Ingram Honors College Accolades

Dr. Thomas C. Varkey, GCU alumnus and the 2026 Alpha Chi Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, delivered the Distinguished Alumnus Address at the national convention. Speaking at the convention’s signature luncheon, Dr. Varkey, an Arizona Alpha member, was formally presented with Alpha Chi’s highest honor for alumni.

GCU alumnus, Jaden Ace Hernandez, presented his research, “Evaluating Instructional Practices Related to Assignment Completion in a 10th‑Grade World History Classroom,” at the 2026 Alpha Chi National Convention. Representing the Arizona Alpha chapter, Hernandez examined how instructional communication, tracking systems and monitoring practices influence assignment submission rates in a Title I classroom. Through qualitative analysis, he identified gaps in current routines and offered practical, equity‑minded recommendations that strengthen feedback, engagement and consistency, without adding new interventions for teachers or school leaders.

Graduate student, Dontressa Ashford, represented GCU at the 2026 Alpha Chi National Convention with her presentation, “Intercultural Sensitivity and Ageism in the Context of Career Decision‑Making.” Her research explores how awareness of aging, cultural sensitivity and perceptions of ageism shape students’ career pathways, particularly for those entering fields connected to aging populations. Ashford’s work highlights the importance of integrating aging‑related education into higher‑education environments, offering insights that support more informed, equitable and future‑focused career decision‑making.

Shamily Latha Ramadoss represented GCU at the 2026 Alpha Chi National Convention with her presentation, “Inclusive Instructional Practices for Supporting English Learners With Disabilities in Elementary Classrooms.” Her research offers practical, research‑based strategies for strengthening inclusive instruction, emphasizing culturally responsive teaching, language‑development supports and collaborative practices that promote access, equity and academic success.

Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli of the Ingram Honors College presented “What Makes a Winning Honors Publication?” at the 2025 National Collegiate Honors Council Conference, offering members an inside look at the elements that elevate student scholarship to award‑winning quality. Drawing on her experience, Dr. Naegeli explored how clarity, originality, research rigor and editorial collaboration shape standout honors work. Her session equipped attendees with practical insights to strengthen their writing, refine their research and contribute to the broader honors community.

GCU Honors student, Colton Reger, presented his research, “Sex Differences in Perceived Stress and Emotional Eating Patterns Among College Students,” at the 2025 National Collegiate Honors Council Conference. Drawing on data from 283 students, Reger examined how males and females differ in perceived stress levels and emotional eating behaviors. His analysis revealed that female students reported higher stress, greater emotional eating and more frequent weight‑monitoring behaviors, highlighting meaningful sex‑based patterns in coping and nutrition.

Honors student, Elise Bayer, presented her study, “Independent Association of Weight Cycling with Cardiovascular Parameters: Controlling for Age and Body Fat,” at the 2025 National Collegiate Honors Council Conference. Analyzing data from more than 200 participants, Bayer examined how repeated weight‑loss and regain cycles relate to cardiovascular health. Her findings showed that, even after controlling for age and body fat, weight cycling uniquely predicted higher brachial systolic blood pressure, though it did not significantly influence other cardiovascular measures.

GCU Honors student, Kayley Brennan, presented her research, “Aerobic Fitness Outperforms Body Composition in Predicting ACFT Scores Among ROTC Cadets and Active Military Personnel,” at the 2025 National Collegiate Honors Council Conference. Her research examined whether aerobic capacity or body composition better predicts performance on the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). After analyzing results from ROTC cadets and active‑duty participants, who completed both the six‑event ACFT and a maximal treadmill test, Brennan found that aerobic fitness is a stronger predictor of ACFT scores than body fat percentage. While body composition remains a debated measure of military readiness, her findings highlight the critical role of cardiovascular fitness in overall performance.

Honors student, Paige Albrecht, presented her study, “Body Fat’s Independent Association with Cardiovascular Parameters Beyond Cardiorespiratory Fitness,” at the 2025 National Collegiate Honors Council Conference. Analyzing data from more than 225 participants, Albrecht examined whether body fat predicts key cardiovascular measures after accounting for age and cardiorespiratory fitness. Her findings showed that body fat independently predicted diastolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness indicators, including augmentation pressure and augmentation index. However, its influence on systolic blood pressure and pulse wave velocity was not significant.

GCU Honors student, Acey Faulkner, presented “Faculty and Student Collaboration in Undergraduate Research” at the 2025 National Collegiate Honors Council Conference, showcasing the powerful impact of mentorship and interdisciplinary partnership within the Ingram Honors College. Faulkner highlighted how collaboration between faculty experts and motivated undergraduates, particularly in fields such as microbiological research, creates an environment where students gain hands‑on experience, deepen their theoretical understanding, and explore diverse professional pathways.

GCU Honors student and ACE tutor, Harmony Jenkins, presented “Developing Community Leaders: A Reflection on the Motivating Factors Behind Prosocial and Altruistic Behavior in Adolescents” at the 2025 National Collegiate Honors Council Conference. Drawing from a transformative volunteer experience with a faith‑based youth leadership program in Albuquerque, Jenkins explored why adolescents, including those facing significant hardship, choose to engage in community service. By weaving together personal narrative with research on organizational stewardship, socialization, prosocial personality and religious moral foundations, she identified multiple intersecting factors that inspire youth to serve.

The Ingram Honors College continues to expand its global footprint, coordinating short‑term education and service experiences across 21 countries as of January 2026. One recent opportunity brought a team of GCU Honors students to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, where they partnered with local hospitals and community leaders to provide meaningful support. Students hosted free treatment clinics, assisted doctors and nurses, shared the gospel throughout the community and delivered essential medical supplies made possible through generous donations, including contributions from GCU health organizations. This experience reflects the Honors College’s commitment to developing globally minded scholars who lead with service, compassion and cultural humility. 

The Ingram Honors College proudly recognizes three outstanding scholars selected for Alpha Chi’s most prestigious national graduate fellowships: Karla Daniela Salazar Chavira, Ashley Larson and Natalie Osborne. Each year, Alpha Chi awards two Robert W. Sledge Fellowships and eight H.Y. Benedict Fellowships to exceptional graduating seniors pursuing their first year of graduate or professional study. These awards honor academic excellence, leadership and the legacy of two influential figures in Alpha Chi history, Dr. Robert W. Sledge, longtime National Council leader and historian of the Society and Dr. Harry Yandell Benedict, Alpha Chi’s first national president. 

The Ingram Honors College proudly celebrates two GCU scholars recognized with Alpha Chi’s highest graduate‑study fellowships for 2024: Niqolas Ruud, recipient of the Walden S. Freeman Fellowship, and Zachary Merhavy, recipient of the Pryor/Organ/Freeman Cooperative Fellowship. These competitive national awards support students pursuing advanced graduate and professional study, with the Pryor Fellowship valued at $6,000 and the Organ and Freeman Fellowships at $4,000 each. Named in honor of longtime Alpha Chi leaders Dr. Joseph Pryor, Dr. Dennis M. Organ and Dr. Walden S. Freeman, these fellowships recognize academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to scholarship that reflects the Society’s enduring legacy.

Three GCU Ingram Honors students — Matthew Ludy‑Goodman, Maria Morgan and Allison Rogers — were selected as 2024 recipients of Alpha Chi’s “In Scholarship and in Service” Grant, an award designed to help members advance professionally and continue their commitment to lifelong learning. Each Alpha Chi region awards up to five grants annually to support expenses such as graduate school application fees, certification exams, conference registrations and service‑related travel. 

The Ingram Honors College proudly celebrates Isa Joy Abbott and Keerthana Krishnakumar Juttu, selected as 2024 recipients of the Freddye T. Davy Scholarship, awarded by the National Collegiate Honors Council. This scholarship supports deserving and underserved students to ensure broader access to transformative national honors experiences.

Named in memory of Dr. Freddye T. Davy, a trailblazing honors educator, founder of the National W.E.B. Du Bois Honor Society and NCHC Fellow, the award continues her legacy of expanding opportunity and elevating diverse voices within honors education.

The Ingram Honors College proudly celebrates Keerthana Krishnakumar Juttu, recipient of the 2024 John J. Hanigan Scholarship from the National Collegiate Honors Council. This scholarship supports student participation at the NCHC Annual Conference. It honors the legacy of John Hanigan, a longtime steward of NCHC’s financial leadership whose integrity, mentorship and commitment to helping others shaped the organization for decades.

GCU Honors student, Ashley Larson, was published in Aletheia Volume 9 (2024) for her research article, “Perfecting Perfectionism: Exploring Cultural Influences on Perfectionism Experiences.” Her study investigates how undergraduate students from collectivistic and individualistic cultural backgrounds experience different forms of perfectionism. Using self‑report measures, Larson found no significant cultural differences in self‑critical perfectionism. Still, students identifying with individualistic cultures showed higher levels of narcissistic and rigid perfectionism than their collectivistic peers.

GCU Honors student, Erik P. Yost, was awarded the Milton L. and Avery G. Church Prize in Environmental Science at the 2023 Alpha Chi National Convention, a distinction recognizing outstanding student research presented at the national level. Named in honor of Milton L. Church, a Navy veteran, educator, soil engineer and lifelong musician, this prize celebrates excellence in environmental scholarship and the spirit of curiosity and service that defined Church’s life.

Dr. Breanna Naegeli, dean of the Ingram Honors College, was named a 2023 Phoenix Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient, an honor recognizing influential leaders shaping the Valley’s future. Dr. Naegeli has built a career defined by innovation, student‑centered leadership and community impact. The 40 Under 40 selection process evaluates nominees on business success, leadership ability, community involvement and regional influence, considering factors such as career growth, volunteerism, advocacy and public reputation. Dr. Naegeli’s recognition reflects her exceptional contributions to higher education and her commitment to elevating students, colleagues and the broader Phoenix community.

The Ingram Honors College proudly recognizes Jazzlyn Gonzalez‑Ortiz as a 2023 recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, one of the nation’s most competitive and impactful study‑abroad awards. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Gilman Program helps pursue study abroad or international internships, expanding global access and empowering students to gain the cross‑cultural skills essential for today’s workforce.

Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli of the Ingram Honors College was named one of AZ Big Media’s Most Influential Women in Arizona of 2022, a distinction recognizing trailblazing leaders who are shaping the state’s future. Selected for her impact in higher education, Dr. Naegeli’s career at GCU spans eight roles, from her start as an admissions counselor to her leadership today as Dean, reflecting a legacy of innovation, student advocacy and community engagement.

Dr. Breanna Naegeli, dean of the Ingram Honors College, was honored with the 2022 Athena Valley of the Sun Founder’s Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership, service‑driven philosophy and commitment to elevating women across the GCU community. Athena Valley of the Sun, Arizona’s chapter of the global ATHENA International organization, celebrates women who model professional excellence, community impact and the empowerment of others.

Dr. Breanna Naegeli and Anya Confrancesco were named the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) Co‑Advisor Team of the Year in 2022, an extraordinary honor considering NSCS has over 300 chapters nationwide. Their chapter at Grand Canyon University is not only the largest in the country, with nearly 7,000 members, but also one of the most accomplished, having earned Platinum Status twice for excellence in scholarship, leadership and service.

GCU freshman, Faron Medhi, made history as the 2022 Miss Teen USA, becoming the first Indian American to earn the national title. A gifted dancer, aspiring pediatrician and children’s book author, Medhi brings authenticity and heart to everything she does, including her reign. Before arriving at GCU, Medhi visited more than 2,000 children, inspiring her to write I Am A‑B‑C: Alphabet Affirmations, a book designed to build confidence in young readers. Judges at Miss Teen USA praised her genuine presence, noting that her authenticity set her apart.

Maurice Mayer Riingen was selected as a 2022 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship recipient, one of the U.S. Department of State’s most competitive awards supporting students in pursuing study abroad. The Gilman Program equips students with global experience, intercultural skills and international networks. Following his study‑abroad experience, Maurice continued his impact as a Gilman Alumni Ambassador for the 2023–2024 academic year, mentoring prospective applicants and representing the program nationwide.