PAU Stars Awards Celebrate the Students Shaping the Future of Behavioral Health
PALO ALTO, Calif. | June 10, 2026 — Every year, Palo Alto University honors students whose work reaches far beyond the classroom. During the 2026 PAU Stars Awards, held as part of the university's 50th Anniversary Celebration Week, students were recognized not simply for academic achievement, but for the compassion, leadership, research, and service already making a difference in the communities they serve.
Hosted by the Office of Student Success, the annual celebration brought together students, faculty, staff, family members, and supporters both in person and virtually to recognize the many ways PAU students embody the university's mission of advancing human understanding.
"Unlike any year before, it was so incredible to see the amount of friends and family who came out to celebrate our winners! Even students who were not being recognized for an award this year took a break from studying for their own finals to cheer on their peers. It’s such a testament to the feeling of community in our programs.," said Chanel Matta-Ortiz, Associate Dean of Student Success.
What distinguished this year's honorees was not a single accomplishment, but the collective impact they represent. Across undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs, students were recognized for advancing innovative research, providing exceptional clinical care, serving their communities, mentoring fellow students, promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and demonstrating outstanding leadership both inside and outside the classroom. Additional honors celebrated excellence in teaching assistance, student organization leadership, distinguished dissertations, and academic achievement through the Dean's List.
Together, the awards paint a picture of what it means to be a PAU student. They recognize future psychologists, counselors, social workers, researchers, educators, and leaders who are already applying their knowledge to improve lives, strengthen communities, and expand access to behavioral health services.
Rather than focusing solely on academic performance, the PAU Stars Awards celebrate qualities that define lasting professional impact: intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, cultural humility, innovation, service, and a commitment to helping others thrive. These are the same qualities graduates will carry into schools, hospitals, clinics, community organizations, research institutions, and workplaces across the country.
"As administrators, we only get to witness a small part of the impacts of our students. PAU Stars allows all staff, faculty, alumni, and students across all programs the opportunity to hear stories that celebrate academic excellence and service to their local communities. It gives everyone something to feel proud of and serves as inspiration for future students! ," Matta-Ortiz said.
As Palo Alto University celebrates its 50th anniversary, the PAU Stars Awards offer a glimpse into the university's future. Every recipient represents the next generation of behavioral health professionals whose work will advance research, expand access to care, strengthen communities, and improve lives for years to come.
Congratulations to every student recognized during the 2026 PAU Stars Awards. Your achievements reflect not only individual excellence, but the collective impact of a university community committed to advancing human understanding.
.jpg?width=352&name=20250908_161712(0).jpg)
