The College of Education & Human Development celebrated its annual Spring Celebration on April 15, 2025, at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa Paradise Ballroom, where 150 guests gathered to honor the outstanding achievements of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners.
The evening was a heartfelt tribute to the individuals and organizations who are shaping the future of education and human development in Nevada and beyond. A total of 27 awards were presented across categories, including research, teaching, student leadership, outreach and community engagement.
“This evening reminds us why we do what we do,” said Donald Easton-Brooks, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education & Human Development. “We’re here to celebrate the work of passionate educators, future leaders and the many supporters who believe in the power of education to transform lives.”
Dean Donald Easton-Brooks and Tracy Ostrem, vice president for University Advancement, welcomed guests and congratulated the honorees. A highlight of the evening was the keynote address by U.S. Women’s Rugby Olympic Bronze Medalist Stephanie Rovetti, who spoke about resilience, teamwork and the lifelong value of education.
The event also featured a silent auction showcasing original artwork by children from the College’s Child and Family Research Center (CFRC), with proceeds benefiting CFRC programs and continuing its tradition of excellence in early childhood education.
Honoring outstanding contributions
Outstanding Alumni of the Year
Leslie Anne Jia, Ph.D.
Jia credits programs like Dean’s Future Scholars and TRIO for supporting her academic journey at the 推荐杏吧原创. A former mentor for DFS students, Jia is now the director of Financial Aid, Scholarships and Student Employment at Truckee Meadows Community College.
Outstanding Foundation of the Year
The Dorothy Lemelson Foundation
The Foundation’s leadership helped launch the Grow Our Own Teacher Pathway: Pups to Pack program, an innovative initiative to recruit and retain future educators in Northern Nevada. This latest partnership continues a legacy of giving by Dorothy Lemelson.
Outstanding Supporters of the Year
- Roger Elton and Carol Francis
Roger Elton and Carol Francis have been dedicated champions for first-generation and low-income students throughout Nevada. Understanding the need to boost college participation in Northern Nevada, they’ve partnered with local education agencies to find new ways to support students and their families. - Gloria Teri Sandoval, Ph.D.
Gloria Teri Sandoval is a proud alumna whose family's Wolf Pack legacy runs deep. She has raised an incredible family that reflects her values of service, excellence and education. Her son Ron Sandoval graduated magna cum laude. Her son Brian Sandoval serves as President of the 推荐杏吧原创. Her daughter, Laurie Sandoval, has made her mark in Government Affairs, and two of her grandchildren have also graduated from the University. Throughout her career, Sandoval has made a lasting impact as an educator in Nevada, a national coordinator for programs supporting disadvantaged women, and as a college director of student support services. She is also the visionary behind the College’s Community Inspired Connections Speaker Series, launching on April 23. - Joy Crowley
Joy Crowley is known to many Dean's Future Scholars students as "Alegría," Spanish for "Joy." Since 2018, Joy has donated food regularly to the Dean's Future Scholars program, helping ensure our students have one less thing to worry about. Her gifts have fed hundreds of students over the years and reflect her quiet, consistent care for our program. Her ties to the University also run deep. Her late husband, Joseph N. Crowley, Ph.D., served as president of the 推荐杏吧原创 for 23 years. - Nevada Retired School Employees Association–Washoe Unit
The Nevada Retired School Employees Association-Washoe Unit is committed to supporting and advocating for public education. Its generous scholarship has greatly benefited our education students, helping them pursue their journey to becoming future teachers.
“Each week, Teri Sandoval gives her time to support the Learning & Resource Center and helps make events like the Spring Celebration possible,” said Quentin Smith, director of development. “This is personal. I want to thank Laurie, Ron and Brian for sharing your mom with us.”
Gloria Teri Sandoval, Ph.D., received the Outstanding Supporter of the Year Award at the 2025 Spring Award Celebration.Recognizing students excellence
- Mary Demchak Memorial Award: Emily Babcock
- Dana Davis Award: Megan Lingard
- Marshall R. Matley Distinguished Scholar in Special Education: Jennifer Shorett
- Edwin S. Dodson Educational Leadership Award: Mary Culpepper
- Dr. George Hill and Dr. Ginny Knowles Leadership Award: Paola Perez Garcia
- John A. Bailey Professional Expectancy Award in Counseling: Michael Arreygue
- Ross Family Outstanding Social Studies Education Award: Zach Rodenhurst
- Nevada Retired School Employees Association Award: Kasandra Medina-Torres
- Shane and Katherine Templeton Outstanding Doctoral Student in Literacy Award: Erin O’Connell Hess
Outstanding Student Awards
- Outstanding Doctoral Student: Chalyss Evans
- Outstanding Master’s Student: Krista Bebis
- Outstanding Undergraduate Student: Brianna Barnes
Celebrating faculty and staff achievements
- Emeriti Faculty Legacy Award: Mary Finn Maples, Ph.D.
Maples is a trailblazer, a mentor, and someone whose contributions continue to inspire long after her formal retirement from the Counseling Department in the College of Education & Human Development. She gave her time, her wisdom, and her heart to generations of students who walked through Cain Hall and the Raggio Building. - Judith S. Bible Teaching Excellence in Education Award: Mandi Collins, Ph.D.
- Outstanding Graduate Advisor Award: Sarah Mitchell, Ph.D., CFLE
- Outstanding Faculty Research Award: Lindsay Diamond, Ph.D.
- Rising Researcher Award: Carolyn Souza Fonseca da Silva, Ph.D.
- Faculty Outreach Award: Jenna Dewar, M.S., CFLE
- Excellence in Innovation in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Hyun-Joo Jeon, Ph.D.
- Outstanding Administrative Faculty Award: Christine O’Flaherty, M.S., BCBA
- Outstanding Support Staff Award: Jill Smith
The College of Education & Human Development extends its heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, honorees and community partners who made the evening a success. The Spring Celebration continues to reflect the College’s commitment to excellence in education and human development.
