2005 Distinguished Leadership Awards

In a ceremony held on April 7 in the Welsh Hills Room of Denison's new Burton D. Morgan Center, Vice President of Student Affairs Samuel J. Thios presented the University's 2005 Distinguished Leadership Award to 39 deserving 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 on April 15 in Swasey Chapel.

Thios opened the ceremony by welcoming the audience which also included faculty, staff, family and friends. He noted, "Each spring, the 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. 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 our students have demonstrated."

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.

Kristin Abbas Tina Marie Andrews Abigail Bacon Vanidy Bailey Rebeca Bell Julie Black Jill Boo Lindsey Bostelman Laura Cannon Daniel Carr Chelsea Crago LeeAnn Dickson Jason Dozier

Amelia Dunlap Stephen Grosse Ankur Gupta Collin Hanson Jennifer Hart Alicia Henry Kim Hill Anusha Jogi Michelle Jones Lars Jornow Jessica Kresevic Mary Morris Sarah Peck

Carolyn Ramsden Maggie Reid Brandon Ringler Gretchen Roeck Oliver Rollinson Lisa Rusen Merin Singleton Jordan Smith David Smith-Watts Meridith Sulser Gratia Trahan Susanne Winkler Thomas Witherspoon

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.

University President Dale Knobel also attended the event and expressed his congratulations and appreciation to the students for the lasting effects their presence will have on the campus and community.

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