Recipients for the Chancellor’s Award of Distinction

By Sofia Del Fine
​June 15, 2026

The UC Irvine School of Education is proud to celebrate four graduating seniors who have been selected to receive the prestigious Chancellor’s Award of Distinction, one of the university’s highest honors for graduating students.

This year’s recipients are Fabiel Joseph Ayala Saavedra, Sam In (Esther) Cheang, DeAna Lyn Davis, and Kendra Alina MacDonald. The award recognizes graduating seniors who have demonstrated exceptional achievement through leadership, service, research, and contributions to the UC Irvine community.

The honor is highly competitive. More than 280 students from across the university were nominated or applied for consideration, with only 36 graduating seniors ultimately selected.

Each of the School of Education recipients has made a meaningful impact on campus and beyond.

Fabiel Joseph Ayala Saavedra has served as both a Peer Academic Advisor in the School of Education Advising Office and a SAGE Scholar, helping support fellow students throughout their academic journeys.

Sam In (Esther) Cheang, a student in both the School of Education and the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, has demonstrated an impressive commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship, creativity, and academic excellence.

Student-athletes DeAna Lyn Davis and Kendra Alina MacDonald have balanced the demands of Division I athletics with their academic pursuits, excelling in Women’s Outdoor Track & Field and Women’s Volleyball while contributing to the broader campus community.

Fabiel Joseph Ayala Saavedra

DeAna Lyn Davis

Sam In (Esther) Cheang

Kendra Alina MacDonald

Together, these students exemplify the qualities celebrated by the Chancellor’s Award of Distinction: leadership, service, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Their achievements reflect not only their individual dedication, but also the strength and diversity of the School of Education community.

Congratulations to Fabiel, Esther, DeAna, and Kendra on this remarkable accomplishment. We look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make in their careers, communities, and beyond.