The College of Family, Home, and Social Science named eight outstanding students as valedictorians for its departments with undergraduate programs. The valedictorians are selected for their academic excellence, faculty recommendations, and meaningful department involvement. Each student reflects the values and achievements of Brigham Young University’s Class of 2025 graduates.
Read on to learn more about each valedictorian and visit our graduation website to explore the profiles of all graduates from the college. Join us for Convocation on Friday, April 25, at 11 a.m. in the Marriott Center. Tickets are not required and guests should plan to be seated by 10:45 a.m.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
Anthropology
Camille Brown first discovered her passion for anthropology during her junior year of high school when, in an effort to avoid chemistry, she enrolled in her first anthropology class. Four years later, she is completing a degree in sociocultural anthropology and conducting fieldwork in Amazonian Ecuador studying the indigenous Kichwa language while navigating the challenges of local wildlife. Her research examines how songs sung by Kichwa-speaking women reflect and shape familial, romantic, and non-human relationships. Through her studies, Brown has gained a deep appreciation for the diverse ways of life around the world. A native of Olympia, Washington, Brown enjoys music, hiking, international film, and peanut butter. She is grateful for the support of her faculty and peers and is excited to return to BYU in the Fall to begin a master’s degree in anthropology
Economics
Jacob Benson Hutchings, an economic and mathematics major with a minor in logic, developed an early interest in economics during his Economics 110 class with Professor James Kearl. This initial spark grew into a passion as he discovered the discipline’s depth and complexity. Hutchings nurtured this passion by working as a research assistant for Professor Joe Price in the Record Linking Lab, as well as serving as a teaching assistant for economics courses. Throughout his time at BYU, he presented at several research conferences and prepared articles for publication on topics ranging from historical family structure in the United States to statistical methods for economists. Hutchings is grateful for the support of his professors and the university’s commitment to undergraduate development, which he believes has greatly contributed to his academic growth. He is especially thankful for the unwavering support of his parents in Meridian, Idaho. Hutchings looks forward to continuing his research as he pursues a PhD in economics starting this fall.
Family Life
Savannah Marie Lowe, felt inspired to pursue a degree in family studies at BYU after serving a mission. While working at the MTC, she discovered her passion for teaching young adults and has since committed herself to becoming a professor. Along the way, Lowe developed a love for research and writing, working as a research assistant on multiple projects, a teaching assistant, and as a member of the School of Family Life Editorial Board. These roles have led to the publication of numerous articles on religion and families. Lowe also participated in the School of Family Life Academy and is deeply grateful for the mentorship of her professors. In her spare time, the South Jordan, Utah native enjoys spending time with her husband, crocheting, reading, baking bread, and traveling. Lowe was recently admitted to the marriage, family, and human development master’s program at BYU, which she plans to begin this fall. She hopes to pursue a PhD to conduct further research and educate students on the transition to marriage.
Geography
Kyle James Bird, an environmental studies major in the Geography Department, also completed minors in environmental science and sustainability, mathematics, and global environmental studies, and graduated cum laude with university honors in December 2024. While at BYU, he worked in Professor Matt Bekker’s Tree Ring Lab and interned for Grow the Flow, a bipartisan nonprofit dedicated to increasing water supply to the Great Salt Lake. He conducted research on water conservation, earning recognition for his honors thesis on solutions to the Great Salt Lake’s dwindling water supply. Outside the classroom, the Mapleton, Utah native played the Carillon bell tower, attended the African Dendrochronological Field Week in Zambia, and studied interfaith relations at the Woolf Institute in Cambridge, England. Passionate about bridging political and environmental divides, Bird has contributed to policy-driven conservation efforts and field research initiatives. He is grateful for the mentorship, friendships, and community that shaped his journey at BYU. Before pursuing a master of philosophy in quantitative climate and environmental science at Cambridge this fall, he plans to work as a field ecologist for the Bureau of Land Management, gaining hands-on experience in ecosystem management.
History
Hyrum Kenneth Veach, a history major with a political science minor, has had many incredible opportunities during his time at BYU. He worked as a student assistant for BYU Special Collections; as a teaching assistant for various political science, history, and family history courses; and as a research assistant for several professors. As a research assistant for the Early British Census project, he traveled to the U.K. and worked in multiple archives to photograph and index early census returns. Through coursework and mentorship from his professors, Veach developed strong research skills, culminating in the publication of two peer-reviewed articles on rural protest in nineteenth-century England and local politics in territorial Utah. The Millcreek, Utah native is deeply grateful for the support of his professors and his family. After graduation, Veach plans to attend graduate school to continue his studies in history, focusing on religion and politics in early modern England.
Political Science
Jane Drinkwater, a political science and design major with a minor in civic engagement leadership, witnessed American poverty during her mission in Indianapolis, Indiana. She returned home with a goal to improve government services, leading her to pursue her majors and minor. At BYU, Drinkwater served as editor of the Political Review and president of the User Experience Design Association. She has gained invaluable experience as a teaching assistant, research assistant, and student fellow with the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy. Drinkwater also conducted research on Provo City’s services, assisting in the redesign of the provo.gov website. In 2024, she was honored with the Truman Scholarship for public service. Drinkwater grew up in Orem, Utah spending her spare time skiing, running, and playing the piano. She is deeply grateful for the mentorship, friendship, and support of her professors, family, and friends.
Psychology
Nadia Mando McNames, a psychology major, is a research assistant, lab manager, Wheatley Scholar, and psychometrist at the BYU Comprehensive Clinic. Her research has focused on the intersection of mental health, religion, and family relationships. McNames is thankful to her mentors, Jared Nielsen, Justin Dyer, and Joseph Fair for their dedicated and Christ-like guidance. She is deeply grateful for the support of her husband, Joseph, her friends, and her family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Above all, she is thankful for her Heavenly Parents, the Spirit that guides her, and a Savior who provides a perfect atonement and example. In addition to her studies in psychology, McNames is passionate about literary analysis, foreign films, and teaching others how to season their food. This fall, she will begin a PhD program in clinical and counseling psychology in Mobile, Alabama.
Sociology
Erika Joyce Olson, a sociology major with minors in civic engagement leadership and philosophy, has always been fascinated with understanding how she and others fit into the social world. While at BYU, she was one of the inaugural co-presidents of the Sociology Academic Student Association as well as a research assistant and project manager for the longitudinal Life and Family Legacies Study. She also worked on the Program Evaluation and Assessment Team in Bolivia where she learned about the critical role of applied sociology and community collaboration. She is grateful for her parents in Castle Rock, Colorado, as well as her family and professors, who encouraged her to challenge herself and orient her education toward addressing societal inequities. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a master's degree in public administration and work toward bridging the gap between social science, policy, and programs in her future career.
Get all the details about Convocation for the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences here.