2025-2026 Honors Graduates
Each year, WWU honors seven graduates with the Presidential Scholar Award, honoring the high achievements of students for exceptional scholarship, success in furthering multicultural programs and activities, and other service to the university and community.
Presidential Scholars are nominated by faculty members, recommended by deans and formally selected by the president. Presidential Scholars will also wear their award medallions during their commencement ceremonies.
You can read more about each of the Presidential Scholars via WWU News.
The Outstanding Graduate Awards recognize the exceptional work of a student in each department across Western's campus. For the full 2025-2026 award list, visit the Registrar's Office website.
Honors College Outstanding Graduate
The Honors College is thrilled to name Psychology major, Annabelle Eckel, the Honors College Outstanding Graduate for 2025-2026. Annabelle started in Fall of 2023 where she quickly got involved in the Honors community. She became the Honors Book Club co-president in her second year, volunteered at Honors Prologue, Admitted Student Days, and was later hired as the Honors Center front desk attendant. Additionally, Annabelle spent time volunteering at the Bellingham Senior Activity Center through the Honors Service Scholarship. Throughout her time on campus, she has been a warm and welcoming presence in our community. We're so proud of the work she has accomplished during her time at Western!
| Recipient | Department |
|---|---|
| December Amster-Burton | Biochemistry |
| Braden Arn | Economics |
| Effie Brickell | Financial Economics |
| Jack Bengston | Urban Planning and Sustainable Development |
| Isabel Coverdale | Sociology/Social Studies |
| Vance Cunningham | History |
| Maite De La Cruz | Business Administration - Marketing Concentration |
| Annabelle Eckel | Honors College |
| Fiona Ferguson | Art, P-12 |
| Andy Jennings | Religion and Culture |
| Caleb Jansen | Environmental Science - Toxicology Emphasis |
| Emillia Nunn | Business & Sustainability |
| Donagh Palmer | Energy Science and Technology |
| Christopher Rosenquist | Political Science |
| Cady Shaw | Environmental Science |
| Gabrielle Smith | Environmental Policy |
| Lucy Wells | Linguistics |
| Sophie Westermann | General Science - Middle Level |
| Sol Wilborn | Environmental Studies - Education and Eco-Social Justice Emphasis |
Christian Kleynhans
Major: Economics
Minors: International Business, Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
- Honors Ambassador volunteer
- Honors Service Scholarship with Bellingham Senior Activity Center
- Honors Study Abroad, Croatia 2024
Christopher Rosenquist
Major: Political Science, Sociology
Minors: Global Studies, Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
- Political Science Outstanding Graduate for 2025-2026
- Our most consistent Honors Ambassador volunteer!
- WWU CAP Coordinator of Legislative Affairs (Vice Chair)
Gabbi Smith
Major: Environmental Policy
Minors: Economics, Food Security and Policy, Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
- Environmental Policy Outstanding Graduate for 2025-2026
- Honors Study Abroad (x2) Greece 2023; Croatia 2024
- Honors Service Scholarship with Bellingham Senior Activity Center
- Honors Ambassador volunteer
- Vice President of Operations for WWU DECA
- President of WWU Best Buddies