The School of Public and Population Health announced its 2026 SPPH Student Award winners at its annual Picnic and Awards Celebration on May 1.
Out of many nominations, 16 students — from all program areas within the school — received awards and seven students were recognized for their ambassadorship. Each award recipient embodies the school’s shared values to strengthen and improve the health of all Idahoans and the communities where they live, work and play through excellence in scholarship and service.
Learn more about the winners and categories below:
Engagement Award
The following student award recipients are leaders in service, practice, and advocacy in the greater community. These students work to advance excellence in health practice and policy within our community, state and abroad.
Award Recipients:
Oliver Lyman, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Sydney Lam, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Willy Bradford, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Julia Rhuman, Master of Public Health student
Dignity and Respect Award
The following student award recipients work to connect across differences, volunteer their time and efforts and take on leadership roles — helping make other SPPH students feel included and connected.
Award Recipients:
Hailey Anderson, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Andy Garofalo, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Anna Sagez, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Brenna Woolery, Master of Public Health student
Opportunity Award
The following student award recipients have shown perseverance, resilience and achievement in their academic careers. These students are outstanding peers and rise above to clearly apply themselves to becoming excellent health and public health practitioners.
Award Recipients:
Nicole Drikas, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Ben Harper, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Garrett Purcell, Bachelor of Science in Public Health student
Mary Bolarinwa, Master of Public Health student
Jasmine Ducusin, Master of Public Health student
Innovation Award
The following student award recipients have shown tremendous promise in their research or other scholarly pursuits. These students are working to develop new knowledge and understandings for health and public health work.
Award Recipients:
Jaeger Mattis, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Elizabeth Cardoza, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Jeleana Petra Loa, Master of Public Health student
2025-2026 SPPH Student Ambassador Recognition
Seven additional students were honored for their SPPH ambassadorship this school year. The following students were recognized for their commitment to connection, outreach, and service in and outside the classroom reflecting the core values of the School of Public and Population Health.
Recognized Students:
Brooke Brunett, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Mary Bolarinwa, Master of Public Health student
Trey Gerlach, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Jamisen Kovach, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Brooklin Thomas, Bachelor of Science in Public Health student
Willinnah Walbuck, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Joshua Sevigny, Bachelor of Science in Health Studies student
Congratulations to all our 2026 SPPH Student Award winners!