Emory College of Arts and Sciences

Championing educational access and belonging

As a first-generation college student who immigrated from Vietnam as a child, Thiên Thanh Nguyễn transformed his experiences into leadership and service opportunities and a passion for advancing education equity.

Goizueta Business School

Building multiple clubs, leaving behind legacy of consistent leadership

Grant Huddleston, a finance and economics major, spent his time at Emory focused on access, community and long-term growth. The efforts resulted in his cofounding multiple clubs and resources.

Oxford College

Shaping her story while building community in the classroom and beyond

For Fiona Kuo, community engagement is more than an extracurricular activity — it’s a way to connect learning, leadership and service beyond the classroom. She’s found opportunities to do all three during her time at Oxford College.

School of Nursing

Creating a culture of belonging and centering Latinx voices

Leilany Munoz, who is graduating with her BSN, has always been focused on creating space, opportunity and belonging for others. During her four years at Emory, she’s been a powerful advocate for Latinx nursing students.

Candler School of Theology

Finding the inspiration to seek justice, faith and care for people on the margins

Tara Stevens didn’t plan to pursue a master of divinity degree at Candler School of Theology. Now, she’s one of Candler’s first hybrid program graduates, which allowed her to stay rooted in servant leadership in Texas.

James T. Laney Graduate School

Working toward improving treatment options for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Kristen Patterson, who is earning her PhD in chemistry, has focused her research on new ways to formulate medicines so treatments can more effectively reach the brain, specifically for neurological diseases.

Rollins School of Public Health

Taking on public health challenges with an innovator’s mindset

Sri Harsha Soma saw a master of public health degree in global epidemiology as the perfect way to connect his medical background, passion for research, interest in innovation and desire to create positive change in the world.

School of Law

Advocating for even-handed justice among the ‘undervalued and overlooked’

As Greear Webb graduates from Emory Law, he is ready to follow his passion of meeting people, learning their life stories and, when necessary, fighting for justice on their behalf.

School of Medicine

Discovering purpose and finding confidence through meaningful patient interactions

Working in a pediatric oncology lab as a teenager helped solidify Jessy Kline’s plan to pursue medicine. Now she moves to the next step in her journey: a residency focused on internal medicine and medical education.

McMullan Award recognizes Rodrigo Colón García’s desire to impact his community

Rodrigo Colón García worked to advance language access, food security and health care for marginalized communities during his four years at Emory. A neuroscience honors graduate, he plans to be a physician.

Emory College class orator Joanna Louis-Ugbo emphasizes importance of offering support

Student Ari Ophir was named the orator for the 2025 Emory College Diploma Ceremony. During her speech, Ophir highlighted the importance of taking risks — a lesson she learned while at Emory.

Seniors Dorien Johniken, Ainsley Powers awarded prestigious Louis B. Sudler Prize in the Arts

Graduates Dorien Johniken and Ainsley Powers have won the Sudler Prize, recognizing their accomplishments and skills in creative and performing arts. The award includes $6,000 and is bestowed at the Emory College Honors Program each Commencement.