Awards of Distinction

Esme Hernandez-Alvarez, of Durham, is a senior building sciences major with a focus on construction management and a minor in general business.

As a member of App State's Honors College, Hernandez-Alvarez has maintained a 3.93 GPA and has made the Chancellor's List each semester from 2021 to 2023.

Hernandez-Alvarez currently serves as treasurer for the Student Builders Association and as co-director of App Builds a Home (ABAH) — a campus partnership with Watauga County Habitat for Humanity to help local families build safe and affordable homes.

Under Hernadez-Alvarez's leadership, the partnership raised more than $120,000 over the last two academic years to build its fourth and fifth homes in Watauga County, according to an ABAH advisor.

"You will not find a more dedicated student and compassionate leader than Esme," one of Hernandez-Alvarez's nominators said. "She sets the standard for the rest of the team and does it with steady determination and humble leadership."

Herandez-Alvarez expects to graduate with departmental honors this December.