COE Student and Community Award Recipients (left to right): Amanda Winkler, Ariel Hernandez, and Jaz Otegui.
The College of Education (COE) recently honored three exceptional individuals—Ariel Hernandez, Amanda Winkler and Jazmin Otegui—at its inaugural Student and Community Awards Ceremony. The event, held at the Parsons Gallery in the Urban Center, celebrated their dedication to students, inclusive leadership, partnership and meaningful contributions to education.
“We are here tonight to honor not just excellence, but impact, intention and heart,” said Dean Maneka Brooks in her opening remarks. “To our award recipients: What has inspired us most is your commitment to equity-driven action. Your collaboration and your lived expertise—this is what meaningful, sustained change looks like.”
Student Academic Achievement Award: Ariel Hernandez
Ariel Hernandez (MA ‘26), a third-year graduate student in the Counselor Education program, is the recipient of the Student Academic Achievement Award, which honors a student who has demonstrated sustained academic excellence at PSU.
Ariel Hernandez accepts the Student Academic Achievement Award.
Despite a challenging start to graduate study, Hernandez showed remarkable persistence, tirelessly raising their cumulative GPA to 3.60, with no grades below an A- since Winter Term 2024. Alongside coursework and multiple internships, Hernandez works full time in a local school district.
Hernandez is recognized for their deep engagement in the counseling profession, including peer mentorship, professional development and thoughtful clinical practice. Their collaborative attitude makes them a trusted colleague and they consistently contribute in ways that elevate the work of those around them.
Lillian Martz, Hernandez’s advisor and assistant professor of counselor education, said what stands out the most to her is their generosity of spirit. “Ariel represents the very best of what we hope to cultivate in our graduate students—intellectual rigor, professional commitment, compassion for others, and resilience,” she said.
PSU COE Viking Educator Excellence Award: Amanda Winkler
Amanda Winkler, a teacher of the visually impaired and a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) for Columbia Regional Inclusive Services within the Portland Public Schools, received the PSU COE Viking Educator Excellence Award. This award honors a K-12 educator who demonstrates inclusive practice, collaboration and strong community partnerships.
Amanda Winkler (left) embraces Associate Professor Holly Lawson.
As a lifelong learner, Winkler is an alum of PSU’s Visually Impaired Learner and Orientation & Mobility programs and a respected mentor to emerging educators. She helps prepare future O&M specialists through practicum placements and hands-on instruction—and is celebrated for her collaborative, culturally-responsive teaching style and student-centered approach.
Amy Parker, associate professor and coordinator of the Orientation & Mobility Program, said that she’s inspired by Winkler’s ability to see students who are often overlooked.
“I remember going out into a classroom when Amanda was mentoring another seasoned teacher who had students with multiple disabilities,” she said. “Amanda sees all of those students and their potential, and more than that, she collaborates with other professionals who are continuously serving those students.”
“Our program is much stronger because of Amanda—her creativity, respect for students and strong instructional planning.”
PSU COE Viking Counselor Excellence Award: Jaz Otegui
Jazmin Otegui, a school counselor at Alder Elementary School, is the winner of the PSU COE Viking Counselor Excellence Award, recognizing excellence in ethical practice, culturally responsive care and student advocacy.
Jazmin Otegui (center) with Dean Maneka Brooks (left) and School Counseling Program and Internship Coordinator Catherine Nyhan.
Otegui has served as a clinical school counseling supervisor with PSU for the last three years, mentoring and guiding future school counselors. She is known for her steady leadership, integrity and heart.
“Jazmin is a fierce and compassionate advocate,” said Catherine Nyhan, school counseling internship coordinator at PSU. “I've been very touched by the work she's done to try to help children in her school. She shows up fully, even while carrying the immense responsibility of serving as the only school counselor for 400 students during a budget cut.”
At Alder Elementary, Otegui supports students facing poverty, instability and complex family situations. She helps create inclusive spaces, including ongoing support for a Latino student club that fosters belonging and connection.
As a graduate student supervisor at PSU, Jazmin provides thoughtful, culturally aware mentorship that helps emerging counselors grow with confidence.
These award recipients reflect the values at the heart of the College of Education—academic excellence, inclusive leadership and a deep commitment to students and communities.
Ariel Hernandez (center) with her Counselor Education cohort, staff and faculty.
Visit the COE website to learn more about our programs and how our students make an impact in their communities.