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This academic year has been characterized by pivotal moments and significant milestones for St. Edward’s. Our outstanding students transcended expectations and overcame challenges in their pursuit of academic excellence and advocacy for social justice.

Our 2024-2025 graduating class includes nine distinguished Presidential Award winners who have harnessed their enriching experiences to pave the way for success for their peers and influence positive change in their communities and beyond.

Shakiib Wauyo ‘25

Finance

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ON THE HILLTOP

• Founded BAfrika Trade, which will enable Ugandan farmers to access critical supply chain information and better connect with consumers through a mobile application
• Worked with organizations such as Pure Grow Africa, KEIPhone Global and Father’s Heart Mobility as a volunteer
• Recipient of the prestigious Moreau and Martin Scholarships
• Served as the Student Assistant to ����������Ƶ President Montserrat Fuentes
• Served as the Internal Affairs Director for the Student Government Association at ����������Ƶ

A LIFE LESSON

“As I look to the future, I carry with me the lessons of hope, resilience and service. My time at St. Edward’s has shown me that leadership is not defined by titles, but by the impact we leave on those around us. I leave the hilltop not only as a student, but as a servant leader, eager to create a future where faith, community and justice guide every step.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Shakiib will serve as the Senior Associate at Ragland Navarro Capital and on the Supervisory Committee at Austin Federal Credit Union.

Melody Borg ‘25

International Business | Management

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ON THE HILLTOP

• Served as the undergraduate address speaker for the 3 p.m. ceremony at May 2025 Commencement
• Founder and President of the Global Affairs Society
• President of the International Students Association
• Blue and Gold Scholar, recipient of the prestigious Martin Scholarship and the Dell Technologies Success Scholarship
• Gave back to various communities through Campus Ministry, including rebuilding homes in New Orleans over Spring Break

A LIFE LESSON

“When I stepped on the ����������Ƶ campus, it became more than a place to study; it became a home away from home, where I felt encouraged to grow, take risks and embrace my passions. It is here that I discovered the power of community. Additionally, beyond building community, my time at St. Edward’s allowed me to grow personally and connect with my inner self in ways I had never experienced before.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Melody will pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at Johns Hopkins University.

Blen Abegaz ‘25

Biology

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ON THE HILLTOP

• Conducted Parkinson’s disease research with Professor of Biology Lisa Goering
• Led independent research on ADAM proteins in Professor of Chemistry Eamonn Healy’s lab
• MSTP ACCESS Scholar at Washington University in St. Louis
• Founded the on-campus chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association
• Volunteers with local organizations supporting incarcerated individuals and LGBTQ+ healthcare access

A LIFE LESSON

"Throughout my time at St. Edward’s, I’ve realized that the impact of research isn’t just in its outcomes, but in how it shapes both the researcher and the community around them. My education here has equipped me with the tools to not only excel in science, but to stand up for injustice, knowing that as a part of a broader community, I have the power to advocate for change.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Blen will pursue MD/PhD programs to advance her knowledge in medicine and research — both of which she is passionate about.

Sarah Calvin ‘25

Art | Psychology

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ON THE HILLTOP

• Served the St. Edward's community as an active leader in the campus garden, retreat leader and mass coordinator for Campus Ministry and three-year Resident Assistant for Residence Life
• Founder of Blue Rhythmic Dance
• Recipient of the Bill Kennedy and Melissa W. Miller Family Endowed Scholarship

A LIFE LESSON

“Where I thought both my experiences as an artist and psychology student were separate disciplines, St. Edward’s helped me see that both can be cultivated to promote and advocate for the needs of my community, even if it is for the sake of one person. Through my experiences at St. Edward’s, I have come to know others on a personal level that has shaped how I think critically about the changes I want to make as I launch my career.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Sarah plans to continue integrating herself into the Austin art and dance scene through her role at Wally Workman Gallery and involvement with East Side Performing Arts.

Lola Claire ‘25

Writing and Rhetoric

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ON THE HILLTOP

• Editor-In-Chief of Hilltop Views and has served as the Poetry Editor for Sorin Oak Review, Writing Director for CABRA Magazine and an Editorial Intern for Austin Woman Magazine
• Served as Chair of the Title IX Student Advisory Board and Director of Promotions for the Office of Student Belonging and Inclusive Excellence
• Recipient of the Edwardian Scholarship, President’s Achievement Scholarship, Red Doors Award, Michele Kay Outstanding Student Journalist Award and Solutions Journalism Network Grant

A LIFE LESSON

“My time spent at St. Edward’s enriched my life in ways I will never be able to put down on paper. I always wanted to help other people, but without this university, I would never know how. Thanks to the courses, the professors, the administrators, the students, the community and everything in between, I feel I am ready to move out into the world and create necessary change. Part of the mission of ����������Ƶ is to educate students’ hearts and minds for a more just world. I see myself as an example of how they do just that.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Lola is exploring post graduate opportunities, but hopes to teach English in France in Fall 2025.

Anna Southern ‘25

Acting

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ON THE HILLTOP

• Served as both an actor and Student Master Electrician for the Mary Moody Northen Theater
• Served as Lead Student Involvement Coordinator and Orientation Coordinator for the Office of Student Involvement
• Served as Treasurer for the United States Institute of Theater Technology
• Recipient of the Outstanding Freshman Award and Outstanding Sophomore Award bestowed by the faculty and staff of MMNT

A LIFE LESSON

“Each experience has shaped me into a strong and capable individual. Leadership has taken on new meanings, whether it was learning to connect with others in meaningful ways, helping people feel comfortable in a new place or leading events that made an impact on my peers. I’ve learned the skills of adaptability, teamwork, leadership and, most importantly, confidence.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Anna will remain in Austin to pursue her acting career, while also dedicating herself to supporting students in their journey toward higher education.

Aidan Joseph Evans ‘25

Finance

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ON THE HILLTOP

• Chairman and Founder of Students for Good Government and Co-Founder of the Artificial Intelligence Club
• Served the St. Edward’s community as an Operations Manager with the University Operations Office
• Two-time Martin Award recipient and named Sophomore and Junior Student of the Year under The Bill Munday School of Business
• Served on Austin Mayor Kirk Watson’s re-election campaign

A LIFE LESSON

“To me, the real story of Aidan Evans at St. Edward’s is a story that has ended in success, but it has been riddled with hardship. I laughed and cried and got up the next day and did it again. It has shaped within me a trait that in my mind, is as central to greatness as any other: an unbreakable determination.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Aidan will continue searching for opportunities to grow community and unite people in the City of Austin.

Heather Pitre ‘25

Psychology

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ON THE HILLTOP

• Served the St. Edward’s and Austin community through Campus Ministry, SERVE Austin, H.O.O.V.E.S Service Club, Big Event and as a Resident Assistant in Basil Moreau Hall
• Helped to rebuild homes in New Orleans during Spring Break through Campus Ministry’s Service Break Experience
• 2023 and 2024 Topper Cup Champion

A LIFE LESSON

“I learned more and more about myself as well as my deep passion to serve others and be a good leader. Balancing my academic responsibilities with leadership roles has taught me the importance of time management, resilience and effective communication. As my involvement across campus grew, so did my confidence in myself and my abilities to take on more responsibilities.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Heather will return home to New Orleans to finish her masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and work as a Registered Behavior Technician for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Lora Ofelia Peña ‘24

Master of Business Administration

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ON THE HILLTOP

• Served as President of Beta Gamma Sigma and Secretary of the Graduate Business Student Association
• Led the data analysis team for the Mayor’s Task Force for Austin Women Entrepreneurs
• Served as the graduate speaker for December 2024 Commencement

A LIFE LESSON

“My time at St. Edward’s has expanded my perception of how the world and how people work. There are people of all kinds, each with their own propensities and skills, but when we find ways to come together in our uniqueness a beautiful and fruitful springtime lies ahead.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Lora will continue applying her knowledge and education toward the operation of her business, Telesto Coffee, in Dallas.