Outstanding Graduates and Merit Scholars
Spring 2026
 

Cynthia Collinson

BA in Spanish Translation, World Languages & Cultures Overall Outstanding Graduate

The Spanish Translation program at Weber State is truly wonderful. It was my dream to study translation, and I could not have imagined doing it in a better place. You can tell the professors truly want you to succeed and care about both your academic and personal life. These last few years have not come without their difficulties, but I am truly grateful to my professors, advisors, and so many others within this program who supported me. Studying the Spanish language and culture has opened so many doors, and I look forward to seeing where it takes me next.

Dallin Buck

BA in Spanish, Outstanding Graduate

The Spanish language has played a critical role in my professional development. After learning Spanish while living in Latin America, I pursued a bachelor’s degree at Weber State University to deepen my understanding of the language and the culture that profoundly influenced me. Through this education, I have developed both linguistic proficiency and cultural competence, enabling me to serve the Hispanic community in healthcare by interpreting for providers and translating medical documents. I am deeply grateful to the faculty in the Spanish Department for their dedication to my success and their enthusiasm for teaching. I look forward to continuing to expand access to accurate and essential medical information in Spanish for our growing Hispanic community.

Madison Randall

BA in Spanish Translation, Outstanding Graduate

I have loved studying Spanish Translation here at Weber State University. I loved the variety of fun, diverse, and thought-provoking classes this program offered. My experience has been especially rich thanks to the many professors that have been amazing educators as well as mentors in ways that go beyond the classroom. I appreciate all their time, work, and dedication to help me be successful. This program has strengthened many skills that I will take with me going forward, but especially my translation skills. It has prepared me to be ready for a job in the Translation industry. I'm excited and feeling confident for the future that awaits me thanks to my experience here at Weber State.

Aspyn Bond

AA in Chinese, Outstanding Graduate

Being named the AA in Chinese Outstanding Graduate at Weber State University feels deeply personal and represents far more than an academic achievement. My journey with Mandarin began when my family adopted my younger sister from Xi’an, China. What started as a desire to connect with her and honor her heritage grew into a passion that has shaped who I am. Through university immersion, study abroad, and service, I discovered that language is not just something we learn. It is something we use to understand, connect, and uplift others. This program challenged me to grow in both ability and perspective, and I am especially grateful to Professor Teh-yi Dori Huang for her guidance and belief in me, placing a lasting impact on my journey. This recognition reflects not only what I have accomplished, but the purpose I have found in using language to build bridges and serve others.

Annika Naylor

AAs in Japanese and Localization, Outstanding Graduate

I've always found Japanese and localization fascinating, so I am beyond grateful to have been able to pursue my passions with Weber's Department of World Languages & Cultures. Working with Dr. Youn Soo Kim Goldstein and Tomono Adachi Sensei especially has opened up a whole world of language, culture, and cross-cultural communication. This led me to an endlessly exciting study abroad in Japan, an invaluable internship in the localization industry, and many wonderful friends from around the world. As I move forward from university into the professional world and the rest of my life, I will continue to utilize the skills I developed here to learn more, create more, and say more than I ever could before. To all my professors, thank you for everything you've taught me! 先生たち、今まで教えてくれてありがとうございました。

Hanokh Gailson

BA in French, Honorable Mention

While earning my bachelors in French at Weber State, I came to understand more than just vocabulary, conjugations and the tiresome process of mastering nasal vowels. I came to understand that the world takes on a new persona when viewed from the perspective of another culture, through the conduit of their language. I have developed a deep interest for language and a burning curiosity to keep exploring them. Thanks to the French department, the world has become a little smaller, and my world view, a little larger. “To have another language is to possess another soul” - Charlemagne

Ibeth Flores

BA in Spanish Teaching, Outstanding Graduate

Cam Wasden

BA in Spanish, Honorable Mention