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Athena Student Excellence Award

The Athena Student Excellence Award aims to support and recognize students at University of Idaho. The selection is particularly interested in recognizing diverse and underrepresented individuals. Through this award, Athena also intends to recognize and develop individuals who promote access, inclusion and advancement of women through their course of study or co-curricular activities.

  • Nominations are sought from the U of I community. Self-nominations are also accepted.
  • Each submission must include:
    • A narrative demonstrating how the nominee meets or exceeds the award criteria (500 word maximum).
    • The nominator can add an optional letter of recommendation from another U of I faculty or staff member.
  • Self-nominees must submit:
    • A narrative demonstrating how they meet or exceed the award criteria (500 word maximum); and
    • A letter of recommendation from a U of I faculty or staff member.
  • The nomination period is now closed.

  • Commitment to promoting access, inclusion, and the advancement of women through their course of study and/or co-curricular activities;
  • Efforts to advance women personally, professionally, and/or academically; and
  • Other exceptional qualifications of service in gender equality.

The nominating individual is encouraged to explain how this award could help further the nominee's efforts.

Any current University of Idaho degree-seeking student is eligible for nomination.

The award amount will be determined annually and distributed by the U of I Foundation.

The recipient will be awarded during the annual Athena Leadership Awards Ceremony and Reception held every spring.

Support the Student Excellence Award

Donate to the Athena Student Award Endowment to help recognize students who promote access, inclusion and advancement of women.

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2024 Recipient

Madelynn Gregoire

MS Candidate, Civil Engineering

Madelynn's unwavering commitment to promoting access, inclusion and the advancement of women within the realm of engineering and STEM education is truly exceptional. Her dedication to advancing women in STEM fields is evident in her leadership, collaborative spirit and program development. During her time on the U of I Chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) leadership team, Madelynn played a pivotal role in creating a supportive and empowering environment for female students pursuing engineering degrees. Under her leadership, the chapter has thrived, providing valuable resources, networking opportunities and mentorship programs to its members. Madelynn served as a College of Engineering Ambassador where she engaged and inspired K12 kids to learn about STEM through hands-on activities state-wide. This year, she continued her efforts by volunteering as a small group leader for Women in Engineering Day, where she inspired over 120 girls from fifth to twelfth grades in Northern and Central Idaho to pursue and persist in STEM education.

Madelynn Gregoire
Madelynn Gregoire

Past Winners

Madelynn Gregoire, 2024

Laur Freymiller, 2023

Akorede Seriki, 2022

Alondra Castaneda, 2021

Farjahan Shawon, 2020

Rebecca Witinok-Huber, 2019

Olivia Balemba, 2013

Karie Davidson, 2011
Giselle Veach, 2011

Jodi Frost, 2010
Lorena Vega Tamayo, 2010

Jackoline Livingston, 2008
Jessica Sampson, 2008

Alison English, 2007
Mariangie Ramos, 2007

June Clevy, 2006

Kathryn Dafoe, 2005
Angie Shepard, 2005

Cynthia Barnett, 2003
Tamara Cougar, 2003
Laila Kinnunen, 2003
Kahliela Wright, 2003

Eve Foster, 2002
Jody Swearingen, 2002

Betsy Peters, 2001

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Phone: 208-885-2777

Fax: 208-885-6285

Email: wcenter@uidaho.edu

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