Two Psychology Undergraduates among Seven to be recognized during Commencement for their extraordinary accomplishments
The University of Arizona will recognize seven graduating seniors during the 161st Commencement at Arizona Stadium on May 16th for their extraordinary accomplisments in and out of the classroom. Two of the seven who are being recognized are Psychology Undergraduates: Angela White and Patrick Quintero! Nominated by faculty and peers, this year's student award winners were selected based on their determination, notable achievements and positive contributions to their families and communities.
Source: UA News Article, May 8, 2025
Provost Award: Angela White
The Provost Award goes to an outstanding graduating student who transferred to the university from an Arizona community college. Criteria for the award include perseverance and commitment to academic studies, contributions to the university community, and above-average scholastic ability, citizenship and leadership.
Angela White
(Photo credit: Enrique Camou Villa)
Angela White is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science, with a double major in neuroscience and cognitive science, and psychological science.
As a child, White was curious about the natural world, but due to early-onset, debilitating mental illness, she was unable to complete high school and pursue her academic interests. Many years later, as a working adult, White began taking classes at Pima Community College before transferring to the U of A.
Under the mentorship of Zachary Cohen in the Personalized Treatment Lab, White founded the Leveraging Exercise for Anxiety and Depression project. The multiphase study will design, deliver and study exercise interventions for people suffering from anxiety and depression.
White is the recipient of numerous awards, including the W.A. Franke Honors College Exploratory Mini-Grant, a Laura and Arch Brown Scholarship, a Phi Theta Kappa Hites Transfer Scholarship, an All-USA Academic Team Scholarship, and an All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship. She is also the founder of the community-driven Gathering Resources to Optimize Wealth Academy, which has provided free financial literacy education to more than 500 adolescents and adults.
After graduation, White plans to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology at the U of A.
Robie Gold Medal: Patrick Tanori Quintero
The Robie Gold Medal honors those who demonstrate personal integrity, initiative, cooperation, enthusiasm, willingness to give more than required, and a love of God and country.
Patrick Tanori Quintero
(Photo Credit: Enrique Camou Villa)
Patrick Tanori Quintero is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology with a double minor in Spanish and human development and family sciences. As a first-generation Hispanic student from Tucson, he has devoted his time at the U of A to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment through research, mentorship and community engagement.
During his undergraduate studies, Quintero contributed to three research projects: the Child Cognition Lab, which examines language acquisition in infants; the Nexus Lab, which studies social support in student-teacher relationships in middle schools; and the Shades of Identity Study, which explores racial and cultural identity in college students.
As a College of Science Ambassador, Quintero helped connect prospective students with research and academic resources. As a LifeSTEP mentor in the Department of Psychology, he provided individualized support to youth facing behavioral and social challenges.
One of Quintero's greatest support systems at the U of A was the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program. Under the mentorship of assistant professor of practice and McNair Program Director Caitlin Rosario Kelly, he conducted independent research and presented his findings at six national and local conferences.
In the fall, Quintero will begin a joint doctoral program in clinical and developmental psychology at the University of Pittsburgh. Quintero received the Adrienne G. and Amy "Jace" Hurley Scholarship, awarded to first-generation, high-achieving psychology students at the U of A. He also received the Hispanic Alumni Club Scholarship and the Ánimo Award for his academic excellence, research contributions and dedication to the Hispanic community.