The College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources at the University of Nevada, Reno honored students, faculty, and staff on May 5 during its annual Spring Celebration & Awards Night. The event took place at the Eldorado At THE ROW in Reno and recognized achievements from the 2025-26 academic year.
The celebration brought together more than 300 attendees including students, employees, supporters, and friends to acknowledge academic excellence and service. A total of 41 awards were presented to recipients across various departments while 181 graduating undergraduate and graduate students were also recognized.
Christian Kolberg, a University alumnus and chair of University of Nevada, Reno Extension’s Advisory Council, served as master of ceremonies. He welcomed guests such as Regent Carol Del Carlo from the Nevada System of Higher Education; former regent Laura Perkins; Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education Hillary Procknow; and members of the College’s advisory council. Kolberg then introduced Bill Payne, dean of the College.
“It’s truly my pleasure to join you all to celebrate all that you have achieved this year. It is so nice to have the opportunity to enjoy a special evening together and pause and reflect on all that we have accomplished as a College,” Dean Payne said. “Since the time I arrived here over 12 years ago, each year has held its own challenges, but one thing has remained constant: our students, employees and supporters remain steadfast working hard to enrich our communities, our state and beyond. I truly appreciate it and appreciate each and every one of you.”
Payne highlighted scholarly distinctions among faculty such as Associate Professor Monika Gulia‑Nuss being appointed Fulbright Alumni Ambassador after previously serving as Fulbright U.S. Scholar; Assistant Professor Lucas Phipps receiving the Nevada Young Rangeland Professional Award; Chris Pritsos set to receive an Award of Excellence in Leadership next month; veterinary science student Daniela Randolf earning the Dale W. Bohmont Leadership Award; four students awarded Nevada Dairy Farmers scholarships; Scott Allen receiving a Regents’ Rising Researcher award; Franco Biondi being named Outstanding Researcher in STEM; Ash Cale earning a Postdoctoral Award for Exceptional Mentoring; Karla Hernández being honored with Distinguished Outreach & Engagement Faculty Award; Lyndsay Munro receiving Teaching Excellence recognition.
Departmental awards went to outstanding seniors in Agricultural Science (Lindsey Heath), Rangeland Ecology (Justin Ramos), Veterinary Science (Daniela Randolf), Biochemistry (William Le), Biotechnology (McKenna Mancuso), Environmental Science (Lila Humlick), Forest Ecology (Aillis McCormack), Wildlife Ecology (Michael Maggio) among others including several master’s and Ph.D. student honorees across disciplines.
Employee awards included Daniel Coen for Outstanding Extension Administrative Faculty along with Najat Elgeberi for Academic Faculty distinction among other staff recognitions such as Maureen Molini for teaching excellence.
Special recognition was given for leadership in various fields including Brandon Camp as Outstanding Agriculturist and Laurel Saito for leadership in natural resources.