The Nugent Award was established by the Alumni Association and named in memory of Robert Logan Nugent who was the University of Arizona Executive Vice President when he died in June 1963.
Candidates should have a record of accomplishments that exemplify the high ideals of Dr. Nugent, such as active and enthusiastic participation and service in community and University endeavors.

2024 Outstanding Senior Award Recipients:

Andrew Prouty

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Andrew Prouty is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in physiology and medical sciences with honors. He grew up in Chandler, Arizona, alongside two younger siblings.

During his four years at the University of Arizona, Andrew has been a leader within the W.A. Franke Honors College. After serving as a mentor for two years in the Partnerships Through Honors, or PATH, Mentorship Program, Andrew became the program lead for the PATH Mentor Development and Leadership Curriculum. In this role, he evolved the three-unit internship curriculum to teach students how they can apply the social change model of leadership to their mentorship practice. Additionally, Andrew led teams of students in developing multiple proposals focused on promoting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives within the Franke Honors College, with a special emphasis on expanding LGBTQ+ support and increasing the accessibility of higher education. Motivated by this work in leadership, Andrew will be graduating with the Civic Leadership Certificate from the Franke Honors College.

Andrew has committed himself to a lifetime of service in medicine. As a certified community health specialist, he works alongside medical professionals to deliver health care to individuals experiencing homelessness in Tucson at the WORKship Project at the Z Mansion. After recovering from a traumatic brain injury, Andrew worked as a clinical intern at SPARCC medical clinic to facilitate the active rehabilitation of other TBI patients. Additionally, he worked with physicians to conduct clinical research focused on better understanding objective predictors of persistent post-concussion symptoms.

Andrew has actively engaged in service to University endeavors by serving on multiple committees: the Franke dean search committee, the Margaret M. Briehl and Dennis T. Ray Five Star Faculty Award committee, and the Franke Honors Common Reading committee.

Andrew is a recipient of the Vaughan Honors Leadership Award for exhibiting extraordinary leadership potential in health care settings. He has also received multiple awards from the Partnerships Through Honors Mentorship Program for his transformative mentorship and engagement. In addition, Andrew won the W.A. Franke Honors Thesis Ethical Reasoning Award and was selected for the Quidel Global Health Scholarship.

Following graduation, Andrew is excited to attend the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson to pursue a medical degree as part of the Class of 2028. 

Larissa Lazaro Roncador

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Larissa Lazaro Roncador is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in human development and family sciences. She is an international student from Brazil, born and raised in Brasilia.

Prior to attending the University, Larissa started her academic journey at Austin Community College, from which she transferred with honors. Larissa was the vice president of Phi Theta Kappa-Alpha Gamma Phi, serving as chair of the helping families committee. During her journey as an honors student at the community college, she received the 2022 All-Texas Academic Team Award. Larissa was also a recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa scholarship at the University of Arizona.

During her academic journey, Larissa was nominated to participate in a symposium/conference by the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. She also participated in direct research at the Human Memory Lab, where she received mentorship and support from Dr. Matthew Grilli. There, she learned about conducting scientific research and exploring developments in psychological science. Larissa also had the chance to work in a preceptorship role with Dr. Payal Khosla, where she learned about community building and leadership roles.

As an international student, transfer student and first-generation student, Larissa had to go through some cultural challenges, such as culture shock, language limitations and navigating a new country alone, away from all that was familiar.

One of the resources that greatly affected Larissa's journey was Thrive Center, where Larissa worked as a community coordinator. There, Larissa was able to help and support many students in finding their community at the University of Arizona.  

After graduation, Larissa plans to pursue a master’s degree in children’s counseling and get a step closer to helping children from marginalized groups in Brazil.  

The University of Arizona supported Larissa in finding her own community on campus, and in her academic and personal growth. Larissa will forever cherish her second home found at the University of Arizona.