CHS Celebrates Student Awards 2025

By Ryan Clark and Josie Bailey
CHS Contributors

Karen Badger, PhD, MSW and Vice Dean of the College of Health Sciences, looked out over the crowd and smiled.

“Today, we are excited to be able to come together to recognize our students who have received college and university awards and commemorate such excellence and their many achievements,” she said. “Students, today we are excited to celebrate your success and the many ways all of you contribute to our college and community.”

Last week, faculty, staff, students, friends and family came out to the Karpf Auditorium to celebrate the achievements of the students in the College of Health Sciences. Awards were given in categories like service, ambassadors and academics.

Badger emphasized how there has never been a greater need for healthcare workers.

“As I look around this room, I see the future of the health professions — the leaders, healers and innovators of tomorrow,” she said. “I am grateful each of you chose the UK College of Health Sciences as a destination along your health care journey. We have enjoyed teaching you, and in more ways than one, you have also taught us. You have modeled compassion, resilience, commitment and dedication during your time here, and these qualities will serve you well in every circumstance you face.

“We all know higher education is a big investment — personally, academically, and financially,” she continued. “An investment in your education is an investment in yourself. There will never be a time when we do not need competent health care providers, educators and researchers. Thank you for fulfilling that need.”

The students themselves were very appreciative.

“I felt very well, accompanied by my family and my advisor, Dr. Kirby Mayer, who presented my award,” said Felipe Gonzalez Seguel, who was honored with the Robinson Graduate Award for Research Creativity.

Stefany Reyes was awarded the first-ever Tassa Jones Wigginton Perseverance Award, which will be given annually to a “student who has overcome challenges while completing the degree, showing perseverance and dedication to the PT profession,” the official award proposal reads. “This can include raising children, loss of a family member, financial challenges, physical challenges, etc.”

The award is named for Wigginton, a 1984 graduate of the Physical Therapy Department who was 40 years old and raising children when she was attending PT school. Sometimes her children even had to accompany her to campus. In fact, many of her classmates said she took on a mother figure role to the class while she was also making lifelong friends.

Wigginton and other members of her family were there to watch the presentation of the first award.

“It’s the students’ day — not about me!” Wigginton said. 

Badger agreed.

“Students, this is your day to enjoy and celebrate your success with your family, friends and loved ones,” Badger said. “Know that you make them proud, and you make us proud. You have worked hard to reach your goals and to be prepared for your next step — whether it be an advanced degree program, a career in healthcare, research, or another amazing opportunity.

“You leave here equipped with the knowledge and skills you have cultivated through the years,” she continued. “Your diligence, dedication, compassion and ambition are just a sampling of the qualities that you have brought to your educational journeys. We know beyond a doubt that the future of health care will be in capable hands.”
 

STUDENT AWARDS:
 

Dean’s Award for Excellence in Service

Raleigh de los Reyes

Amani Miles 

Maurice A. Clay Award for Service

Kelly Chism

CHS PathFinders Peer Mentor of the Year

Kelly Chism

CHS Ambassador of the Year

Emma Blondi
 

Clinical Leadership and Management Student Academic Award

Michaela Dunson
 

Clinical Leadership and Management Perseverance and Exceptional Commitment to Learning Award

Emma Chenault
 

Human Health Sciences Academic Excellence Award

Kamryn Bradshaw

Human Health Sciences Research & Scholarship Award

Taylor Emerson

Medical Laboratory Science Faculty Award

Trevor Smith
 

Center of Excellence in Rural Health Medical Laboratory Sciences Faculty Award

Emily Bryant

Outstanding Graduate Student in Athletic Training

James Carotenuti

Abigail Spencer

Outstanding Graduate Student in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Ryan Foote

Scarlett Parsley-Hooker Award

Abbie Verst

Physician Assistant Studies Award

Lauren Evans

Austin Stephenson

Eileen Van Dyke Rural Service Award

Emma Li Mathews

Physical Therapy Outstanding Student Award

Lauren Haney

Anna Urbanowicz
 

Tassa Jones Wigginton Perseverance Award

Stefany Reyes
 

Robinson Graduate Award for Research Creativity

Felipe Gonzalez Seguel