HELENA – Carroll College is proud to recognize graduating seniors Ashlynne Jeffries and Asher Casey as the recipients of the 2026 Michael Murphy Award for Outstanding Collegiate Citizenship, one of the college’s highest student honors.
The Michael Murphy Award is presented annually to graduating seniors who, through scholarship, service, leadership, and character, best represent the ideals and spirit of Carroll College.
Ashlynne Jeffries of Vancouver, Washington, graduated summa cum laude with degrees in International Relations and Political Science and a minor in Public Health. An exceptional student and nationally recognized member of Carroll College’s Forensics team, Ashlynne earned top honors in British Parliamentary debate while distinguishing herself through her leadership and commitment to service. Her involvement included internships with WorldMontana and the Montana World Affairs Council, leadership with the American Red Cross International Humanitarian Law Youth Action Committee, and work as a peer educator addressing period poverty. She also served as secretary of the Elevate Montana Board of Directors and director of marketing and social justice education for the Hunthausen Center for Peace and Justice. Ashlynne was previously recognized with the Hunthausen Outstanding Service Award in 2025 for her dedication to serving others with compassion and purpose.
Asher Casey of Helena, Montana, graduated summa cum laude with degrees in Catholic Studies, Philosophy, and Hispanic Studies and Languages. Throughout his time at Carroll, Asher became known for his humility, compassion, and steady commitment to serving others. Since his freshman year, he volunteered weekly at God’s Love, organizing fellow students to serve alongside him and consistently showing up for those in need. His service also included participation in Carroll’s Caritas Spring Break Service Immersion trips to Denver and Chicago, leadership with local youth groups and diocesan programs, involvement with the Catholic Youth Coalition and Legendary Lodge, and work through the Justice Outreach Project. Asher additionally served as a peer minister and music ministry leader for two years and was recognized by peers and faculty alike for fostering a strong culture of kindness, encouragement, and community on campus.
This year the committee selected two outstanding recipients, as well as two honorable mentions: Kayla Botkin, a cum laude Health Sciences graduate from Frenchtown, Montana, and Kennedy Venner, a summa cum laude graduate in Elementary Education K-8 and Special Education K-12 from Billings, Montana.
The Michael Murphy Award is presented during Carroll College’s commencement ceremony and celebrates graduating seniors whose lives and contributions reflect the enduring mission and values of the college.
