76th Thunderbird Awards Winners Announced

Published: April 23, 2026 | Read Time: 2 minutes

The 76th annual Thunderbird Awards recently brought the T-Bird community together at the Randall L. Jones Theatre to honor the incredible students, faculty, staff, and alumni who have helped to shape SUU. Since its humble beginnings in 1950 with only four categories, this tradition has grown into a prestigious celebration of 25 award categories that reflect our shared commitment to hard work and heart.

Thor playing piano at T-bird Awards

This year's recipients represent the very best of SUU's culture, showcasing the transformative power of mentorship and the momentum gained through personalized support.

University Department of the Year Award: Student Outreach & Support

Lifetime Achievement Award: Pam Branin

Board of Trustees Award of Excellence:

  • Eric Houle (Staff)
  • Helen Chuang Boswell (Faculty)

Gerald R. Sherratt Friend of SUU Award: Ryan Paul

Carmen Rose Hepworth Award: Terri Metcalf-Peterson

Outstanding Educator Award: Susanna Herrmann

Distinguished Educators:

  • Clint Broadbent
  • David Lunt
  • Danielle Lydia Sheather

Distinguished Scholarly for Creative Activity:

  • Sarah Allen
  • Jessica Pullan
  • Sandy Zhang

Distinguished Faculty Service: Fred Govedich

Staff Community & Culture Award: Heather Garcia Blake

Staff Mentorship Award: Ammon Harris

Outstanding Staff Award

  • Classified Staff Winner: Breanna Bradshaw
  • Professional Staff Winner: Rachel Brindley

Staff Distinguished Initiative or Activity Award: Meagan Beesley

America 250 Presidential Citation of Appreciation:

  • Dr. Josh Klein
  • Dr. Mark Miller
  • Dr. Earl Mulderink
  • Dr. Michelle Orihel
  • Professor Ryan Paul
  • Dr. Richard Saunders

Personality of the Year Award

  • Student Winner: Amine Faressee
  • Employee Winner: Laurel Buxton

Employees of the Month

  • Stephen Wagner - May
  • Shelly Merrill - June
  • Christine Fawson - July
  • Elliani Decker - August
  • Craig Lewis - September
  • Allison Bulloch - October
  • Mason Cottam - November
  • Angela Patino-Acevedo - December
  • Crystal Reed - January
  • Wyett Ihler - February
  • Cory Taylor - March
  • Denean Peterson - April

Kenneth Benson Award: Grace Ash

Sterling R. Church Student Involvement Award: Tifa Kioa

Georgia Beth Thompson Service Award: Audra Wilson

Student Organization Award: Latine Student Alliance

Scholars of the Year:

  • University Valedictorian - Emily Sage Wheeler
  • College of Performing and Visual Arts - Kira Wootton
  • Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - Kaden Jensen
  • College of Health Sciences - Tim Arauza
  • Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development - Nakomi Yardley
  • Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business - Matt Cherry
  • College of Humanities and Social Sciences - Hayden McCoy
  • School of Aviation - Josh Pinneker

Student Artist of the Year: Orlando Grayson

Athlete of the Year

  • Male Winner: Jaiden Feroah (Men's Basketball)
  • Female Winner: Ava Uhrich (Women's Basketball)

Tags: Campus Alumni Graduation Community

Contact Information

Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu

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