The Stanford Alumni Association has recognized the extraordinary contributions of graduating seniors and graduate students with the 2024 J.E. Wallace Sterling Award, Outstanding Achievement Award, Award of Excellence, and Community Impact Award. These awards honor students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment to service, and have made a lasting impact on the Stanford community.

Teiana Gonsalves receives J.E. Wallace Sterling Award

Teiana Gonsalves | Courtesy Teiana Gonsalves

The J.E. Wallace Sterling Award has been awarded to Teiana Gonsalves, a graduating senior with a major in political science and honors in democracy, development, and rule of law. Gonsalves, who served as a Resident Assistant at Muwekma-Tah-Ruk and a leader in Stanford Natives in Pre-Law, was recognized for her advocacy for Indigenous communities and her efforts to build community at Stanford. Her nominators praised her leadership and activism, describing her as “dynamic, committed, and inspiring.”

In addition to her leadership on campus, Gonsalves contributed to multiple organizations, including the Native American Cultural Center and the Stanford Women’s Community Center. Gonsalves also participated in Harvard’s Future Leaders in Law Program, furthering her passion for law and social justice.

Outstanding Achievement Award honors three graduating seniors

The Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to three seniors, Phillip Chacon, Christian Sanchez, and Darryl Thompson. This award, established in 2011, recognizes J.E. Wallace Sterling Award finalists who demonstrate strong leadership potential and continued service to Stanford.

Phillip Chacon | Photo courtesy of Phillip Chacon

Phillip Chacon, an energy resources engineering major, was celebrated for his leadership as an RA at Explore Energy House, where he organized experiential learning trips that enriched the academic experience of his peers. Chacon was also a two-year RA at Casa Zapata, where he supported first-generation Latine students.

Christian Sanchez | Photo courtesy of Christian Sanchez

Christian Sanchez balanced his academic life with raising a family of five children while serving as the THRIVE Enrichment coordinator for the First-Gen, Low-Income Student Success Center (FLISSC) and as ASSU vice president. His dedication to community college advocacy and higher education will continue as he pursues a PhD.

Darryl Thompson | Photo courtesy of Darryl Thompson

Darryl Thompson served as ASSU executive president and co-president of the Stanford African Students Association. His leadership in mentorship and peer support, particularly through the Center for African Studies, earned him admiration from students and faculty alike.

Outstanding seniors were honored at a reception on May 22 at the Alumni Center. | Erin Attkisson

2024 Award of Excellence honors 259 seniors

The Award of Excellence celebrates the top 10% of the graduating class, recognizing students who have demonstrated exceptional involvement, leadership, and service to the university. This year, 259 seniors received the Award of Excellence for their commitment to Stanford’s mission. A full list of recipients can be found here.

Graduate students were recognized for service at a reception on May 21 at the Alumni Center. | Erin Attkisson

Community Impact Award recognizes graduate students

The Community Impact Award honors 113 graduate students who have made significant contributions to the Stanford community through their leadership in student organizations, initiatives supporting diversity and inclusion, and academic mentorship. These students have fostered a sense of belonging among their peers across various graduate programs, including Law, Medicine, Education, and Engineering. See the complete list of honorees.