2025 Outstanding Student Award Winners

Each year, the UACPA honors a fifth-year accounting student from each of Utah’s universities for his or her accomplishments in the accounting field. Criteria to be honored include GPA, extracurricular and professional activities and experience, professional image and perceived commitment and dedication. The following individuals are receiving the UACPA’s recognition at their ceremonies this spring. Additionally, the Utah CPA Foundation will give a $1,000 award to be used toward the expenses associated with taking the CPA Exam. Their nominating professors have provided commentary for each award winner.

Brigham Young University
Brian Golding

Brian is an outstanding student who consistently demonstrates dedication, respect, and engagement in class. He not only excels academically, but he also contributes to a positive and enriching culture in the classroom. Brian is always present, focused, prepared, and eager to participate, offering insightful comments that help generate and foster meaningful discussions. His willingness to engage with both the material and the other class members encourages deeper learning for everyone in the class. Brian’s respectful nature and strong work ethic make him a role model for those around him.

Southern Utah University
Jerika Torgerson

Jerika Torgerson is an outstanding person and accounting student. She graduated with a bachelor of science in accounting with a minor in finance from Southern Utah University (SUU) in 2024, and she will graduate from SUU with a Master of Accountancy in April 2025. While completing the accounting program, Jerika was involved with SUU’s Professional Accountancy Club, was a presidential scholarship recipient, and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma‘s Honors Society. Jerika also worked as a regional controller assistant for the Leavitt Group and completed professional accounting internships with HintonBurdick and Forvis Mazars. Jerika plans to spend the summer studying for the CPA Exams before working in public accounting full time in the fall. Jerika’s other interests include playing sports, spending time outdoors and being with family.

University of Utah
Jack VanDerHeyden

Jack VanDerHeyden is an outstanding Master of Accounting student who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and service. A high-performing student, Jack consistently demonstrates a deep understanding of accounting while actively contributing to the success of his peers and the broader university community.

His leadership extends far beyond the classroom. As a co-founder of the Accounting Club, he has played a pivotal role in engaging students and promoting the School of Accounting. He also serves in Eccles Business Student Government and as the ASUU Student Senate Treasurer, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing the student experience at both the school and university levels.

Jack’s dedication, leadership, and passion for accounting make him a deserving recipient of the UACPA Outstanding Accounting Student award. We are proud to have him in our program and look forward to welcoming him as a two-time alumnus.

Utah State University
Spencer Rawle

Spencer’s academic journey exemplifies dedication as a Quigley Ambassador, Huntsman Scholar Team Lead, and member of Beta Alpha Psi and the Institute of Management Accountants. His leadership shines through mentoring students, recruiting prospects, and organizing service activities. His professional ambition is demonstrated by participation in Beta Alpha Psi’s national case competition and ambassadorships with Becker CPA and the UACPA during 2023–24.

Spencer’s most remarkable quality is his extraordinary resilience facing serious health challenges. Diagnosed with heart issues in spring 2021, he underwent two surgeries requiring a pacemaker and defibrillator. Despite these obstacles, he completed a 10k race that summer. In 2023, he battled asthma and vocal cord dysfunction. Most dramatically, his defibrillator saved his life in 2024 when his heart stopped, necessitating mid-semester surgery. Throughout these trials, he never sought special accommodations.

Spencer maintained academic excellence with a 3.9 undergraduate GPA and perfect 4.0 in his Master of Accountancy program. He balanced demanding internships with Deloitte, KPMG, and EY while working 20–40 hours weekly to self-finance his education. Spencer’s true distinction is his ability to inspire others through his positivity, determination, and genuine care. He will begin working with EY’s advisory group in Houston, Texas.

Utah Tech University
Jared Armstrong

Jared Armstrong is a remarkable student. His determination, resilience, and calm positivity encourage his fellow classmates. While completing his MAcc courses this academic year, he has simultaneously passed two of the four CPA Exams, is waiting on results for the third, and is in study mode for the fourth exam.

Jared has also taken on the task to be the grad assistant for the UT accounting faculty and is a wrestling coach off campus for the youth in the community. We are so proud of you, Jared.

Utah Valley University
Cami Trujillo Medina

Cami has a strong academic GPA, but beyond that she is a student who works diligently and deeply to understand complex material. Cami is not someone who is just satisfied with getting a grade; she puts forth immense effort to document and understand her knowledge and reasoning, asking questions that show deep critical thinking and showing up to her classes with a positive disposition, eager to learn more. On top of that, Cami works hard to create deep connections within her cohort and goes above and beyond to mentor and support students who are struggling. In addition, she is dedicated to expanding the accounting major at UVU for all students. UVU Accounting hosted two panel and networking events this academic year and Cami devoted huge amounts of time toward both of them, not only as a graduate assistant, but also as a result of her own passion. On her own time, she researched and attended multiple accounting and business events around Utah in an effort to connect with and invite professionals from various backgrounds to our Exploring Careers in Accounting event on campus, knowing it would enrich the experience for students. Cami is truly engaged in her studies, but beyond that she is also engaged in creating a stronger program and environment for her peers and the students who come after her. She is truly deserving to be recognized as UVU’s UACPA Outstanding Student!

Weber State University
Sara Udall

Sara Udall stands out for her strong academic performance and genuine curiosity about accounting. She has shown great skill in understanding difficult topics such as mergers, acquisitions, and consolidations. She handles tough assignments and discussions with accuracy and confidence.

What makes Sara especially impressive is her proactive attitude. She doesn’t just wait for answers — she takes the initiative to find solutions on her own and asks smart, insightful questions that get the whole class thinking more deeply. Her questions and contributions elevate class discussions and help others learn.

Sara is also incredibly patient and clear when answering classmates’ questions or explaining different ways to approach tricky problems. She brings a sense of calm confidence to every conversation, which makes her a valuable voice in class.
With her strong technical skills, curiosity, and willingness to work with others, Sara is exactly the kind of student who deserves the Outstanding Student Award. She has both the academic ability and the professional mindset to be a great success in the accounting field.

westminster University
Melissa Badger

Melissa is an outstanding student and confident professional. She joined Westminster’s MAcc Program in the Fall of 2025 and has been a strong contributor to the program during her time with the university. Melissa recently began her role as the CFO for the Utah Communications Authority after serving as their controller and interim CFO. Her professional experience also includes finance and accounting roles in the non-profit space as well as a local CPA firm.

Melissa is a high-quality contributor in both the workplace and classroom, and an excellent team player with her fellow MAcc students. She has high standards for herself and is very effective at encouraging others to have high standards for themselves as well. The Westminster accounting faculty are thrilled to nominate Melissa for this award and look forward to seeing what her future holds.