Exploring Innovation and Excellence: University of La Verne’s 2025 Celebration of Scholarship

The University of La Verne’s 2025 Celebration of Scholarship brought together faculty, students, and staff to recognize and honor outstanding academic contributions across a wide range of disciplines, including business, finance, health and fitness outcomes, artificial intelligence, student success, history, and virtual/augmented reality. The event featured research presentations, creative works, and innovative teaching approaches that exemplify the university’s commitment to scholarship with real-world impact. One of the highlights of the event this year was the presentation of 23 research posters at a community lunch, where student and faculty researchers discussed showcased their work.

• Tony and Mary Anne Revier Award for Teaching Innovation
  • The Teaching Innovation Award was presented to Brooke Grasso Lavin, Alesha Knox, Savannah Garcia, and Briana Smith for their presentation, “Path to Progress: Empowering Students on Academic Probation to Success.” Their work demonstrated exceptional creativity in instructional design and a deep commitment to student achievement through targeted academic interventions.
• Ann Quay Davis Award for Discipline-Based Research (Faculty)
  • Dr. Ehsan Danesh was honored with the faculty Discipline-Based Research Award for his presentation, “The Art of Financial Storytelling: CFO’s Narrative Techniques.” His research offers critical insights into how financial executives craft narratives to shape stakeholder perceptions and enhance transparency in business communication.
• Wendy Lau Award for Discipline-Based Research (Student)
  • This year’s student Discipline-Based Research Award was incorporated into the joint recognition given to the collaborative team behind the student-faculty project described below, reflecting a commitment to elevating student voices in high-impact academic work.
• Ray and Katie Skelton Award for Student/Faculty Collaboration
  • The Student-Faculty Collaboration Award went to Grace Zhao, Nicole Mahrer, Ashley Robbins, Caitlin Bean, and Anna Christie for their presentation, “Well-Being Interventions in U.S. Colleges: A Scoping Review from a Positive Higher Education Perspective.” This interdisciplinary project highlighted a successful and meaningful partnership between students and faculty exploring ways to improve student well-being through evidence-informed practice.

The event also featured works that spanned emerging technologies and interdisciplinary inquiry—affirming the importance of both rigorous research and innovation. Although the Valerie Romero Award for Creative Expressions was not presented this year, several showcased projects reflected the artistic spirit that the award celebrates.

The Celebration of Scholarship represents an ongoing institutional commitment to provide a vital platform for recognizing the scholarship, creativity, and collaborative spirit that define the University of La Verne. This year’s honorees exemplify what is possible when research, teaching, and creative practice are aligned with purpose and impact.