2026 President's Medallion Winner: Dianee Rameriz

Expected Graduation: August 2026

Hometown: Bolingbrook, Illinois

Major/Program: Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Political Science

When Dianee Ramirez Medina first arrived at Arrupe College, she carried with her a quiet determination. Like many students balancing school, family responsibilities, and the pressures of planning for the future, she knew that earning a degree would be challenging. What she did not fully realize yet was how much her time at Loyola would shape not only her academic path, but her sense of purpose. 

As a student in Social and Behavioral Sciences with a focus on Political Science, Dianee found herself drawn to the questions behind everyday systems: Who has access? Who gets heard? Who is left out of the conversation? Those questions, sparked in the classroom, quickly moved beyond theory. They became personal. They shaped how she showed up in student spaces, how she listened to her peers, and how she began to see her own role in creating change, even in small, everyday ways. 

Dianee’s presence on campus is defined less by titles and more by consistency. She is the kind of student who shows up, pays attention, and follows through. Whether collaborating with classmates, engaging in leadership opportunities, or contributing to conversations about equity and representation, she brings a thoughtful, grounded perspective. Her peers describe her as someone who makes space for others, someone who leads not by commanding attention, but by inviting people into the conversation. 

“Leadership isn’t about having the loudest voice,” Dianee said. “It’s about listening and showing up for others, even when it’s uncomfortable or hard.” 

That mindset has shaped how Dianee approaches her education. Political science, for her, is not abstract. It is about people. It is about understanding how policy and power affect real lives and how communities can organize, advocate, and push for better systems. Through her studies, she has grown more confident in her voice, learning not only how to analyze complex issues, but how to articulate what matters to her and why. 

Receiving the President’s Medallion is a recognition of Dianee’s academic excellence, leadership, and service, but she is quick to point out that her journey has been deeply shaped by the people around her. Faculty who challenged her to think more critically. Peers who shared their stories and perspectives. A campus culture that values care for the whole person. Together, those relationships helped her move from simply “getting through” college to fully stepping into her potential. 

As she looks ahead to graduation in August 2026, Dianee is already thinking about what comes next. She plans to continue her education and pursue a career in public service, with the long-term goal of advocating for more just and inclusive communities. While her future path is still unfolding, one thing is clear: she intends to stay rooted in the same values that shaped her experience at Arrupe: listening first, leading with empathy, and using her voice to create space for others. 

For Dianee, the President’s Medallion is not just a marker of achievement. It is a reminder of how far she has come, and an invitation to keep going.