Kaycee Fillmore Finalist for UWs Outstanding Undergraduate Award

Kaycee Fillmore, from Pueblo, Colo., was a finalist for the University of Wyoming’s highest honor as a top graduating senior.

She was among 11 students nominated for the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri and Tobin Memorial Award, which recognizes the most outstanding graduates from the 2018-19 undergraduate class. The award is based on academic excellence and achievement, service to the university, participation and leadership in the community and campus activities, and citizenship qualities.

Jess Fahlsing, from Rock Springs, and Dylan Rust, of Green River, were the recipients of the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri and Tobin Memorial Award. The announcement was made at the Friday, April 26, luncheon at the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center.

Fillmore is majoring in chemistry, with a minor in human and animal physiology.

A nominator for Fillmore applauds her for her hard work and her helpful nature.

“In my nearly 19 years as a researcher and teacher at UW, I do not think I have ever met Kaycee’s combination of high scholastic achievement, genuine purpose in helping others and focused confidence in knowing what she wants to do with her life,” the nominator says. “Kaycee is honest and hardworking and does not necessarily follow the path of least resistance.”

Another nominator lists Fillmore’s kindness and “go-getter” mentality -- attributes of a great undergraduate student.

“She is attentive and strong while striving to accomplish each task she is given successfully,” says the nominator. “‘What more can I do?’ is what she asks when her assigned duties are completed. Although her 1,000-watt smile melts our patients’ hearts, it’s truly her caring and nurturing attitude that wins them over.”

Though nominators have plenty to say about all she offered to UW during her time as an undergraduate, she says she would never be able to give back as much as she feels the university has given to her.

“Although I feel that I have given a lot of my time into bettering the University of Wyoming, it would be nearly impossible to give to the college what it has given to me: confidence, an outstanding education and invaluable preparation for my life,” Fillmore says.

Not only was Fillmore able to serve UW and maintain stellar academic status during her time as an undergraduate, but she also was able to have fun.

“If my dad were writing this essay, he would end it with ‘time flies when you’re having fun,’ and I would have to agree with him,” says Fillmore. “I have had an unmeasurable amount of fun being a part of this university and, accordingly, these years, of which I will never forget, have flown by.”