The Class of ’67 Award is presented to the senior student who has been active in student activities, has received university recognition in a varsity sport, and/or has been elected to an office in a recognized student activity. This year’s award goes to Kaya Daylor (she/her). 

As a Data Science major in the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, Daylor excelled academically in a male-dominated major. She graduates with four minors; Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies; Statistics; Computer Science; and Pure Mathematics. “As a woman in STEM,” Daylor shares, “I have overcome the challenge of being in the minority by excelling in my major and obtaining leadership positions to serve as a role model for other marginalized populations.”      

Motivated to maintain a balance between her academic and extra-curricular experiences in her first semester at UVM, Daylor became an active member of two student organizations—the UVM Climbing Team and the Statistics and Data Science Club. In her junior year, she became the Treasurer of both clubs and this year served as the President of the Statistics and Data Science Club. Daylor shares that through her leadership in these clubs, “I have had the invaluable opportunity to strengthen many of my soft skills such as leadership, patience, organization, and communication.” 

 
In addition to her student organization involvement, Daylor has been a teaching assistant, data science research assistant, a member of the Women’s Studies honor society Triota, and a Women in STEM mentor. She has received the Mariafranca Morselli Leadership Award, Richard Tapia Diversity in Computing Conference Attendee Scholarship, and the UVM Trustees Scholarship. 

Each of Daylor’s nominators highlighted her passion and investment in advancing women in STEM. One nominator shared that Daylor is someone who embodies the “modern feminist spirit that creates change in the world for all women, by simply doing what she naturally does.” 

Reflecting on her UVM experience, Kaya says, “My time at UVM has taught me to stand confidently, connect with my community, and show my true, vibrant colors.”