Sacramento State Leader

May 13, 2025

Sac State's top grads reflect promise, perseverance of newest alumni

Among the thousands of spring 2025 graduates are seven who have been recognized for their academic excellence, perseverance and service.

The recipients of the annual Deans’ Awards are Sac State’s top graduates, selected by professors and administrators in each of the University’s seven academic colleges. One Dean’s Award winner is also chosen each year to receive the President’s Medal, Sac State’s top student honor.

The awardees will be recognized during Commencement ceremonies May 16 and 17 at Golden 1 Center. Learn more about their inspiring journeys to their degrees as well as why each is deserving of such prestigious designations.

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Gema Godina's legacy of education, culture

Gema Godina, who earned three degrees and two credentials from Sac State, reimagined Washington Elementary School, implementing innovative programs and fostering partnerships with the University.

Guaranteed income for former foster youth extended

United Way California Capital Region's Collegiate Guaranteed Income program is providing 10 Sac State students who experienced foster care with $500 monthly checks for a second year to help them as they work to complete their degrees.

Sac State helps former foster youth earn college degrees

Linda Ram, Guardian Scholars Program director, joins the "Beyond J" podcast alongside student Thomas Taylor to discuss how the program, amid a national grad rate for former foster youth of just 4%, has helped nearly 40 of its 200+ participants graduate this academic year.

Campus celebrates Ernest E. Tschannen on 100th birthday

The Hornet Family honored the philanthropist who has donated more than $20 million to the University including $9 million for the Tschannen Science Complex, during a May 1 campus gathering outside the building named after him.

In the News

Mike Bibby and campus leaders abuzz on tour of Sac State’s new basketball venue (Sacramento Bee)
6 Strategies for Black Student Success (Inside Higher Ed)
Expert in the News: Danielle Slakoff featured in new Hulu documentary: Murder Has Two Faces director talks about recognizing nearly forgotten stories (ABC News)
Expert in the News: Do not underestimate the dangers of local waterways, experts warn (CapRadio)
Sac State hosts first-ever Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Student Academic Success Summit (State Hornet)

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Distributed on Tuesdays by University Communications, Sacramento State

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