The Founders Award

Founders Awards are given annually to three students from the senior class. There are three categories for nomination: Service to the University Community, Service to the Greater Society and The Cureton Award for Service to the Global Community.

Students are nominated by faculty, administration and staff of the University. The criteria for these prestigious awards include high academic achievement with senior status; commitment to faith, as broadly understood within religious and spiritual categories; and Service to the University, Service to the Greater Society, or Service to the Global Community. The Founders Awards celebrate Elmhurst’s caring community, which provides students with the supportive experiences they need to excel as inclusive leaders.

Emerson Azcoitia, an Elementary Education major from Franklin Park, IL, exemplifies the spirit of the Founders’ Award through a remarkable blend of academic excellence, service leadership, and global citizenship. A first-generation college student, Emerson has emerged as a scholar and community advocate. Through his academic major and membership in Kappa Delta Pi, Emerson has embraced the rigors of academic life and commitment to shaping future generations. As President and Secretary of the Spiritual Life Council, Resident Assistant, Peer Advisor, Admission Ambassador, and ELSA Job Coach, Emerson has supported student growth and inclusion across a broad spectrum of our campus. As a Newman Civic Fellow with a focus on restorative justice, he has advanced equity and community-based learning, especially for Latino and first-generation students. A Golden Apple Scholar, Emerson Azcoitia embodies the values of Elmhurst University—academic integrity, spiritual growth, and social responsibility. His journey reflects a steadfast dedication to using education as a force for positive change.

Lucia Gaviria Vesga has continually demonstrated her commitment to intellectual growth and service. A native of Colombia, Lucia is majoring in Economics and Finance with a minor in International Business. Her extensive campus involvement includes the founding of Girl Up EU, Elmhurst’s first women’s empowerment club, serving as Vice President of Finance for Union Board, Resident Advisor, Student Ambassador, and multiple roles within the Office of Admission. She has further distinguished herself as a Lincoln Laureate recipient, a Shining Star Award honoree, and a Niebuhr Fellow. Lucia’s transformative journey at Elmhurst has been marked by a deep commitment to community, leadership, and personal growth. She aspires to carry the spirit of Elmhurst into her future by building inclusive communities and making a meaningful impact wherever she goes.

Christian Tomás Guzaro Cruz is a Logistics & Supply Chain Management and Spanish major from Bensenville, IL. A dedicated student leader, Christian consistently demonstrates his commitment to service, cultural pride, and social justice. Having held the positions of President and Vice President of the Latino Student Association, he empowered Latino voices and cultivated community through cultural events and advocacy. His roles in Student Government, Sigma Lambda Beta, the Blue Promise Center, and the revival of the Coalition for Multicultural Engagement reflect his deep commitment to inclusion and leadership. Beyond campus, Christian has advocated for Indigenous rights in Guatemala, observing genocide trials that deepened his connection to his ancestral Ixil memory and justice. Christian’s journey is an academic and communal tapestry. He embodies the spirit of the Founders’ Award through transformative leadership and a commitment to empowering marginalized communities.

Sarah Hansen is a purpose-driven student with a commitment to equity in education. A World Language Education and Spanish major from Marion, Iowa, Sarah has embraced opportunities that once seemed unimaginable: earning prestigious scholarships, studying abroad in Madrid and Buenos Aires, and teaching in diverse communities as an AmeriCorps Generation Teach Summer Fellow. Sarah’s dedication to bilingualism and inclusive education is reflected in her work with CREO DuPage and Project C.A.R.E., and her involvement in “My Voice Matters”, which empowers students to explore identity and social justice through creative expression. Guided by her Christian faith, her professional mission is to serve, uplift, and teach with empathy. Her academic excellence and leadership have earned her the 2024 Department of World Languages award for Off-Campus Service and Travel, and a place as a presenter at the national Alpha Mu Gamma convention. With a heart for service, Sarah aspires to create classrooms where all students feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Sadie Hartmann, a Middle Grades English Language Arts major from Oak Lawn, IL, exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to service, consistently demonstrating a passion for education and personal growth. A Golden Apple Scholar and Kappa Delta Pi honor society member, Sadie has completed over 500 hours of classroom experience across diverse educational settings, refining her teaching craft and deepening her commitment to student-centered instruction. Beyond the classroom, Sadie leads with integrity and purpose. In addition to serving as President of Every Nation Campus and an OSL, she is a member of the Women’s track and field team—achieving multiple All-Conference honors. Sadie’s leadership is grounded in her faith and a mission to create inclusive spaces where all individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. As she prepares for a career in middle school education, Sadie Hartmann leaves Elmhurst University with a legacy of service, compassion, and transformative impact.

Crystal Herrera, a Business Management major and Medical Humanities minor from Northlake, IL, has demonstrated a passion for fostering inclusive communities. Her academic achievements include National Gilman Scholar and membership in Delta Mu Delta. Crystal’s leadership has reached across campus through her roles as President of Best Buddies, OSL, ELSA Senator, Destination Chair for Union Board, Peer Advisor, Cheer Team, and Secretary of Karaoke Club. Beyond campus, Crystal has worked with Feed My Starving Children and participated in a study abroad experience in Malaysia and Singapore, sharing her global insights on the latter with the Board of Trustees. Crystal’s journey has been shaped not only by her achievements but also by personal trials, including the profound loss of her mother. Through these challenges, she has found strength in her faith and the supportive Elmhurst community. Looking ahead to her professional career, Crystal is determined to pave the way for underrepresented voices in business and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Lily Morgan is a Communication major with a minor in Digital Media from Villa Park, IL. With a perfect 4.0 GPA and membership in Lambda Pi Eta and Omicron Delta Kappa, Lily has embraced opportunities to grow as a scholar and leader. As Editor-in-Chief of The Leader, she has given voice to underrepresented perspectives. Her work reflects integrity and courage—qualities that have defined her leadership. Lily serves as Communications Chair for Omicron Delta Kappa, where she has helped revitalize the organization and coordinated impactful events. As Social Media Chair and founding member of P.R.I.D.E., she has played a key role in fostering inclusivity on campus through events like the Big Queer Gathering and Culture Fest. Through her time at Elmhurst, Lily has found healing and reconciliation between her queer identity and her Catholic faith—a testament to her courage and growth. Lily Morgan embodies the spirit of the Founders’ Award—transformative leadership rooted in service, scholarship, and integrity.

Venezia Munoz is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Communications and is from St. Charles, IL. A first-generation college student, she has distinguished herself through her leadership, service, and commitment to fostering inclusive communities across campus. As the inaugural President of the Business Club, President of Delta Mu Delta, SGA representative, and Head Community Advisor for ELSA, Venezia has laid the foundation for student success and academic excellence through student advocacy and mentorship. Venezia’s journey has also been shaped by her experiences abroad in Malaysia and Singapore, as well as the enduring influence of a late friend and teammate. Venezia’s narrative is one of perseverance, transformation, and purpose—guided by the belief that every step forward, no matter how small, holds the power to inspire and uplift others.

Bianca Rodriguez is a first-generation college student from Addison, IL pursuing a BA in Psychology and Sociology. The daughter of a single immigrant mother, Bianca is passionate about building inclusive spaces in higher education. As a Head Resident, Bianca fosters a community grounded in inclusion, safety, and personal development. She also serves as Festivals Chair of Union Board where she created Hispano Fest, which celebrates Hispanic culture. Bianca is a role model who leads with purpose, ensuring others feel seen and supported. Whether mentoring peers, serving as a 4-year student worker in Student Affairs, or sharing the story of her journey, Bianca embraces the spirit of the Founders’ Award through her commitment to learning and leadership. Through every role she’s taken on, Bianca has turned challenges into opportunities, always grounded in her belief that students like her do belong—and should thrive—in higher education.

Jorden Young-Gentry, a Middle-Grades Language Arts major from Peoria, IL, exemplifies a commitment to academic excellence, community leadership, and spiritual integrity. A passionate leader, Jorden has held multiple roles in organizations such as the Superhero Social Club, Black Student Union, and Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. From planning student orientations to guiding peers as a Student Ambassador, Front Desk Lead, and writing tutor, he has embodied leadership with purpose. Jorden’s spiritual foundation has been central to his journey leading him to view his future career as a calling—one where literature is used not only to teach but to inspire students to see themselves and the world more clearly. Jorden envisions a future in middle-grades education where he can continue to uplift others through meaningful connection and transformative learning. His time at Elmhurst has prepared him to lead with heart, teach with purpose, and serve with integrity.

Past Recipients

2024: Rachel Fratt, Payton Schmidt, Paul Sebedyn
2023: Doodly Garcia, Allison Skiple, Wesley Nay
2022: Anayeli Huerta, Norbaya Durr, Juan Sandoval
2021: Laura Rusk, Ana Romo, Afaaf Amatullah

2020: Shawndell Young, Emily Marquez, Becca Kaltenbach
2019: Katrina Mioduszewski, Natalie Barnes, Jentry Schirmbeck
2018: Nora Dixon, Estrella Vargas, Rebecca Vogt
2017: Natalie Bedtke, Rebecca Britt, Georgia Petersen
2016: Christine Croft, Faith Powell, Megan Walsen
2015: Meredithe Mimlitz, Chelsea Karson, Jose Flores
2014: Stanley Washington, Colin Clark, Eleni Vrettos, Rachel Trumpy
2013: Matthew Rohde, Colin Ashwood, Jazmine Martinez
2012: Allyson Vertigan, Mohammed Kaiser Adam, Annice Coughlan, Kimberly Pitingolo
2011: Romison Saint-Louis, Rachel Nelson, Amanda Ceaser, Julie Provenza