2003 Distinguished Leadership Awards

In a ceremony held on March 31 in the Presidents Dining Room in Huffman Hall, Dean of Students Samuel J. Thios presented the University's 2003 Dean's Distinguished Leadership Award to 36 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 11 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.

"When one looks carefully at all of the ways this group of seniors, collectively, has influenced our campus, and us personally, it is difficult to fully express how much we value and appreciate your contributions. At the same time, it always is a little frightening when one first thinks about next year with all of you gone! However, even here, there is good news - for in a few short weeks you will become members of our society of alumni! Given your extraordinary commitment and dedication to the college during your four years on campus, we know that will continue as loyal members of the alumni. Also, over the years, one of the most reassuring and exciting aspects of this ceremony is knowing that we'll be here next year recognizing another group of outstanding seniors for their exceptional leadership. Indeed, many of you already have been involved in carefully mentoring other students, some of whom will be stepping into your very big shoes."

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 on the navigation bar at left.

Malvika Agarwal Rohit Bansal Keith Bishop Matthew Bolish Meghan Coil Erin Cope Christopher Dickey Rachel Donaldson Amanda Eyes Erik Farley Sarah Forbus Sarah Hamel

Ryan Hite Greg Holden Josue Hurtado Jennifer Jacobs LaToya Jeffers Steve Kovach Matthew Lehrer Kelly McKay Debbie Miller Ryan Mills Margaret Pareso Adam Pratt

Scott Rogers Jessamyn Schmidt Jonathan Seigel Lachelle Seymour Pankil Shah Ratna Sheth Diane Skinner Sarah Smith Catherine Stewart Elizabeth Washington Jessica Welty Stephanie Wilder

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 Huffman Hall followed the ceremony where faculty, administrators and fellow students were afforded the opportunity to greet and congratulate the honorees individually.