There may not have been red carpets or limousines, but there was plenty of camaraderie and pre-graduation excitement at the 2025 Student Awards Luncheon
As the academic year draws to a close, several students at UC San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) were recognized for their contributions to research and achievements in and out of the classroom at the school’s annual Student Awards Luncheon.
The event was held on May 16 on campus, with direct views of Torrey Pines, a state natural reserve featuring dramatic cliffs and picturesque beaches. Even at a time of year when ocean currents and weather cycles normally conspire to create overcast skies, the sun managed to break through, creating a beautiful day to celebrate these outstanding students.
Students were recognized for their concrete demonstrated excellence in econometrics, policy memo writing and language skills. Beyond academic proficiency, awards were given out to students who demonstrated qualities — like leadership and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion — which are just as essential to the mission of GPS, even if they can’t be measured neatly on paper.
“I have the pleasure of teaching, so I know first-hand what an extraordinary student body we have,” said Caroline Freund, the dean of the school, who emceed the event. “Our students are smart, curious and disciplined, and they care deeply about the world around them. This luncheon is a wonderful way to recognize those qualities.”
It was also an opportunity for students to express their gratitude toward their professors.
Keikilani Cabus — a 2025 candidate for the Master of International Affairs (MIA), the president of the school’s student government and himself the recipient of an award — presented the Faculty Achievement Award to Craig McIntosh, a professor of economics.
“From the very first joke and pun, you turned daunting econometric concepts into engaging stories,” Cabus said in his remarks. “You reminded us that data are people’s lives in disguise, and that rigorous evaluation can, and must, be both precise and human.”
You can read the recipients of this year’s awards below.
Academic Achievement Awards
Awarded to students with the highest grade point average in their respective programs
- Yutong Wu, Master of Arts in Chinese Economic and Political Affairs (MCEPA) ’25
- Sarah Poulladej, MIA ’25
- Hyewon Yu, Master of Advanced Studies in International Affairs (MAS-IA) ’25
- Gözde Açigöz, Master of Public Policy (MPP) ’25
Language Achievement Award
Presented to a graduating student for outstanding achievement in language study
Ashley Singh, MIA ’25
Commencement Speakers
As voted for by the Class of 2025
- Sinceré Blackmon, MPP ’25
- Matthew Tillyer, BA-MIA ’25
Policy Memo Award
Given to a first-year student who has written the best policy memo paper for a course
Abraham Wu, MCEPA ’26, for his memo on how the Chinese government might provide surveillance technology to the Turkish government as it tries to solidify control over power
Econometrics Award
Recognizes the best empirical paper
Chisako Yoshigae, MPP ’25, for her paper titled “How did Tariff Elimination/Reduction through Economic Trade Agreements Affect Japan’s Export Promotion?”
Ruth Adams Award
Celebrates the best analytical paper
Julia Torokhova, BA-MIA ’25, for her paper on how authoritarian regimes manage informational dissent, illustrated by late Soviet and contemporary Russian examples
Joseph Grunwald Award
For significant contribution to the promotion of inter-American understanding
- Manuel Aguilar, MIA ’25
- Breana Sigchos, MIA ’25
EDI Award
Given based on student-initiated Equity, Diversity and Inclusion activities that have had a meaningful impact on student life and well-being
- Eugene Parrish, MPP ’25
- Jessica Villatoro, MPP ’25
Ayal Margalith Memorial Award
Awarded to a graduating student who has shown leadership, excellence and devotion to the GPS student body and community within their time at GPS, as voted by the Class of 2025
Keikilani Cabus, MIA ’25
MAS-IA Peer Award
For professionalism, scholarship, collegiality, integrity and service, as voted by the Class of 2025
Eric Martorano, MAS-IA ’25
Faculty Recognition Award
Awarded to a faculty member who has had a significant impact on students, as voted by the Class of 2025
Craig McIntosh
Doming Liu Award
For a first year student who has shown leadership and significant contribution to student life as voted by the Class of 2025
Tiffany Liu, MIA ’26
Dean’s Teaching Award
Awarded to best core curriculum teaching assistant or tutor, as voted by the Class of 2026
- Skyler Fesagaiga, MPP ’25
- Lingzhi Zhou, MIA ’25
Curated gallery: https://www.flickr.com/photos/irps/albums/72177720326280330/
