With an unusual end of the semester and the cancellation of BYU’s commencement, the IS Class of 2020 looked for new ways to celebrate their hard work. On April 24, 2020, IS graduates celebrated their accomplishments through a virtual graduation held by the faculty. All these students have worked hard and accomplished many great things during their time in the IS program. The IS department honored a few students with special awards to commemorate their excellence.
Outstanding BSIS Student Award: Hunter Riches
This award is given to an undergraduate student who has consistently demonstrated academic excellence in addition to being an influence for good in the classroom.
Dr. Greg Anderson expressed, “Hunter Riches is a very caring, responsible, and respectful student. He excels in his academics but more importantly he excels in how he lives his life. He has a strong desire to make a change in this world. A quote that he loves by Ayn Rand is, “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” Hunter knows how to work hard and is dedicated in reaching his goals. He has the fortitude and strength to keep moving forward no matter what trials he experiences. He loves his family, peers, but most importantly, one can tell by the way he treats others that he loves His Heavenly Father. I know without a doubt that through his efforts Hunter will make the world a better place to live.”
MISM Outstanding Scholar Awards: Brooke Baker and Patrik Drean
This award is given to students who have consistently demonstrated academic excellence in addition to being an influence for good in the classroom.
Dr. Bonnie Anderson stated, “Brooke has an impressive work ethic and cares deeply for others and Patrik did a great job in teaching an advanced topics capstone class.”
J. Owen Cherrington Graduate Service Awards: Kyle Finneman, Ching Tong, & Nicole Tucker Carlson
Given in memory of a former IS professor focused on serving others, this award goes to students who have consistently reflected service towards others as a priority.
“Kyle has always been a great cheerleader for others, Ching has a cheerful attitude that brightens up a classroom and Nicole has sought ways to help others in learning technical skills,” Dr. Bonnie Anderson stated.
Eric Denna Graduate Innovation Award: Eric Clinger
This newly instituted award is named after a former Information Systems professor known for looking for ways to use technology to make life better.
Dr. Bonnie Anderson explained, “Eric has consistently demonstrated academic excellence in addition to being outstanding in the profession, in AIS competitions, and instrumental in creating unique opportunities for our students that help advance their learning and application of IS principles and practices. He also was a power TA for the security escape room.”
We hope you will join us in congratulating these outstanding individuals for all they have accomplished during their time in the BYU Information Systems program. Congratulations Class of 2020!