Ryan Hamachek, left, has been chosen for the Hunthausen Award. Photo by Spectator staff.

E-commerce and humanities major Matt Lyons and graduate student Ryan Hamachek are this year’s recipients of the Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen Award.

The Hunthausen is Seattle U’s most prestigious student honor. Each year, one graduate and one undergraduate receive the award. President Stephen Sundborg, S.J. presented Hamachek and Lyons with the Hunthausen Wed., May 20, at the Student Recognition Award Ceremony. 

Lyons, a senior Sullivan Scholar and delegate for the Opus Prize ceremony, reflected on his time at Seattle U: “I relate my experiences at Seattle University to the continual process of filling a vessel. University faculty, staff and administration see potential in every incoming student and pour their personal and professional development and then encourage them to do the same for others.”

“I am confident that as Seattle University continues to foster such an environment of care and support, helping students reach their full potential it will be an institution that continues to produce ‘students for others’ that continue to change the world for the better one person at a time.”

As he accepted his award, Hamachek also shared his affection for the university.

“Standing here is truly affirming. The mission and values that Seattle University espouses have buttressed nearly all I have done in my time here. I’ve been privileged to be surrounded with folks who care so deeply about the world around them. People who believe something better exists. It has been through the strength of this community that I have been able to achieve the things that I have.”