2026 Seventh College Award Recipients

Seventh College is proud to recognize outstanding service to our community and across UC San Diego. Each year's recipients reflect dedication to service, creativity, innovation, scholarly achievement, and civic leadership that reflect our values and impact our campus and the future of our changing planet. We honor these awardees for their remarkable contributions.

UCSD Alumni Outstanding Senior

Presented annually to a graduating senior for outstanding contribution to the campus community through active involvement with the College and the University.

2026 Recipient: Vandi Patel

Vandi has demonstrated commitment to Seventh College and the broader UC San Diego community through extensive leadership, service, and mentorship. She has helped shape Seventh College through multiple roles on the Seventh College Orientation Team, as a 7CSC Spirit Board Member, and Synthesis UGI Tutor. She has contributed to College traditions, and fostered student engagement, and developed resources for future students.

She exemplifies Seventh College’s mission through innovative leadership, notably developing and implementing the sustainability-focused “Strangers to SeVIIes” orientation program, which enhanced student connection and belonging. Her ability to integrate initiatives across programs, alongside her wide-ranging experience, reflects exceptional initiative, adaptability, and impact - all skills she will use to help shape our changing planet in her future.
Oceanids Service & Leadership Award
Presented annually to a continuing student to recognize outstanding service to the UCSD campus community, on either the college or campus-wide level.

2026 Recipient: Alexis Gonzalez

Alexis exemplifies the spirit of a SeVIIe through her dedication, leadership, and commitment to community support. She has helped foster an inclusive environment and built lasting mentorships with incoming students through her role as an Orientation Leader, helped students navigate San Diego and access resources safely as the 7CSC Student Transportation Representative, and demonstrates strong ambition through her roles in the Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and Triton Engineering Student Council.

Her mentorship has had a meaningful ripple effect, inspiring others to pursue leadership opportunities, and her continued service reflects a deep commitment to empowering future SeVIIes and strengthening the college community.
Seventh College Student of the Year Award
Presented annually to a student who has made a significant impact to the Seventh College community through creativity and innovation, the development of College traditions, demonstrated dedication and service to Seventh College, and has exemplified what it means to be a Seventh College student leading the charge toward changing our planet.

2026 Recipient: Ryan Dagamac

Ryan’s creativity, innovation, and dedication, have made a lasting impact on Seventh College and the broader UC San Diego community. Through his academic work, including projects like “Finding Home Away From Home” and sustainability-focused initiatives, he has thoughtfully connected his studies to the college’s theme, “A Changing Planet.” As an Orientation Intern, he introduced imaginative and enduring contributions such as “Cultivating Connections,” the choose-your-own-adventure hour, Speed Friending, and the now-traditional Orientation Lip Dub, many of which have become signature elements of the program. Beyond Orientation, he has strengthened campus life through event planning and community engagement, while serving multiple years on 7CSC.

Known for his creativity, reliability, and leadership, he has not only developed new traditions but also preserved existing ones, mentored future leaders, and inspired widespread student involvement. His legacy is defined by a unique blend of enthusiasm and professionalism that continues to shape Seventh College’s culture and community.
Outstanding Student Leader Award
Presented annually to a student who has taken initiative to positively impact the community, spaces, or social environment of Seventh College through initiatives, actions, or advocacy.

2026 Recipient: Emily Castellanos

Emily’s impact on the campus community can be seen through her leadership, advocacy, and dedication to fostering inclusive environments. Beginning as a Seventh College Orientation Leader, she helped create a welcoming space for new students and continued her involvement through 7CSC, where she expanded opportunities for student recognition as Student-at-Large. Beyond Seventh, she brings her Seventh College spirit to supporting student well-being and community building as a Resident Assistant, while also contributing as an Academic Integrity Mentor and active member of Girls Who Run. Balancing these roles with her academic commitments, she leads with a positive, hardworking attitude that uplifts those around her and strengthens the social environment at Seventh and across campus.
Outstanding Service to Seventh College Award
Presented annually to a student who demonstrates outstanding contributions toward building the Seventh College community and enhancing community engagement in the College motto of a changing planet.

2026 Recipient: Cecelia Thomsak

Cecelia’s significant contributions to building community and enhancing engagement within Seventh College are highlighted by her leadership, dedication, and strong work ethic. As Judicial Board Chair for Seventh College Student Council, she played a vital role in supporting organizational effectiveness while fostering a collaborative team environment. As a Senior Orientation Leader, she trained and mentored a large team, helping shape a welcoming and engaging experience for new students and earning recognition as a “face of Seventh College” for new students. Her commitment, professionalism, and passion have strengthened the student experience, inspired her peers, and left a lasting impact on the college community.
Excellence in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Award
Presented annually to a student who has made a positive and significant impact to the Seventh community through impactful justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work by means of education, programming, class participation, and/or allyship.

2026 Recipient: Abigail Larsen

Through her work in student journalism with the UCSD Guardian and Other People Magazine, Abby has amplified diverse student voices and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive campus dialogue. As a multi-year Orientation Leader and Senior Orientation Leader, she has intentionally created welcoming spaces for students of all backgrounds, mentoring peers and modeling inclusive leadership. Her involvement in 7CSC and community-building efforts like Strides Run Club further reflects her commitment to cultivating belonging and connection. Through her thoughtful leadership, advocacy, and allyship, she has helped shape a more equitable and supportive environment within Seventh College and beyond.
Seventh College Outstanding Student Staff Member Award

Presented annually to a current student employee within a unit of Seventh College recognizing their unique contributions and in recognition of exceptional quality of work, initiative, leadership, professionalism, and reliability.

2026 Recipient: Sequoia Chamlee

Known for her positivity, dependability, and genuine care for others, Sequoia consistently supports and uplifts those around her, making a lasting impact on the community. She has demonstrated exceptional quality of work, initiative, leadership, professionalism, and reliability through her extensive involvement in Seventh College and the broader campus community. Her three years of dedication to the Orientation Program highlight her initiative and commitment to creating a seamless and welcoming experience for new students. As a Front Desk Intern at the Gallery and a member of Seventh College Student Council’s Spirit Board, she consistently fosters an inclusive and engaging environment through both daily interactions and large-scale events. Beyond Seventh, her leadership in Careers in Student Affairs and involvement in Camp Kesem further reflect her strong work ethic and service-oriented mindset.

These awards and opportunities are open to all eligible students. Seventh College does not consider race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories as part of the application and selection process. In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.