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PAU Stars Honored at Celebration of Achievement and Service

Associate Professor Teceta Tormala, Ph.D., presents Christine Isotalo with Outstanding Student award for the M.S. in Psychology program.

Palo Alto University’s ‘stars’ were shining bright on Friday, May 17 as student achievement and service were celebrated during a festive ceremony. Presented by Palo Alto University’s Board of Trustees, awards were given out for excellence in academics, research, clinical work, teaching, and service, as well as for contributions to student life and overall leadership. Four students were selected for ‘Outstanding Student’ awards and two staff members were honored for their contributions in supporting students. 
  Director of Student Services Thom Shepard was emcee for the evening and introduced President Maureen O’Connor, Ph.D., J.D., and Board of Trustees President Daniel Kostenbauder, J.D., who each spoke about the remarkable work and commitment to service PAU students are known for.     “You are the reason our Trustees serve on the Board,” said Kostenbauder, addressing the students gathered. “We are committed to your success and know that this is just the beginning of successful and service-filled careers in the fields of psychology and counseling.”
  This year’s awardees represent only a small sample of the excellent work being done by PAU students across all programs, as well as the wide range of experience PAU students bring to their work.
  “We have much to celebrate,” said President O’Connor. “The award winners have done remarkable work over the past year and in their time at PAU. They are, however, only a sample of PAU’s incredible students, and this event is truly intended as a celebration of all of our students.”
  Following is a list of all students who were honored. In addition two staff members were recognized. The Student Veterans Organization honored Scott Hines, PAU Librarian and Director of Academic Technology for his commitment to and support of student veterans. Ana Castrillo, Director for the Office of Accessible Education and Associate Director for Student Services, received the award for Student Organization Advisor of the Year.

 Award/Name

Program

Outstanding Student Award

 

Emily Kaiser

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology

Mercedes Palacios

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

Kelly Saam

MA Counseling

Christine Isotalo

MS Psychology 

 

 

Academic Excellence

 

Aliza Goldberg

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology

Randi Brown

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

Melissa Wyman

MA Counseling

Yelena Markiv

MS Psychology 

 

 

Contributions to Diversity

 

Kerry McBroome

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology

Zo Jimenez

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology

Kellylynn Zuni

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

 

 

Excellence in Clinical Work

 

Audrey Cortesi

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology

Jason Tinero

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology

Alli Barkin

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

Stephanie Charbonneau

MA Counseling

Marissa Cui (Cui Yiran)

MA Counseling

 

 

Excellence in Research

 

Nicole Kramer

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology

Charlotte Wilkie

B.S. Psychology & Social Action

Monique Cano

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

Kate Wolovsky

MA Counseling

 

 

Excellence in Service

 

Carlos Fernandez

B.S. Psychology & Social Action

Kristen Vescera

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

Rea Rivera

MA Counseling

Maria Tanedo

MA Counseling

 

 

Excellence in Teaching

 

Kristene Hossepian

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology

Bethany Young

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

Fredrica Dennis

MA Counseling

 

 

Elton C. & Joan R. Waelde Meditation and Psychology Awards

 

Afik Faerman

K2 Award

Celeste Poe

Kangchenjunga Award

Adriana Panting

Everest Award

 

 

Student Leadership Recognition

 

Kaleen Carimbocas

 Ph.D Clinical Psychology

Sara Markuson

 Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

 

 

Student Organization of the Year Award

 

Run Club