2015 University Awards handed out to surprised KU students
LAWRENCE — University Awards are among the most prestigious honors presented at the University of Kansas, and this week the 12 students who will be honored at KU's 143rd Commencement in May received word of their award in front of their peers. Tammara Durham, vice provost for student affairs, visited 12 classrooms to interrupt labs, lectures and discussions with a surprise announcement — your classmate is a 2015 University Award winner!
Each 2015 University Award winner will be profiled nearer to Commencement. The list of winners is below.
The Class of 1913 Award
Ashley Farris, senior majoring in biochemistry from Wichita
Marcus Florez, senior majoring in chemistry from Bel Aire
The Agnes Wright Strickland Award
Darby Evans, senior majoring in English and journalism from Leawood
Michael Garrett, senior majoring in journalism and Spanish from Lenexa
The Donald K. Alderson Memorial Award
Beatrice Tretbar, senior majoring in journalism from Wichita
Rusty Leffel Concerned Student Award
Allyson Briggs, senior majoring in biochemistry from Ottawa
Cassandra Osei, senior majoring in history and Latin American & Caribbean studies from Shawnee
Margaret Young, senior majoring in psychology and political science from Overland Park
The Alexis F. Dillard Student Involvement Award
Sara Anees, senior majoring in journalism from Wichita
Micah Melia, senior majoring in anthropology from Prairie Village
The Caryl K. Smith Student Leader Award
Kevin Simpson, senior majoring in finance and accounting from Mission Hills
The Kathryn Nemeth Tuttle Student Scholar Award
Bryce Volk, senior majoring in microbiology from Newton
Photos: Tammara Durham presents awards to students Marcus Florez (top), Michael Garrett and Kevin Simpson.