Celebrating Our 2024 Presidential Award Winners
In another school year filled with monumental moments for the university, our remarkable students went above and beyond to achieve academic success, serve diverse communities and create a more just world as leaders for social justice.
Among our 2023-2024 graduates are 10 Presidential Award winners who have used their enriching experience on the hilltop to create meaningful organizations for fellow students, develop unique technologies benefiting communities abroad, advocate for local and national policy changes and become changemakers in society.
Emmanuel Epau ‘24
Business Administration | Marketing
ON THE HILLTOP
- The first Ugandan student at St. Edward’s to receive the prestigious Moreau Scholarship and was one of five students in the United States to be awarded a National Collegiate Honors Council Portz Interdisciplinary Scholars Grant, which he used to conduct independent summer research on barriers to social media use in rural Uganda.
- Developed an award-winning business venture, BAfrika Trade, which will enable Ugandan farmers to access critical supply chain information and better connect with consumers through a mobile application.
- Completed a summer internship at KEIPhone Global, a social enterprise that is expanding access to smartphones for women throughout Africa.
A LIFE LESSON
“The values of a Holy Cross education have cultivated within me a sense of responsibility to eliminate barriers. True Education extends beyond the confines of the classroom and into the realm of practical service and justice. My journey from the Pearl of Africa to the Hilltop has filled me with gratitude for the opportunities bestowed upon me and a commitment to pay them forward.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Emmanuel will attend The University of Notre Dame for a Master of Science in Business Analytics through the Mendoza College of Business.
Esther Heymans ‘24
Communication
ON THE HILLTOP
- Founded the Disabled Students Mentorship Program and Disabled Students Organization, and was a member of the Student Diversity and Inclusion Leaders and the President’s Advisory Council for Respectful and Inclusive Communities.
- Conducted research on student and faculty perceptions of disability services in higher education for her Honors Thesis, which was accepted into multiple conferences.
- Helped pass three bills that enhanced accessible transportation options on campus as a member of the Student Government Association’s Civics Lab.
A LIFE LESSON
“I join a very small group of disabled students lucky enough to survive the arduous path of higher education. Now, I know I don’t have to do this alone. I have a disabled community cheering me on. I have built a family that expects me to succeed and urges me to challenge myself. When I can’t believe in myself, I can stand on their shoulders.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Esther will pursue a Masters of Arts in Religion at Columbia University in New York City in Fall 2025, following her year serving as an English Teaching Assistant in Romania under the prestigious Fulbright Program.
Ryann Kuosman ‘24
Political Science | International Affairs
ON THE HILLTOP
- Played a key role in establishing the first official Campus Ministry retreat at St. Edward’s exclusively for students in the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Conducted academic research focused on transitional justice processes and the impact of the pandemic on democracies in Latin America.
- Tutored elementary school students while navigating how systemic inequality affects access to housing through weekly volunteer commitments with underserved communities in Austin.
A LIFE LESSON
“I have come to know that I learn the most when I put myself in situations that make me uncomfortable and challenge me to think critically about the way I show up in my communities. Simply learning about inequalities is only one part of the solution. The other is devoting my time and energy to helping resolve these issues.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Ryann is determined to use her degree, education and experience on the hilltop to create a more inclusive tomorrow.
Olivia Prior ‘24
Environmental Science and Policy
ON THE HILLTOP
- Fiercely advocated for campus and community-wide environmental sustainability by educating the student body on environmental initiatives and advising campus leadership on strategic sustainability goals.
- Actively participated in Austin’s ReThink35 campaign by speaking at rallies, sending letters to city council leaders and spreading awareness about the environmental and social justice impacts of highway widening.
- Fostered a collaborative space for women and gender non-conforming students to engage in politics at the local and national level through her role as Vice President of the student organization, Feminist Leadership in Politics.
A LIFE LESSON
“The opportunities at St. Edward’s I participated in helped frame my understanding of community well-being. There is deep value in uplifting others when you can. I have been provided with a wealth of knowledge at St. Edward’s that I feel obligated to use for the betterment of the world.”
WHAT’S NEXT
With her knowledge and experience in both social justice and environmental concerns, Olivia is prepared to take on climate change, conservation and inequity issues communities around the world are facing.
Emily Holechek ‘24
Biology
ON THE HILLTOP
- Served as a Supplemental Instructor for three biology courses and one chemistry course while paving the way for other young women in STEM through mentorship.
- Spearheaded several new research techniques that positively impacted the scientific community on campus through her role as a Team Lead for the St. Edward’s Neuroscience Research Lab.
- Volunteered as a caregiver for senior citizens in Austin and supported foster children and families facing financial difficulties through involvement with Austin Angels.
MY LIFE LESSON
“My years attending St. Edward’s transformed me from a timid, inexperienced student into a person unafraid to embrace uncomfortable situations and contribute to society. Embarking on my volunteer journey enabled me to forge connections with individuals in diverse circumstances. Beyond the evident professional benefits for my future medical career, these relationships hold personal significance: they are significant sources of joy and are fundamental in shaping the person I strive to become.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Emily plans to utilize her degree in Biology to pursue a career in the medical field, aiming to make a positive impact on the health and wellness of marginalized communities.
Edison Baber ‘24
Sociology | Women’s and Gender Studies
ON THE HILLTOP
- Organized after-school confidence-building programs for young people at the Austin Girls Empowerment Association and served as a camp counselor at Austin Sunshine Camps, providing mentorship to underrepresented children from low-income families or in foster care.
- Served as Co-Vice President of the Disabled Students’ Organization, participated as a member in the Trans Wellness Organization and played a crucial role as a supporter and ally of the Indigenous Scholars Association.
- Presented on “The Effects of Colonization on Native Life” and “Rape and Sexual Assault in the Military” at the The History of Resistance Symposium — a conference amplifying underrepresented voices in history and inspiring student engagement and interest in social change.
A LIFE LESSON
“Throughout my four years, I can say without a doubt that I’ve made St. Edward’s a more inclusive and safe space, particularly for trans and disabled students like myself. St. Edward’s has given me the tool belt to continue to grow and ultimately make the world a more inclusive and safe space too.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Edison will return to his role as camp counselor at Austin Sunshine Camps and continue his efforts promoting inclusivity and fostering a sense of belonging for various communities.
Mia Sanchez ‘24
Environmental Biology and Climate Change
ON THE HILLTOP
- Awarded an internship at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University to pursue her primary research project that contributes to an understanding of how to fight the human-infectious parasite, Cryptosporidium.
- Bestowed the titles of President of the Academy of Science and Vice President of the American Society of Microbiology.
- Served as Captain of the Women’s Cross Country and Track Team at St. Edward’s.
A LIFE LESSON
“Receiving the gift of an education from St. Edward’s University is something I will always cherish and will never take for granted. This community has given power to my voice, shaped the stewardship in my heart and provided support to help make my dreams a reality.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Mia will pursue a graduate degree in Environmental Health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Emma Viquez ‘23
International Business | International Affairs | French
ON THE HILLTOP
- Completed a summer internship on Capitol Hill for the American International Health Alliance. She then returned to St. Edward’s and founded the campus organization BridgeHilltop — bringing prominent political figures and leaders to campus and providing a safe space for students to engage in constructive political dialogue across party lines.
- Elected as Senator for the Student Government Association and joined the Civics Lab, where she created a resolution and ordinance to require the City of Austin to better promote access to healthy, accessible food within the metropolitan area.
- Played for the St. Edward’s Women’s Soccer Team and trained with the Costa Rican National Women’s Team for the U-20 Women’s World Cup. Her Honors Thesis explored the role implementing soccer programs might play in improving gender equality in the Middle East and North African regions.
- Upon graduation, Emma received a Robertson Fellowship to attend the Bush School of Government and Public Service to pursue a Master’s degree in International Affairs.
A LIFE LESSON
“St. Edward’s has paved the way for me to integrate my passions in public service, sports and international affairs. It has instilled in me the courage to confront challenges, a mindset to welcome diversity, a global perspective to navigate an interconnected world and the realization that education is a powerful tool for driving change.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Emma has been awarded a summer internship for the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
Elyse Wick ‘23
Biology
Photo provided by Eric O'Connell Photography
ON THE HILLTOP
- Conducted independent research on the immunology of honeybees. Elyse presented her research data at three conferences, including the Tri-Beta South Central Regional Convention, where she secured third place for her poster presentation. Elyse has compiled her research into a manuscript that has been approved and published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
- Spent a semester abroad with The School for Field Studies on the secluded island of South Caicos to help devise a strategy to combat negative environmental impacts on coral reefs. Her report contributions were shared with government agencies who are utilizing the findings to develop and execute plans for protecting coral reefs.
- Actively engaged in community outreach initiatives, such as teaching swimming lessons to local children and participating in clean-up projects to tackle waste management.
A LIFE LESSON
“My transformative experience abroad allowed me to practice the skills I developed on the hilltop and grow in self-confidence while focusing my interests on community-building and education within Biology research. I have grown in leadership and into the best version of myself: an engaged community leader and a lifelong learner.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Elyse has been accepted into the Nursing program at St. Edward’s for Fall 2024.
Bianca Neal ‘23
Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership and Higher Education
ON THE HILLTOP
- Assisted in developing and implementing the Latinas Excelling at Doctoral Degrees (L.E.A.D.D.) program at Rutgers University — in partnership with the Samuel Dewitt Proctor Institute for Leadership, Equity, and Justice — to break down barriers for fellow Latinas hoping to excel in higher education.
- Joined the steering committee for Dream Together 2030, which brings together civic and community leaders in Austin to enact solutions for pressing issues and create a more equitable society inspired by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision for A Beloved Community.
- Her exceptional leadership skills led to her selection for the San Antonio Spurs' Community Leadership Institute, a seven-month program designed for female leaders making a significant social impact.
A LIFE LESSON
“I’m committed to serving underserved and undervalued groups. Through service, I’ve gained access to a front-row view of problems, needs, systems, patterns, and most importantly, solutions. Service has allowed me to see beyond incidents and understand connections, and being a scholar has helped me explain these connections to others.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Bianca continues to run The SaulPaul Foundation, an organization empowering young individuals to make a positive difference in communities across Central Texas and nationwide.
