The University of Southern California recognized exemplary students at the annual Student Recognition Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 15, 2025. This year, seven Bovard College graduates were awarded for their leadership and commitment to the university’s Unifying Values.
Six graduates were awarded the Order of Arête. This award acknowledges their academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and significant contributions to the university and community.
Additionally, one graduate was awarded the Order of the Laurel and the Palm, the highest honor given to students completing their degrees. Less than one percent of undergraduates and graduates are selected to receive this award. The Order of the Laurel and the Palm is given to students who display exceptional leadership and service that makes a lasting impact on the university community and the world at large.
Order of the Laurel and the Palm
Photo: Michael Chen
Michael Chen, MSPM, was nominated by faculty for representing the university’s Unifying Values both in and outside the classroom. He demonstrated his commitment to excellence and integrity by fostering an inclusive learning environment. Chen displayed leadership, kindness, and academic insight in support of his peers and in service to the MS in Project Management program. In addition to being the Director of Academic Operations for USC Bovard College, Chen volunteers his time building homes for those in need in Baja, Mexico, and leading a Bible class for inmates at the California Institution for Men. He and his wife have also opened their home to foster children, directly impacting the lives of children in their local community.
Order of Arête
Photo: Neptali Clavijo
Neptali Clavijo, MSHRM, has been deeply influenced by the importance of creating equitable pathways for others, which informs his career in tech recruitment. He was nominated for his outstanding contributions in the classroom and his dedication to fostering an inclusive learning environment. Clavijo is currently a Senior Technical Recruiter at SuperbTech, Inc. In a previous position, he initiated programs that resulted in hiring women engineers to address gender disparities in STEM fields. Outside of his career, Clavijo volunteers with Free Arts Los Angeles and the Jonathan Club. As a volunteer in these organizations, Clavijo uses his communication skills to support marginalized communities in Los Angeles.
Photo: Devyn Favela
Devyn Favela, MSHT, was nominated by faculty for her advocacy for underrepresented communities. She mentors with Project Accelerate and is a part of the Disneyland Resort Summer Mentorship Program. Beyond mentorship, Favela is a leadership member of HOLA (Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement) at The Walt Disney Company, where she advocates for inclusive policies and helps the organization advance Latinx representation in corporate positions. After graduating, Favela recently transitioned into a new position at The Walt Disney Studios as a Workforce Planning and Data Governance Manager.
Photo: Brianna Figueroa
Brianna Figueroa, MSCJ, is a Victim Advocate for the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. In this role, she ensures victims’ needs are addressed and their rights are honored within the criminal justice system, provides crisis intervention and emergency assistance, and focuses on the well-being of each individual she supports. Figueroa was nominated by faculty for her contributions in the classroom and for fostering USC’s Unifying Values of well-being and excellence. In addition to her work as a victim advocate, Figueroa recently volunteered in a research project in collaboration with nursing students to identify community needs and communicate the resources available to the low-income communities of Oxnard, California at the family justice center.
Photo: Jonathan Francisco
Jonathan Francisco, MSEM, was nominated by faculty for his outstanding leadership qualities and his ability to apply emergency management knowledge and skills in high-pressure, real-world situations. In addition to serving as a firefighter, Fire Captain, and paramedic for the Woodside, California Fire Protection District, Francisco is a volunteer member of FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). In January 2025, he volunteered to fight the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, providing medical support for team members and disaster victims. Francisco’s leadership is displayed through work on his fire department’s Policy and Procedure committee, the Company Officer’s Committee, and as the labor group’s Vice President. As a Fire Captain, he has implemented strategies to foster a culture where health, safety, and respect are paramount.
Photo: Madison Salazar
Madison Salazar, MSHRM, is a Senior Sourcing Specialist for Keck Medicine of USC. She was nominated by faculty for contributing meaningful insights during class discussions and fostering a supportive environment among her peers. Salazar is a Certified Diversity Recruiter and strives to ensure a fair and equitable recruiting process for all candidates. Additionally, Salazar volunteers for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, where she advocates to help end the stigma against mental health struggles.
Photo: Ivan Verdin
Ivan Verdin, MSCJ, was nominated by faculty for his exceptional academic performance and his contributions to classroom discussions. Verdin is also an active member of his community, organizing events as a youth leader in Soka Gakkai International-USA (SGI-USA), creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families with Somos Familia Valle, and serving on the San Fernando Valley Pride Committee. Outside of advocacy and community organization, Verdin is currently a Legal Affairs Secretary for The Walt Disney Company.
Watch the 2025 Student Recognition Awards Ceremony here.