The University of Nevada, Reno and its Alumni Association is proud to recognize graduates with one of the most prestigious awards at the University – the Senior Scholar distinction.

The top graduate from each school and college are honored along with the faculty mentor who has had the greatest impact on their scholastic success at Nevada. 

Two virtual Commencement ceremonies will be streamed this Saturday to honor Spring, Summer and Winter 2020 graduates.

Ensi Bejto

College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources
GPA: 4.0
Mentor: Hanna Damke

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
Being from Nevada, the University had a home-like feeling, yet it was also a new city with new opportunities. The University was the perfect blend of everything I was looking for, and so the decision to attend was an easy one. 

What is your favorite college memory?
It's hard to pick a single memory but when I think of my favorite college memories, the theme common among all of them is the special relationships I've made in college. And those are something I will remember for a lifetime. 

Plans after graduation
After graduation, I plan on attending medical school. However, graduating in the winter has the benefit of taking the spring semester off so I can have a break before I start my next academic journey. 

Why did you select Hanna Damke as your mentor?
Of all the professors I have encountered at the University, none have been more involved in my academic experience than Dr. Damke. As a freshman, Dr. Damke taught me the foundations of biochemistry, and as a senior, she refined the way I present and communicate my knowledge of biochemistry that I acquired during my time here. The guidance offered by Dr. Damke molded me into not only the student I am today but also the biochemist. 

Laura Anne Saueressig

College of Education & Human Development
GPA: 4.0
Mentor: Alicia Shaw 

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
After separating from the U.S. Navy, I was searching for a program to become a teacher. My fiancé had accepted a position at Tesla so we moved from Virginia to Nevada. It just so happened that the University of Nevada, Reno seemed to have an excellent teaching program with specializations to teach English Language Learners which is an endorsement I wanted to have with my teaching license (which I got). Everything sort of fell into place nicely! 

What is your favorite college memory?
As a non-traditional student starting at the University and moving across the country to a new city, being a part of the veteran community on campus is for sure my favorite memory! 

Plans after graduation
After graduation, my fiancé and I are moving to Florida to be closer to family. So, my plan is to start job hunting! I also plan on doing some traveling. I hope to one day teach in another country if the opportunity arises! 

Why did you select Alicia Shaw as your mentor?
I selected Professor Shaw as my mentor because of her passion for teaching and helping us become the best teachers we can be. She wasn't afraid to tell us the truth, that teaching is a lot of work and not everything works how we want it to all the time, but she helped us develop the skills necessary to be flexible, be reflective and to always think first about what is best for the students! 

Allan Joseph Dela Cruz Romero

College of Engineering
GPA: 4.0
Mentor: Mohamed Moustafa 

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I chose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno because it was a shared dream of mine and my late mother. I still remember back in October 2017 when I received my admission letter to the University and it was probably the best moment of my life since I saw how proud she was of my achievement. However, it was also the same month that she passed away and I promised myself that I would finish my undergraduate as an honor for my parents’ sacrifices. In addition, I chose to study at the University because I felt at home with the place and the people I have met since the first day. The University helped me grow academically and boosted my confidence in every aspect. 

What is your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory is probably all the shared moments that I have experienced with my friends, colleagues and faculty members throughout my undergraduate career. There were times when I had to stay late at the Engineering Computing Center and the library with my classmates and we would always laugh since we had been there until closing several days in a row. On a lighter note, it was also a memorable experience when I first visited Lake Tahoe and California with my friends after a stressful semester. Overall, I have been through a lot of ups and downs in my life and what keeps me going is that I have surrounded myself with people that have supported, inspired and cared for me and this gave me the motivation to excel and be the best version of myself. 

Plans after graduation
My plan after graduation is to continue my graduate studies at Nevada as a Ph.D. student. My goal is to gain more experience in laboratory works and expand on all the courses that I have learned in my undergraduate studies. Teaching at a university is also something I have been planning if given the chance. 

Why did you select Mohamed Moustafa as your mentor?
Professor Mohamed Moustafa is not only my mentor but also my official advisor on my journey at the University. He always believed in my potential and he has been there not only when I needed advice about certain topics but he was also very understanding about my family situation. As I take a new path, I look forward to working with Dr. Moustafa in my graduate research. 

Joshua Thomas Bottoms

College of Liberal Arts
GPA: 3.994
Mentor: Catherine Pollard 

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I chose to attend the University of Nevada, Reno because I was first and foremost drawn to the world-class faculty in the music department here. I am incredibly lucky to have had such experienced mentors. So many of them are pushing the standard for music-making here in Reno and I was very interested in creating collaborative relationships with them in a way that is not always possible for undergrads at larger schools. 

What is your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory absolutely has to be the surprise party thrown by the student National Association for Music Education (NAfME) chapter when they learned that I was a recipient of the national organization's Collegiate Professional Achievement Award. I have rarely in my life felt more loved and supported by my friends and peers. 

Plans after graduation
I am currently in the process of applying to several prominent graduate schools to earn a master's degree in clarinet performance. It is my goal to go onto a career teaching clarinet within higher education. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Joshua Anderson and Dr. Adela Park for their help in the path I've chosen. 

Why did you select Catherine Pollard as your mentor?
Professor Pollard has been my strongest advocate, a resource of unimaginable wisdom, one of my closest confidants and I consider her a wonderful friend. Her unyielding dedication to accessible, quality and enjoyable education is a daily inspiration to me. Her guidance has been instrumental in the formation of my philosophy regarding music education. Her sincerity has helped me overcome some of the hardest academic, professional and emotional obstacles. I owe so much of my success to her. I can’t thank her enough for her companionship. 

Julia Christine Jensen

College of Science
GPA: 4.0
Mentor: Marian Berryhill 

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I chose to attend the University of Nevada because I grew up in Reno and knew that this special community was something I wanted to be part of. I chose Nevada in part because I had the opportunity to represent the University as a member of the softball team, and I am incredibly grateful to have been able to play for the softball team I grew up watching. The University of Nevada was the perfect place for me to finish my softball career while earning a bachelor's degree. 

What is your favorite college memory?
It is difficult to pick my favorite memory, but I am grateful for all of the people I have met and friends I have made throughout my time at Nevada. I was always able to count on my friends to joke around and make me laugh, even when we were exhausted from studying. I am so grateful for my friends from athletics, classes and clubs because they truly made my college experience full of good memories. 

Plans after graduation
After graduation this winter, I plan to play my last season of collegiate softball in the spring. In the fall of next year, I hope to begin my first year of graduate school in either biodefense or epidemiology, with the eventual goal of working in national security or epidemiological research.  

Why did you select Marian Berryhill as your mentor?
Dr. Berryhill is a paragon of professorship. Not only does she bring expertise and enthusiasm to her classes, but she also displays genuine care and interest in the success and well-being of her students. I am inspired by her achievements and I strive to live up to her example one day. I hope that students at Nevada understand how lucky they are to have Dr. Berryhill as a professor. 

Alexandria Roussel

Orvis School of Nursing
GPA: 3.991
Mentor: Shannon Richard 

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I wanted to be close to home and I grew up visiting Reno. I loved that there are thousands of hiking trails around and Lake Tahoe is so close. I also wanted to attend the Orvis School of Nursing. 

What is your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory is when we did the walk around downtown my freshman year with all of the dorms. I also really enjoyed tutoring, studying in the amazing library and sitting out on the Quad in the fall. 

Plans after graduation
My plans after graduation are to become a pediatric oncology nurse and possibly explore labor and delivery. Then I want to become a nurse educator in the hospital or at a nursing school while still working at the bedside. 

Why did you select Shannon Richard as your mentor?
Professor Richard has helped me grow as a student nurse in so many ways! From Level 1 Pathophysiology and Pharmacology when I had no idea what I had gotten myself into, to my last semester where I have truly grown into a soon-to-be nurse. 

Tamara Joy Snight

Reynolds School of Journalism
GPA: 3.964
Mentor: Alison Gaulden 

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
The University of Nevada, Reno, allowed me to stay close to friends and family as I was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, California. After touring the campus, I knew the University was where I'd finish my undergraduate degree because I fell in love with its northern Nevada charm. 

What is your favorite college memory?
As a transfer student, it took some time for me to find my place at Nevada. I lived off campus with my boyfriend and dog, Ellie, so I had to really search for opportunities to become more involved. With that being said, filming a documentary on diversity, equity and inclusion practices at the University was probably one of my favorite memories. As someone who identifies as white, the film forced me out of my comfort zone and connected me with minority students and faculty members to discuss important social justice issues. 

Plans after graduation
Over the past two years, I've worked tirelessly to make strong connections and as the city of Reno continues to grow, I see enormous potential for a career in strategic communications. With my diverse portfolio, I hope to find a long-term position where I can showcase everything I've learned at the University of Nevada, Reno, and more. 

Why did you select Alison Gaulden as your mentor?
Alison is 100 percent real with her students. She's always there for you. 

Anna Marie Dobbins

School of Community Health Sciences
GPA: 4.0
Mentor: Gerold Dermid 

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
Before attending the University of Nevada, Reno, I completed the first semester of my freshman year at Washington State University. I didn't think WSU was for me, so on a whim, I decided to transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno. Doing so has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Over the past four years, the University and the city of Reno have truly become my home. Nevada has shaped me into the person I am today. 

What is your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory is the international field study I did in Rwanda with the School of Community Health Sciences. This trip without a doubt changed my life. In three weeks, I met some of my best friends in college and found my passion for global health. I will always cherish the memories I made in Rwanda and the opportunity I had to work alongside some of the best public health warriors I know. 

Plans after graduation
After graduation, I plan to continue on in the Master of Public Health program at the University of Nevada, Reno. I aspire to pursue a career in global health working specifically in HIV prevention with indigenous communities. 

Why did you select Gerold Dermid as your mentor?
Without a doubt, I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for Professor Dermid. I will always be grateful to Professor Dermid for his guidance and ability to see a drive in me that I didn't even know I had. If I become half the public health leader he is, I will consider myself lucky. 

Matthew E. Longland

The College of Business
GPA: 4.0
Mentor: Mary Groves 

Why the University of Nevada, Reno?
I chose to attend the University because my entire immediate family has graduated from here. In addition, my parents were employed by the University for decades. The University of Nevada, Reno has always played a role in my life, so I thought it was fitting for me to become a member of the Wolf Pack. 

What is your favorite college memory?
My favorite college memory was having the opportunity to play intramural sports with my older brother and some of our closest friends. We played indoor soccer, basketball and volleyball. It was a much-welcomed break from my schoolwork. 

Plans after graduation
I am still uncertain about my future, especially since these are very uncertain times. I will probably continue working for my friend Paul, who runs his own flooring company, but I am always open to new opportunities. 

Why did you select Mary Groves as your mentor?
I first met Professor Mary Groves when I took her Management 321 - "Effective Business Writing" course in fall 2019. Though the class was rigorous and forced me out of my comfort zone, it was very enjoyable overall and provided me with some valuable experience. In addition, Professor Groves sacrificed a considerable amount of her own time to help me resolve some real issues I was facing with my former employer. Professor Groves has proven that she cares not only about the success of her students in school, but also in life. 

I would also like to thank another professor of mine, Sourik Banerjee, for being such an excellent and caring educator. I took three courses of his during my time at the University, and he was by far one of the most enthusiastic and genuine professors I have ever had.