Local Student Finalist for UWs Spitaleri Award

Marisa Moret, from Fort Collins, Colo., was among six 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. She is the daughter of Paul and Michelle Moret.

Sophia Kwende, of Cameroon, was named the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri Award recipient, while Gabe Selting, of Laramie, received the Tobin Award, as the outstanding graduating man during a recent ceremony honoring all the nominees.

Moret, who will graduate with a degree in physiology and minors in dance, Spanish and in honors, says college is what you make of it -- advice she took as a freshman at UW.

“As my time at UW comes to an end, I find myself feeling the familiar bittersweet emotion that accompanies all endings and new beginnings,” Moret says. “College truly has been the best time of my life. This was because I reaped the benefits of contributing to my school.”

One of Moret’s nominators says her combination of her academics with her creative talent and compassion are exceptional.

“She is self-motivated and committed to high standards in her academic and personal life, and she works very well with peers and professors,” the nominator says. “I believe that her combination of intellectual ability and excellent interpersonal skills will enable her to be a great success, both in her graduate studies and in her future career and community life.”

Another nominator considers Moret to be well beyond her years.

“She is open and easy to talk with initially, and is a friend to all. Beneath that sunny exterior, I have found she also is a shrewd observer of human nature and naturally puts others’ needs before herself,” the nominator says.

Moret has plans to attend the Harvard School of Dental Medicine in the fall.