Student Highlights
Josh Galarza‘The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky,’ by VCU student Josh Galarza, named National Book Award finalist
“The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky,” the debut novel by Josh Galarza (M.F.A. ’25), a student in the Master of Fine Arts Creative Writing program, was named a 2024 National Book Award finalist. The National Book Awards, given by the National Book Foundation, are some of the most prestigious writing awards given in the United States.
Galarza’s novel, which tells the story of Brett, who is forced to confront his deepest insecurities after his journal goes viral on social media, was one of five finalists in the awards’ Young People’s Literature category. “As an artist, I’m especially gratified by this recognition because the panelists who jury the National Book Awards are fellow writers. It means the world that some of the best in my discipline appreciate the care and mindfulness that goes into my craft, and that they value the messages — regarding body liberation, healthy masculinity, and the healing power of creativity — that undergird this story,” Galarza said. “I’m so grateful to the panelists and to the National Book Foundation for amplifying these messages so they might reach more readers in need.”
The judges noted Galarza’s ability to balance “humor and vulnerability,” writing: “Josh Galarza expertly crafts a moving and emotional story of one teen’s struggle with loss, identity, and body dysmorphia, while surrounded by a well-drawn cast of supporting characters, that is ultimately heartbreaking, uplifting, and not afraid to risk excess.”
Galarza is currently at work completing his next YA novel, which was his thesis work, a rather audacious mash-up of musical tropes and action film tropes that interrogates machismo culture within gay culture.
Gudrun HallgrimsdottirVCU track and field All-American has come a great distance — and throws one, too
Gudrun Hallgrimsdottir (B.S. ’25) established herself as one of the premier throwers in collegiate track and field history during her remarkable career at VCU. The Iceland native is a five-time All-American who has rewritten the VCU record books, setting program marks in both the weight throw at 23.19 meters and the hammer throw at 69.92 meters. Hallgrimsdottir’s excellence has earned her six Atlantic 10 Performer of the Week awards in 2025 alone, along with being crowned the Atlantic 10 indoor weight throw and hammer throw champion in 2024.
The recent biology grad’s achievements extend beyond the field, as Hallgrimsdottir has been recognized as a U.S. Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Athlete.
Just recently, Hallgrimsdottir’s 2025 season reached historic heights when she shattered the Icelandic national record with a stunning 71.38-meter throw at the Icelandic Championships in August. The throw not only secured her the national championship but also demolished the previous record of 70.47 meters by nearly a meter.
Students receive distinguished national awards
A number of College of Humanities and Sciences’ students were selected for distinguished national awards this past year:
Salma Abdalkhalki (International Studies) and Patrick Ouoham Jr. (Psychology) received Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships, which allow students to take part in global learning opportunities by taking away the financial barrier of studying abroad.
Riya Bajpai (Psychology & Mathematical Sciences), Helen Mun (Biology), and Vineeth Vaidyula (B.S. ’23, Biology) were selected for the Critical Language Scholarship, a prestigious State Department program that backs the immersive study of 12 languages considered critical to U.S. diplomatic and national security interests.
Nic Carwile (B.S. ’25, Biology) was selected for RISE Germany, (the Research Internships in Science and Engineering initiative), which gives access to students to participate in a summer program at German universities and research institutions.
Vishnu Alavala (B.S. ’25, Biology), Swara Chokshi (B.S. ’25, Bioinformatics), Luis Campos-Santos (B.S. ’23, Political Science), and William Wilson (B.S. ’25, Mass Communications) were chosen for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program for the 2025-26 academic year, one of the most competitive and prestigious scholarships in the country. This program is sponsored by the federal government and offers recipients funding to teach English abroad, conduct research, pursue creative projects, or study for a graduate degree.
Four students earn Dean’s Excellence Awards at CHS Student Awards Celebration
On May 8, 2025, the College of Humanities and Sciences held its Student Awards Celebration, an annual ceremony that honors outstanding students and faculty with collegewide awards. In addition to the eight standard student awards, Dean Catherine Ingrassia also introduced the inaugural Dean’s Excellence Awards, given to returning students who represent the very best of the College of Humanities and Sciences. These awards came with a monetary gift worth $1,250.
Meet the four Dean’s Excellence Award winners:
Savannah J. Morris is a political science major with a concentration in international relations. A first-generation college student, she transferred from community college through the Mellon Pathways Program. Savannah has held internships with the Virginia House Democratic Caucus and U.S. Senate offices, and she is an awardee of the Gilman Scholarship and Critical Need Language Award.
Regina Easter is a senior in the psychology program, with a minor in sociology. She is currently a research assistant in HEAL, a health psychology lab, and SHIELD, a developmental psychology lab. Regina started at VCU in 2013 but left shortly after. In 2022, she enrolled at Reynolds Community College, where she successfully graduated with her associate’s degree, and returned to VCU in the spring of 2024.
Paola Yepez Hurtado was born and raised in Venezuela and moved to the United States when she was 15 years old. She is a sophomore majoring in mass communications with a concentration in broadcast journalism and a minor in dance. She is a member of VCU’s Latinx Student Association. In addition, she works 30 hours a week at a part-time job.
Crisley Ventura Lozada is a proud first-generation student majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry on the pre-dentistry track. She leads as vice president of the You First Student Organization and is a student leader in the Catholic Campus Ministry. As a mentor for first-generation students, Crisley is passionate about uplifting others and creating spaces for students to thrive.