Honoring Student 2020-2021 Award Recipients
The Ritchie School of Engineering & Computer Science honored the 2020-2021 academic year award recipients in a series of joyful and interactive virtual ceremonies. The 2020-2021 Awards Program held on May 27 celebrated student, faculty, and staff award winners. The ceremony also recognized retiring faculty members and those with RSECS career milestones.
The School is proud of the hard work and dedication that students, faculty, and staff demonstrated throughout another challenging year. Congratulations to all Student 2020-2021 Award recipients!
Graduate Student Scholar Award | Lexxi Reddington
Given to an active Ritchie School graduate student for excellence in both the quality and productivity of research with an emphasis on publications and breakthrough research. This may reflect years of research work culminating in one stellar year.
“For her work on how VR might improve the classroom teaching environment.”
Graduate Teaching Assistant Award | Mbidi Santos
Given to an active Ritchie School graduate teaching assistant for excellence in fostering a strong learning environment and going beyond the general job requirements to improve the classroom teaching environment.
“Mbidi has been an exemplary GTA in Integration. Her dedication to teaching and focus on the student experience directly align with the motivation for this integrative course. It has been a true joy to watch her work with an interdisciplinary student cohort.”
Undergraduate Student Scholar Award | Jordan Smith
Given to an active Ritchie School undergraduate student for excellence in both the quality and productivity of research with an emphasis on publications and breakthrough research. This may reflect years of research work culminating in one stellar year.
“Jordan is not only an exemplary Grand Challenges Scholar, but he's an amazing peer. He's always willing to be the face of the Ritchie school, mentor another student, share his experiences, or volunteer for an opportunity. His capacity to build relationships is matched by his technical and intellectual prowess. Jordan is the type of person who will go out of his way to make sure STEM is accessible to all people who express curiosity.”
Computer Science Chair’s Award | Declan Kahn
Given to a student that fully embodied the values and spirit of the Computer Science Department.
“In his nomination, students and faculty mentioned how helpful he was and his insatiable curiosity to understand computer science. Having had this student in my own advanced classes and having watched him learn, grown, ask questions, and really become a fantastic computer scientist.”
Electrical and Computer Engineering Chair’s Award | Mackenzie Looney
Given to a student that fully embodied the values and spirit of the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department.
Mechanical & Materials Engineering Chair’s Award | Malak Rafik
Given to a student that fully embodied the values and spirit of the Mechanical & Materials Engineering Department.
Student Service of the Year Award | William Robertson and Ryan Dunagan
Given to a graduating undergraduate or graduate student who has worked to impact the student experience at the Ritchie School.
“Over the past 4 years, two students have been involved since they were little baby 1st-years. And they had big shoes to fill from the seniors who were running clubs prior to them. I’ve had many conversations in my office with them talking about DUGDS, DUCS, the Game Development programs, classes, and pretty much everything else, and I can’t think of two more deserving students than William (or Will) Robertson and Ryan Dunagan for Student Service of the Year Award! Congratulations!”
KEEN Entrepreneurial Mindset of the Year Award | Tim Bouraoui
Given to an ECS student demonstrating a passion for Innovation and the Entrepreneurial Mindset.
“Innovation Labs Lead, Microfactory, KIHA Brain Jig, and Ahead Wind’
Colorado Engineers Council Award | Jordan Smith
The three students nominated from the Ritchie School were also finalists for the CEC award. Sam Mattei, Charles Sears, and Smith were all honored for reaching the finalist stage.
Tau Beta Pi 2021 Graduating Seniors
Emma Alma, Luca Gacy, Anni Heck, Theodore Heimann, Mackenzie Looney, Samuel Mattei, Malak Rafik, Ignacio Rivero Crespo, Charles Sears, Jordan Smith, Matthew White, and Emma Young.
In addition to the 2020-2021 Awards Program, the Ritchie School also celebrated two separate Graduation Celebrations alongside faculty, fellow students, staff, friends, and family members. On June 7, the Computer Science Graduation Celebration celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2021. Both undergraduate and graduate students gathered to celebrate, share stories, and talk about future plans. Graduating Computer Science students were able to participate in The Pledge of the Computer Professional during the celebration. Congratulations, Computer Science Graduates!
On June 8, the Engineering Graduation Celebration celebrated the academic achievements of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Mechanical & Materials Engineering students with faculty, staff, and loved ones. Graduating students who elected to participate in the Order of the Engineer oath during the event were given their rings ahead of the virtual ceremony. At the end of the celebration, engineering graduates and their support systems shared heartful stories about their time at the Ritchie School and congratulated one another for their hard work. Congratulations, Engineering Graduates!
