ORANGE, Calif.— Chapman University students are recognized for their accomplishments across campus as graduation and the end of the school year nears. A myriad of student athletes from the Chapman University Athletics Department were nominated and honored for their hard work during their college careers.

Swim and Dive senior Miles Duncan, who is earning his degree in Computer Science, was a finalist for the 2026 Cecil F. Cheverton Award. It is the most prestigious award given out to graduating seniors each spring. Duncan was one of four total finalists out of the entire graduating class. 

"The Cheverton Award is the oldest and highest undergraduate student honor, awarded by a vote of the full Chapman faculty," per Chapman University. "A gift of the class of 1929, the original bronze Cheverton Award cup remains on exhibit in Argyros Forum along with its successor, a silver bowl."

Duncan is also going on to earn his Master's Degree Electrical Engineering, Data Science and Compuer Science from Chapman. He is combining his passion for swimming with his academic focus for his thesis. The distance swimmer is "developing a wireless timing system for the pool" as he refers to it in the simplest terms. He has maintained a 3.96 grade point average and had the best swim season of his career in 2026.

Duncan swam a lifetime best time in the in mile swim at the 2026 SCIAC Championships. He has also competed in multiple endurance events including swimming a Catalina Relay with many of his teammates. Both moments Duncan says are his favorites.

"The SCIAC mile I had this year was such an insane race that I will never forget," Duncan says. "Then, during the Catalina swim, I got out from my second leg. As the sun rises, there are dolphins that come up and swim next to us." 

The accomplishments come as no surprise to Chapman Swim & Dive assistant coach Jason Willman, who has coached Duncan his entire career. He believes the 'grit' Duncan exhibits is why the soon-to-be graduate is having this level of success. 

"His work ethic has always been outstanding," Willman said. "It's insatiable. I believe he swam roughly 50,000 yards one time during a swim-a-thon that we hosted to raise money for the program over a 24-hour-period. It didn't surprise me at all once I started hearing about how he was excelling in the classroom. Once he puts his mind to something, there is no stopping him." 

Willman added that Duncan's thesis project could solve a massive gap in the marketplace, should it be successful. Duncan's success is also just one example of the widespread innovative ways student athletes are finding success and being recognized. 

Among the senior class, Makaylee Dahms from women's tennis, Keira Sarni from women's volleyball and Brianna Zamora from women's soccer were all named to the Outstanding Seniors list. Dahms is earning her degree in Biological Sciences from the Schmid College of Science and Technology. She was a captain on the tennis team, is finishing school with a 4.0 grade point average and has plans to apply and attend medical school. Sarni is earning her degree in Public Relations, Advertising and Entertainment Marketing in the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. She was a Chapman Ambassador and will begin interning at the Disneyland Resort in the Communications and Public Affairs Division. Zamora is also earning her degree from the Schmid College in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She plans to return to Chapman to earn her Master"s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Rounding out the group, freshman Elise Kittleson from swim and dive was named to the Outstanding First Years list. She is currently studying Biological Sciences. 

"These student-athletes exemplify what it means to be a Panther and what it means to compete at the Division III level," Interim Athletic Director Doug Aiken said. "Our students continue to thrive not only in their sports, but in their fields of study and in the community, and they're developing invaluable skills in teamwork and leadership that are directly transferable to the workforce. I'm so proud of them and of all of our graduating student-athletes."

Chapman University will host Commencement weekend Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24.