Stein Finalist for UWs Top Graduating Honor

Sydney Stein, from Breckenridge, Colo., 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.

Stein will graduate with a degree in communication, with minors in history, gender and women’s studies, and the Honors Program. She says that her time at UW has helped her become a leader and make the world a brighter place.

“Throughout my time at the University of Wyoming, I have been privileged to take advantage of the abundant opportunities, and I have loved all my extracurricular activities,” she says. “The events I have been involved in have taught me that being a leader means being yourself, listening to other ideas and having fun -- but, most importantly, it means building a community and making it a brighter place. Leadership creates and relies on community: After all, teamwork makes the dream work.”

A contributing nominator notes that Stein is always a joy to be around and is a true leader.

“Sydney is a bright, motivated, energetic individual, who views each moment as an opportunity to improve herself and those around her through modeling excellence, leadership and good character,” the nominator says. “She is a joy to be around and energizes all people who come in contact with her. Sydney truly is a leader in every sense of the word. She vividly exemplifies the best of scholarship, engagement and achievement.”

Another writes that Stein recognizes that she is an inspiration with a great sense of humor.

“Sydney is motivated and passionate about learning and trying to benefit from the multitude of educational opportunities offered not only in my class, but also here at UW,” the nominator says. “She is an inspiration and, on top of it, a wonderful person with a quick wit and sense of humor.”