Student Scholarships
Meet the 2024 Homecoming Scholars
The UWAA is proud to honor six extraordinary students across the UW whose stories exemplify Husky adaptability, tenacity and resolve. Each student receives a $4,000 scholarship and is recognized at the Homecoming football game on Sat. Nov. 2, 2024.
Congratulations to this year’s Scholars, and many thanks to the UWAA member community. Your dues help support student scholarship programs like this one!
(Want to learn more about the Homecoming Scholars program?)
Jacinta Ifunanya “Ify” Azie
MPH in Global Health, School of Public Health
Grad Year: 2024 | Campus: Seattle
As an international graduate student from Nigeria, Ify advocated for better settlement experiences for new international students. Overcoming her own challenges, she co-created the International Student Success Program (ISSP) with student leaders at the School of Public Health. This student-led initiative, now institutionalized, provides household resources, airport pick-up services and short home stays for arriving students. After her MPH, Ify plans to continue using her research and policy skills to improve the lives of vulnerable populations.
Logan Black
Computer Engineering
Grad Year: 2026 | Campus: Tacoma
A 28-year-old, third-year Computer Engineering student from Orange, California, Logan always dreamed of becoming an engineer, but consistently struggled with mathematics. Working with the faculty at the UW, he was able to break the social and mental barriers barring him from achieving his goals. He believes that we are all capable of finding success in STEM and is committed to assisting and inspiring other students in reaching their goals. Upon graduation, Logan hopes to support the School of Engineering and Technology by training, uplifting, and inspiring the next generation of engineers through the UW’s industry partners.
Kianna Bolante
Computer Science
Grad Year: 2025 | Campus: Seattle
Kianna’s motivation stems from her goal to blend her evolving curiosity about technology with her intense drive to create a positive social impact. Through her recognition as one of the Husky 100 and involvement in human-computer interaction research, leadership as Chair of Computing Community in the Allen School, and advocacy for diversity in computing, she’s discovered deep connections between these endeavors and her commitment to service. Ultimately, she intends to center her future actions on creating community-minded and accessible resources that meet ongoing needs in computing, working towards a mission of equity and empowerment for others.
Vincent Da
Master of Health Administration, School of Public Health
Grad Year: 2025 | Campus: Seattle
Vincent Da, a first-generation college graduate with Filipino roots, is dedicated to advancing health equity. A second-year Master of Health Administration student, he is inspired by his grandmother’s experiences with language barriers and culturally competent care. An alumnus of the University of Washington Tacoma, Vincent served two terms as student body president, leading initiatives in EDI. He also provides mentorship and continues to support students in their academic and professional journeys. After graduation, Vincent aspires to work for a federally qualified health center or in health tech, aiming to bridge gaps in healthcare access and improve community health outcomes.
Emily Huynh
Political Science (Honors); Minors: Law, Societies and Justice, Human Rights and Data Science
Grad Year: 2025 | Campus: Seattle
Emily, a differently-abled first-generation Vietnamese American, exemplifies a commitment to public service and advocacy. As a Mary Gates Research Scholar, she has collaborated with researchers at the UW SIAH program, UW Law and Violence Data Lab, and the UW Center for Human Rights, engaging in work that reflects her dedication to justice. Furthermore, Emily’s passions have led her to working in refugee resettlement and community empowerment initiatives as a Jackson Munro Public Service Fellow. In hopes of extending her commitment to public service within the UW student community, she currently serves as a FIG Instructor and POLS/JSIS/LSJ/GWSS Writing Center Adviser.
Kayla Patel
Public Health-Global Health
Grad Year: 2026 | Campus: Seattle
Kayla is committed to making healthcare more accessible to underserved populations. As a Public Health-Global Health major, her academic interests and volunteer efforts aim to better the health of communities. Kayla’s experiences while at the UW include supporting the UW Food Pantry as well as the Ronald McDonald House Charity. As a Peer Facilitator, she has supported her peers academically by facilitating discussions and providing a collaborative learning environment. Kayla’s commitment to community service highlights her desire to make a meaningful impact in the future of healthcare.
