Class of 2025 iAmbassadors Reflect on Leadership and Community
Graduating College of Information Science student ambassadors share what they’ve learned, what they’ll carry forward and why the iAmbassador program matters.
The College of Information Science congratulates our inaugural cohort of graduating student ambassadors!
As the first cohort of College of Information Science student ambassadors graduate, they leave behind more than completed degrees. They leave a legacy of mentorship, outreach and community-building that has helped shape the identity of a young and rapidly growing college.
This spring, five iAmbassadors—Paige Cherry, Valerie Naa Dei Okine, Sherali Ozodov, Elijah Parent and Chase Vallrugo—completed their studies and stepped into new chapters. They were the visible, welcoming face of the college, answering questions from prospective students, speaking to families at college events and taking over the college’s social media feeds to share what day-to-day life in the study of information science really looks like.
“These graduates are curious, talented and dedicated individuals who will do amazing things,” says Rene Lozano, manager of undergraduate recruitment and iAmbassador program lead. “I cannot thank this first cohort of iAmbassadors enough for helping our college grow and for improving the student ambassador experience. They made this year better—for the college and for the students they reached.”
Five Paths, One Shared Mission
Though each graduate followed a unique academic path, they were united by a desire to give back—to help others find belonging and clarity in a field that can feel abstract from the outside.
Elijah Parent, BSGDD '25.
For Parent, a Game Design and Development major and member of the W.A. Franke Honors College, the journey wasn’t always linear. “I started college with an interest in gameplay design and programming but gradually shifted to an interest in game audio,” he reflects. “It’s completely fine to not be set on the specific thing you want to do from the beginning.”
Parent also emphasizes the value of faculty who went above and beyond: “What I’ll remember most are the professors—how down-to-earth and passionate they are. Most are incredibly willing to put extra time and effort into making their classes compelling and informative.”
After graduation, he plans to remain in Tucson, continuing personal and freelance projects in game audio while exploring opportunities in the industry.
Sherali Ozodov, BSIS '25.
Ozodov, who earned a BS in Information Science, highlights the role of community in his experience. “I’ll always remember the people—from inspiring professors to amazing peers. Being part of iAmbassadors made my time here even more meaningful,” he says.
His advice to new students is simple: “Don’t wait to get involved. Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel a little intimidating. That’s where the best memories and growth come from.”
Ozodov now looks ahead to opportunities in machine learning and AI, areas where he hopes to apply what he’s learned to create technologies with real-world impact.
Stories That Inspire
While Parent and Ozodov were part of a reflective Q&A this spring, their fellow graduates also brought depth and authenticity to the iAmbassador program.
Paige Cherry, BA IS&A '25.
Cherry, who earned a BA in Information Science & Arts, blended creativity and communication throughout her time at UA. She’s passionate about user experience and “the importance of diverse and inclusive storytelling in digital spaces,” she says. Her time as an iAmbassador allowed her to channel that passion into outreach—sharing her interdisciplinary path with students navigating their own decisions about majors, minors and career interests, including leading a popular student ambassador takeover on Instagram.
Valerie Naa Dei Okine, MSDS '25.
Naa Dei Okine, who completed her MS in Data Science, joined the program while also working as a data analyst and research assistant. She brought a global perspective and an eye for real-world applications of data science. “My academic and professional journey at U of A has been shaped by an incredibly supportive community,” she notes. She hopes to pursue further work in data-driven solutions, especially in public health and education.
Chase Vallrugo, BA IS&ES '25.
Vallrugo, a fully online student who completed his BA in Information Science & eSociety, offers an important reminder that Wildcats come from all over—and connect in many ways. A self-described tech enthusiast and avid gamer, Chase used his own experience as a remote student to advocate for inclusivity and flexibility. He points to a belief in technology as a social connector, a message that resonates deeply with prospective students navigating virtual learning environments.
A Call to the Next Class of iAmbassadors
The five graduates of the Class of 2025 set a high bar—but also a generous invitation.
“I congratulate future iAmbassadors and thank them for helping to continue the program,” says Parent. “This program has been a great experience for me, and I believe it has immense potential to benefit the college, the students who take part and the student community as a whole.”
Ozodov offers a similar encouragement: “Own your story and share it with pride. You never know how much your words can impact someone considering U of A.”
And that’s the heart of the iAmbassador program: students helping students through transparency, energy and connection. It’s a role that builds professional skills, nurtures leadership and strengthens the entire college community.
If you're a current student in the College of Information Science or College of Applied Science and Technology and wondering how to get involved, consider this your invitation. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to be willing to share where you’ve been, and where you're going.
To learn more about becoming an iAmbassador, contact Rene Lozano, manager of undergraduate recruiting, at rlozano@arizona.edu.