180 students awarded honors recognition

At the University Honors Convocation last weekend honors were awarded to over 180 students, the largest group of in the history of the program. To receive University Honors students must take a certain number of honors courses, maintain a high grade point average, and do a major independent project called an honors capstone. This year’s projects included directing and producing a four-person play; conducting laser microscope experiments to detect glia cells on zebra fish retina; designing and producing an original line of clothing; and producing a marketing case study on the failure of the Segway Human Transporter.

Six honors students won prizes for their work in a new Honors Capstone Competition and were honored, along with their faculty advisors, by Honors Program director Michael Mass and associate director Maria Green Cowles.

Fifteen seniors and graduate students were also recognized at the convocation for outstanding achievements in scholarship, leadership, intercultural dialogue, and service to the university community. Their names were added to a Wall of Achievement recently erected in Mary Graydon Center’s well-traveled first floor as a permanent recognition of the contributions of extraordinary AU students.

In attendance at the convocation were AU President Benjamin Ladner, vice president of campus life Gail Hanson, dean of students Faith Leonard, Provost Cornelius Kerwin, and the deans of each school and college.

Following the convocation, the Wall of Achievement was officially dedicated in a ceremony that included sixteen AU alumni who had received awards in past years. Michael Harris, who won the 1964 Charles C. Glover Award for combining citizenship and business leadership in service to the university community, said a few words on behalf of past recipients.

2004 Honors Capstone Competition Winners:

Ethan Bassett: “Tissue Turnover Rates in Mus Musculus Using Stable Isotope Analysis”
Meghan Gelardi: “Adapted to this Country: Colonial American Foodways and the Development of American Identity”
Jennifer Lobasz: “From Matka Boska to Matka Polka: The Catholic Church and Women in Poland”
Jason Richwine: “Subsidizing Liberalism: Welfare Spending and Changing American Values”
Kyla Springer: “Rising Hunger, Rising Action: Soup Kitchens in Argentina,” a film documentary
Jennifer Tullman: “By the Rivers of Babylon: Memories and Perceptions of the Jewish Exodus from Iraq”

2004 University Awards for Outstanding Scholarship and Service:

University Student Awards for Outstanding Scholarship at the Undergraduate Level
Natalie Hand, School of International Service
Jason Richwine, College of Arts and Sciences and School of Public Affairs

University Student Awards for Outstanding Scholarship at the Graduate Level
Paulette Beete, College of Arts and Sciences
Cole Sternberg, Washington College of Law

University Student Awards for Outstanding Service to the University Community
E.J. Stern, School of Communication
Evan Wagner, College of Arts and Sciences

2004 Student Achievement Awards:

Stafford H. Cassell Award
Given to a senior who best exemplifies the traits of Mr. Cassell—total, selfless dedication to the university, profound energy, and reliability as well as intellectual curiosity, friendliness, and helpfulness.
Marshall Bailly II, School of Public Affairs

Cathryn Seckler-Hudson Award
Given to a senior who best exemplifies qualities of character and achievement while making significant contributions to student government.
Gordon Sean Simonett, School of Public Affairs

Fletcher Scholar Award
Given to a senior who best exemplifies integrity and selflessness in citizenship, together with academic achievement.
Robert Nardo, School of Public Affairs

Bruce Hughes Award
Given to senior who has performed outstanding service to the university community and demonstrated unusual depth and maturity in leadership abilities.
Andrew Willis, School of International Service

Kinsman-Hurst Award
Given to a senior who has made significant contributions to the university in a four-year period while maintaining a high scholastic record and serving in student government or the judicial system.
E.J. Stern, School of Communication

Charles C. Glover Award
Given to a senior who has best combined citizenship and business leadership in service to the university community.
Eitan Naftali, Kogod School of Business

Charles W. Van Way Award
Given to a student who has contributed the most to building community at the university.
Jonathan David Mathis, Kogod School of Business

Harold Johnson Award
Given to a student who has contributed most to promoting understanding and acceptance of cultural and racial diversity within the university community.
Myra-Lyn Abinales Supetran, School of Public Affairs

Carlton Savage Award
Given to an international student who has contributed most to increase intercultural understanding at the university
Akua Kwofoa Gyekye, School of Public Affairs

Evelyn Swarthout Hayes Award
Given to a student who has contributed most to the university through the arts, while maintaining a high academic average.
Elizabeth Chomko, College of Arts and Sciences

President’s Award
Akua Kwofoa Gyekye, School of Public Affairs

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