Commencement Awards

Maria Manetti Shrem
Long-time UC Davis friend and supporter of the arts in education here and in other institutions around the globe, Maria Manetti Shrem is the 27th recipient of the UC Davis Medal. She is, with husband, Jan Shrem, namesake of the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, which opened to great acclaim on the Davis campus in 2016. Shrem’s nominator noted her “bold vision toward making our arts programs the best in the world,” further reminding us that “the arts facilitate higher discussions and spark creativity to solve the world’s problems.”

Neeraj Senthil, College of Engineering

Neeraj Senthil of Sunnyvale, California, will be awarded the University Medal as the campus’s top graduating senior and be conferred with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering. Between maintaining A+ grades, earning a provisional patent and co-authoring a research paper, his weekly activities have included cuddling sick babies at the university’s medical center and teaching math at local schools.

Irvin Andres Rodriguez, College of Engineering

The V. Glenn Winslow Jr. Award is given to the most outstanding graduating male. Recognizing service and leadership in university and community activities, as well as excellent scholarship, the award is given to a student who is held in high esteem by other students.

Prishha Thiagarajan, College of Biological Sciences

The Mary Jeanne Gilhooly Award is given to the most outstanding graduating female. Recognizing service and leadership in university and community activities, as well as excellent scholarship, the award is given to a student who is held in high esteem by other students.

Prachi Sood, College of Letters and Science

The Social Justice and Inclusion Award is in recognition of the graduating student of any gender who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to social justice in the areas of leadership, scholarship, and service. The honored student has served as a change agent and made a tangible impact on the campus community promoting equity  and inclusion.

Ibrahim Dagher, College of Letters and Science

and

Alyse Lodigiani, College of Letters and Science and College of Biological Sciences

The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research, also known as the Dean Keith Simonton Prize is given annually to a graduating senior who has completed outstanding research in any academic subject.