Soleil Young, a major in anthropology, will receive a University Scholar award from Chancellor Kent Syverud at a ceremony on 10 May 2017. To be named University Scholar  is the highest academic honor bestowed upon an undergraduate by the University. 

The University Scholar award began thirty-five years ago on the initiative of Chancellor Melvin Eggers and the University Senate. The award formally recognizes outstanding members of each graduating class and honors their academic accomplishments.

Soleil has demonstrated her ability to produce the highest caliber of academic work. The designation as a Syracuse University Scholar is the University's way of acknowledging her contribution to the academic quality of the institution.