Kotchakorn Voraakhom Urges Graduates to Become the “Compassion Generation”

The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture recognized its 2025 graduates at the 112th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10. Held in the Hogg Memorial Auditorium, the ceremony featured a commencement address by pioneering Thai landscape architect Kotchakorn Voraakhom. 

Addressing the Class of 2025, Voraakhom outlined the various challenges and uncertainties that graduates will face as they begin their professional lives: political division, global conflicts, economic instability, and climate emergencies. Voraakhom proposed that graduates battle uncertainties as the “Compassion Generation” rather than the “Crisis Generation.”

According to Voraakhom, many of the questions she receives from young designers center around, “how do you fight power when you are nobody?” In response, she urged graduates to fight power through planning and designing—to use their new skills to speak for the voiceless, shape the perspectives of decision-makers, and become compassionate mediators.

“What the world needs now is not just passion but compassion… because in times of crises, in this fear-driven world, passion alone may only hold your dream—compassion expands your dream to hold the dreams of others,” said Voraakhom. “Passion empowers you to find your superpower. Compassion shows for what and for whom your superpower is for.”

Below is the list of students, faculty, and staff who were recognized with awards as part of the ceremony. To watch the entire commencement ceremony, including Dean Heather Woofter’s remarks and Voraakhom’s full address, visit the School of Architecture’s YouTube channel.

STUDENT AWARDS

AIA MEDAL FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The AIA Medal for Academic Excellence recognizes the top graduating students with a Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture, or Doctor of Architecture from schools accredited by NAAB or CACB.  
Janie Holsten

BRONZE ALPHA RHO CHI MEDAL

Judged by the faculty of the school, this medal is presented to one graduate who has shown ability for leadership, performed willing service for the school, and who has promise of real professional merit through their attitude and personality.  
Rachel Nerys Berkley

OBLESBY PRIZE

Nominated and chosen by the faculty, the Oglesby Prize is awarded to a Bachelor of Architecture or Mater of Architecture student based on merit in architectural design.  
Aarif Ahmad
Aran Culhane

PETER O. COLTMAN BOOK PRIZE IN ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING

Recognizes students from the Architecture and Community and Regional Planning Programs for their exemplification of diligent scholarship and high regard for the role of design and planning in environmental sustainability and civic responsibility.  
Maria Rubio, M.S. Community and Regional Planning and M.S. Urban Design

Mia Abulencia, M. Architecture 

AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PLANNERS AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING STUDENT

Recognizes exceptional attainment in the study of planning by a student graduating from a Planning Accreditation Board-accredited program.  
Lavender Pak

AMERICAN PLANNING ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING THESIS OR PROFESSIONAL REPORT IN COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL PLANNING

Awarded by the Central Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association in recognition of achievement in the study of planning.  
Lavender Pak

COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL PLANNING ENGAGED PRACTICE

Janice Hagerman

COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL PLANNING COMMUNITY DESIGN

Environmental Justice Practicum: Parks and Placemaking in Dove Springs, Austin | Instructor: Bjørn Sletto 
Angela Enriquez
Chaochen Fan
Reeana Keenen
Rodrigo Leal
Rogelio Lopez Jr.
Luciana Lemos
Abigail Mahoney
Despina Matzakos
Maria Rubio
Joanna Whitten

OUTSTANDING DISSERTATION IN COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL PLANNING

“Urban Planning AI in the Loop: Case Studies of Public EV Charger Placement in Transportation Electrification Planning”  
Seung Jun Choi

ASID CERTIFICATE OF HONOR AND MERIT

The American Society of Interior Designers present a Certificate of Honor and a Certificate of Merit to graduating students in interior design.   
Itzel Macedo, Honor Award  
Karina Thome, Honor Award
Ashley Sparks, Merit Award
Winnie Lin, Merit Award

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Awarded to a graduating interior design student for academic excellence. 
Nandita Warrier

ASLA AWARD OF HONOR AND MERIT

The American Society of Landscape Architects presents an Award of Honor and an Award of Merit to graduating students in landscape architecture. Faculty nominate candidates based on overall preparation to enter the profession, and selections are determined by a jury of members from the central Texas ASLA.  
Samantha Hodge, Honor Award 
Benjamin Elliot Boehle, Merit Award

FACULTY RECOGNITION PRIZE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Awarded to a graduating Master of Landscape Architecture student in recognition of academic excellence.  
Ryan John Cuthbert

FACULTY RECOGNITION PRIZE FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Awarded to a graduating Master of Landscape Architecture student in recognition of sustained excellence in design.  
Nicholas Jones

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION OLMSTED SCHOLAR

Recognizing outstanding leadership.
Nicki Fry

FREDERICK R. STEINER BOOK PRIZE

Recognizing promise in the profession.
Benjamin Elliot Boehle

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Awarded to a graduating sustainable design student in recognition of academic excellence.
Catherine Graubard

OUTSTANDING DISSERTATION IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

“Urban-Scale Energy Reduction Retrofits in Multifamily Housing”  
Saba Abdolshahi

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN URBAN DESIGN

Awarded to a graduating urban design student in recognition of academic excellence. 
Drishti Gandhi

URBAN DESIGN ACADEMIC COUNCIL AWARD FOR ADVOCACY IN URBAN DESIGN

Awarded to a student who has exhibited strong agency and potential for leadership in the field of urban design.  
Sripoorani Srinivasan

STUDENT EMPLOYEE, FACULTY AND STAFF AWARDS

OUTSTANDING TEACHING ASSISTANT

Catherine Graubard

OUTSTANDING GRADUATE RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Reeana Keenen

OUTSTANDING STUDENT EMPLOYEE

Daniel Jackson

OUTSTANDING SCHOLARSHIP

Christopher Long
Professor
Elizabeth Mueller
Professor

OUTSTANDING SERVICE

Hope Hasbrouck
Associate Professor

OUTSTANDING TEACHER [LECTURE]

Mirka Beneš
Associate Professor

OUTSTANDING TEACHER [STUDIO]

Francisco Gomes
Assistant Professor

OUTSTANDING STAFF

Geoffrey (Ash) Ashford 
IT Coordinator

Anya Mitchell
Graphic Designer

Courtney Morshed
Technical Services Coordinator

DEAN'S COMMENDATION

Lauren Crowe
Assistant Dean for Administration and Finance