Celebrating Excellence: 2026 Alumni Awards Honor Western’s Outstanding Graduates

Western Colorado University is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Alumni Awards for Excellence. Each year, this prestigious honor is given to a select group of graduating students and faculty members who exemplify what it means to be a Mountaineer—dedicated, curious, and committed to their community.

“These students represent the very best of Western,” Director of Alumni Relations Megan West said. “Their success is rooted in strong mentorship, meaningful opportunities, and a community that challenges them to grow. The Alumni Awards for Excellence are a celebration of that journey.”

For the last 29 years, members of Western’s Alumni Advisory Council have met to consider nominations from across the University. From that group, a select number of students are chosen to receive the Alumni Award for Excellence.

But the recognition doesn’t stop there. Each student also selects a faculty member who had a significant impact on their academic and personal journey to be recognized alongside them.

“Behind every one of these students is a community that supported and believed in them,” West said. “This award recognizes both their achievement and the people who helped make it possible.”

That connection between students and their faculty mentors is one of the defining features of the Western experience. This year’s honorees include:

Ainsley Rosenow | Business Administration, Environment & Sustainability

Ainsley Rosenow will graduate magna cum laude in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and a B.A. in Environment & Sustainability, with an emphasis in Climate Action Planning. Following graduation, she will attend Cornell University to pursue a Master of Science in Environment and Sustainability Policy.

“Four seemingly short years ago, I moved 1,000 miles from my Texas home to Gunnison, Colorado, to attend Western University. I knew no one here, but had high expectations and aspirations as I excitedly planned and set out on my ‘adventure.’ I never could have imagined then just how life-changing this decision would be,” Ainsley said. “I was immediately welcomed into the Western family and, even now, remain constantly amazed by my life at Western, its scenic beauty, and equally amazing community.

“During my time here, I’ve dedicated myself to the University, its students, athletes, and the larger Gunnison community—seeking to give back, in whatever manner possible, to this community that has invested so meaningfully and unconditionally in me. I am honored, and deeply humbled, to be recognized. But more importantly, I would like to also acknowledge the many other inspiring people who contributed and sacrificed as well to this meaningful award. Each is equally deserving, and I share this recognition with them,” she said. “I only hope that I was able to contribute in some small way and make a positive difference each and every day. I confidently leave this campus to the next group of students who can, and will, continue to improve it. I am truly grateful for this recognition, and each of you here at Western—until we meet again.”

During her time at Western, Rosenow was an honors program member, served as Student Government Association President, a student trustee, and a member of the Provost search committee. She was also a three-year NCAA student-athlete on the women’s track team, a SAAC representative, and an orientation leader.

Taylor Bottoms | Environment & Sustainability

Taylor Bottoms will graduate summa cum laude in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Environment & Sustainability (Ecology 3+2 M.S. Emphasis), Minor in Spanish, Advanced Spanish Proficiency Certificate, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate. Following graduation, she plans to continue her research in a master’s program in Ecology while working as a field technician with the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory and pursuing her commercial drone pilot’s license.

“Receiving this award has given me an opportunity to reflect on my time at Western and allow myself to feel proud of all I have accomplished. It also fills me with deep gratitude for the many individuals who have guided me through this stage of my life,” she said. “It is my goal to continue to make them proud as I step into this next chapter, and to use all I have learned to make a meaningful difference in my career in the environmental field.”

During her time at Western, Bottoms was captain of the women’s soccer team, a member of the Spanish National Honor Society, a teaching assistant in the Spanish Department, and an undergraduate research assistant. She also volunteered as a mentor through the Gunnison Mentors program.

Anna Gallowich | Master of Education

Anna Gallowich will graduate summa cum laude in May with a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction. After graduation, she will continue teaching biology at Crested Butte Secondary School.

“I wanted to become a teacher to pay forward the kindness, care, and dedication that I received during my time in school,” she said. “This award means that I am scratching the surface of the impact that I hope to make.”

During her time at Western, Gallowich served as a lead student ambassador, president of the club softball program, orientation leader, and a member of the Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society. She also held leadership roles in the Future Educators Club, worked in the First and Second Year Academic Leadership Programs, and as a teaching assistant.

Karly Morkunas | Exercise & Sport Science

Karly Morkunas will graduate summa cum laude in May with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science, with minors in Biology, Psychology, and Sport Psychology, and as a member of the Honors Program. Following graduation, she will attend Creighton University to pursue a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

“Receiving the Alumni Award of Excellence is incredibly meaningful to me and something I am deeply grateful for. From the moment I arrived at Western, my hope was to make a positive difference—however big or small—within both the University and the Gunnison community,” she said. “This award feels like a reflection of that purpose: the growth I’ve experienced, the people who have supported me, and the small, consistent efforts that, over time, became something meaningful.”

During her time at Western, Morkunas served in the Student Government Association, the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and as a campus ambassador for The Hidden Opponent. She was also a four-year member of the NCAA women’s soccer team and volunteered in local schools to promote mental health awareness.

Natsuki Murakami | Exercise & Sport Science

Natsuki Murakami will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science with K–12 Physical Education licensure and a minor in Sport Psychology. Following graduation, she will begin a master’s degree in Applied Exercise Science and Performance while continuing to compete in soccer.

“Receiving this award means a lot to me and to the people around me. When I came here from Japan three years ago, I could not speak English at all and struggled to understand my classes, daily life, and even communication on the soccer field,” she said. “This award represents the hard work I have put in during my time at Western, and it also belongs to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey as an international student. I would like to express my gratitude to my professors, faculty and staff, coaches, and friends for their continuous support, encouragement, and guidance.”

Murakami was a member of the women’s soccer team and the Asian Pacific Islanders Club during her time at Western.

Preeti Singh | General Studies (Adult Degree Completion Program)

Preeti Singh will graduate in May with a Bachelor of General Studies through Western Colorado University’s Adult Degree Completion program. Following graduation, she plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree in education at Western.

“I am truly grateful to receive the Alumni Award for Excellence. It means a lot to me. This recognition has given me confidence and inspiration to keep moving forward, even while balancing many responsibilities in my life,” Singh said. “I would especially like to express my sincere appreciation to WCU and the ADC program for allowing me to complete my degree. I truly feel that this achievement is not mine alone; my instructors and advisors have supported me at every step, offering guidance and encouragement that made a big difference in helping me reach this goal.”

Franklin Ngalim | Master of Environmental Management

Andres Villa | Biology (Not Pictured)