Indianapolis, IN (April 2013) – Over 350 staff, students, and guests were welcomed to the Hine Hall Auditorium on April 12 for the second annual IUPUI University College Spring Awards Convocation which had as its theme “Characteristics of Student Success.” The ceremony hosts were Yuka Sato, undergraduate junior, and graduating senior Elizabeth Richards.
After an introduction and overview of the awards, Kathy Johnson, dean of University College, spoke about the impact student staff has on University College and the students it serves, relaying how the support roles they fill in University College programs assist their fellow students to succeed in their educational endeavors as well as help themselves to gain leadership, communication, and lifelong skills that will be valuable assets upon graduating and embarking on their careers.
According to the program’s keynote speaker, IUPUI chancellor, Dr. Charles R. Bantz, the success of these students is due to preparation and opportunity and the intersection of the two.
Awards were presented to thirty-six students in the following categories: University College First-Year Seminar Outstanding Students, University College department awards, and the Evenbeck Scholars Mentors of the Year awards. These students were recognized for the perseverance they have shown while pursuing their educational goals and for their dedication to the IUPUI campus as both students and staff.
Three special awards are given out each year: the Christine Jakacky Mentor of the Year Award, the Tonja Eagan Award, and the Chancellor’s Scholar award. The Christine Jakacky Mentor of the Year Award is given to the mentor who has gone above and beyond his or her mentoring responsibilities, demonstrated leadership, and has shown high academic achievement. This year’s award winner is Brittany Collins.
Henry “Hank” Hernandez, a lecturer in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and the former interim director of the Mathematics Assistance Center (MAC), won the Tonja Eagan Award. As interim director of the MAC, Hernandez was an inspirational leader and mentor for his staff and provided an effective learning environment to all the students who benefited from math tutoring.
The Chancellor’s Scholar award is given to one student, selected from a group of students nominated from each IUPUI school, who has achieved academic excellence and who is highly engaged with the IUPUI campus. This year’s recipient of this prestigious award is Shelby Colglazier.
The final award of the afternoon, the Friend of University College award, was presented to W. W. Grainger, Inc. for gifting $10,200 to support the Grainger Foundation Mentor Scholarship. The Grainger scholarships are given to mentors in the Bepko Learning Center and Office of International Affairs. Joshua Garey, Grainger’s Indianapolis branch manager, accepted the award on behalf of the company.
A reception followed the convocation ceremony. Award recipients and their guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres; piano music by Daniel Murphy, senior pianist and composer; and having their photos taken with their awards.
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For more information, contact Harriett Bennett at 317-274-5036 or email hbennett@iupui.edu.