Fifteen of Ringling College’s most outstanding students are being recognized this week for their exceptional creative talent, community involvement, and leadership.
This year’s winners will be recognized on Nov. 4 during the College’s annual Trustee Scholar Awards celebration. The event will begin with a reception, followed by a formal ceremony during which each Scholar will be introduced. Scholars will then have the opportunity to share remarks with the approximately 340 guests about how they are shaping their creative futures and defining their own success.
The 2022-23 scholars are:
- Ana Brighton, Film
- Jesse Clark, Photography and Imaging
- Lizi Budagashvili, Fine Arts*
- Sam Grimm, Graphic Design
- Ryan Wien, Virtual Reality Development
- Shpresa Mehmeti, Business of Art and Design
- Pao Chutijirawong, Fine Arts*
- Mafer Bencomo Arevalo, Visual Studies
- Bella Cicci, Entertainment Design
- Ale Ortega-Romero, Illustration
- Hailey Bair, Computer Animation
- Jude Keifer, Creative Writing
- Payton Odierno, Game Art
- Yael Bloom, Motion Design
- Calvin “CJ” Callins, Student Life
* Two students were selected from Fine Arts this year due to a tie vote.
“I’m exceptionally proud of this year’s Trustee Scholar who, in addition to being talented artists and designers, also work very hard in the classroom and have demonstrated exceptional leadership across campus and in the community,” said Dr. Larry R. Thompson, president of Ringling College.
The Trustee Scholarship is awarded annually to one fourth year student who best exemplifies dedication, originality, brilliance, ambition, and talent in their field of study, as well as service to the College and to the community.
Each year, the faculty in each academic department and representatives from the Office of Student Life nominate two students from the junior class in their areas for consideration as Trustee Scholars for the following year.
Nominees are required to submit a written statement and a portfolio of their work for the Trustee Scholar Selection Committee, composed of members of the Board of Trustees to review and make a selection. The winners are selected based on:
- Exceptional creative talent, communication skills, and distinction of mind
- Contributions to the department, College, and/or community
- Leadership, citizenship, mentorship
The nomination process for the 2023-24 Trustee Scholars will begin this spring and the winners will be selected by the Board of Trustees in May.
To learn more about Ringling’s award-winning students, alumni, and faculty, visit the online newsroom.
