Colorado Community College System honors 13 FRCC students—and their peers around the state—for their inspiring achievements.
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) recently paid tribute to top students from schools around the state during the system’s 2025 Student Excellence Awards. Thirteen distinguished students from Front Range Community College were chosen for this year’s honors.
Three award categories recognized students for their academic accomplishments, exemplary leadership and commitment to inclusive excellence:
- The Phi Theta Kappa All-Colorado Academic Team Award specifically recognizes the academic accomplishments of high-achieving student members of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society from across the state.
- The Rising Star Award recognizes students who have increased the level and quality of student engagement on their college campus.
- The Inclusive Excellence Champion Award recognizes students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on their college campus.
“This dynamic group of students has a deep-rooted passion for helping others—from mentoring children and young adults to spending countless hours as volunteers for various campus and community organizations,” says FRCC President Colleen Simpson, EdD. “Each award winner has demonstrated strong commitment, reliability and professionalism in their activities in and out of the classroom.”
Many of the awardees have expressed aspirations to continue their advocacy work beyond their time in college. Many are pursuing careers that will help heal and empower communities in fields such as health care, veterinary science, social services and education.
All-Colorado Academic Team
Ten Front Range Community College students have earned places on the 2025 All-Colorado Academic Team. The team recognizes high-achieving students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor, combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.
Leydy Johana Rodríguez González
Leydy is a driven, dedicated student with a passion for accounting, currently pursuing an associate’s degree at FRCC with a 4.0 GPA. Originally from a humble family in Medellín, Colombia, she is the first in her family to leave the country to study and live abroad. This reflects her determination and the values of perseverance and hard work instilled by her parents. Raised in a challenging environment, Leydy has used these lessons as the foundation for her academic and career aspirations.
A core inspiration in Leydy’s journey is her personal mantra, “conatus,” tattooed on her shoulder. Derived from Latin, “conatus” means the drive for self-preservation and improvement, embodying her determination to succeed despite obstacles.
After earning an associate degree in business administration in Colombia, Leydy moved to the US in 2021 as an au pair, where she mentored children, helping them develop Spanish language skills and emotional intelligence. This experience solidified her passion for helping others grow, reinforcing her belief in the power of education and personal development.
While studying business, Leydy discovered her passion for accounting when she learned that numbers can tell stories and pursued a second bachelor’s degree in accounting in Colombia while excelling at FRCC. Despite the challenges of being an international student, financial burdens and the inability to work, Leydy remains focused on becoming proficient in English and building a strong accounting foundation. With long-term goals of securing a green card and advancing in the field, her dedication and support from FRCC are guiding her toward becoming a skilled and influential accounting professional.
Hannah Brown
Hannah Brown is graduating this spring with an associate degree in music and a 4.0 GPA. She will go on to study music business and recording arts at the University of Northern Colorado. She hopes to use her degree to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities through her work, as well as developing her own musical skills.
During her time at FRCC, Hannah has been involved in musical theatre, served as the vice president of the Front Range Choir, and volunteered to help raise awareness for animals at high risk of euthanasia. Hannah also has been awarded the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and received distinction on the President’s List all four semesters of attendance at Front Range.
As a non-traditional student, Hannah’s path has not been without obstacles, but returning to academia has proven to be one of the most transformative and rewarding decisions of her life.
Gaven Carson
Gaven Carson is a double major in accounting and finance, having earned his Associate of Arts with a business designation from Front Range Community College, where he maintains a 3.9 GPA. Graduating in May, he will transfer to Colorado State University to complete his bachelor’s degrees.
After working straight out of high school, Gaven pursued higher education for the first time at age 25, proving that it’s never too late to invest in yourself. With a passion for finance and leadership, he aims to combine technical expertise with strong communication to help businesses grow and unite people around shared goals.
As vice president of scholarships for Phi Theta Kappa at FRCC, he collaborates with the school and community to expand opportunities and drive positive change. He also founded the FRCC Fly Fishing Club, which became a 5 Rivers Costa chapter and secured corporate sponsorships to support students while promoting environmental conservation.
Gaven’s dedication has led to an internship with a Fortune 500 company, giving him direct industry experience. After earning his bachelor’s, he plans to pursue a master’s degree and CPA certification. With a strong foundation in finance and leadership, he is committed to making a meaningful impact in the business world.
Hannah DeFord
Hannah has always had a passion for helping others and is always striving to learn more. She is currently working toward her Associate of Applied Science degree in surgical technology. This career path was an easy choice for her because being in the medical field allows you to help others in your work. Her fascination with surgery is what made her want to explore a career path in this field.
Hannah has had experience within the medical field working in laboratories and she is currently employed as a lab assistant at a local hospital. Working at a hospital for almost four years has opened her eyes to different career paths, and she is confident in her decision that the surgical field is where she belongs.
She has seen the impact that medical professionals make—not only on the patients but also on their families. She strives to make a difference for those around her and hopes that she can help comfort patients who may be fearful of surgery. Working hands-on with patients, Hannah has gained the skills to comfort people in their time of need and learned how to work under pressure in different settings.
Outside of her professional life, Hannah spends a lot of time with her family and loves being outdoors with her husband and their dog Indi. A first generation college student, Hannah is very excited to be finishing up her degree in the fall of 2025. She is confident that working as a surgical technologist will open up many different potential avenues for her to embark on.
Christi Jo Hahn
Christi Jo is a dedicated, ambitious engineering student with a passion for sustainability and innovation. She graduated from FRCC with a 4.0 GPA, earning an AS in general engineering. During her time at Front Range, she worked on an inspiring engineering design project focused on sustainability, which ignited her desire to contribute to environmental solutions. She is now pursuing a BS in chemical engineering at CU Boulder with a minor in materials science, aiming to leverage her expertise to drive eco-friendly advancements.
As an adoptee from Korea, Christi Jo has faced significant adversity, including the challenges of navigating academia and overcoming personal obstacles. Her journey took an unexpected turn when a car accident halted her initial pursuit of an engineering degree. After a hiatus dedicated to healing and relocating to Colorado, she is grateful for the opportunity to continue her education and make a lasting impact through her work.
Beyond her academic achievements, Christi Jo was a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at FRCC and balanced her studies with a full-time role as both a recreational program director and marketing director. These experiences reinforced her passion for STEM outreach, leading her to dedicate several years as a volunteer math tutor.
Christi Jo’s academic excellence has been recognized through prestigious scholarships, including the Colorado Women’s Education Foundation (CWEF) Scholarship and the Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship. With her growing expertise in chemical engineering, Christi Jo hopes to contribute to space exploration or advance ocean conservation efforts by developing solutions to protect marine ecosystems. She is committed to making a lasting impact on the future of sustainability and engineering.
Abbey Shepherd
Abbey Shepherd is a psychology major and TRIO scholar at FRCC’s Westminster Campus. She chose this career path after years of working with a variety of companies and volunteering in her community helping to care for the elderly, and physically and mentally disabled people. Abbey is an avid visitor of FRCC’s Writing Center and serves as the center’s front desk attendant. She enjoys helping other students improve their writing skills.
Abbey has faced many challenges as a student. Her father passed away right after she graduated from high school, leaving her to enter the workforce at a young age to help support herself and her family. But it was always her parents’ wish that she would eventually return to school—so she started college 10 years later, beginning her educational journey over again. Having worked in various management positions—and even having had her own small, part-time business as a model and model mentor—she was finally able to take the opportunity to be a student again at Front Range Community College.
Abbey works incredibly hard, but she attributes most of her success to the support of her TRIO, Writing and Math Center families at FRCC; without them, she would not have been as successful during her college career. She plans to transfer to Metropolitan State University of Denver in the fall to complete a bachelor’s degree. She eventually wants open her own practice where she can give people diverse options for mental, physical and holistic health treatments.
Leah Shipley
Leah Shipley is a first-generation student who overcame significant obstacles to attend college. She is completing her Associate of Science degree with computer science designation at FRCC and is transferring to a university this fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science. Leah is a peer mentor with FRCC’s TRIO Student Support Services program, where she finds great meaning in being part of the reason that students have the opportunity to succeed in higher education.
Leah has always loved science, especially astronomy and atmospheric science. She serves as vice president of the Longmont Astronomical Society. Last summer, she researched aviation climatology through Research Experiences for Community College Students at NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory. This summer, Leah will continue to contribute to scientific progress as she spends 10 weeks at Harvard University’s Center for Astrophysics researching solar flares.
Leah’s long-term plans include pursuing graduate school. Her research interests include aviation meteorology, aeolian phenomenon and solar flares. In addition to research, she aspires to work in operations as a weather forecaster. Leah’s journey from a challenging background to academic excellence and community engagement reflect profound resiliency and inspiration, distinguishing her as a promising leader in her field.
Irma Cecilia Vazquez
Irma Cecilia Vazquez graduated from FRCC in December 2024 with an Associate of Arts in business and a certificate in foundations of business. She is now attending CU Denver, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a marketing major.
Passionate about marketing and event planning, Irma was a leader in the FRCC Latinx Club for three years, serving as co-president and marketing director. She helped organize cultural events like Día de Los Muertos and a finals stress relief event focused on drug prevention, fostering community and celebrating Latinx heritage.
She also served as the marketing director for the Chamber Student Network in partnership with the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce. In this role, she managed social media and created promotional materials. For three years, she strengthened her digital marketing and community outreach skills for FRCC business students.
Beyond campus, Irma continues to serve as an AmeriCorps VISTA member for Boulder County Community Services, using her marketing skills to support local initiatives and nonprofits. Her leadership earned her the FRCC 2023-2024 Vice President’s Service.
Award for outstanding contributions to the FRCC community. Irma values education and mentorship and aspires to build a career in sports marketing that combines branding, event promotion and community outreach.
Selina Wang
Selina Wang is a dedicated student in the veterinary technician program at FRCC’s Larimer Campus, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while also working as a tutor to help her classmates succeed. Before this, she earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Colorado State University and was the president of the Taiwanese Student Association.
Her love for animals has always been a big part of her life. She has worked in animal hospitals, participated in the Dolphin Communication Project in Honduras, studied marine life in Mexico, and even interned as an animal trainer at Farglory Ocean Park in Taiwan.
Outside of veterinary work, Selina has a strong background in competitive swimming. She trained for 13 years and represented Chinese Taipei in international competitions. That experience helped shape her into a hardworking, adaptable person who thrives under pressure.
As an international student, she’s faced challenges like language barriers, cultural differences, and being far from home. But thanks to the support of her family across the ocean and the kindness of friends in the US, she’s been able to push through and follow her dream.
After finishing FRCC’s vet tech program, she plans to become a registered veterinary technician and bring her knowledge back to Taiwan. Her long-term goal is to become a veterinarian so she can make an even bigger impact in helping animals.
Lizzy Mahoney
FRCC nursing student Lizzy Mahoney is passionate about showing up for those within her community and being an advocate for people from all walks of life. Her fierce determination to help others—along with her love of science—has led her to pursue a degree in nursing from FRCC’s Larimer campus. Lizzy is a former Peace Corps volunteer who served in the rural mountains of Rwanda promoting maternal and child health.
Before starting at FRCC, Lizzy worked as a medical assistant at a reproductive health center. During that time, she fell in love with working directly with patients, providing education and resources and making patients feel at ease throughout their interactions. She loved her job but wanted to do more for the patients. She knew that becoming a nurse would allow her to provide the care she wanted. That passion for making a direct difference in someone’s day, coupled with a desire to keep learning, pushed her to go back to school.
With her graduation quickly approaching in May, Lizzy is excited to hit the ground running and join the work force. She hopes to eventually complete a bachelor’s degree. When she isn’t studying or at clinicals, Lizzy can often be found reading, tending to her plants or playing with her two cats.
Rising Star Award
This award is sponsored by the State Student Advisory Council and recognizes students who have increased the level and quality of student engagement on campus. The students selected to receive this award may have facilitated meaningful engagement by either broadening the scope of student engagement or by deepening the engagement of other students around a particular issue or initiative.
Adalinda Nava
Adalinda Nava is a 4.0 student at FRCC, where she has earned an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Applied Science in early childhood education, along with certificates as an early childhood director, teacher and assistant teacher. She chose this field because she is passionate about education and supporting students—especially those from underrepresented communities—in reaching their academic goals.
Adalinda is involved in Leadership St. Vrain and serves on the School Accountability Committee at Skyline High School. She has also volunteered helping seniors in her community. These roles allow her to stay active, give back and advocate for equity in education. With years of experience as a nanny, Adalinda has balanced work, studies and service with dedication and heart.
After graduating from FRCC, she plans to work in a field that allows her to serve and uplift underserved communities. Her long-term goal is to empower diverse families by increasing access to high-quality early learning experiences and helping children build strong foundations for the future.
Leah Shipley
See bio above (under All-Colorado Academic Team).
Savannah Humphrey
Savannah is president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at FRCC’s Larimer Campus and vice president of the Colorado and Wyoming Region for PTK. She has helped improve visibility for the group, served at the food pantry on campus and helped raise money for student membership scholarships. Around campus she actively encourages her fellow students’ academic and extra circular success.
Savannah is studying geospatial information science and anthropology. After graduation, she intends to transfer to pursue an archeology degree at a four-year university (either Colorado State University or the University of Arizona).
While still at FRCC she plans to obtain an architecture drafting certificate and has already completed a 200-hour yoga teacher certificate on campus. Her intention is to use this diverse educational background to start her own cultural resource management firm and help ethically preserve history for future generations to enjoy.
Inclusive Excellence Award
This award is sponsored by the State Student Advisory Council and recognizes students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion on their campus. The students selected to receive this award may be involved in supporting or creating diversity activities and services; working to address issues of inequity; expanding the scope of inclusivity on campus; and/or demonstrating advocacy for social justice and intercultural awareness.
Abel Martinez
Abel Martinez is a first-generation business major currently working toward his associate degree at Front Range Community College, with plans to transfer to Regis University to earn his bachelor’s degree. As a Latino, Abel is passionate about advocating for his community, having witnessed firsthand how the hard work and contributions of Latinos often go unrecognized. His goal is to change this narrative by becoming a role model, providing mentorship and advocating for opportunities that empower others, particularly in areas like financial education.
Abel is also an active participant in TRIO, a program dedicated to supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Community service plays an essential role in his life, and he volunteers with El Comité de Longmont, a nonprofit organization that assists the Latino community with essential services, such as notarizing documents and helping with visa appointments. His role in supporting financial events has deepened his appreciation for how even small contributions can make a significant impact.
In the future, Abel aspires to start his own nonprofit organization to provide resources and mentorship to students who face challenges similar to his own. He is also committed to his future career as a loan officer, aiming to empower underprivileged students through financial literacy and mentorship. Abel’s long-term goal is to make a lasting difference in his community by ensuring that others receive the recognition, opportunities and support they deserve.
Click here to view the 2025 Student Excellence Award honorees.
Click here to view photos of the event.
About Front Range Community College
FRCC offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs from locations in Boulder County, Larimer County, Westminster and online. FRCC is a member of the Colorado Community College System.
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving 138,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 39 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities.
