Future Shines Bright for Recent Grads

Several young Westmont alumni have earned awards for academic achievement, to conduct research, and to serve globally and explore new career opportunities.

Aria Hamann ’16 has received a prestigious graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation to support her doctoral studies. In 2016, Hamann earned a Fulbright Scholarship to conduct hydrology research at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Hamann will begin her doctoral studies in engineering and applied science at Harvard University in the fall.

Chemistry and biology double major Nicole Marsh ’17 accepts a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship to study Arabic in Amman, Jordan, during the summer of 2017. She is one of 550 competitively selected American students to receive the scholarship. The Critical Language Scholarship program is part of a U.S. government effort to encourage Americans to study and master critical foreign languages. Scholars gain critical language and cultural skills that enable them to succeed and contribute to U.S. economic competitiveness and national security. Upon her return from the Middle East, Nicole will pursue doctoral studies at the University of Washington.

Olivia Hughes ’17 of San Diego, Calif., presented her research at the Southern California-Nevada Section Meeting of the Mathematical Association of America at CSU Northridge. In addition, Hughes received the Outstanding Senior Award, given to Westmont students who go above and beyond in their particular discipline. Her professors describe Hughes as a careful and creative scholar who does meticulous work with a sincere desire to make the most of her education.

Samuel Arrigo ’17, who earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, will serve in the Peace Corps. Arrigo, from Palos Park, Ill., will build systems to better utilize volunteers and improve fundraising for HIV/AIDS prevention efforts in Botswana.