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.
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.
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