LMU College of Communication and Fine Arts

💻 Celebrating Sophia Isabella Chavez '26, a visual communication design major. Sophia made her mark across campus as Social Media Chair for the Latinx Student Union and as a graphic designer for Mane Entertainment and the William H. Hannon Library, blending design with storytelling and community impact. Her exceptional work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Program Scholar Award in Art & Design (BFA), Jurors’ 1st Prize for Young Contemporaries 2026, Outstanding Scholar in Studio Arts (BFA), Scholar of Distinction (Graphic Design), the AIGA Los Angeles 2025 Student Scholarship, and consistent placement on the Dean’s List (2022–2026)—a testament to her talent, dedication, and creative vision. Sophia’s experience at LMU has been shaped by a mindset of curiosity, persistence, and trust in the creative process, pushing through challenges and continuing to evolve as a designer while staying grounded in purpose and identity. Post‑graduation, Sophia is pursuing a full‑time graphic design role in branding or creative marketing, with hopes of working in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York. Congratulations, Sophia. We can't wait to see how your journey unfolds beyond the Bluff! 🦁🎓🎉

✨Celebrating Sarah Palumbis ’26, a dance major who recently signed with MSA to pursue a career in commercial dance. Sarah was actively involved in NDEO Dance Honors, danced with Kuumba Dance Crew, and served as the Equitable Commercial Dance Coordinator. Beyond campus, Sarah worked to build her professional path—performing in showcases, working and dancing with LUME Collective, and training throughout Los Angeles in a range of commercial dance styles, strengthening both her versatility and industry presence. Grounded in connection and fueled by a passion for growth, Sarah carries forward the relationships and experiences that shaped her journey as she steps into this next chapter. Congratulations, Sarah, on an exciting future in dance. 🦁🎓🎉

🎓🎨 Celebrating Natasha Daniels '26, proud member of the Iñupiaq of Utqiaġvik and Choctaw of Oklahoma Nation tribes, who earned her Master’s in Marital and Family Therapy with a Specialization in Art Therapy. During her time at LMU, Natasha served as the 2024–2025 Student Art Therapy Association Representative and showcased her work in multiple student exhibitions in the Thomas P. Kelly Student Art Gallery. She was also recognized as a 2026 Helen B. Landgarten Scholar, Mission Integration Graduate Research and Creative Projects Scholarship recipient, and Graduate Library Research Group Award recipient, and presented her work at the 2026 GSLMU Grad Summit. Her group research thesis, "PhotoStory Reflections: Exploring Mental Health, Loss, and Community Healing after the Eaton Fire," highlights the power of art‑based approaches in navigating grief and fostering resilience. Natasha’s LMU experience was shaped by a strong, supportive creative community that inspired her to continue uplifting others through her work. Her practice reflects a belief in the power of empathy and artistic expression to build connection and support those in need. After graduation, Natasha will travel to Paris, Amsterdam, and Berlin for artistic and cultural exploration before continuing her work in the community mental health field, carrying forward her passion for creative healing and collective care. Congratulations, Natasha, on a journey grounded in artistry, compassion, and meaningful impact. 🦁🎓🎉

🎤 🎵 Celebrating Julia Sawtell '26, a music major with a concentration in vocal performance with minor in business administration. Julia was involved in LMU Choirs, singing with the Consort Singers and serving as President of the choir’s student e‑board, where she helped lead and strengthen the choral community. Through the Sinatra Opera Workshop, she brought unforgettable performances to life, appearing as Belinda in Dido and Aeneas, Maguelonne in Cendrillon, and both Pamina and First Lady in The Magic Flute. Beyond music, Julia was also involved in Kappa Alpha Theta and The Women’s Network. Her excellence has been recognized with the Music Program Scholar distinction and the Richard Trame, S.J. Award, and through participation in the Frost School of Music Patti & Allan Herbert Program in Salzburg. Julia’s voice has helped LMU celebrate milestones, performing the national anthem at the 2025 graduate commencement and the 2026 undergraduate commencement. Julia is currently teaching voice, growing her roster of students, auditioning for local operas and musicals, and preparing to release her full‑length cover album, "Because of You"—a tribute to her favorite artists from the 1960s–70s. In the future, she plans to apply for Master’s programs in vocal performance as she continues to pursue performing. We can’t wait to stream your new album, Julia! Congratulations! 🦁🎓🎉

🎨💛 Celebrating Ethel Zafranco '26 who earned her M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy with specialized training in Art Therapy. As a graduate intern at the Helen B. Landgarten Art Therapy Clinic, Ethel contributed to a vital research project developed in response to the 2025 LA Wildfires, supporting young children as they processed trauma and rebuilt stability through creative, school‑based interventions; she facilitated LMU’s annual Summer Arts Workshop, a one-week therapeutic art program for under-resourced youth focused on building connection and creative expression; and she provided free art therapy services for children and their families at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a k-8 private Catholic School, and YWCA North Valley Empowerment Center, an early childhood development and community center. Her leadership and dedication earned her recognition as a 2025–2026 CFA Council Scholarship recipient, and she is also a Barbara Busse Endowed Scholar. She showcased artwork in "HOME(BODIES): Bodies Within, Worlds Beyond" at the Thomas P. Kelly Jr. Student Art Gallery, and presented her completed thesis, "Children’s Resilience After a Wildfire: Clinical Themes of an Art Therapy‑Based Curriculum," at the 13th Annual Art Therapy Research Symposium, as well as during a panel, "Climate Disaster and Displacement: Art‑Based Research, Response, and Recovery." After graduation, Ethel will continue expanding AQMNI (@aqmni_ ), the mural business she co‑founded with her husband and fellow LMU alum, Carlo, developing art therapy‑based curricula and accessible arts and wellness programming for under‑resourced communities. She will also continue her work with the Alliance for California Traditional Arts (@caltradarts ), LA County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (@lacjcod ), and the Department of Youth Development (@lacountyyouth )—advocating for collective well‑being through arts, culture, and youth development in the Antelope Valley. Alongside these exciting professional chapters, Ethel is also looking ahead to welcoming baby #2 in September 2026. Congratulations, Ethel, on work that powerfully blends art, healing, research, and community impact. 🦁🎓🎉

🎨 🫶🏼 Celebrating Jenna Siteman '26 who earned her M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy with Specialized Training in Art Therapy, graduating summa cum laude. During her time at LMU, Jenna’s work reflected deep care, curiosity, and commitment to both clinical growth and creative practice. She displayed her artwork in the 2025 Homebodies Student Art Exhibition, served as a moderator and organizer for her cohort’s communication system, and continually sought learning beyond the classroom—teaching herself guitar, strengthening her Spanish for professional use, and dedicating time to independent sculpture projects. Post‑graduation, Jenna will continue her professional journey with ROWI Teen & Parent Wellness Centers, where she has accepted a role as a primary therapist working with children ages 8–18 in an intensive care setting. She is also pursuing advanced credentials, working toward becoming ATR‑BC, LMFT, and DBT‑LBC certified, while continuing her studies and training. Jenna is also making space for restoration and exploration, traveling to Croatia this summer and heading to Yosemite this fall with her rooftop tent. Congratulations, Jenna, on all you've accomplished already and on the meaningful work ahead. 🦁🎓🎉

🎶🥁 Celebrating Tommy Robinson '26, a music major with a minor in political science. Tommy was actively involved across the music community, performing with the LMU Percussion Ensemble, String Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble, and Sinatra Opera Workshop, while also composing and performing for student film scores and working as a session musician on original student albums. Beyond performance, Tommy contributed as a student representative on Department of Music and Political Science faculty search committees; he was a political science research assistant (Data Analysis), a music theory tutor, and a music coach for high schools across Southern California. His experience reflects a passion for mentorship, collaboration, and building meaningful creative connections across disciplines. This summer, Tommy will perform in his “age‑out” season with the 21‑time World Champion Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, touring nationally as a marimba player. Following the season, he plans to pursue a Master’s in Percussion Performance and earn a teaching credential, with the goal of continuing his work as a percussion educator while building a career in professional performance and composition. Tommy leaves LMU with a network of collaborators and a shared drive to create art that fosters connection and purpose. Congratulations, Tommy, on an incredible journey and the exciting rhythms ahead. 🦁🎓🎉

🪩 Celebrating Katie Tuchi '26 a dance major with a minor in African American studies. Katie was actively involved in NDEO Dance Honors, served as a facilitator of a community improvisational dance forum, and participated in the Research Learning Community, bringing together embodied practice and thoughtful inquiry. Their work reflects a belief in dance as both a personal and collective language—one that deepens understanding of place, people, and self. This summer, Katie will take their artistry abroad, performing in Spain, before returning to Los Angeles in July to pursue performance art while also working as a certified personal trainer. Congratulations, Katie, on a journey rooted in presence, purpose, and powerful expression. 📸 Photo credit: Easton Clark (@jugglingiseasy ) and Josh Rose (@joshsrose )

🎨 💻 Celebrating Vianca Rivera Martin, an art and design major with a concentration in multimedia arts. On campus, Vianca has been deeply involved with Grupo Folklórico, sharing traditional Mexican dance and cultural expression. She worked in the Printmaking Studio and expanded her artistic perspective through a study abroad experience in London. Her dedication and talent have been recognized with both the Scholar of Distinction Award and the CFA Studio Arts Award, milestones that reflect her growth as an artist and scholar. As she looks ahead, Vianca is exploring internship opportunities and preparing to apply to graduate programs, continuing to build toward a future grounded in creativity and exploration. Congratulations, Vianca, on an inspiring journey and all that is yet to come! 🦁🎓🎉

🖼️ Celebrating Roseshel Mock, an art history major with a minor in health and human sciences. Roseshel’s achievements include the CFA Art History Award and Art History Program Scholar distinction. As a photographer for CBA IBES/IBESCC, Roseshel blended visual storytelling with campus involvement. Their passion for art history took them across borders through multiple immersive study abroad experiences: LMU Summer in Rome (’24), Christianity and Art in Rome (’25), and the Amelia Restoration and Conservation International Field School (’25). This fall, Roseshel will continue their academic journey abroad, attending the University of Padova in Italy for a two‑year Master’s program in Archaeological Sciences, where they'll further explore the histories and practices that inspire their work. Congratulations, Roseshel—your LMU journey is just the beginning. We can't wait to see what you discover abroad. 🦁🎓🎉

🎵 ⚖️ Celebrating Maximillius Simpson ’26, an ambitious double major in music and political science. Maximillius helped shape a campus community rooted in creativity, joy, and genuine connection—embracing college as a place to grow alongside people who celebrate who you are and who you’re becoming. He made a lasting impact on the Mixed Chamber Ensembles as a dedicated member for all four years. After graduation, he will travel across the pond to Queen Mary University of London to pursue a Master's in International Political Sociology. Cheers to a remarkable collegiate journey and the exciting global path ahead, Maximillius! 🦁🎓🎉

Celebrating Emily Ede ’26, a talented double major in recording arts and music with a concentration in instrumental performance. Emily spent all four years performing in LMU Chamber Ensembles, stage‑managed the LMU Sinatra Opera during the Spring 2026 semester, and supported the community through her work‑study roles in Murphy Recital Hall and the Recording Arts Office. She brought sound to life behind the scenes, contributing to numerous student film productions as a production sound mixer and sound designer. After graduation, Emily will head to Vienna, Austria to perform in an opera orchestra festival, playing in three renowned operas along with multiple iconic symphonic works. This fall, she’ll continue her musical journey by pursuing a Master’s degree in clarinet performance at CSU Fullerton. From the stage to the sound booth, Emily’s dedication and versatility have left a lasting mark on LMU. Congratulations on an incredible chapter and an exciting road ahead! 🦁🎓🎉