Nominations sought for 2015 University Awards
LAWRENCE — At the 142nd University of Kansas Commencement in spring 2014, twelve outstanding seniors were recognized with University Awards. Formerly known as the Chancellor’s Student Awards, University Awards are among the most prestigious awards presented at KU. The University Awards committee is currently accepting nominations and applications for the Class of 2015.
The University Awards were established to celebrate the achievements of students who embody excellence in service, dedication to their activities and studies, and superb academic achievement. Following with tradition, each 2015 recipient will be recognized during a surprise in-class presentation, and the award recipients’ photos will be included in the Commencement Program.
The Class of 2015 University Awards are reserved for graduating seniors, with the exception of the Rusty Leffel Concerned Student Award, which is available for all students. The deadline for nominations is Monday, Jan. 26, and student applications are due Monday, Feb. 9.
Among the numerous prestigious awards are the Donald K. Alderson Memorial Award and the Kathryn Nemeth Tuttle Award.
The Donald K. Alderson Memorial Award goes to a graduating senior who has demonstrated loyalty to and interest in the university and who has been active in events and services that benefit other students. The award was established in memory of Alderson, former dean of men and dean of student services.
The Kathryn Nemeth Tuttle Award, established in 2012, is presented to a senior living in a scholarship hall who has demonstrated academic focus. The award is designed for a student who is an exceptional representative of what distinguishes the scholarship hall student: commitment both to academic excellence and the cooperative ideal of the scholarship hall system.
Other University Awards include the Agnes Wright Strickland, the Alexis F. Dillard Student Involvement, the Caryl K. Smith Student Leader, the Class of 1913 and the Rusty Leffel Concerned Student Awards.
The online nomination form and award criteria are available online. Eligible students may be nominated by a faculty/staff member or self-nominate by completing the application. Each nominee will be informed of his/her nomination and will be required to complete an application.
Questions regarding the nomination process can be directed to Lindsay Hamm at 785-864-4060 or by email.
• The Donald K. Alderson Memorial Award: This award goes to a graduating senior who has demonstrated loyalty to and interest in the university and who has been active in events and services that benefit other students. The award was established in memory of Alderson, former dean of men and dean of student services.
• The Alexis F. Dillard Student Involvement Award: This award goes to a graduating student who has unselfishly contributed to the university through campus involvement. The award was established in 1993 by Dillard’s family and friends to remember and honor him.
• Rusty Leffel Concerned Student Awards: This award annually goes to students who demonstrate a concern for furthering the ideals of the university and higher education. The award was established by a group of seniors in 1973 to honor their fellow student, Leffel.
• The Caryl K. Smith Student Leader Award: This award goes to a graduating fraternity or sorority member who has demonstrated commitment to the local chapter, the KU greek community, the university and the Lawrence community. The award was established in 1993 to honor Smith, a former dean of student life.
• The Agnes Wright Strickland Awards: These awards were established in 1953 in memory of Strickland, a member of the Class of 1887. The awards annually go to graduating seniors in recognition of their academic records, demonstrated leadership in matters of university concern, respect among fellow students and indications of future dedication to service in the university.
• The Class of 1913 Award: This award annually goes to a graduating man and woman who show evidence of intelligence, devotion to studies, personal character and promise of usefulness to society.