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Awards Handed Out at Honors Convocation
Several awards were handed out during the Southwestern College Honors Convocation on Thursday, April 16.
Masterbuilders for the 2025-2026 academic year at Southwestern College were named. The honor of Masterbuilder is given to graduating seniors who best typify the spirit of Southwestern.
The Student Government Association initiates the process for naming Masterbuilders by calling for each SGA member to nominate students. The list of students who receive votes are then submitted to a faculty vote. Finally, the entire student body votes, choosing recipients from the names remaining on the list.
Masterbuilders for 2025-2026 include: Mateus Varotti, Jaboticabal, Brazil; Saherena Williams-Clardy, Enid, Okla.; Vanessa Mendoza-Ramos, Arkansas City; Ella Wiechman, Valley Center; Zachariah Hidaldo, Hooker, Okla.; and Avery Riedel, Augusta.
[PHOTO: Masterbuilders at Southwestern College are from L-R, back row—Zachariah Hidalgo and Mateus Varotti. Front row, Saherena Williams-Clardy, Vanessa Mendoza-Ramos, Avery Riedel, and Ella Wiechman.]
Kalli Viegra, Arkansas City, was announced as the winner of the Dawn Pleas Student Affairs Leadership Award.
In honor of Pleas’s commitment, passion, and love of Southwestern College, this award celebrates a student who has been a role model on campus, regardless of whether or not they held a formal leadership position; a student who has shown personal growth, perseverance, and leadership through service this academic year.
The Southwestern College Student Government Association (SGA) handed out their Faculty and Staff Citations. SGA President Rylee Frager announced the winners. The Faculty Citation went to Bob Gallup, professor of physics and mathematics, and the Staff Citation to Abraham Rodriguez jr., graduate assistant coach for men’s basketball. Each spring, the students of Southwestern College vote on who they think are most deserving of the awards.
Longtime cafeteria employee Kathy Mignone was presented a bachelor of arts honorary degree in general studies. Mignone has worked in the Southwestern College cafeteria for over 35 years and during her tenure has remained a dedicated supporter and friend to students, faculty, and staff.
[PHOTO: Kathy Mignone (left) stands with Southwestern College President Liz Frombgen as she receives her honorary degree.]
View the entire list of honorees recognized at the 2026 Honors Convocation:
2026 Honors Convocation Program (PDF)
