HEBSBA recognizes 17 students in Honors Convocation

April 22, 2020

Students receive awards for academic achievement

HEBSBA logo

SAN ANTONIO – The H-E-B School of Business and Administration recognized the hard work and academic achievements of 17 students in the 2020 Honors Convocation.

The Honors Convocation awards business students who excel in their respective disciplines, as well as those who go above and beyond through service in pursuit of the UIW Mission.

The ceremony for the Honors Convocation was canceled in accordance with the University's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the 2020 honorees will be presented certificates in recognition of their achievement.

"While we are unable to come together physically to celebrate your accomplishments, I know the faculty and I are very excited to acknowledge your achievement. More importantly, I hope you acknowledge all the people – your parents, siblings, grandparents, relatives and friends – who have offered you encouragement and support," said Dr. Forrest Aven, dean of the H-E-B School of Business and Administration. "You represent our very best. We, the UIW community, expect not only great accomplishments from you, but we hope you pay forward the support you have received to others."

The H-E-B School of Business and Administration congratulates all of the honorees and award recipients.


Honors Convocation

The honorees for each academic discipline are selected by the faculty, including undergraduate and graduate programs. Special awards are also given to students from various student-led organizations. Additionally, scholarships are also awarded during the Honors Convocation.

The honorees of the 2020 Honors Convocation are listed below. Expand each table to see which students were recognized.

Outstanding Undergraduate Students by Discipline

Jelena Dordan headshot

Jelena Dordan

Outstanding Student in Accounting


Michael McElmeel headshot

Michael McElmeel

Outstanding Student in Finance


Christopher Miller headshot

Christopher Miller

Outstanding Student in Economics


Emery Santos headshot

Emery Reylene Santos

Outstanding Student in General Business


Nicolas Calvo headshot

Nicolas Calvo

Outstanding Student in International Business


Madison Henry headshot

Madison Henry

Outstanding Student in Management


Oleksandr Karpenko headshot

Oleksandr Karpenko

Outstanding Student in Management Information Systems


Amber Aguilar headshot

Amber Aguilar

Outstanding Student in Marketing


Marissa Watters headshot

Marissa Watters

Outstanding Student in Sport Management

Outstanding Graduate Students

Alyssa Salinas headshot

Alyssa Salinas

Outstanding Student in the Master of Business Administration Program


Rob Lemmens headshot

Rob Lemmens

Outstanding International Student in the Master of Business Administration Program


Kara Lindeman headshot

Kara Lindeman

Outstanding Student in the Master of Health Administration Program


Devon Dockery headshot

Devon Dockery

Outstanding Student in the Master of Science in Accounting Program

Special Awards and Honorees

Amber Aguilar headshot

Amber Aguilar

Amy Freeman Lee Scholastic Achievement and Service Recognition Award

This award is given to upcoming graduates who have achieved at least a 3.5 GPA and have exemplified outstanding service to the University, community and their religion.


Marissa Watters headshot

Marissa Watters

Kappa Gamma Pi St. Catherine Medal

This award is given to upcoming graduates who have achieved at least a 3.5 GPA and have exemplified outstanding service to the University and their community.


Kristen Sulak headshot

Kristen Sulak

James W. Donovan Accounting Scholarship

This scholarship was created by the HEBSBA accounting department to honor a former long-time faculty member, the late James W. Donovan. The accounting department awards this honor to a high-performing accounting student.


Sarah Sifuentes headshot

Sarah Sifuentes

Accounting Society Leadership Award

This honor is given to an officer of the Accounting Society who exemplifies elevated character through leadership.


Michael McElmeel headshot

Michael McElmeel

Financial Executives International Scholarship in Finance

The HEBSBA finance department awards this honor to one finance student who performs above his or her peers both in the classroom and through extra curricular activities The recipient must have one year remaining before they graduate. Financial Executives International awards this scholarship.


Cody Graham headshot

Cody Graham

Financial Executives International Scholarship in Accounting

The HEBSBA accounting department awards this honor to one accounting student who performs above his or her peers both in the classroom and through extra curricular activities. The recipient must have one year remaining before they graduate. Financial Executives International awards this scholarship.


Kyana Gayden headshot

Kyana Gayden

The Texas Society of CPAs Accounting Education Foundation Excellence Award

The HEBSBA accounting department awards this honor to one accounting student who exemplifies characteristics of a professional accountant and who the faculty expects to pass the CPA exam upon graduation. The Texas Society of CPAs honors the recipient from each of the universities through their local chapter. The HEBSBA recipient is honored by the San Antonio Chapter of CPAs.