Senior of the Year Award

Senior of the Year Finalist: Nicoletta Boik

Nicoletta Boik of Carol Stream, Illinois, is a nursing major with minors in psychology, intercultural studies and communication sciences and disorders. She has excelled academically and earned membership in prestigious honors societies including the Honors Program, Sigma Theta Tau, Psi Chi, Alpha Mu Gamma, Tri-Beta, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and Omega Nu Lambda. A 10-time Illinois State, Midwest Regional, and National Baton Twirling Champion, she pairs elite performance with exceptional leadership, serving as president of the Student Nurses Association and served as president of the Psychology Club, and mentoring peers as a peer advisor coordinator and Nursing Mentor. Boik’s research investigates neurodivergent populations, examining how social, communication and behavioral factors shape health care experiences for autistic individuals. Her findings inform strategies for inclusive, patient-centere, and evidence-based care, bridging gaps between patients and providers. Fluent in Spanish, American Sign Language and Italian, with knowledge of Korean and German, she combines linguistic and cultural expertise with her passion for pediatric nursing, preparing for RN licensure to deliver compassionate, culturally attuned and personalized care to children and families. Through a rare combination of academic excellence, research innovation, leadership, mentorship, multilingual proficiency and elite performance, Boik embodies the Elmhurst spirit, standing out as a rising leader dedicated to advancing nursing and transforming health care through compassion, collaboration and cultural awareness.

Senior of the Year Finalist: Alejandra Galvan

Alejandra Galvan of Lombard, Illinois, is a first-generation student majoring in psychology and Spanish with minors in French and world literatures and cultures. She has demonstrated academic excellence while actively contributing to campus life. Throughout her four years, she has been involved with the Honors Program, Alpha Mu Gamma, Psi Chi, Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. She also is the co-president of La Table Française and served as a resident advisor. Not only has Galvan been an active member of the campus community, she volunteered for the Exodus World Service and made care packages for a refugee family who had recently moved to Illinois. Additionally, she was an active member of the Partners in Peace Community where she spread awareness about each Nobel Peace Prize recipient and organized fundraisers to help support the recipients’ messages. “When I walk across the stage in May, I will have left knowing the passion required to fuel intellectual development, the conversations needed to strengthen community, and the dedication required to stand up for social justice,” she says. Galvan will pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology at Roosevelt University this fall. She envisions herself providing psychotherapy and assessments for the Spanish-speaking community.

Alejandra Galvan de Lombard, Illinois, es una estudiante de primera generación que se especializa en psicología y español con sub-especialidades en frances, y literaturas/culturas mundiales. Ha demostrado excelencia académica mientras contribuye activamente a la vida en el campus. A lo largo de sus cuatro años ha estado involucrada con el Programa de Honores, Alpha Mu Gamma, Psi Chi, Omicron Delta Kappa y Phi Kappa Phi. También es copresidenta de La Table Française y se desempeñó como asesora de residentes. Galvan no solo ha sido un miembro activo de la comunidad del campus, sino que fue voluntaria para el Servicio Mundial de EXODUS e hizo paquetes de atención para una familia de refugiados que se había mudado recientemente a Illinois. Además, fue miembro activo de la Comunidad de Socios en Paz, donde difundió la conciencia sobre cada ganador del Premio Nobel de la Paz y organizó recaudaciones de fondos para ayudar a apoyar el mensaje de los recipientes. “Cuando me gradué en mayo, me habré ido sabiendo la pasión necesaria para impulsar el desarrollo intelectual, las conversaciones necesarias para fortalecer la comunidad y la dedicación necesaria para defender la justicia social” dice ella. Galvan buscará un doctorado en Psicología Clínica en la universidad Roosevelt y quiere proporcionar psicoterapia y evaluaciones para la comunidad hispanohablante.

Senior of the Year Finalist: Mateo Gomez Bedoya

Mateo Gomez Bedoya of Addison, Illinois, is a first-generation student pursuing a degree in world language education with a concentration in Spanish and a minor in teaching English learners. He has shown a deep commitment to campus life through his involvement with the men’s soccer team, the Office of Admission as a student ambassador, Orientation Student Leader and Cru. He also has been involved with many academic organizations including Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Mu Gamma, Phi Kappa Phi and the Honors Program. Beyond campus life, he participated in two study away programs, the Spanish immersion program in Puerto Rico and the cinema study abroad program in Utah. “Studying abroad in Puerto Rico deepened my commitment to equity, connecting me with activists and educators whose resilience reaffirmed my calling to transform education for underserved students,” he says. Gomez Bedoya aspires to teach Spanish, Italian or English as a Second Language at a local high school and start his own private learning business. He also plans to go to graduate school to become a principal and later on obtain a Ph.D. to become a superintendent.

Senior of the Year Finalist: Mahek Javed

Mahek Javed of Peoria, Illinois, is majoring in biology with a minor in Spanish. She has demonstrated academic excellence while serving as an active member in the campus community. She exhibited her leadership skills as co-president of the Muslim Student Association and has worked with several members on campus to advocate for Muslim students to ensure that they feel recognized and accommodated. She also has participated in various organizations including the Honors Program, Alpha Mu Gamma, Tri-Beta and multiple choir groups in which she took on various executive roles. “As a future physician, I strive to provide equitable, compassionate care. My clinical volunteering experiences have exposed me to the reality of health care disparities that many patients face,” she says. Starting in July, Javed will be attending the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida, to pursue her goals of becoming a physician. She envisions herself working for an underserved population and advocating for equitable health care.

Senior of the Year Finalist: Netochukwu Kalu

Netochukwu (Neto) Kalu of Lagos, Nigeria, is an international student pursuing a degree in sport management with minors in business administration and communication. She began her Elmhurst journey in 2022, and she quickly made an impact across campus. She has been a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, International Student Association, Cru and the Honors Program. Beyond Elmhurst, she interned for the Chicago Bears where she supported training camp operations by staffing corporate suites, coordinating partner experiences and managing field activities at the Walter Payton Center in Lake Forest, Illinois. “As an alumna, I hope to mentor students, especially international students, stay engaged, and contribute my time and resources to ensure future students feel supported and empowered, as I did,” she says. After graduation, Kalu will pursue a master’s in business administration to help achieve her long-term goals to advance sports development in Nigeria and across Africa.

Senior of the Year Finalist: Ali Neziri

Ali Neziri of Downers Grove, Illinois, is a first-generation student majoring in accounting and finance. He transferred to Elmhurst in the fall of 2024 and quickly made his mark on campus. He has been actively engaged with the Elmhurst University Business Club, Muslim Student Association, Phi Theta Kappa and the School of Business Mentoring Program. He is also the student manager for the Kloet Student Investment Fund, a $1 million fund that allows students to use their knowledge outside the classroom by choosing investments for the fund’s portfolio. “Professional preparation became tangible through my involvement in the Kloet Investment Fund, mentorship programs and competitive internships, where I learned to connect theory with practice. Elmhurst’s sense of community strengthened my confidence and sense of belonging, inspiring me to give back through mentorship and student engagement initiatives,” he says. Neziri plans to begin his career in consulting at Ernst & Young, while pursuing his CPA license. He aspires to use his professional platform to mentor first-generation students, expand access to opportunities in accounting and finance, and contribute to initiatives that promote economic empowerment within underserved communities.

Senior of the Year Finalist: Milena Trojan

Milena Trojan of Mount Prospect, Illinois, is a first-generation student majoring in communication sciences and disorders with minors in psychology and Spanish. She has demonstrated her leadership skills by serving as vice president of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, multiple executive board positions within the Elmhurst Polish Student Association and as a community advisor in the ELSA program. While her commitment to campus is evident through her involvement, she also had opportunities to learn outside the classroom during her study away program at Liverpool Hope University in England. “Through leadership roles, I have collaborated with my peers on creating welcoming and safe spaces where diversity is embraced and creates a sense of belonging,” she says. After Elmhurst, Trojan will pursue a graduate degree in speech language pathology.

Senior of the Year Finalist: Jacquelin Vanoni

Jacquelin Vanoni of Bellevue, Washington, is pursuing degrees in biochemistry and biology with a minor in psychology. She has been a dedicated athlete on the women’s lacrosse team during her four years at Elmhurst. In addition to athletics, she has been an active member in the Honors Program, Iota Sigma Pi, Pre-Health Club, and served as president for the Chemistry Club and Tri Beta Honor Society. Not only has she been involved with campus activities, but she also has been engaged with the chemistry and biology departments by serving as a teaching assistant and lab assistant. “I found my purpose as a chemist here, I have won and lost on this campus, and I am so glad to have left my mark. This school has fundamentally changed me into a graduate who feels more than prepared to enter whatever life has planned next for me” she says. After graduation, Vanoni envisions herself working as a researcher in the medical field before pursuing a Ph.D. in bioorganic chemistry.

Senior of the Year Finalist: Emma Wasilk

Emma Wasilk of Crystal Lake, Illinois, is majoring in nursing with a minor in psychology. She has excelled academically while serving as an active member in the campus community. She has been a member of many honors organizations, including Pi Gamma Mu, Psi Chi, Student Nurses Association and the Honors Program. Additionally, she has served as an orientation student leader, a peer advisor and a coordinator for the Peer Undergraduate Nursing Mentorship Program. “In my undergraduate time here, I have continued to be a positive role model to others through different leadership positions such as peer advising, senior mentoring and being an orientation student leader. I believe that everyone has a place here at Elmhurst University, and I love helping students find their place as I have found mine,” she says. Wasilk plans to work as a full-time nurse at a hospital before returning to Elmhurst to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.

Senior of the Year Finalist: John Witcher

John Witcher of Hudson Wisconsin, is majoring in marketing and management with a minor in communication. He has been a committed athlete on the men’s basketball team and served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. He also showcased his leadership skills by serving as co-president of the Elmhurst University Business Club and a social media intern for the School of Business. “This year, I focused on making every player and manager feel welcomed and valued, even through small things like having a handshake with everyone. I bring that same mindset into the classroom and the business club by collaborating with other organizations and welcoming students from any major,” he says. Following graduation, Witcher will be pursuing marketing and business opportunities in Minneapolis-Saint Paul and Chicago. Looking ahead, he aspires to become a mentor for the Elmhurst University School of Business.

• 2021: Amanda O’Brien
• 2022: Sonali Rajput
• 2023: Hiba Anees
• 2024: Eaden Hvarre
• 2025: Lucia Gaviria Vesga

• 2020: Alexandria Schultz
• 2019: Riley Schweig
• 2018: Esther Pereira
• 2017: Erik Maranto
• 2016: Tyler Espino
• 2015:  Meredithe Mimlitz
• 2014: Marissa McLean
• 2013: Uchenna Ebiringah
• 2012: Jacob Meding
• 2011: Genesis Jelkes

• 2010: Elizabeth Harland
• 2009: Melissa Steirer
• 2008: Alexander Kefaloukos
• 2007: Brian Slackert
• 2006: Dain Gotto
• 2005: Isabel Bauer
• 2004: Joud Abdel Majeid
• 2003: Kelly VanGuilder
• 2002: Christopher Speil
• 2001: Angela Gianforte

• 2000: Analy Ponce
• 1999: Anastasia Buriegi
• 1998: Amy Ferraro
• 1997: Herb Washington Jr.
• 1996: John Barr
• 1995: Gretchen Gehrlein
• 1994: Stephanie Nawyn
• 1993: Eric Lindberg