KU recognizes 13 students with 2025 University Awards

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas has awarded 13 students with honors that recognize community engagement, leadership and academics. The University Awards, among the most prestigious awards presented at KU, were established to recognize students who embody service excellence, dedication or whose academic achievements are stellar. 

Class of 1913 Awards 

These annual awards go to two graduating students who show evidence of intelligence, devotion to studies, personal character and promise of usefulness to society. 

Cecilia Paranjothi 

Cecilia Paranjothi is a senior in chemistry from Lawrence. 

“Growing up in Lawrence, I always knew that I wanted to attend KU, but I was unaware of just how much of an impact KU would have on my self-growth and life trajectory,” Paranjothi said.  

“KU has shaped me into the person I am today, fostering my love of learning and appreciation for community. I am forever grateful for my time at KU, and as my career unfolds, I will continue striving to show the world what it means to be a Jayhawk.” 

Nick Schemmel 

Nick Schemmel is a senior in human biology and Spanish from Overland Park. 

“KU has offered me so many growth opportunities and tools to help confirm and achieve my professional goals,” Schemmel said. “I am so grateful for the support I’ve received from the university and the connections and memories I’ve made the past four years with faculty mentors and classmates.

“As my time in Lawrence comes to an end, I am excited to take all that I have learned forward and use those skills to improve and support my community.”  

The Donald K. Alderson Memorial Award 

The award goes to a graduating senior who has demonstrated loyalty to and interest in the university and who has been active in events and services that benefit other students. This award was established in memory of Alderson, former dean of men and dean of student services. 

Anaya Dewey 

Anaya Dewey is a senior in molecular, cellular & developmental biology on the pre-medicine track with a minor in women, gender & sexuality studies from Lee's Summit, Missouri. 

“My experience at KU is one I will cherish forever,” Dewey said. “Not only did I have the opportunity to serve as a mentor and leader to my peers, but I also got to know myself on a deeper level.

“As a Black woman navigating STEM, my representation meant more than just my presence. It was about paving the way for others who look like me to dream bigger and reach higher. There is nothing quite like being a Jayhawk... I want to thank everyone who has supported and guided me along the way. I truly don't know where I would be without the amazing Jayhawks I've met here.” 

The Alexis F. Dillard Student Involvement Award 

This award goes to two graduating students who have unselfishly contributed to the university through campus involvement. It was established in 1993 by Dillard’s family and friends to remember and honor him. 

Aarthi Aruna 

Aarthi Aruna is a senior in behavioral neuroscience with minors in Spanish and anthropology from Overland Park. 

“KU has given me so much. Not only have I been introduced to (campus organizations), but I have met fantastic friends and mentors who have helped me along the way and shaped the person I am,” Aruna said. “The community I met at KU made me realize that this is where I want to be forever. I want to attend the KU School of Medicine, volunteer in every stage of my life, and give back to the University of Kansas in any way I can.” 

Cyra Chronister 

Cyra Chronister is a senior in architectural engineering from Kansas City, Kansas. 

“My time at KU has shaped me into an intellectually curious person that is prepared for any challenge professionally, socially and academically,” Chronister said. 

“Being raised in a community that prioritizes resilience, persistence and resourcefulness to survive, I am driven by my desire to create systems of change. I have worked to use this passion to strengthen the KU student organizations that I am a part of today, and I will carry this passion into graduate school.” 

The Rusty Leffel Concerned Student Award 

This award annually goes to students who demonstrate a concern for furthering the ideals of the university and higher education. The award was established by a group of seniors in 1973 to honor their fellow student, Leffel. 

Monisha Biswa

Monisha Biswa is a senior in political science and public administration from Shawnee. 

Looking back at her time at KU, Biswa said, "I have been profoundly shaped as a person, not only in my academic but my ontological perception of the world.

“The courses I have taken equipped me with the understanding to be a catalyst for change and justice. Ultimately, my experiences have helped me find standing at KU and, even more, confidence to step into the real world.” 

Heaven Getahun 

Heaven Getahun is a senior in molecular, cellular & developmental biology on the pre-medicine track from Olathe. 

"Through my leadership, I contributed to KU, but in return, I gained so much more from the amazing faculty who mentored me, to the research labs that welcomed me, to finding people who share my passion, and to communities like TRIO and G.E.M.S., which became my confidants during tough times,” Getahun said.  

“As my undergraduate journey comes to an end, I am reminded of the impact I have made and grow more grateful for the way the KU community has shaped me into the person I am today.” 

Abhishek Juneja 

Abhishek Juneja is a doctoral candidate in educational psychology & research from India. 

“As a doctoral candidate in the School of Education & Human Sciences, I have learned that success is not solely driven by motivation, but by discipline, consistency and commitment to ‘showing up’ every day,” Juneja said.  

“These values, alongside my passion for inclusion and human development, have shaped my academic trajectory and my desire to contribute meaningfully to the communities I work with.” 

The Caryl K. Smith Student Leader Award 

This award goes to a graduating sorority or fraternity member who has demonstrated commitment to the local chapter, the KU sorority and fraternity community, the university and the Lawrence community. It was established in 1993 to honor Smith, a former dean of student life. 

Hailey Meggers 

Hailey Meggers is a senior in biochemistry with a minor in business from Hutchinson. 

“I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that have shaped me into a compassionate, driven leader,” said Meggers. “My undergraduate years have been characterized by a dedication to service, resilience and empowering others.” 

“Through my (Panhellenic) leadership roles, involvement in community service and academic pursuits, I have learned that effective leadership is rooted in collaboration… (KU) has not only shaped me as a leader, but also as a student, instilling in me lifelong lessons that will guide me in all my future endeavors.” 

The Kathryn Nemeth Tuttle Student Scholar Award  

This award is presented to a graduating senior scholarship hall student. Recipients have demonstrated academic focus, leadership in the scholarship hall and commitment to the KU and Lawrence communities. 

Reaia Turner Leatherman 

Reaia Turner Leatherman is a senior in psychology and communication studies from Basehor. She will also earn a certificate from KU in leadership engagement.

“My time at KU has solidified my passion for working with (others) and my confidence in my ability to make a difference,” Leatherman said. “I am profoundly grateful for the experiences and opportunities KU has afforded me. I now embark on my life’s journey with confidence, equipped with the knowledge and experience I gained as a Jayhawk.” 

The Agnes Wright Strickland Awards 

These awards were established in 1953 in memory of Strickland, a member of the Class of 1887. They go annually to graduating seniors in recognition of their academic records, demonstrated leadership in matters of university concern, respect among fellow students and indications of future dedication to service in the university. 

DaNae Estabine 

DaNae Estabine is a senior in psychology with minors in philosophy and business from Olathe. 

“KU has provided me with the tools, mentorship and opportunities to grow as a servant leader,” Estabine said. “As I prepare to graduate…I am committed to using my education and experiences to advocate for systemic change.” 

“I am grateful for the role that KU has played in shaping me into a person who remains dedicated to service, leadership and academic excellence. I leave inspired to continue making a difference in the communities I serve.” 

Anna Korn 

Anna Korn is a senior in sport management from Phoenix, Arizona. 

“I realize how fortunate I am to have found a home a thousand miles away from the place I once thought would be home forever,” Korn said. “KU has pushed me to become a new version of myself.”  

“It’s granted me the chance to grow academically, professionally and personally… It’s bittersweet to know that this chapter of my life is coming to a close, but I know that the KU community will always be a part of me.” 

Campanile Award 

The Campanile Award is given to a single graduating senior who has displayed remarkable leadership, character and respect for KU. 

Emma Saville 

Emma Saville is a senior in journalism & mass communications, digital marketing communications and multimedia journalism with a minor in photography from Mulvane.  

“I am honored to be recognized for my leadership and accomplishments from my time at KU,” Saville said. “I want to extend my biggest gratitude to those who have supported and uplifted me in all I've done during my four years as a Jayhawk. I cannot wait to see what the future holds, and Rock Chalk, forever.”