College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Words of Excellence: WLC Honors Top Language Students at Annual Awards Ceremony

April 9, 2025 Staff 2-min. read

The Department of World Languages & Cultures recently hosted its annual student awards ceremony, celebrating academic excellence across its diverse language programs. The event honored both undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in their language studies.

Outstanding Graduate Student Award Winners (L to R): Nell Pietri (French), Tsedey Pretto (French), Paula Dechima (TESOL), Stephany Delgadillo Flores (Spanish), Ally Gee (Spanish). Also pictured WLC Director of Graduate Programs Dr. Valerie Lambert

More than 100 students were recognized during the ceremony, receiving awards ranging from Outstanding Student in Basic Language to Outstanding Graduate Student. Among the highest honors was the prestigious statewide Order of the Dogwood Award, presented by the NC Japan Center for excellence in Japanese studies. The ceremony also spotlighted two student recipients of the Diane Fagin Adler Study Abroad Award and four students who received the Julia Wood Skinner Scholarship Award.

Recipients of the prestigious Order of the Dogwood, awarded by the NC Japan Center: Onyx Royal, Heath Dyer, Griffin James, Colby Cress, James Chua and Emmy Wang. Also pictured is Stephen Sumner, Director of the North Carolina Japan Center

“It was wonderful to celebrate accomplishments with my peers and professors,” said one student award winner. “It was nice to be able to take a moment at this busy time of the semester to recognize everyone’s efforts throughout the year.”

Winners of the Julia Wood Skinner Scholarship Award: Cris Cartagena (French), Anna Castillo (German), and Clara Carbone (Italian) with WLC Department Head Dr. Jim Michnowicz. Not pictured: Marco Cavalieri (Italian)

Department Head Dr. Jim Michnowicz praised the honorees, stating, “We have the most amazing students in WLC, and we want to make sure that all of their hard work is recognized. Learning a new language is difficult, but is among the most rewarding things that you can do. It’s a real honor to work with so many outstanding students.”

Click here to learn more about our amazing students and innovative language programs in WLC.