2002 Distinguished Leadership Awards

In a ceremony held on April 10 in Slayter Hall Student Union, Dean of Students Samuel J. Thios presented the University's 2002 Dean's Distinguished Leadership Award to 35 deserving Denison seniors.

The honor is awarded annually to graduating seniors recognizing their "extraordinary commitment to excellence, leadership and dedication to Denison and surrounding communities."

This year's honorees, who represent a remarkably broad and diverse range of interests and contributions, will be recognized again at the University's annual Academic Awards Convocation to be held April 19 at 12:30 p.m. in Swasey Chapel.

Thios opened the ceremony by welcoming the overflow audience. He noted, "Each spring, the Dean's Distinguished Leadership Awards recognize and honor seniors whose contributions over four years have made Denison a better place for all of us. It is a special time for us to pause and express our gratitude for all they have done."

Thios continued, "Leadership shows up in many ways. Sometimes it is apparent through those who hold very visible leadership positions in organizations that we all recognize and value. There is a great deal of this kind of leadership recognized here today. Exceptional leadership also occurs often among individuals who are not necessarily in the limelight. But we know we can always count on them to get things done. Denison is fortunate to have many of these leaders as well and their behind the scenes efforts help all of us. We are recognizing a great deal of this kind of leadership among our recipients.

"But, leadership, by itself, is not sufficient. It is leadership with integrity that matters. M.H. McKee noted that, 'Integrity is one of several paths. It distinguishes itself from the others because it is the right path, and the only one upon which you will never get lost.' It is not surprising that references to 'integrity' come up so often in letters written by faculty and staff in describing our senior recipients. Leadership, with integrity, is what we recognize today."

Each awardee was introduced by Thios who read descriptive and heartfelt comments taken from letters of nomination submitted by faculty and staff as testimony to the worthiness of the individual for this unique recognition. Below is a list of this year's honorees, with links to a personal profile for each.

Thios concluded by commending and thanking the students again for their contributions to the University and the greater community over the past four years, telling them they will be dearly missed following graduation in May. He also gave the honorees a chance to applaud their professors and other mentors at Denison who were credited with guiding them in a personal, caring and constructive manner.

A reception in Slayter followed the ceremony where faculty, administrators and fellow students were afforded the opportunity to greet and congratulate the honorees individually.