Rachel JoNay Robinson, August Tunstall Arnold, Jordyn Arianna Stewart, and Gracen V. Deerman receive the Ralph M. Lyon Award for Academic Excellence from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú Provost Dr. Tina N. Jones during spring 2025 commencement exercises at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú. submitted photo

Four outstanding graduates, Rachel JoNay Robinson of Pleasant Grove, Alabama; August Tunstall Arnold of Greensboro, Alabama; Jordyn Arianna Stewart of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and Gracen V. Deerman of West Blocton, Alabama, received the ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú’s top graduating student award.

Presented by the Provost during a May 9 ceremony, the Ralph M. Lyon Award for Academic Excellence is given to the student having the most outstanding scholastic record among all students receiving baccalaureate degrees at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú since the preceding commencement. The award is named in honor of Dr. Ralph M. Lyon, a longtime professor, and administrator at the University.

Robinson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English; Arnold earned a Bachelor of Science degree in cell & molecular biology; and Stewart and Deerman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in integrated marketing communications.