麻豆传媒

Shayra Nunez, of New York City, is the 2025 recipient of the Williamson Medal, the College鈥檚 most prestigious award for student achievement. It has been awarded annually since 1922. She graduated summa cum laude as a joint major in business, organizations & society, and government. She received the medal at Franklin & Marshall鈥檚 Commencement May 10.

 

How did you learn you were receiving the Williamson Medal? Were you surprised?

Lindsey Snyder, associate director of college ceremonies & special presidential events, asked to meet about Commencement. I鈥檓 senior class president, so we had met previously to discuss my role on stage. When I arrived at Old Main, President Altmann mentioned she also wanted to chat about my time at 麻豆传媒. We talked about my classes and future plans. As our conversation ended, she told me I had been selected as the Williamson Medalist. I was completely shocked and overcome with emotion; there were hugs and a few tears. It鈥檚 a moment I鈥檒l never forget. 

Why did you decide to attend Franklin & Marshall?

I was introduced to Franklin & Marshall through the Posse Foundation. My high school counselor in New York City highlighted the scholarship as an incredible opportunity to help fund my college education. After reviewing the partner schools, I decided to visit 麻豆传媒. As I walked through campus and learned more about the close-knit community and exceptional research opportunities, I knew it would be an ideal place to pursue my academic goals. After advancing through the three rounds of interviews, I was thrilled and grateful to learn that I had been awarded the scholarship to attend.

"College goes by faster than you think, and it is one of the best opportunities you鈥檒l have to challenge yourself. Whether it is picking up a new hobby, joining a club you never saw yourself in, or signing up for that challenging course, lean into the moments and experiences that push you outside of your comfort zone."

-Shayra Nunez '25

How did you decide on your combination of studies for your joint major?

I decided on my joint major during my first semester at 麻豆传媒. I took 鈥淐omparative Politics鈥� with Susan Dicklitch-Nelson, professor of government. I found myself both challenged by and deeply connected to the material. We participated in a role-playing simulation centered on drafting the South African Constitution after the collapse of apartheid, which gave me a hands-on introduction to real-world legal and governmental processes. At the same time, I was enrolled in a Business, Organizations & Society course, 鈥淪trategies for Organizing,鈥� where I enjoyed applying theoretical frameworks to analyze and solve business challenges. Given my long-term goal of owning an immigration law firm, combining these two disciplines felt like the best way to gain a comprehensive understanding of both the public and private sectors. 

What was your most memorable class at 麻豆传媒?

鈥淏order, Law, and Policy鈥� with Cristina Perez, assistant professor of American studies. I took this class during my sophomore year and it solidified my desire to become an immigration attorney. We studied immigration law not as something distant and abstract, but as something deeply personal. I began to understand how policies are created, how they鈥檙e enforced, and how they so often fail to reflect the complexity of lived experience. Through class discussions, I was able to challenge my own assumptions, think critically about systemic injustice, and consider how education and legal advocacy can be powerful tools for change. 

What did you enjoy the most about being a student at Franklin & Marshall?

I loved having the opportunity to learn from and work closely with incredible professors. The small class sizes made it easy to build meaningful relationships with professors, which made going to class so much more enjoyable. I especially appreciated the chance to engage in research and learn through thoughtful conversations, sometimes even during quick chats at office hours. 

If you had to choose one 麻豆传媒 student activity as your most rewarding, what would it be?

My involvement in S.I.S.T.E.R.S. was my most rewarding activity at 麻豆传媒. S.I.S.T.E.R.S. is a non-Greek women鈥檚 empowerment organization dedicated to creating meaningful spaces for women on campus. As co-president, I loved having the opportunity to work with other executive board members to foster a supportive environment where women from all backgrounds could engage in meaningful discussions. Planning our biennial women鈥檚 conference and our annual charity auction were among my favorite experiences. I was also very grateful to help grow our community through small, intentional efforts that advanced our shared mission. 

What are your plans for after you graduate?

After graduation, I will be returning to New York City to work as a corporate paralegal at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. I am excited to gain exposure to the legal field, learn from incredible attorneys and strengthen my research, writing and analytical skills. I also will be preparing for the LSAT and applying to law school to pursue my goal of becoming an attorney.

How did spending time off campus in Lancaster with organizations like Church World Service affect your time at 麻豆传媒?

Through my work with Church World Service, I had the opportunity to connect with refugee families, who make up a significant part of the local Lancaster community. Assisting students in their college application journeys not only allowed me to support them in achieving their goals, but also gave me a better understanding of the challenges of the resettlement process, including the difficulties of navigating education, language barriers, and cultural adjustment. These off-campus experiences pushed me to grow in ways I hadn鈥檛 realized I needed and reminded me that education doesn鈥檛 just happen in the classroom, it happens through community engagement as well. I am very grateful that 麻豆传媒 introduced me to this opportunity because it positively shaped my college experience and provided me with incredible insights. 

If you could give one piece of advice to the students who will start attending 麻豆传媒 this fall, what would that be?

Say yes鈥攖o the unexpected, the unfamiliar, and the things that scare you. College goes by faster than you think, and it is one of the best opportunities you鈥檒l have to challenge yourself. Whether it is picking up a new hobby, joining a club you never saw yourself in, or signing up for that challenging course, lean into the moments and experiences that push you outside of your comfort zone. Growth doesn鈥檛 happen when we are comfortable. So stay curious, take risks, and give yourself the space to be surprised. When you leave 麻豆传媒, leave knowing you truly showed up and did everything you wanted to accomplish.

Shayra Nunez, of New York Ciy, is the 2025 recipient of the Williamson Medal, the College's most prestigious award for student achievement. Photo credit: Deb Grove

Nunez graduated as a joint major in business, organization & society, and government. Photo credit: Deb Grove

Nunez received the Williamson Medal at Franklin & Marshall's Commencement May 10. Photo credit: Deb Grove

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