Daniel Fernandez Tamayo, '24, Hunthausen Award Winner and Valedictorian

The Archbishop Raymond G. Hunthausen Outstanding Service Award recognizes a student who embodies the Jesuit ideal of being a person for and with others through service to both the university.

Daniel Fernandez Tamayo’s passion for public service and health advocacy drew him to participate in student and local government since he was an undergraduate pursuing a bachelor’s degree in public health from the University of Nevada. His desire to effect change through public health policy, coupled with a keen interest in the clinical aspects of health care, motivated him to explore a career in nursing and enroll in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Seattle University.

As a graduate student, Tamayo served as President and Executive Board Chair of the SU Graduate Student Council for two years. In this role, he advocated for mental health resources and established conference and reimbursement grants for students. 

“My time as a graduate student at SU provided me with many opportunities to explore my interests in public service and health advocacy. I was honored to be elected as the Graduate Student Council President and Chair for two consecutive years. In this role, I was able to work with the university administration to advocate for student needs,” said Tamayo.

Building on his academic, leadership, and professional experiences, Tamayo chose to examine the efficacy of integrating telehealth services for college students in his doctoral project.

“In reflecting on my experience," said Tamayo, "the faculty and staff of Seattle University were always willing to assist students by connecting us with valuable resources to help in our future endeavors.” 

In his address to his fellow Class of 2024 graduates, Tamayo reflected on his own struggles with self-doubt during his academic journey and shared three lessons that helped him overcome them:

• KNOW and commit to your mission
• LOVE and embrace challenges
• SERVE where you needed

Tamayo currently works as a Critical Care Registered Nurse at Providence Swedish and Psychiatric Registered Nurse with Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center. After passing his nurse practitioner certifying exams, he plans to provide care for populations typically underserved and underrepresented, as well as participate in medical missions to other countries providing preventative health care.