This BCAS award is designed to foster student retention and celebrate student success. Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate students who exhibit remarkable commitment and excellence in various aspects of their academic pursuits, in service to others, in campus and community leadership and for dedication to foster inclusion and belonging.
January: Mason Yurich
A French minor with a passion for language and learning, Mason Yurich stands out for his commitment as a tutor in the Department of Modern Languages. Known for fostering a welcoming and enriching environment, he was praised by faculty for going above and beyond to support his fellow students. Yurich also earned recognition outside the classroom, winning a prize in the competitive Maison Française de Cleveland Competition, continuing UA’s long-standing tradition of excellence in French studies.
February 2025: Makayla Gurnik
A senior earning her B.F.A. in Painting and Drawing, Makayla Gurnik exemplifies excellence in both academics and service. Recognized as an "advanced art student in every way," she leads by example in the classroom—guiding critiques, pushing creative boundaries, and bringing a thoughtful, honest voice to her work. Outside the studio, Gurnik volunteers weekly at the Emily Davis Gallery, teaches at multiple martial arts academies, and stays active in the campus and 69色情片 volleyball communities—making her a true leader both in and beyond the arts.
March 2025: Jose Howard-Guerra
A dual major in euphonium and trombone performance, Jose Howard-Guerra is recognized for his outstanding musicianship and leadership in the School of Music. From arranging music and serving on band staff to earning the school’s top brass honor, he’s made a lasting impact through talent, dedication, and collaboration. A regular performer with premier ensembles like the Honors Trombone Choir and Wind Ensemble, Howard-Guerra graduates this spring and plans to pursue a master’s degree in music.
April 2025: Lilliah Bitecofer
Lilli Bitecofer embodies academic excellence and a deep commitment to service, leadership, and inclusion. A dual-degree student in allied health care administration and anthropology with a Spanish minor and museum/archives certificate, she stands out for her intellectual curiosity and drive. Originally introduced to anthropology through a Human Evolution course in high school, Bitecofer returned to the same class last fall—this time as a teaching assistant—where she quickly became an essential resource for students and faculty alike. Her experience includes internships with Metro Health and outreach through the Anthropology Club and Women in Engineering’s Kids Career Day, showcasing her talent for making complex ideas accessible to all.
May 2025: Madison Irish
A biology major, Madison Irish is celebrated for her academic excellence, research contributions, and leadership. A top student in Human Anatomy, she has co-authored a peer-reviewed article and actively researches rib shape variation alongside graduate mentors. As vice president of programming for the Phi Delta Epsilon pre-med fraternity, Irish has expanded opportunities for fellow students through community-building and professional engagement. Known for her inclusive spirit, she also supports departmental outreach and recruiting efforts. Irish graduates this spring and will begin medical school at NEOMED in the fall.
Congratulations to our students!
- Story by Lisa Craig, BCAS Marketing, lmc91@uakron.edu