The Department of Spanish and Portuguese is proud to congratulate Loyda Vance on receiving the 2025 COH Outstanding Senior Award!
Faculty nominators Prof. Eliud Chuffe and Prof. Yadira Berigan commended Loyda, saying "...we have observed Loyda’s remarkable journey—characterized by resilience, dedication, intellectual curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose in everything she does." A first-generation college student, Loyda has set herself apart from her peers with her perseverance, leadership, and dedication to her community. She returned to college by way of the Second Start program through the University of Arizona and is now working toward a dual degree: a BA in Spanish and Portuguese and a BS in Urban and Regional Development. She has also applied for the Accelerated Master's Program in Urban Planning to continue her education.
Loyda's love for serving others has extended locally and abroad. She has volunteered for local organizations such as El Jefe Cat Lounge, International School of Tucson, and Survivor Shield Foundations. During the Department's Spanish in Costa Rica Study Abroad Program, she participated in tree planting efforts at a local elementary school. Her nominators emphasized that her work with multilingual communities has reinforced "...her belief in the power of language as a bridge - not a barrier."
Loyda is a bright young scholar and bilingual community leader whose dreams to improve city infrastructure and equal access for non-English speaking residents will take her far. The Department extends its heartfelt congratulations to Loyda on her well-earned achievement!