2025 Scholar Highlights

Koh Henderson

F'25, English & Comparative Literature

“Writing creates change in people, and in the world...I struggled in school growing up, and I was told I'd never be good enough to go to college. As a neurodivergent kid with an incredibly hard home life, my grades were terrible. This award is proof that I can overcome anything, and be who I want to be...As a Spartan, nothing can stop me from fighting for my goals, and being myself. I can wonder, what great thing can I achieve next?"

Angelica Singh

F'24, Business Administration/ Entrepreneurship

"As I navigate post-graduate life, I look back and realize how supportive and encouraging the environment was at SJSU. My experience included many personal hardships, but these obstacles were always met with understanding and encouragement from my professors and peers, creating an atmosphere where I could thrive. The inclusive atmosphere on campus not only made academic success possible, but also fostered personal growth and self-belief."

Katelyn Gambarin

S'26, Political Science

"Find a system that works for you. In high school, I was by no means a good student. I struggled to stay on top of my classwork and would find myself having to try twice as hard to keep up with everyone else. Once I found a system to study and stay on top of my work, things got easier. I still have times where I am struggling with keeping up but knowing I have a system that can help is reassuring...I am proud to be a Spartan because of how much I have grown and accomplished here."

Caitlynn Rais

F'24, Political Science

"I am very appreciative and honored to receive and be nominated for this award. It gives me a sense of accomplishment because I stepped into a field I was wary of and ended up doing well with my education. It's truly a mark of academic validation, encouraging me to push on with my future endeavors where I may find similar success...The political science department makes me proud to be a Spartan. I am so blessed to have learned under such a wonderful department."

Magnus Herrlin

S’25, Business Administration - International Business

“When I first came to SJSU, I recall the banners around campus proudly calling itself the “most transformative” university. Over the past four years, I have had the opportunity to see how this institution has indeed transformed countless lives, including mine. I am incredibly grateful to have spent my time at SJSU with so many outstanding peers and faculty, all of whom have inspired me to be the best version of myself. My story isn’t unique - it is the SJSU story - and we can all be president's scholars!”

Yessenia Sierra Palmerin

S'25, Child & Adolescent Development

"I decided to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Child & Adolescent Development with an Emphasis in Community Focus due to the importance that it is to focus on the well being of our youth. I have always been certain on wanting to learn about children to pursue a career where I can positively support families in providing a nurturing environment for children to grow in...Receiving this award again means the end of an era. I am saying my goodbye to San Jose State University this Spring but I am leaving with extreme gratitude."

Ryan Parham

S’ 24 Communicative Disorders and Sciences | S ‘26 Speech-Language Pathology

"The speech-language pathology program was compelling to me as I always had an interest in working in the medical field. I made the decision to pursue speech-language pathology specifically after observing my grandmother, who was experiencing a swallowing disorder, receive treatment from a speech-language pathologist. This treatment allowed my grandmother to progress in a way which allowed her to have a better quality of life. This was life changing, for her and our entire family...I do believe my experiences at San José State University have changed me and transformed me into the person I am today."

Ellery Carlson

F'25, SAGE Child & Adolescent Development (TP-Mult)

"One person who has been instrumental to my success is my mom. She is the one who inspired me to pursue teaching. I grew up watching the impact that she had on kids, and was constantly in awe of students who would come back to say hi years later. She always instilled a discipline in me that has contributed greatly to my academic success. While she never outright pushed me, she gave me a set of expectations that I continue to hold myself to...Academic excellence is a way to prove to yourself that you can take on challenges and come out on the other side. Always remember that the best time to keep going is when you want to stop."

Kira Sanders

S'25, Social Work

"I am proud to be a part of the Spartan community, which has motivated me to work hard and make a difference. I am grateful for my classmates, professors, faculty, and staff from the School of Social Work who have helped me discover my "why" in pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. As I prepare to graduate this semester, I look forward to continuing the passion, dedication, and excellence I have found during my time at SJSU."

Kathleen Huynh

S'25, Chemistry

"Many people have supported me throughout my academic journey, but I especially want to give my flowers to my research advisor and mentor, Dr. Madalyn Radlauer. From our first meeting, I saw in her the kind of scientist and mentor I aspired to be. Her empathy, intention, and unwavering support pushed me to pursue new opportunities and build a deep sense of confidence and trust in myself that I will carry for life. Her belief in me came long before I believed in myself--and that has made all the difference. I truly don't know where, or who, I'd be without her. "