TOP JMS UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

With an emphasis in advertising, Ryan Kehl is graduating with a myriad of achievements under his belt. Some of Kehl’s achievements are being awarded the John L. Baldwin and Shawn A. Baldwin Scholarship for journalism excellence and the Project Rebound Student Scholarships, The Daily Aztec Arts and Culture section “Iron Man” award, Summa Cum Laude and an invitation to join the Kappa Tau Alpha college honor society for academic excellence in Journalism and Mass Communication. Apart from his academic success, Kehl has overcome a substance abuse disorder. In the face of adversity, he has “achieved a complete life turnaround reaching academic and personal victory from the lowest point.” Some influential professors in his time at SDSU are Dr. Catherine Hu, Dr. Karen Han, Professor Alexa Mokalis, Dr. Noah Areceneaux, and Christie Ritter. He also wants to give a shoutout to Sumaia Wegner, whose guidance has helped him in his professional development. After graduation, he plans to move to Syracuse to begin working on a Master’s degree in advertising at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School. Before all of that though, he’s going to celebrate all his hard work with a trip to Disney World.

TOP JMS GRADUATE STUDENT

Adriana Villa was awarded the LAGRANT Foundation Scholarship, joined the board of directors of the San Diego/Imperial Counties chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, and became the account coordinator at the public relations agency, Nuffer, Smith, Tucker. Dr. Nate Rodriguez and Dr. Kaye Sweetser were a big influence on Villa while at SDSU. “Dr. Sweetser has inspired me to continue breaking barriers in the public relations industry and has been a great mentor,” said Villa. “Dr. Nate has inspired me to advocate for representation in the media and has been pivotal to my grad school journey.” After graduation, Villa plans to continue her work at Nuffer, Smith, Tucker.

OUTSTANDING LDT GRADUATE

Tracy Bobko’s main focus at SDSU has been her research into the “Edu-Metaverse” with a particular focus on K-12 education. Her research culminated in her research paper “Exploring the Possibilities of Edu-Metaverse: A New 3D Ecosystem Model for Innovative Learning” which was published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers organization. Post graduation, Bobko plans to create educational curricula for integration into the Metaverse and assist schools in transitioning to Metaverse-based learning. “The LDT Master program has allowed me to delve into this emerging digital realm, equipping me with the skills to innovatively develop learning content tailored for K-12 education,” said Bobko. Two professors that have made a profound impact on her and her studies are Dr. Minijuan Wang and Kevin Jorgensen. It was with their guidance that Bobko was able to delve into new realms of knowledge and broaden her horizons. “I am deeply grateful for their teachings and inspiration, and the wisdom gained from their mentorship will be a constant companion in my future endeavors,” said Bobko.

OUTSTANDING ADVERTING GRADUATE

Sophia Partida received the Thien Endowed Scholarship in Journalism in 2023, was invited to join the Tau Sigma National Honor Society, and joined Kappa Tau Alpha, which is the national honor society in Journalism and Mass Communication. Along with those achievements, she will also be graduating summa cum laude. Even though she was only here for two years, Professor Jeannie Fratoni, Dr. Catherine Hu, and Dr. Karen Han have all made a profound impact on her academic career. After graduation, Partida plans to find a job in the creative department of the advertising field, specifically as a copywriter. Apart from that, she also plans to return to higher education next year for her Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

OUTSTANDING JOURNALISM GRADUATE

Throughout Elizabeth “Jazlyn” Dieguez’s time at SDSU, she has earned leadership positions in different student organizations. She has held the positions of Vice President of writing and copy for The Look Magazine, Social Media Editor of The Daily Aztec, Executive Producer for the JMS 445 Television News, Reporting, and Producing Newscast, Editor-in-Chief of Amor Magazine, Vice President of the SDSU chapter of The Society of Professional Journalists, and Social Media Editor for the SDSU chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Dieguez has also achieved Summa Cum Laude and will be joining Kappa Tau Alpha, the national honor society in Journalism and Mass Communication. Two professors who made a profound impact on Dieguez while at SDSU are Professor Coddon and Professor Cueva-Chacon. After graduation, she plans on participating in the NAHJ 2024 student project during the NAHJ 40th Anniversary Conference and Expo and continuing her internship with EdSource.

OUTSTANDING MEDIA STUDIES GRADUATE

Maddie Waltson was thrilled when she had the opportunity to have her Newspaper Evolution analysis presented at SDSU’s Digital Humanities Showcase. Throughout her time here, one professor that’s impacted her academic career is Professor Noah Arceneaux. “He has been such a supportive professor,” said Walton. “His instruction has improved my journalism and media skills immensely.” Post-graduation Walton hopes to take her knowledge and passion for journalism, media, and entertainment and apply her skills to a relevant role.

OUTSTANDING P.R. GRADUATE

Amy Nguyen has had the opportunity to work in the events team for The Look Magazine and as a member of the Public Relations Society of America, thanks to SDSU’s chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America. This semester, Nguyen became the research captain for their public relations capstone campaign. Nguyen worked a part-time job and is proud to be graduating with no student debt. Some professors who have inspired Nguyen at SDSU are Dr. Nathian Rodriguez, Professor Jayla Lee, and Dr. Kaye Sweetser. Nguyen credits them for teaching valuable lessons they will be able to take into the workforce. After graduation, Nguyen plans to spend time exploring the professional relationships and opportunities gained throughout their time at SDSU.