Honoring the St. 17勛圖厙 2025 Presidential Award Winners
This academic year has been characterized by pivotal moments and significant milestones for St. Edwards. Our outstanding students transcended expectations and overcame challenges in their pursuit of academic excellence and advocacy for social justice.
Our 2024-2025 graduating class includes nine distinguished Presidential Award winners who have harnessed their enriching experiences to pave the way for success for their peers and influence positive change in their communities and beyond.
Shakiib Wauyo 25
Finance
ON THE HILLTOP
- Founded BAfrika Trade, which will enable Ugandan farmers to access critical supply chain information and better connect with consumers through a mobile application
- Worked with organizations such as Pure Grow Africa, KEIPhone Global and Fathers Heart Mobility as a volunteer
- Recipient of the prestigious Moreau and Martin Scholarships
- Served as the Student Assistant to St. 17勛圖厙 President Montserrat Fuentes
- Served as the Internal Affairs Director for the Student Government Association at St. 17勛圖厙
A LIFE LESSON
As I look to the future, I carry with me the lessons of hope, resilience and service. My time at St. Edwards has shown me that leadership is not defined by titles, but by the impact we leave on those around us. I leave the hilltop not only as a student, but as a servant leader, eager to create a future where faith, community and justice guide every step.
WHATS NEXT
Shakiib will serve as the Senior Associate at Ragland Navarro Capital and on the Supervisory Committee at Austin Federal Credit Union.
Melody Borg 25
International Business | Management
ON THE HILLTOP
- Served as the undergraduate address speaker for the 3 p.m. ceremony at May 2025 Commencement
- Founder and President of the Global Affairs Society
- President of the International Students Association
- Blue and Gold Scholar, recipient of the prestigious Martin Scholarship and the Dell Technologies Success Scholarship
- Gave back to various communities through Campus Ministry, including rebuilding homes in New Orleans over Spring Break
A LIFE LESSON
When I stepped on the St. 17勛圖厙 campus, it became more than a place to study; it became a home away from home, where I felt encouraged to grow, take risks and embrace my passions. It is here that I discovered the power of community. Additionally, beyond building community, my time at St. Edwards allowed me to grow personally and connect with my inner self in ways I had never experienced before.
WHATS NEXT
Melody will pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at Johns Hopkins University.
Blen Abegaz 25
Biology
ON THE HILLTOP
- Conducted Parkinsons disease research with Professor of Biology Lisa Goering
- Led independent research on ADAM proteins in Professor of Chemistry Eamonn Healys lab
- MSTP ACCESS Scholar at Washington University in St. Louis
- Founded the on-campus chapter of the American Medical Womens Association
- Volunteers with local organizations supporting incarcerated individuals and LGBTQ+ healthcare access
A LIFE LESSON
"Throughout my time at St. Edwards, Ive realized that the impact of research isnt just in its outcomes, but in how it shapes both the researcher and the community around them. My education here has equipped me with the tools to not only excel in science, but to stand up for injustice, knowing that as a part of a broader community, I have the power to advocate for change.
WHATS NEXT
Blen will pursue MD/PhD programs to advance her knowledge in medicine and research both of which she is passionate about.
Sarah Calvin 25
Art | Psychology
ON THE HILLTOP
- Served the St. Edward's community as an active leader in the campus garden, retreat leader and mass coordinator for Campus Ministry and three-year Resident Assistant for Residence Life
- Founder of Blue Rhythmic Dance
- Recipient of the Bill Kennedy and Melissa W. Miller Family Endowed Scholarship
A LIFE LESSON
Where I thought both my experiences as an artist and psychology student were separate disciplines, St. Edwards helped me see that both can be cultivated to promote and advocate for the needs of my community, even if it is for the sake of one person. Through my experiences at St. Edwards, I have come to know others on a personal level that has shaped how I think critically about the changes I want to make as I launch my career.
WHATS NEXT
Sarah plans to continue integrating herself into the Austin art and dance scene through her role at Wally Workman Gallery and involvement with East Side Performing Arts.
Lola Claire 25
Writing and Rhetoric
ON THE HILLTOP
- Editor-In-Chief of Hilltop Views and has served as the Poetry Editor for Sorin Oak Review, Writing Director for CABRA Magazine and an Editorial Intern for Austin Woman Magazine
- Served as Chair of the Title IX Student Advisory Board and Director of Promotions for the Office of Student Belonging and Inclusive Excellence
- Recipient of the Edwardian Scholarship, Presidents Achievement Scholarship, Red Doors Award, Michele Kay Outstanding Student Journalist Award and Solutions Journalism Network Grant
A LIFE LESSON
My time spent at St. Edwards enriched my life in ways I will never be able to put down on paper. I always wanted to help other people, but without this university, I would never know how. Thanks to the courses, the professors, the administrators, the students, the community and everything in between, I feel I am ready to move out into the world and create necessary change. Part of the mission of St. 17勛圖厙 is to educate students hearts and minds for a more just world. I see myself as an example of how they do just that.
WHATS NEXT
Lola is exploring post graduate opportunities, but hopes to teach English in France in Fall 2025.
Anna Southern 25
Acting
ON THE HILLTOP
- Served as both an actor and Student Master Electrician for the Mary Moody Northen Theater
- Served as Lead Student Involvement Coordinator and Orientation Coordinator for the Office of Student Involvement
- Served as Treasurer for the United States Institute of Theater Technology
- Recipient of the Outstanding Freshman Award and Outstanding Sophomore Award bestowed by the faculty and staff of MMNT
A LIFE LESSON
Each experience has shaped me into a strong and capable individual. Leadership has taken on new meanings, whether it was learning to connect with others in meaningful ways, helping people feel comfortable in a new place or leading events that made an impact on my peers. Ive learned the skills of adaptability, teamwork, leadership and, most importantly, confidence.
WHATS NEXT
Anna will remain in Austin to pursue her acting career, while also dedicating herself to supporting students in their journey toward higher education.
Aidan Joseph Evans 25
Finance
ON THE HILLTOP
- Chairman and Founder of Students for Good Government and Co-Founder of the Artificial Intelligence Club
- Served the St. Edwards community as an Operations Manager with the University Operations Office
- Two-time Martin Award recipient and named Sophomore and Junior Student of the Year under The Bill Munday School of Business
- Served on Austin Mayor Kirk Watsons re-election campaign
A LIFE LESSON
To me, the real story of Aidan Evans at St. Edwards is a story that has ended in success, but it has been riddled with hardship. I laughed and cried and got up the next day and did it again. It has shaped within me a trait that in my mind, is as central to greatness as any other: an unbreakable determination.
WHATS NEXT
Aidan will continue searching for opportunities to grow community and unite people in the City of Austin.
Heather Pitre 25
Psychology
ON THE HILLTOP
- Served the St. Edwards and Austin community through Campus Ministry, SERVE Austin, H.O.O.V.E.S Service Club, Big Event and as a Resident Assistant in Basil Moreau Hall
- Helped to rebuild homes in New Orleans during Spring Break through Campus Ministrys Service Break Experience
- 2023 and 2024 Topper Cup Champion
A LIFE LESSON
I learned more and more about myself as well as my deep passion to serve others and be a good leader. Balancing my academic responsibilities with leadership roles has taught me the importance of time management, resilience and effective communication. As my involvement across campus grew, so did my confidence in myself and my abilities to take on more responsibilities.
WHATS NEXT
Heather will return home to New Orleans to finish her masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and work as a Registered Behavior Technician for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Lora Ofelia Pe簽a 24
Master of Business Administration
ON THE HILLTOP
- Served as President of Beta Gamma Sigma and Secretary of the Graduate Business Student Association
- Led the data analysis team for the Mayors Task Force for Austin Women Entrepreneurs
- Served as the graduate speaker for December 2024 Commencement
A LIFE LESSON
My time at St. Edwards has expanded my perception of how the world and how people work. There are people of all kinds, each with their own propensities and skills, but when we find ways to come together in our uniqueness a beautiful and fruitful springtime lies ahead.
WHATS NEXT
Lora will continue applying her knowledge and education toward the operation of her business, Telesto Coffee, in Dallas.
