Mercer admitted to University Honors Program at Nebraska
Sophie Mercer, of Santa Clarita, a forensic science major in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, is among a record 739 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students selected to join the University Honors Program this fall. The cohort is 15% larger than the previous record class in 2019.
To be admitted to the honors program, students must demonstrate a record of academic excellence, outstanding leadership and involvement in high school, and significant contributions to their community.
“Through their high school achievements, these students have demonstrated a high level of potential, both inside and outside of the classroom,” Tamy Burnett, director of operations for the honors program, said in a news release. “We are excited to welcome this outstanding group of scholars and leaders, and we look forward to all that they will accomplish during their time at the university.”
Local students named to SNHU dean’s list and president’s list
Southern New Hampshire University announced that several local students were named to the summer 2025 dean’s list and president’s list.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.7 and above for the reporting term are named to the president’s list. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired eight-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
The following local students were named to the president’s list:
• Kenneth Goodstein, of Acton.
• Mel Gregory Sarcauga, of Santa Clarita.
• Dejon Spiller, of Santa Clarita.
• Isabel Mendoza, of Santa Clarita.
• Anthony Ashcroft, of Canyon Country.
• James Borg, of Castaic.
• Hung Nguyen, of Valencia.
• Brandy Coontz, of Valencia.
• Caleb Andersen, of Valencia.
• Diana Tuazon, of Valencia.
• Corey Lollar, of Santa Clarita.
• Georgina Luna, of Santa Clarita.
• Keiwanna Chatters, of Santa Clarita.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.500 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the dean’s list. The following local students were named to the dean’s list:
• Luciana Stearns, of Santa Clarita.
• Anthony Bath, of Canyon Country.
• David Lopez of, Valencia.
• Anita Lukacevic, of Valencia.
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 92-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Now serving more than 200,000 learners worldwide, SNHU offers approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Hofstra student from Valencia honored at pinning ceremony
The Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies honored the undergraduate nursing class of 2027, including Piper Lief from Valencia, during its pinning ceremony on Sept. 29 in the Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center Theater.
The event marked a symbolic rite of passage as students transition from classroom study to clinical practice.
Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies is located on the Hofstra University campus in Hempstead, New York. The school offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs, and facilities including a full medical/surgical simulation wing, clinical skills lab, patient care lab, and two operating room lab spaces.
