Seniors honored with 2025 Clauve Outstanding Senior Awards

Seven graduating Lobos were recognized recently with the 2025 Lena Clauve Outstanding Senior Award-one of the University of New Mexico's most prestigious honors, celebrating student leadership, service, and academic excellence.

Presented annually since 1961 by the Dean of Students Office, the award honors graduating seniors who have made significant and lasting contributions to campus through student involvement, organizational leadership, and a commitment to the Lobo community. It is named after former UNM Dean of Women Lena Clauve, a music education professor and tireless campus advocate whose legacy inspires generations of students.

"The Clauve Outstanding Senior Award honors graduating Lobos who go above and beyond in leadership, service, and academics. We couldn't be prouder of our 2025 recipients-each of them has made a powerful impact on our campus and community," said Greg Golden, associate dean of student wellbeing.

This year's recipients include:

Alison Carrell
A Strategic Communication major from Redondo Beach, Calif., Carrell served as vice president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Powerful Movement of Educated Sisters. She raised nearly $1,000 in scholarships for youth and brought Albuquerque's first Black city councilor to UNM to connect with students. A dedicated campus leader and mother of a two-year-old, Carrell plans to pursue a career in marketing or communications.

"Campus involvement means showing up for students and staff that make UNM whole," Carrell said.

Anthony Rice
Graduating with dual degrees in History and Political Science and minors in Political Science and Military Studies, Rice held major leadership positions in ASUNM Lobo Spirit and Emerging Lobo Leaders. Rice was a part of the Trailblazers which is a student liaison for the alumni association. He helped launch "Cherry on Top," UNM's official hot air balloon, and is a cadet in the Army ROTC program. Rice will be commissioned into the Army National Guard and will pursue a graduate certificate in secondary education.

"Campus involvement means staying active in my community and making my university experience more fulfilling," he said.

Kaelyn Moon
A Sociology and Africana Studies major from Albuquerque, Moon has held more than 14 leadership positions at UNM, including being the inaugural president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and a senator in ASUNM. She played a key role in building cultural connections and uplifting underrepresented voices on campus. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master's and Ph.D. in Sociology and Black Feminist Studies.

"Campus involvement to me means working hard for the benefit of others. While it comes with an invaluable collegiate experience, campus involvement ultimately changes you for the better," Moon said.

Kaylee Wnek
A Business major from Bolingbrook, Illinois, Wnek was named 2024 Greek Woman of the Year and received the Advancing the Community Award for her work in Fraternity and Sorority Life. She held executive roles in Chi Omega and the Panhellenic Council, partnered with Make-A-Wish New Mexico, and currently serves as president of the Greek Honor Society, Order of Omega.

"Campus involvement means prioritizing the needs of my organizations and the broader campus community, serving something greater than myself. It is the root of the UNM experience, enhancing student life and fostering connections across all different parts of campus life," she said.

Makayla Otero
A double major in Political Science and Psychology, Otero has served as Chief Justice of ASUNM, president of the Pre-Law Society, and director of public relations for Mortar Board. She created and institutionalized UNM's first law school fair and plans to attend the UNM School of Law.

"Campus involvement to me means getting involved in something that is bigger than us as an individual for the greater good. It is building a community of people that eventually become friends and sometimes even family," she said.

Monice Aguilar
A Biology major with minors in Chemistry and Maternal and Child Health, Aguilar served as president of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., vice president of the Black Student Union, and an intern with the New Mexico Public Education Department under the Black Education Act. She plans to take a gap year to travel and work in maternal health advocacy before applying to medical school to become a neonatal or fetal surgeon.

"I believe the essence of leadership is the humility it takes to be responsible for more than just yourself, be willing to learn and admit mistakes, all while preparing the platform that which you stand, for the next leader to come," Aguilar said.

Ria Schultz
Graduating with a BBA in Finance and Marketing, Schultz led the Center for Financial Capability, where she educated more than 6,000 students on budgeting and financial planning. She served as director of communications for ASUNM, co-founded the UNM chapter of the Association for Latino Professionals for America, and held multiple leadership roles in Anderson School initiatives.

"My experiences at UNM have shown me that leadership is not about titles but about service-creating spaces where others can thrive, mentoring future leaders, and making a lasting impact on the community around me," she said.

The award winners will also be recognized during UNM's Spring 2025 Commencement. Photos from the April 9 Clauve banquet can be viewed on the Dean of Students' Instagram page, and an updated list of recipients will appear at graduation.unm.edu.