of Tiegan and look forward to seeing where she goes from here.

About

Michaela’s achievements as a Spanish language student are motivated by her genuine cultural curiosity  and her commitment to think about and work for the wellbeing (cultural, economic, ecological, and  political) of communities and individuals in and beyond the Spokane area. She has volunteered with  numerous organizations to serve children and refugees. For example, from October 2022 to March 2023,  she led the after-school program at Lidgerwood Elementary, a diverse and inclusive program that  included a wide range of activities such as games, dance, crafts, and Spanish, ensuring the emotional and  physical safety of children. She also volunteered with World Relief in Spokane to help a local refugee  learn English and study for a driving test.

She has sought and developed a remarkable linguistic proficiency in Spanish, making unique  contributions to our program. This has allowed her to deepen her study of international affairs (one of  her two majors) to build her interdisciplinary scholarly output (including an illuminating presentation in  EWU’s student symposium and a presentation off campus) and to extend the reach of her current and  future professional service, in which she assists those who come to Spokane seeking refuge to integrate  into our culture and economy. Michaela consistently demonstrated leadership in class discussions and  presentations, respectfully and critically setting the tone and the pace of rigor and respect, providing a  powerful example to her classmates.

We are excited about the potential Michaela holds as an EWU alumna and look forward to all that she  will accomplish in her future endeavors.

About

Tyler Wiltse is an exceptionally bright and hardworking student who stands out as an outstanding  scholar dedicated to continuous intellectual and personal growth. Wiltse unwavering work ethic,  excellent classroom performance, and commitment to the betterment of his family and community  have made him a role model to classmates and an extraordinary Student Teacher candidate.  

In pursuing his BA in Social Studies Secondary Education with a Minor Endorsement in English  Education and Minors in General Education Economics and Geography, Wiltse excelled in  coursework earning him accolades from professors across disciplines. Professor Rosenzweig noted  that Wiltse “is probably the hardest working student I’ve taught at Eastern: he cares so much about  learning the profession and doing excellent work in the classroom.” Explaining Wiltse’s impressive  application of knowledge, Dr. Tyler noted “he consistently excelled with the evaluation of complex  primary sources, demonstrating a unique ability to properly incorporate archival materials into clear  and accessible historical narratives.”  

A father of three, Wiltse shoulders considerable responsibilities as a non-traditional student and  holding a job throughout his college career while maintaining a 3.92 GPA. Wiltse also acquired an  emergency substitute teacher certification to assist the Sprague-Lamount School District maintain  required staffing. Mentor Teacher Brent Huston explains, “Tyler has been an outstanding asset to  Lamont Middle School…Tyler’s ability to connect with students who have unique learning challenges is remarkable…His dedication to holding all students to high standards while ensuring  they feel supported and valued demonstrates the heart of a true educator.”  

Inspired by his grandmother to become a teacher, Wiltse explains “I want to be a Social Studies  teacher not just because I love history and find joy in it, but I also love and find joy in sharing it  with people…I want to make learning fun for as many of my students as possible.”

About

I am pleased and honored to recommend Michaela Meek for the Chertok Award. Michaela is an exceptional student majoring in International Affairs with a minor in Spanish. With a GPA of 4.00, she has been among our Department’s most successful and popular students in recent years. Since I first met her in my introductory class on Comparative Politics over two years ago, she has proven herself to be a student with an inquiring mind who constantly challenges herself by going far beyond the course requirements. Over and over, she has also proven her outstanding leadership qualities as the president of the International Affairs Club and as a mentor and role model for her peers. Most impressive is the character of Micaela. Having closely observed how she interacts with her peers and others in the Department, I am compelled to say that she is an amazing human being with a kind, caring, and selfless heart. Whatever she chooses to do after her EWU journey, I am confident that she will succeed.

About

Sean Watson has been a much-welcome addition to the Department of Political Science and Public Policy over the past few years.  As a pre-law major, he became active in the International Affairs Community and is the currently president of this very active student organization.  In addition to being an engaging and thoughtful student in many of our classes, he has also put his political science education into action in the community by working on a congressional campaign and a judicial campaign, and by lobbying in Olympia.  Sean has been a wonderful student.  We all congratulate him on this fantastic achievement and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

About

Robert Tague has worked very hard, both inside and outside of the classroom, to earn this award. He came  to EWU after completing two AA degrees from Spokane Community College, with one degree in Parks and Recreation Management and the other in Forestry Management. Throughout his academic career at both  SCC and EWU he was employed in jobs that require physical labor. Yet he shows up for classes early and turns in his work early, while managing his exhaustion admirably. In class he is an active participant, he asks probing questions and is engaged. Each of his professors in Urban & Regional Planning has remarked on his  performance, the quality of his work, and his level of maturity—which exceeds his age.  

Currently, Mr. Tague works as a Driver Specialist for O’Reilly Auto Parts as he completes his bachelor’s  degree. This job has him delivering auto parts as well as stocking shelves and pulling parts for his  colleagues. Before that he worked as Maintenance Lead for Priest Lake State Park overseeing and  coordinating maintenance operations to ensure the grounds were safe and functional. He started his  working life as a professional welder fabricating metal structures and frameworks based on client  specifications. While most students must work while attending school, both the difficulty of his jobs and his  high level of academic success (including the maintenance of a GPA over 3.5 at both SCC and EWU) distinguish him. Balancing the tightrope of work and school is difficult, yet Mr. Tague has exceled with focus  and dedication.

About

Cadet Aceyona Gamino has excelled in the three qualities we expect in the Military Science Department and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program: Scholar, Athlete, Leader. 

Aceyona is an exceptional example of academic excellence, leadership, and service. As a Scholar, she has maintained a strong 3.51 cumulative GPA while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, alongside an outstanding 3.98 GPA in her Minor in Military Science. Her academic record reflects not only intelligence and discipline, but also a sincere commitment to learning and professional development.

As a Leader, Cadet Gamino has been entrusted with two of the most demanding roles in our program—Battalion Operations Officer (COO) and Battalion Executive Officer (CEO)—positions she has fulfilled with integrity, confidence, and strategic insight. Her calm presence under pressure, empathetic leadership style, and ability to inspire her peers have made a lasting impact on our organization. She consistently advocates for her fellow Cadets and promotes a culture of mutual respect, accountability, and excellence.

Beyond her official duties, Aceyona generously volunteers her time to coach, teach, and mentor both peers and junior Cadets. She leads by example, cultivating a positive learning environment and empowering others to reach their full potential.

Her achievements also extend to the physical domain, where she ranks in the top 5% on the Army Combat Fitness Test, has competed on the Ranger Challenge Team, and earned the Expert Fighting Eagles Badge—testaments to her resilience, determination, and leadership.

Cadet Gamino’s well-rounded excellence, leadership character, and commitment to service make her an outstanding candidate for this academic leadership award. She truly represents the highest ideals of the Jeffers Chertok Dean’s Honor Award, the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, Eastern Washington University and is poised to serve with distinction as an Officer in the United States Army.

About

It is my honor to nominate Eva Khamphouy for the Chertok Dean’s Honor Award in Criminal Justice. I have been exceptionally fortunate to have had Miss Khamphouy in many classes and have had a front row seat to watching her grow as a student. First, she has been at the top of each of her classes. More importantly, on numerous occasions I have witnessed her helping others to comprehend the material and improve. Miss Khamphouy wants to be a police officer. This is perhaps one of the most noble professions but is also one of the most difficult in which to truly succeed.

To gain a better understanding of her chosen profession, Miss Khamphouy has opted to take as many criminal justice related classes as she was able. Furthermore, she took a significant interest in the topic of police use of lethal force. Because this is considered a topic of importance throughout society, she participated in a focused independent study class on this topic to better understand all of the implications surrounding the issue. Further, she participated in police ride-along’s to better prepare for her career in policing. Miss Khamphouy’s work ethic, intellect, focus, and drive to succeed is an inspiration. I am very proud to have helped her on her path to success. As an educator as well as a 29-year police veteran, I know what it takes to succeed in her chosen profession and I believe that Eva Khamphouy has a bright future as an officer. I truly feel that she has more than earned the honor of this award.

About

(Unfortunately, Grace couldn’t be present at the awards ceremony, so Dr. Alex Davis accepted Grace’s award on her behalf.)

I highly recommend Grace for the Jeffers Chertok Dean’s Honor Award. I have been one of Grace’s instructors in the Criminal Justice major since Winter 2023.

Grace has maintained a >3.0 GPA while double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She has received A grades in four of the five courses she has completed with me, and an A- in the fifth; this trend carries across her upper-level courses in both majors, including statistics (not an easy feat, if you ask her peers). I have remained impressed at how well Grace synthesizes complex course concepts in her work—she has regularly scored in the top 10% of my students on assessments. In peer evaluations, peers across her courses have consistently commended Grace for her reliability, enthusiasm, and meaningful contributions to group work. They have overwhelmingly stated they would want to work with Grace again if the opportunity arose.

Grace successfully balances full-time coursework with a part- to full-time workload. She is currently part of the behavioral support staff at Morning Star Ranch, a residential facility for youths aged 6-15. Her job duties reflect her desire to put her studies to use in service to her community; as a support staff member, Grace teaches daily living skills to youth with autism spectrum disorder and uses crisis intervention techniques such as verbal de-escalation to help youth in acute crisis. Such techniques are especially valuable when working with vulnerable populations as they face an increased risk of police interaction and experiencing use of force in those interactions.

Overall, I strongly support Grace as a recipient of this award. Her record of academic and community achievement has made positive impacts on our department and on youth in Eastern Washington; I cannot think of a better exemplar of what it means to be an Eagle.

Alex Davis, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Sociology & Justice Studies

About

I am delighted to recommend Katherine Sorensen for the Chertok Dean’s Honor Award in Sociology.  She is a senior pursuing a dual Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice.

During her time at Eastern Washington University, Katherine demonstrated a solid commitment to academic excellence and community service. Graduating Cum Laude, she embodies a deep dedication to learning. Her extensive coursework in criminal justice and sociology has enriched her understanding of social systems and justice and instilled in her a strong sense of equity that she will uphold in her future career. Katherine is one of the most mature and well-rounded students in both programs. She will make a significant impact in her field.

Beyond the classroom, Katherine has demonstrated profound community involvement. She worked as a Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor at EWU and with the City of Vancouver. Additionally, she is a Computer Operations Assistant at EWU, where she supports students and faculty with event materials and provides graphic design assistance for student projects. She is also a collegiate athlete and the president of the EWU archery club. Overall, Katheren truly deserves the honor of this award.

About

The Department of Political Science and Public Policy is honored to count Alesia Levchenko as one of its majors. Her hard work, intellectual acumen, and boundless energy contribute to the life of the department in innumerable ways. Alesia’s receipt of the Jeffers Chertok Memorial Scholarship is not only a testament to her skills as a student but also to the kind of person she is. All of us in the department congratulate her on this achievement and we eagerly look forward to continuing working with her next year. Our thanks to you for all you bring to us.

About

(Unfortunately, Anna couldn’t be present at the awards ceremony, so Dr. Julia Smith accepted Anna’s award on her behalf.)

Anna Reed transferred from Spokane Falls Community College last year. Since we have known her, she has worked an average of 28 hours per week outside of EWU, and deftly navigated the conflicting priorities, mental and physical exhaustion, and difficulties of time management. That she also managed a 4.0 GPA in her challenging university coursework, in Anthropology and Criminal Justice, reflects on her character and talents. She is incredibly successful, and her ascent is just beginning. She has a strong interest in forensic applications of anthropology, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Movement.  We look forward to seeing what she does next year.

About

Baylee Bankey is pursuing a Major in Social Studies Education, a Minor Endorsement in English Education, and exemplifies the best qualities of an outstanding student committed to academic excellence. Without exception, Baylee has made a genuinely memorable impression on her instructors. Her deep concentration and passion for learning, coupled with Baylee’s inquisitive nature and unparalleled work ethic, has made her an excellent student and an emerging community leader. Bayle notes about her chosen career, “I want to become a teacher because I am passionate about helping children recognize their worth and supporting them in finding a life path that aligns with their passions, whatever that may be.”

About

Jennifer Dawson is a first generation, non-traditional student from a low-income background. She embraced fitting into the campus community through volunteer work and student employment. She volunteers as a peer mentor and her student employment positions include currently working as a student assistant in the Department of Sociology and Justice Studies. 

To become a top student, Jennifer worked hard while utilizing student resources and refining her skills through academic coaching. Her success is exemplified by having recently being accepted into the McNair Scholars Program. She is a true EWU academic success story.

Jeffers Chertok would be pleased to have Jennifer earn an award in his name. 

About

Lauren transferred to EWU in Fall 2024 to pursue Public History.  While taking a full course load and working part time, she also immediately jumped into internship opportunities, working under University Archivist Steve Bingo’s supervision to digitize the EWU journal, Pacific Northwest Forum. Lauren will intern at the Campbell House museum this summer. According to Steve Bingo, “Lauren worked diligently … showing enthusiasm and curiosity for both the scholarly and the colorful research contained within the journal.” Lauren tackles her academic work with similar diligence and curiosity, earning faculty praise as well as high grades in all her History classes.

About

Roary is a very engaged student who is not just out to make the grade. He has a lot of intellectual curiosity and regularly participants in discussions. Roary has a depth of understanding that allows him to extend and expand on ideas in meaningful ways. His engagement and positive attitude towards learning even seems to spread to others in the classroom. Roary has been a model student even while working outside jobs, conducting his own research study, and being actively involved in the EWU chapter for PsiChi, our national honor society in psychology, which he will be leading next year.