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.
2025 Recipient
Rita Franco
Ph.D Candidate, Nutritional Sciences
Rita Franco is a Ph.D. candidate in Nutritional Sciences at University of Idaho, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. Her research focuses on global nutrition, food security and public health, with notable projects in Guatemala, Idaho and El Salvador. Rita is a dedicated mentor, serving as a teaching assistant and board member of Athena, where she supports women in academia. She also advocates for underrepresented communities, mentoring first-generation women through the McNair Program and working with international organizations like USAID and World Vision. Her leadership and academic excellence make her a standout figure in both her field and her community.

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