Kent Finalist for UWs Top Graduate Honor

Meghan Kent, from Laramie, was among seven finalists for the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award as the University of Wyoming's outstanding graduating woman.

The annual award, established in 1964, recognizes a student for exhibiting the finest leadership, academic integrity and citizenship qualities.

Sarah Maze, of Ranchester, was named the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award recipient, while Anthony Farmer, from Cheyenne, received the Tobin Award, as the outstanding graduating man during a recent ceremony honoring all the nominees.

Kent will graduate with dual degrees in communication and anthropology, with minors in environment and natural resources, outdoor leadership, business and the Honors Program. She says that her time at UW has afforded her many opportunities.

“I have found that my time at the University of Wyoming has been anything but limiting. UW has afforded me many opportunities to develop myself as a scholar and leader,” she says. “My time at UW has been busy but well spent, largely thanks to the influence of the Nordic ski team. I am thankful for the opportunities the University of Wyoming has given me to succeed and to enable others to do the same.”

A contributing nominator says that Kent recognizes that she is quick-witted with a positive, energetic personality.

“Perhaps the first thing that one notes about Meghan is her quick wit and an unending energy that literally makes fireworks,” the nominator says. “Her passion for making positive social change knits together with her dogged dedication to make her someone who gives me hope for the future.”

A second nominator notes Kent’s ability to learn quickly with an attention to detail.

“Meghan was given duties that required the ability to learn new skills quickly, along with attention to detail, clear writing, a strong work ethic and the ability to balance teamwork and self-starting. Her desire to master these skills was impressive,” the nominator writes. “She consistently demonstrated creativity and drive while completing her work in a timely and thorough manner. Meghan can do anything and do it well. She is a model student, a budding scientist and an accomplished athlete. She has passion for making positive social change.”