Fifteen Honors College Students, Faculty Recognized at WSU University College Awards Ceremony April 17
PULLMAN, Wash.-Among the honorees at the fifth annual awards ceremony hosted by the University College at Washington State University were 15 Honors College students and faculty members. The ceremony was held Tuesday April 17, 2012 in the Lewis Alumni Centre.
Honors students and faculty accounted for over one-third of the awards presented, which included the college’s Faculty Thesis Advisor of the Year Awards. The Honors College is one of several affiliated units on campus that join the University College each spring in acknowledging the scholarly achievements of the WSU’s faculty, students, and staff.
“Each year the outstanding scholarly achievements of our students in Honors make an impact on the caliber of undergraduate education at the university,” says Libby Walker, dean of the Honors College. “Likewise, we must recognize our faculty members who go above and beyond to support students in their aspirations for excellence.”
One award-the Norma C. Fuentes and Gary M. Kirk Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award-was presented for the first time to recognize undergraduate excellence in research, scholarship, and creative activities. Two Honors’ students are among the inaugural recipients.
Awards presented by the Honors College at WSU
Honors College Faculty Thesis Advisor of the Year:
Recipients of the thesis advisor awards were nominated by their students for “going above and beyond expectations to assist students in their Honors thesis.” These faculty members will be further recognized at Honors’ Commencement on May 4.
- Nancy Bell, associate professor of English, nominated by student Elizabeth Janney
- James Krueger, Regents Professor of neuroscience, nominated by Omar Bayomy
- Michael Neff, assistant professor of crop and soil sciences, nominated by Paul Froese
- Brendan Walker, assistant professor of psychology, nominated by Danny Reis
- Matthew Weidenfeld, assistant professor of politics, nominated by Michelle Maley
- John Wyrick, associate professor of molecular biosciences, nominated by Kyle McClain
Awards presented by the Other Areas
From Undergraduate Research (University College at WSU)
The Norma C. Fuentes and Gary M. Kirk Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Research
- Amanda Scott, freshman communications major in the Honors College, mentored by Lydia Gerber
- Ryan Scott, senior history major in the Honors College, mentored by Jeff Sanders
From Writing Programs (University College at WSU)
Stanley P. Williams Award for Tutoring Leadership: This recognition from the WSU Writing Program, part of the University College, is for those peer tutors who work diligently to help other students to become better at written communication.
- Julia Dixon, senior English rhetoric and professional writing major in the Honors College
Harold and Jeanne Rounds Olsen Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Writing: These awards are presented by the WSU Writing Program to the top 10 junior writing portfolios submitted in the previous calendar year. These students represent less than 1% of young writers at WSU.
- Sabrina Gonzales, senior psychology major in the Honors College
- Nikkole Hughes, senior natural resource policy major in the Honors College
- Chelsea Miller, senior finance major in the Honors College
Awards presented by the Emeritus Society:
Presented by the WSU Emeritus Society of retired faculty, these awards are competitive and are judged in four categories of student “research, scholarship, and creative activity” under the mentorship of a faculty member.
The WSU Emeritus Society Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Award in the Arts and Humanities Category
- Jared Brickman, senior journalism major in the Honors College, mentored by Rebecca Goodrich
The WSU Emeritus Society Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Award in the Biosciences Category
- Fiorella Grandi, senior biochemistry major with molecular biology option in the Honors College, mentored by Wenfeng An
The WSU Emeritus Society Excellence in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Award in the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences Category
- Lauryn Ringwood (’11 Economics and the Honors College), mentored by Robby Rosenman and Tom Power
MEDIA CONTACT: David Clarke, communications and marketing assistant, WSU Honors College, 509-335-8070, david.h.clarke@email.wsu.edu
SOURCE: Libby Walker, dean, WSU Honors College, 509-335-4505, walker@wsu.edu