Hall to Home Award Recognizes Exceptional UW Living Learning Community Sponsors

The University of Wyoming has named recipients of the inaugural Hall to Home Award for exceptional living learning community sponsors.

Abby Lozano, from the Global Engagement Office, and Eric Nigh, from the Department of International Studies, have been honored for their outstanding work with the Travel the World living learning community (LLC). This is the first-ever award of its kind on the UW campus.

The Hall to Home Award recognizes living learning community sponsors who create enriching environments for students, support academic success and cultivate a strong sense of community. These individuals inspire students and create spaces where learning extends beyond the classroom.

UW offers first-year interest groups and living learning communities in the university’s residence halls for students to connect based upon areas of study, personal interests and career plans.

The inaugural award recipients were selected based on the number of nominations received from student residents, as well as the quality of the nominations.

“Abby Lozano and Eric Nigh have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their students and to the Travel the World LLC,” says April Heaney, director of UW LeaRN. “Their passion for cultural engagement and academic growth stands out, and they have been recognized for their positive impact on students’ experiences.”

Nominations from students highlighted their deep appreciation for Lozano’s and Nigh’s dedication.

“Our sponsors (Abby and Eric) are incredible in their dedication to both the floor, the cause and the residents. I wouldn’t want to be on any other floor,” one student wrote.

“Abby and Eric are the best sponsors ever! They are nice and cool,” another student added.

In addition to Lozano and Nigh, several individuals have been named runners-up for their excellence in supporting their respective living learning communities. The 2025 runners-up include:

-- Elise D’Allesandro, Outdoor Programs, Outdoor Recreation LLC.

-- Maria Bennett, School of Pharmacy, Focus on Pharmacy LLC.

-- Katelyn Golladay, Department of Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice LLC.

-- Mollie Hand, LeaRN Programs, Gender Inclusive LLC.

-- Michelle Hilaire, vice provost for undergraduate education, Exploring Health Careers LLC.

-- Jenny Ingwersen-Niemann, Department of Animal Science, Exploring Animal Science and Agriculture LLC.

-- Tyler Kjorstad, Department of Economics, and Brian Barr, College of Business, Business Foundations LLC.

-- Joe Schroer, School of Teacher Education, Exploring Teaching Careers LLC.

-- Marci Smith, Department of Kinesiology, Kinesiology and Health LLC.

The Hall to Home Award recipients were celebrated April 23 in Room 506 of Coe Library at an event attended by faculty, staff, and students.

For more information on the Hall to Home Award, first-year interest groups and living learning communities, visit www.uwyo.edu/figs.