In recognition of their academic success and campus leadership, six students at The University of New Mexico were named Clauve Outstanding Seniors for 2019.
Sonny Christopher Haquani, Sabrina Moore, Rebekah Myers, Aaron Ochoa, Abdullah Shah, and Emily Wilks were commended for their achievements at the annual Student Recognition Reception.
The Clauve Award is one UNM's most prestigious awards for students. It is presented to outstanding seniors who have performed well academically and made significant contributions to the campus community through their outstanding leadership and involvement in student organizations and activities. Each of the students honored fulfill these parameters – as reflected in their high GPAs and extensive lists of student activities and accomplishments.
The Clauve Award is named for Dean Emeritus Lena Clauve, a UNM music education teacher and the first Dean of Women. She retired in 1961, but remained active on campus until her death at the age of 98 in 1994.
Sonny Christopher Haquani
International Studies and Political Science major Sonny Christopher Haquani is focused on helping other people reach their goals and succeed. Through the International Business Students Global, as a CAPS tutor, and in his work with immigrant and refugee populations, he’s helped many people find career paths and start small businesses. His involvement in political affairs through College Democrats and community service in Albuquerque has helped get students and others engaged and involved in public service. He is graduating with a 4.04 GPA
“From the day I started at UNM I began looking for opportunities and avenues, both on campus and off, to support my fellow students and use the knowledge I gained through coursework to support communities around Albuquerque.”
Sabrina “Sab” Moore
Sabrina “Sab” Moore, a Civil Engineering major, has persevered through injuries after being hit by a car while riding her bike on campus to accomplish a long list of achievements and involvement in her time at UNM. She served in the Trailblazers ambassador program, WaterUNM, Intermountain Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls and the UNM Residence Hall Association, Circle K International, Sigma Alpha Pi, Society of Women Engineers and other organizations, as well as volunteering for Math Moves U, Fall Frenzy, School of Engineering Open House, Elections Commission, and in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. She is graduating with a 3.407 GPA.
“I was at a leadership retreat… when I heard someone say four words that changed my life: ‘Think global, act local…’ It is often said that changing the world begins in your own back yard, and it is the reason I chose to stay involved throughout my college career…”
Rebekah (Becka) Myers
Political Science major Becka Myers took a giant leap in her life soon after her mother passed away and came to New Mexico from Alaska. She has embraced her adopted home and the opportunities she found for success at UNM. She has assumed leadership roles and brought enthusiasm and energy to her involvement in official and volunteer capacity for the student body government, ASUNM, World Affairs Delegation, Alpha Chi Omega, The Howl, Fall Frenzy and Spring Storm blood drives, LoboTHON, Lobo Food Pantry, and the Democratic Party of New Mexico. She has a 3.24 GPA.
“My education is my biggest superpower, and it is with great pride that I say I am a Lobo, and now, a New Mexican.”
Aaron Ochoa
Aaron Ochoa, who is getting a dual degree in Organizational Communications and Psychology, is a success story of how an out-of-state student can build relationships and have a resonant experience at UNM. His volunteer efforts with LoboTHON the last three years helped increase participation and social media presence, as well as raising a campus record of $95,000 for UNM Children’s Hospital. Ochoa served with Alpha Tau Omega Alumni Relations and the Order of Omega where he supported several events and activities. He has enjoyed his roles as resident advisor at Casas del Rio student housing and as New Student Orientation Leader. He has a 3.69 GPA.
“As an incoming out-of-state student, I entered into unfamiliar territory but recognized the value of student involvement and growth through orientation leaders who personified on-campus involvement.”
Abdullah Shah
Abdullah Shah is a Population Health major who was inspired early on after his grandmother had a medical crisis to use his work to get involved in the community. As a pre-dental student and a member of the UNM Pre-dental Health Society he has worked to provide dental health services to people regardless of citizenship or financial status. He also helped found the Population Health Undergraduate Network to mentor newer students in the field. During his time at UNM he’s been a member of Sigma Alpha Pi, the Muslim Student Association, Healing Harmonies, and UNM Community Experience, as well as volunteering for Salam Academy, Special Olympics, Walk to Defeat ALS, Casa Esperanza, Roadrunner Food Bank, and other events and organizations. He has a 3.91 GPA.
“Overall, these efforts of leadership, volunteerism, and academics, to become an oral healthcare provider, I found the true meaning of why I am pursuing success: my beloved grandmother, the children I’ve helped, and the passion I have in order to improve the oral health of my community.”
Emily Wilks
Communications major Emily Wilks credits her submersion in “an environment of support and inclusion” at UNM and her involvement in Greek Life as a member of the Pi Beta Phi Women’s Fraternity (yes, fraternity) for her passion for leadership and volunteer activities. This passion led her to shave her head to raise money and awareness for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to Conquer Childhood Cancers, as well as building an impressive resume of work with Associated Students of The University of New Mexico senator, LoboTHON, Reading Buddies, Lobo Food Pantry and Roadrunner Food Bank, and UNM Trailblazers. As a New Student Orientation Leader, she gets satisfaction from welcoming new students and getting them engaged in campus life. She has a 3.88 GPA.
“Leadership and involvement on campus has revolutionized how I see myself and the capacity to which I push myself to reach my potential. Without it, I would not be the woman I am today, and I would not have this wonderful future ahead of me.”