Two undergraduates and seven graduate students received the awards. Each overcame personal challenges while achieving academic success and demonstrating a commitment to helping others.

Shibin Jiang in optical sciences and Abhijit Mahalanobis in electrical and computer engineering were recognized for developing influential inventions in their fields.

The U of A made this year's list of the Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting. The Associated Students of the U of A launched the Bear Down & Vote campaign to encourage student voting.