chancellors_award

Three School of Education Students Named 2025 Chancellor’s Award of Distinction Recipients

May 2, 2025

We’re proud to announce that three outstanding School of Education students--Mariana Ramirez, Sevanna Emma Shaverdian, and Jiexiao Wu—have been named recipients of the 2025 Chancellor’s Award of Distinction, one of UC Irvine’s highest undergraduate honors.

This year, more than 280 students applied, and only 38 graduating seniors were selected. Recipients were chosen for their exceptional academic achievements and their commitment to cutting-edge research, leadership, and service to the university.

Mariana Ramirez (pictured, top right), an Education and Psychological Science major, Peer Academic Advisor, and SAGE Scholar, has made a lasting impact supporting fellow students and building community within the School of Education. “As a first-generation student, this recognition is a reminder of how far I’ve come, and of the people who have supported me along the way—especially my family,” she shared. “My time at UCI has been shaped by meaningful experiences that allowed me to uplift fellow students and give back to my community.” After graduation, Mariana will take a gap year while working as a Learning and Development Intern at the Orange County Transportation Authority and exploring opportunities in higher education.

Sevanna Emma Shaverdian (middle right), a student in the Campuswide Honors Program, will attend the Harvard Graduate School of Education to pursue a Master’s in Human Development and Education, with a concentration in Higher Education and an emphasis on entrepreneurship and startups. “This award symbolizes not just personal achievement, but the collective progress of every student, mentor, educator, friend, and colleague I’ve had the privilege of working with,” she shared. “It fuels my commitment to making education a place of empowerment, equity, access, and learning for all.”

Jiexiao Wu (bottom right), a dual major in Education Sciences and Criminology, Law, and Society with a minor in Spanish, is a first-generation international student determined to break stereotypes and give back to the global academic community. Jiexiao sees this award as “a recognition of identity and strength”—and will be pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education with a concentration in Institutional Research at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with the goal of ultimately earning a Ph.D.

Awardees will be recognized at commencement and distinguished by the blue and gold shoulder cord worn with their regalia. Congratulations to our incredible honorees!