From Kenya to Arizona: David Wanyama, ’26, SBS Tenacity Awardee

David Wanyama — an Honors student who is graduating with double majors in political science and law — is the recipient of the SBS Tenacity Award for spring 2026. This award recognizes a graduating senior in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences who has persevered in the face of significant adversity to earn their university degree.

David overcame numerous challenges to graduate as a Wildcat. Raised in Kenya by a single parent with very limited formal education, he later came to the United States as a single parent himself, determined to earn his college degree.

That goal was interrupted multiple times by family and financial hardship. After the loss of his father, David stepped into the role of provider for his family, delaying his education for years. Following his immigration to the United States in 2017, he returned to school through Pima Community College before continuing to the University of Arizona.

“Adversity is part of humanity, and I embrace it as an opportunity for both academic success and social progress,” David said. “I revived my academic dream in 2021. My advisors at PCC strongly encouraged me to join the U of A and pursue my dream of international relations through pursuing double majors in law and political science.”

In 2018, he began working as an interpreter at a refugee and immigrant organization in Tucson and began his academic journey at Pima Community College. Later, he transferred to the University of Arizona. In January 2025, David lost his long-time job due to federal funding cuts. 

“David is a phenomenal student, scholar, and human being who has overcome — and continues to overcome — a variety of obstacles in his pursuit of higher education,” wrote Samara Klar, Frank Gonzalez, and Cameron Mailhot, faculty in the School of Government and Public Policy. “He is well-informed, open-minded, and intelligent. While maintaining an excellent GPA, he has handled personal challenges and adversity that few students ever encounter.”

In a course with Frank Gonzalez, for whom David also served as a research assistant, students examined controversial topics in American politics, including race, gender, religion, and sexuality, and how discrimination manifests across different contexts. In the class, David stood out as both a participant and a leader, approaching complex and often sensitive discussions with openness, respect, and critical insight while demonstrating a unique ability to engage deeply with theory.

His nominators described David’s work as “superbly written and demonstrated a solid grasp of theory,” noting he completed the course at an A level with perfect attendance and a final grade above the class average.

David credits the people who supported him along the way — both at the University of Arizona and beyond — as central to his journey. 

“It is through others that we become who we are,” David said. “I am grateful to my family in the U.S. and abroad who stood with me through thick and thin,” he said, adding that support from faculty, staff, and fellow Wildcats gave him “a sense of self-esteem” during his academic journey.

After graduation, David plans to return to volunteer work with immigration and refugee organizations in Tucson while pursuing a career in international relations and public service. 

“Today is a day of deep accomplishment mixed with bittersweet emotions,” David said. “There is pride, relief, and exhaustion, along with a lingering sadness in leaving behind the University of Arizona community.”

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