UW's Outstanding Undergraduates named

Dylan Rust, of Green River, and Jess Fahlsing, of Rock Springs, are the recipients of the University of Wyoming's highest honor as top graduating seniors.

The two Sweetwater County students are the winners of the Rosemarie Martha Spitaleri and Tobin Memorial Award, which recognizes the most outstanding graduates from the 2018-19 undergraduate class.

The award is based on academic excellence and achievement, service to the university, participation and leadership in the community and campus activities, and citizenship qualities.

Rust will graduate with a 4.0 GPA and is a molecular biology/physiology major, with honors and psychology minors. Rust's parents are Shelley and Pete Rust of Green River.

Nominator Pamela Langer, a UW molecular biology associate professor, says Rust plans to become a surgeon, specializing in kidney transplantation.

"Dylan distinguished early as one of the most mature, motivated and strategic freshmen who have entered our molecular biology program," Langer said. "Dylan's goal was to become a physician firmly grounded in the latest medical technologies while participating in health care policy decisions."

Rust has prepared for a medical career by engaging in research through the Wyoming IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence program. Rust was a molecular biology research fellow, plus being selected for two highly competitive summer programs at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; and at Harvard Medical School as a kidney medicine fellow, both as an undergraduate.

The Green River native's rigorous pursuit of research opportunities is a significant part of why Rust is the recipient of UW's top undergraduate award, according to another nominator.

"I have written Dylan a number of recommendations and references over the past four years, but this is the one I am most excited to provide, because it marks a culminating point in what has been a tremendously successful undergraduate career," Erin Abraham, an Honors College visiting assistant professor, said. She also praises Rust's consistent commitment to volunteer work and extracurricular activities.

Rust has been actively involved with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, working with the same "little brother," and also is involved in service work through UW's Mortar Board and as a wellness ambassador.

"These efforts involve many of the same leadership skills Dylan uses in other roles but, perhaps more importantly, serve as evidence of Dylan's character and integrity," Abraham said.

UW has afforded Rust the opportunity to grow personally and professionally.

"I have applied to medical schools and have been fortunate to interview at a number of top-ranked institutions, and should be hearing decisions soon," Rust said. "I hope to represent the University of Wyoming well as I continue my education and throughout my career in medicine."

While at UW, Rust also has developed lasting relationships that he hopes will impact others.

"While academics are very important to me, and I strived to do well, it was the relationships that I formed with faculty, staff and other students that have made my experience here exceptional," Rust said. "UW has given me so much, and I feel that I have been able to give something back during my time here as well."

Fahlsing, who will graduate in May with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a bachelor's in gender and women's studies, as well as minors in honors, creative writing and queer studies, carries a 3.97 GPA. Fahlsing's parents are Sue and Paul Fahlsing of Rock Springs. One nominator says Fahlsing has grown to become an active member of campus, and it is Fahlsing's service work that stands out among all nominees.

This past year, Fahlsing was the co-chair of the Matthew Shepard Memorial Group and served on the Shepard Symposium on Social Justice and the Martin Luther King Jr. Days of Dialogue committees.

Fahlsing serves as a mentor for the Honors College, a leading facilitator of Laramie's PrideFest, and is an active member of Wyoming Equality, Spectrum and the United Multicultural Council. Fahlsing also is a member of UW's Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.