Distinguished Leadership Awards 2010

2010 Distinguished Leadership Awards

GRANVILLE, Ohio — In a ceremony held on April 13 in the Welsh Hills Room of Denison’s Burton D. Morgan Center, Vice President of Student Affairs Samuel J. Thios presented the university’s 2010 Distinguished Leadership Award to 37 deserving seniors.

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

In a special presentation at the conclusion of the ceremonies, Thios was, himself, recognized and honored with a Distinguished Leadership Award. This summer, he will retire from Denison after 38 years of service to the college. The venerable Dr. David Woodyard, professor of religion and 50-year veteran of the Denison faculty, made the presentation to Thios. In an emotional presentation, Woodyard noted that the qualities of leadership that Thios had been honoring among the students over the years were the same qualities that Thios had exhibited throughout his teaching and administrative career at Denison. Surprised by the recognition, Thios was clearly moved, as were all of those in attendance, including students, parents, faculty and administrators.

This year’s awardees, listed below, represent a remarkably broad and diverse range of interests, contributions, and achievements. Click any name for a profile of the student’s accomplishments and Dr. Thios’ presentation remarks.

LaForce Baker

B.A. Communication; Chicago, Ill.

Arcadia University, Sydney, Australia - Semester Abroad; Posse Foundation Scholar; Lem Tucker Award Grant - Recipient; Dean’s List; Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges; Office of Campus and Residential Life - Resident Assistant; Sustained Dialogue - President; Judicial Appeals Board - Member; Big Brothers and Big Sisters - Mentor; University Communications - Media Relations Assistant; Obama for America - Campus Campaign Coordinator.

Presentation remarks: Enthusiastic, hard working, determined to challenge racism with courage and respect for others, LaForce has worked tirelessly to improve our campus climate. As President of Sustained Dialogue (SD), he earned the respect of his fellow students, in part because he is a thoughtful and constructive participant and also because of his inclusive work ethic. Well known on our campus for his exceptional work on the Obama Presidential campaign, he got many people to volunteer, never called attention to himself, using his enthusiasm and energy to inspire others. LaForce has incredible potential to make his mark on the world.

Kristen Barngrover

B.A. Sociology/Anthropology; Women’s Studies minor; Cincinnati, Ohio

Danish Institute for Study Abroad - Copenhagen, Denmark; Office of Admissions - Senior Interviewer; June Orientation - Student Staff; Bryn Du Mansion - Intern; Sociology/Anthropology Library - Librarian; Sociology/Anthropology - Fellow; Department of Sociology/Anthropology Forum - Vice - President, President; Iota Iota Iota (Women’s Studies Honorary), Beta Gamma Chapter; Alpha Kappa Delta (International Sociology Honorary); Lambda Alpha (National Collegiate Anthropology Honorary); National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) - Undergraduate Member; Denison Campus Governance Association - Senator, Parliamentarian; Leadership Fellow - Fellow and LeaderShape On - Site Coordinator; Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority - Vice President of Organization - Gamma Omega Chapter; LeaderShape Institute Inc.; Quest; Canterbury Club; Denison Service Orientation.

Presentation remarks: At the LeaderShape Institute Kristy served as one of two onsite coordinators. Her ability to earn the respect of both peers and faculty carried over to campus where she is admired and respected by all who know her. She is a founding member of the Leadership Fellows, a group that encourages and mentors other student leaders. A perennial June-O staff member, other staff members look to her for guidance where her calm demeanor and approachable attitude allows her to be a strong role model. Always leading with integrity, she does so with kindness and devotion.

Kathleen Binau

B.A. Economics; Columbus, Ohio

Denison Founders Scholarship; Park National Bank Economics Department Scholarship; Dean’s List; Omicron Delta Epsilon (International Economic Honorary); Excellence in Scholarship and Service; Rising Leader Award; Danish Institute for Study Abroad - Copenhagen, Denmark; Pi Beta Phi Sorority - Vice President of Finance, Social Chair; DU Lead; Sexual Harassment and Rape Education (SHARE) - Chair, Secretary and Treasurer

Presentation remarks: Ellie’s tireless and passionate efforts in creating, organizing and promoting a meaningful and highly effective SHARE advocacy program have been unmatched. A reflective person who handles stress and difficult situations with an outward calmness and composure, her peers have come to value and respect her immensely. Her insight and perspective in addressing sensitive and often difficult student health issues have been especially helpful in promoting solidarity within this group. A deep and unwavering commitment to social justice, ethnic, racial, gender and class diversity, her warm personality and wonderful sense of humor are impressive and refreshing.

Ryan Burandt

B.A. Economics and Communication; Loveland, Ohio

Certification in Organizational Studies; Office of U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar, Washington D.C. - Internship; U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (Washington D.C.) - Internship; USMC Officer Candidate School (Quantico, Va.); V.P. of Student Affairs Search Committee; Head Football Coach Interview Committee; Denison Strength and Conditioning - Internship; Community Rights and Standards Board; Denison Campus Governance Association - President, Chair Campus Affairs Council, Chair Executive Board; University Council - Student Member; Office of Admissions - Event Speaker - (Denison University; Bethesda, MD); Investment Club; Varsity Football - Team Captain; 4 year Varsity letter winner, Fullback/Half Back; WDUB Board Meeting; Campus Affairs Council (CAC) - Security Committee Co - Creator; Entrepreneurial Endeavors Workshop; Denison Track and Field - Referee; Intramural Sports - Softball, Dodge Ball, Hockey.

Presentation remarks: On the football field no one devoted himself so consistently to his team’s success. He demonstrated confidence, leadership and a competitive spirit that earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates. As student body president, he reached out and helped bring together disparate groups of students to work on sensitive campus climate issues. Ryan’s presidency was marked by a period of broader and deeper communication both among students and between students and administrators. He was able to partner with other key student leaders in times of crisis and bring a reasoned student voice to the table with fellow students and senior administrators. Whatever task Ryan undertakes, he does so with passion and integrity.

Kevin Burdett

B.A. English (creative writing concentration) and Cinema; Ithaca, N.Y.

Interfraternity Council - President, Vice - President of Standards; Delta Chi Fraternity - Alumni Relations Officer, Risk Management Officer, Fundraising Chair, Historian; Crew Club - President; Fencing Club - President; Denison Library - Circulation and Reference Desks.

Presentation remarks: Respected by his peers as IFC President, Kevin demonstrated his ability to address controversy with diplomacy and a calm demeanor. Always one to be counted on to accomplish the task at hand, he is consistently able to inspire others to work together as a team. Kevin’s academic work is marked by his keen intelligence, vivid imagination and exceptional talents as a writer. A perceptive critic of his own as well as his classmates’ writing, he consistently came to class prepared to offer constructive and insightful feedback to his peers. His seriousness and maturity helped set high standards for the whole class.

Melissa Cyperski

B.S. Psychology; English and Music Performance (voice) minors; North Canton, Ohio

Study Abroad - United Kingdom, The Literature of Place; Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges; Department of Psychology - Senior Fellow; Mortar Board (National College Senior Honor Society); Psi Chi (Psychology Honorary); Sigma Tau Delta (English Honorary); Dean’s List; Laurie Bukovac Hodgson and David Hodgson Endowed Fund Summer Scholar - Conference Presentation, Midwestern Psychological Association; Articulate - Selection Committee; Academic Support and Enrichment - Psychology Tutor; Office of Admissions - Events Coordinator Intern, Tour Guide Coordinator; August Orientation - Group Leader; D.U. Lead; Psi Chi (Psychology Honorary) - Public Relations Chair; Sigma Tau Delta (English Honorary) - Treasurer, Vice President; Outlook (LGBTQIA Alliance) - Executive Board Member; Safe Zone; Hope for Autism - Volunteer, Team Leader; DUwop A Cappella - Co - founder, President; St. Edward Church - Music Intern; Lessons and Carols Choir - Performer, Choir Master; Singers’ Theatre Workshop; Chamber Singers - Alto Section Leader.

Presentation remarks: Melissa’s leadership at Denison has truly had a “musical motif.” Since her first semester, Melissa has been an active vocalist and leader in both Chamber Singers and Singer’s Theatre Workshop. Melissa demonstrated great initiative and creativity as the co-founder of “D.U. – Wop,” Denison’s co-ed A Cappella group and presently serves as president. She serves Admissions as both Events Coordinator Intern and Tour Guide Coordinator and also takes her musical talents off the hill serving as Cantor and assistant director of the children’s choir at St. Edwards Catholic church in Granville. Because of Melissa’s academic, interpersonal and leadership abilities, she has earned the respect of her peers, administrators and faculty.

Nora Deeg

B.A. English Literature and Spanish; Music Performance (violin) minor; Zionsville, Ind.

Dean’s List; Multicultural Achievement Scholarship; Phi Beta Kappa; Sigma Delta Pi (National Collegiate Hispanic Honorary); Sigma Tau Delta (International English Honorary); Office of Admissions - Senior Interviewer; Summer Scholars Program; Summer Research Scholar; Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs (HECUA), Quito, Ecuador - Community Internships in Latin America (CILA); Friendship Trip, San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala; La Unidad Educativa “Solidaridad”, Quito, Ecuador - Intern; Paul R. Ashbrook Summer Research Scholarship; Higher Education Consortium for Urban Affairs - Scholarship for Social Justice; Department of Modern Languages - Charles Steele Scholarship; Department of English - Juliet B. Sarett Scholarship; President Volunteer Service Award; Phi Society; John W. Alford Center for Service - Learning - Office Worker; Denison Community Association - Cabinet Vice - President, Secretary, Rookie of the Year Award; Nursing Home Companions - Committee Chairperson; Break Away: The Alternative Break Connection - Site Leader; August Orientation - Student Leader; Denison Orchestra - Section Leader; Big Brothers Big Sisters; Chamber Music.

Presentation remarks: Nora has made exceptional contributions to the communities in which she has lived – at home in Zionsville, IN, in her studies abroad in Ecuador, Guatemala, and Spain, and here at Denison in the past four years. We have seen her in leading and organizational roles in the Denison Community Association, at August Orientation, in many ways through her music, and traveling off-campus to BreakAway sites. A well respected leader who teaches by example, Nora has a unique ability to connect with others in remarkable ways. What stands out is how Nora gets involved. She does so with a quiet, humble passion. She is a person who acts on her visions and makes a difference.

Alexandra DeFries

B.A. International Studies and Spanish; Music Performance (voice) minor; Flossmoor, Ill.

Universidad Academia de Humanismo Cristiano, Santiago Chile; Flora Skipp Music Scholarship; Denison Founder’s Scholarship; Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish National Honorary); Peer Spanish Tutor; Junior/Senior Class Representative on the International Studies Committee; Office of Campus and Residential Life - Resident Assistant, RA of the Month; Varsity Women’s Golf - Captain, Heart of the Team Award; Kappa Kappa Gamma - New Member Chairperson; Amnesty International - President; Singer’s Theatre Workshop; Concert Choir; Cantor at St. Edward’s Catholic Church Office of Admissions - Tour Guide, Student Ambassador, Host, Shuttle Driver; Annual Fund - Caller.

Presentation remarks: Poised, articulate, always representing Denison with dignity and pride as a scholar-athlete, Allie has served as an Admissions Student Panelist both on campus and in Chicago. Whether serving as Co-Captain of the Women’s Varsity Golf Team, New Member Chair for Kappa Kappa Gamma or working to develop a stronger residential community as an RA, Allie has earned deep appreciation and respect from her teammates, sisters and residents. Allie’s international academic interests have focused on human rights in a global context and she has served on campus as the president of Amnesty International. Allie has consistently modeled integrity and strong character.

Tara Demmy

B.A. Theatre; Women’s Studies minor; Buffalo, N.Y.

Certificate of Organizational Studies; National Theatre School of Ireland (Gaiety School of Acting); Ace Morgan Scholarship; Iota Iota Iota (Women’s Studies Honorary); Gamma Sigma Alpha (National Academic Greek Honorary); Theta Alpha Phi (Theatre Honorary Fraternity); Edward Wright Scholarship; Vail Scholarship; Denison Alumni Scholarship; Organizational Studies Program - IES Abroad Ambassador; Denison Independent Theatre Association (DITA) - President; Women’s Performance Group - Founder; Burpee’s Seedy Theatrical Company; Denison Theatre - Mainstage and Student Performances; Kappa Kappa Gamma; WDUB Radio Station - DJ.

Presentation remarks: As leader of the newly created Denison Independent Theatre Association as well as Burpee’s Seedy Theatrical Company (Denison’s improvisational troupe), Tara is a tireless producer and director of student artistic projects. Recognizing the need to create additional opportunities for women to act and create theatre, Tara founded the Women’s Performance Group at Denison, a group that requires no audition and encourages women across all academic fields to participate. She is able to support, give focus, and encourage without hierarchy and to let others’ strengths shine in ways they have yet to appreciate themselves.

Rachel Drennen

B.A. English Literature; Psychology minor; Warren, Pa.

Leadership Fellow; LeaderShape Academy - Faculty On - Site Co - Coordinator; Panhellenic Council - Executive Board, Recruitment Chair; Mortar Board, Cap and Gown Chapter - Recording Secretary; DU - Wop - Mixed A Cappella - Recording Secretary, Treasurer: Moot Court; National Student Leadership Conference; Greek Advance (Greek Leadership Retreat); Mid - American Greek Council Association; Kappa Kappa Gamma; Leadership Academy; The LeaderShape Institute; May Term Program - Shakespeare in London; Young Scholar Program; Denison Religious Life - Lilly Scholar.

Presentation remarks: Rachel is an excellent model of what we cherish and encourage at Denison and in higher education. Keen intelligence, outstanding character, highly motivated student and researcher, she is at the forefront of many campus organizations and leadership endeavors. At the LeaderShape Institute, she was an on site coordinator and role model who practiced servant leadership with enthusiasm. Serving as an officer in her sorority and in Mortar Board, she also served as Recruitment Chair for Panhellenic Council. A founding member of Leadership Fellows, Rachel earned the respect of other fellows and emerged as a leader among leaders.

Betsy Fisher

B.A. Political Science, Arabic and the Middle East; Toledo, Ohio

University of Jordan, Amman Jordan - CIEE Amman Language and Culture; Dean’s List; Phi Beta Kappa; Phi Society; Honors Program; Paschal Carter Scholar; Irma and Clark Morrow Pre - Law Scholar; Department of Political Science - Fellow; Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honorary); Gilman Scholar (State Department scholarship for study abroad); Moot Court - Co - Captain, Midwest Regional Second - Place Orator, National Qualifier; ranked 21/128 orators; National Tournament; Presidential Service Medal - Bronze; Arabic Teaching Assistant and Tutor; Denison Community Association (DCA) - Legal Aid Intern, Co - Leader of Denison Darfur Divestment Campaign, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Lunch Buddy, Homelessness and Hunger - Chair, Nursing Home Companions - Trip Coordinator; Office of Service - Learning - Office and Research Assistant; Gilpatrick Honors Center - Office Assistant; Denison Christian Community (DCC) - Leadership Team; Denison International Relief Effort (DIRE) - Vice President; Denison Service Orientation.

Presentation remarks: Betsy’s leadership and service reflect a deep and abiding sense of commitment to the less fortunate of our fellow citizens, both here and abroad. Whether she is working with the Nursing Home Companions project, Legal Aid, the Homelessness and Hunger committee, CARE International, or the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, Betsy is working directly as an active citizen who believes in the dignity and worth of every individual. Serving as captain, she leads the Denison Moot Court team, teaches them case law in formal and informal working group settings, contacts judges and lawyers to help practice oral argument, and mentors younger students. Betsy motivates, leads by example, and mentors with a soft touch and a consistent humility.

Megan Fleming

B.S. Biology and Spanish; Marietta, Ohio

Dean’s List; Rho Lambda (Greek Leadership Honorary); Study Abroad: La Universidad Academia de Humanismo Cristiano, Santiago, Chile; Department of Biology - Teaching Assistant; Department of Modern Languages - Spanish Tutor; Sigma Xi (Scientific Research Society); Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish honorary); June Orientation - Student Staff Coordinator, Student Staff; August Orientation - Student Staff; Office of Admissions - Host; Department of Athletics - Camera Operator; Kappa Kappa Gamma Women’s Fraternity - Education Chairman (historian and programming coordinator), Marshal (Ritualist and Parliamentarian), Chairman of Education Committee, Chairman of Ritual Committee, Preference Round Day Head for Formal Recruitment, Standards Committee; Varsity Golf - Team Captain; The LeaderShape Institute; Student - Athlete Advisory Council (DSAAC); D.U. Lead; Denison Community Association - Companions Program; IM Flag Football, Basketball .

Presentation remarks: Megan has been a student staff member for June-O for several years and in this position she actively articulates the college’s mission and ideals to incoming students and their families. Megan’s effectiveness in June-O, combined with her leadership and organizational skills, led to her selection as the 2010 Student Staff Coordinator for June Orientation. Megan is a student-athlete who has played on the women’s varsity golf team for the past four years and currently is team co-captain. Her many efforts have surely enhanced the quality of list for many Denisonians.

Christopher Greene

Chris Greene

B.A. Economics (mathematics concentration); Medina, Ohio

Office of Campus and Residential Life - Resident Assistant, Development Committee; Beta Theta Pi - Alpha Eta Chapter - Secretary/Treasurer, Recruitment Chair, Institute for Men of Principle; Working Group on Men; First-Year Programming Board; D.U. Men’s Leadership Alliance; D.U. Lead - On Site Coordinator; Futures Quest - Interfraternity Conference; The LeaderShape Institute - On Site Coordinator; Denison Student Activities Office - Intern; Catalyst - On Site Coordinator.

Presentation remarks: Rarely is Chris at the forefront of leadership programs taking a public role; almost always, however, Chris is behind the scenes ensuring that all of the most minor details have been covered and accounted for. Chris was most instrumental in the execution of this last fall's DU Lead. Over the years, Chris has helped shape multiple leadership opportunities for hundreds of Denison students. Always thoughtful and a model of integrity, Chris has been especially engaged with issues facing men in leadership positions, and has always been eager to roll up his sleeves and get involved in finding ways to improve men's roles in campus life.

Hayes Griffin

B.A. Music Performance (guitar); Heath, Ohio

Dean’s List; Department of Music - Fellow, Stage Manager, Concert Recorder, Tutor; Vail Arts Scholar; Denison Bluegrass Ensemble; Denison Jazz Ensemble; Denison Jazz Combo; Denison Guitar Ensemble; Denison Swing Ensemble; Denison Fine Arts Tour Guide; Placed fourth in the Wayne C. Henderson Guitar Contest, Wilson, Va.

Presentation remarks: As a member of The Denison Jazz Combo and The Swing Ensemble, Hayes has shown himself to be an outstanding student leader of ensembles as well as stellar performer. Hayes has a gentle and confident style when interacting with his peers. He is a person other students look to when they need musical guidance and advice. He has regularly taken the leadership role in Denison bands, running rehearsals and booking performances both on and off-campus. Hayes performs often with professional bands in the central Ohio area, always representing himself, the music department and the university in exemplary fashion. His identity in the greater community is a testament to his leadership and personal skills.

Natalie Gross

B.A. Economics and History; Ann Arbor, Mich.

Phi Beta Kappa; Honor’s Program; Founder’s Award Scholarship; Park National Bank Endowed Scholarship in Economics; Department of History - Fellow; Phi Society; Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics Honorary); Phi Alpha Theta (History Honorary) - Vice President; Mortar Board; Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics Honorary) - Vice President; Department of Economics - Introductory and Intermediate Microeconomics Tutor; Denison University Writing Center - Co - Manager and Writing Consultant; Community Rights and Standards Board - Chair; Academic Affairs Council - Student Representative; Prologue: First-Year Writing Journal - Editor-in-Chief, Co - Founder; The Denisonian - Staff Writer; Varsity Cross Country, Indoor Track and Track - Distance Runner; Green Team - Secretary, Recycling Chair; Canterbury Club.

Presentation remarks: Bright and engaging, a thoughtful leader who is committed to the Denison community, Natalie has been a leader on the Community Rights & Standards Board. Similarly, she has been insightful and engaged on the Academic Affairs Council, as Vice President for the History Honorary and as co-manager of the Writing Center. Joining the cross country and track teams during her sophomore year, Natalie's training and racing were limited due to injuries but nevertheless she was a great model for her teammates, remaining involved and attending every practice even when unable to participate. She has been a great morale builder for her teams.

Emily Handelman

B.A. Environmental Studies and Biology; Rochester, N.Y.

Center for Religious and Spiritual Life - Student Staff Coordinator; Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field - “Heart of the Team” Award (2X); Hillel - Co - president, Secretary; Department of Environmental Studies - Teaching Assistant; Department of Biology - Research Assistant.

Presentation remarks: Through two years of transition in the Office of Religious Life, Emily has provided leadership in two major areas. She was co-President of Hillel, the Jewish student organization on campus, for two formative and constructive years. She is also serving currently as the first ever "Student Staff Coordinator" for the new Center for Religious and Spiritual Life: The Open House. She has built excellent relationships with our student Rabbis and has helped establish a strong identity among members of the board and within the broader organization. A four-year letter winner in track, Emily is a tough competitor and a team leader. Twice in three years her teammates voted her the “Heart of the Team” award.

Patrick Hewitt

B.A. History; Warren, Ohio

Department of History - Fellow; Dean’s List; Phi Alpha Theta (History Honorary);Danish Institute for Study Abroad; Copenhagen, Denmark; Directed Study - London, United Kingdom; Directed Study - Nafpaktos, Greece; Student Activities Office - Intern; Office of Admissions - Tour Guide, Intern; University Programming Council (UPC) - President, Trips and Games Director; Denison Campus Governance Association (DCGA) - Finance Committee, Senator, Academics Committee Member; Outlook - Senator; LeaderShape Institute; National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) - Outstanding Undergraduate Student Leader Award.

Presentation remarks: Patrick possesses that special ability to garner the support and enthusiasm of a group and his attitude and excitement both encourage and motivate others to do their best. He has been highly involved in the Mid-America Regional Conferences and the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA). Just this past fall at the national conference, Patrick was recognized with highest honor given to students by NACA when he was designated as the Outstanding Undergraduate Student. As president of University Programming Council, his upbeat and fun-loving approach has helped earn him deep appreciation and respect from his fellow students.

Chuan-Xing Ho

B.S. Biochemistry; Philosophy minor; Johnson City, Tenn.

Department of Chemistry - Senior Fellow, Award for Outstanding Service; National Goldwater Science Scholarship; Wells Science Scholarship; Mortar Board (National College Senior Honorary); Sigma XI (Scientific Research Society); Alpha Epsilon Delta (Health Professional Honorary); Phi Society; Anderson Summer Research Assistantship in the Sciences; Dean’s List; Honors Program; Outstanding First-Year Chemistry Student; Sophomore QUEST—Student Facilitator, First-Year Student Orientation—Staff Member; LeaderShape® Institute; Denison Vail Series - Senior Intern, Usher; Department of Chemistry - Tutor, Librarian; Office of Admissions - Host; Denison University Biological Society (DUBS) - President; Asian Culture Club - Public Relations Chair, Historian; Fencing Club - Public Relations Chair; Denison Community Association - Habitat for Humanity, Companions, Student Global AIDS Campaign, After School Drama Club; Denison Chemical Society - Fall Honors Social Committee; Outing Club; Badminton Club; Violin; Ishin Ryu Karate, Kung Fu, Tai Chi.

Presentation remarks: Chuan-Xing has a gifted mind, full of curiosity, an abundance of talent in several disciplines, and simultaneously he has a wonderful superbly humble, level-headed personality. A dedicated, published researcher and Anderson Summer Research Scholar, he is a Fellow in the Chemistry Department, President of the Denison Biological Society and was recognized with the Biology Department Award for Outstanding Service. A student leader/facilitator for Sophomore QUEST, a First-Year Student Orientation Leader, he has served all three and a half to four years for the Vail Series as a Senior Intern and Usher. Chuan-Xing’s impact has been enormous and he has richly earned the respect and appreciation of students, faculty and staff.

Benjamin Hobbs

B.A. Political Science; Alliance, Ohio

Dean’s List; Richard G. Lugar Program in Politics and Public Service - Domestic Affairs; United States Senator Richard Lugar - Office Intern; American University, Washington Semester Program in American Politics, Washington, DC; Ohio Treasurer of State, Kevin L. Boyce - Intern; Denison Campus Governance Association (DCGA) - Vice President, Senator; Beta Theta Pi Fraternity - Philanthropy Chairman, IFC Representative, House Manager, Standards Committee; August Orientation - Group Leader, Facilitator; Office of Campus and Residential Life - Office Assistant; Boy Scouts of America - Eagle Scout; Rotary Foreign Exchange Student - Czech Republic; Who’s Who Among American College Students; Model United Nations; Gamma Sigma Alpha (Greek Academic Honorary); DU Lead - Group Facilitator; Mortar Board (Academic and Service Honorary); DU Men’s Leadership Academy; Phi Society; Vocal Music Choirs; Pi Sigma Alpha (Political Science Honorary).

Presentation remarks: Ben has taken important leadership roles at key times, and in each of those roles, he has successfully enacted positive change. As DCGA Vice President, he successfully helped implement new quiet housing options and chaired the committee on Residential Life. Within Beta Theta Pi, as Philanthropy Chair, Ben saw the need to create a signature philanthropy event and in doing so raised hundreds of dollars for the Center for Disability Services. As a trustworthy, professional and poised student leader, he developed his ability to effectively articulate the student experience and perspective to administrators and at the same time tactfully communicate institutional decision making to peers. Ben is an outstanding model of the balanced life.

Emily Julian

B.A. Psychology; English Literature minor; Strongsville, Ohio

Dean’s List; Leadership Fellow; Student Affairs Directed Study - Intern; Office of First-Year Studies - Student Assistant; Office of Housing and Residential Life - Head Resident, Summer Resident Assistant, Resident Assistant, Training Committee; Trustee Nominating Board; Appeals Board; Delta Gamma - Beta Zeta Chapter - Director of Scholarship, Vice President: Social Standards; Delta Gamma Foundation Scholarship; Denison Campus Governance Association - Executive Committee - Finance Chair; Denisonian - Reporter; The LeaderShape Institute; Denison Community Association - Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Denison Newark - Connection; Office of Admissions - Host; Gamma Sigma Alpha (Greek Honorary); Mortar Board; Rho Lambda (Women’s Greek Honorary) Executive Board - Vice President; Psi Chi (Psychology Honorary) Executive Board - Programming; Sigma Tau Delta (English Honorary); Phi Society.

Presentation remarks: Emily is a true “standout” for her capable leadership, scholarship and service accomplishments. She has exhibited these talents in student government, in Greek life, and in residential life where she has been a role model as both an RA and HR. Emily served on the nominating committee to select a recent graduate to serve on the Board of Trustees and on the University Appeals Board where she is known for her outstanding analytical ability and problem solving skills. An outstanding student and scholar, she designed both course work and research in critically important areas of student affairs. A conscientious, thoughtful, engaging and caring student and person, Emily will be deeply missed.

Michelle Kailey

B.A. Religion; Psychology minor; Kokomo, Ind.

Honors Program - Mentor; Dean’s List; Paschal Carter Scholarship; Summer Research - Woodyard Scholar; Fund for Theological Education - Undergraduate Fellow; Department of Religion - Fellow; Psi Chi (Psychology Honorary) - Treasurer; Eta Sigma Phi (National Classics Honorary); Office of Admissions - Intern, Tour Guide; Department of Religion - Teacher’s Assistant; Summer Lilly Intern; August Orientation - Student Staff; Office of Alumni Relations - Alumni Weekend Staff Member; Denison Christian Community - Treasurer; Religious Life Advisory Board; Denison Community Association (DCA) - Big Brothers/Big Sisters Lunch Buddy, New Beginnings; Women’s Club Volleyball - Founder, President; IM Volleyball, Basketball.

Presentation remarks: Michelle leads by example with boundless energy, compassion and encouragement. Whichever hat Michelle is wearing – be it scholar, Admissions worker, community volunteer or trusted friend – she approaches life with an upbeat, cheerful attitude. From early in her Denison career Michelle saw herself as creating bridges between groups of Christian organizations inspiring her to create an intra-religious organization, the Denison Christian Community, which brought together groups including Young Life, the Newman Club, Agape, and the Presbyterians at Denison. Her work signals leadership that is innovative, sensitive to differences, and passionate.

Bethany Keller

B.S. Geosciences; Economics minor; Worthington, Ohio

Rho Lambda (Women’s Greek Leadership Honorary); Pi Beta Phi, Ohio Eta Chapter - President, Vice President of Philanthropy, Outstanding Sophomore Award, Outstanding Junior Award, Columbus Alumnae Club Scholarship; LeaderShape Institute; Denison Alumni Award; F.T Holden Scholarship; Richard and Marian Mahard Award; C.A.R. (Champions Are Readers); Relay for Life - Team Captain; Denison Student Athletes Advisory Committee (DSAAC); Varsity Field Hockey Captain, “Heart of the Team”, All - North Coast Athletic Conference Honorable Mention (2X), All - Tournament Team; Women’s Varsity Lacrosse - Captain, All - Tournament Team, First Team All - North Coast Athletic Conference, Second Team All - Region, “Heart of the Team”.

Presentation remarks: Poised and calm, great problem-solver, pleasant and nurturing with teammates, fiercely competitive on the field, Bethany has served as captain of Denison's field hockey and lacrosse teams. She exhibits incredible initiative, motivation and integrity in everything that she does. She is a key reason why her team is extremely positive, intense, and focused. Serving first as Vice President for Philanthropy and then as President, Bethany implemented creative ways for her sorority to support literacy. By reaching out to other chapters around the nation, Bethany developed "Pi Phi Palooza," the largest and most successful philanthropy project sponsored since Pi Phi has been at Denison.

Jenna Kelly

B.S. Psychology (neuroscience concentration); Biology minor; Buffalo Grove, Ill.

Phi Beta Kappa; Department of Psychology - Senior Fellow, Statistics Computer Lab Monitor; Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship; Paschal Carter Scholarship; Anderson Award; Anderson Summer Scholar Research Assistantship Directed Study - “Hemifield effects in vision”; Honors Program - Mentor; Mortar Board (National College Senior Honorary); Sigma Xi (The Scientific Research Society) - Grant - in - Aid of Research; Phi Society; Dean’s List; Brain Facts Recording; Articulate - Editorial Board; Nu Rho Psi (Neuroscience Honorary) President, Vice President; Neuroscience Education and Research at Denison (NERD) - Vice President, Treasurer; Psi Chi (Psychology Honorary) - Secretary; Office of Academic Support - Head Tutor, Tutor for Biology, Mathematics, Psychology; Denison Community Association (DCA) - Hope for Autism - Team Leader; Symphony Orchestra - Violinist; Dance Performances.

Presentation remarks: Currently serving as President of Nu Rho Psi, the national Neuroscience Honorary, and as active Vice-President of Neuroscience Education & Research at Denison, Jenna has worked tirelessly to help with neuroscience-related outreach activities, especially her outstanding commitments over three years with the Central Ohio Brain Bee and Science Night at the Newark Works. For her outstanding academic and research record, Jenna earned the highly competitive Goldwater Scholarship in 2009. A consistent leader and model in the classroom, Jenna’s commitments to her scholarship and laboratory research in vision have been complemented by her exceptional commitments to the children and families in Hope for Autism.

Allison Klein

B.A. Communication; English Literature minor; Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.

Lambda Pi Eta (Communication Studies Honor Society) - Vice President; Sigma Tau Delta (International English Honor Society); Founders Scholar; John Budd Long Scholar; Arcadia University Sydney, Australia Australian Studies; Shakespeare Intensive Study - London and Stratford; The Denisonian - Editor - in - Chief; Denison Lecture Series - Vice President, Board Member; University Programming Committee - Comedy Committee; Delta Gamma Fraternity - Vice President, Communications, Director of Activities; Panhellenic Council - Standards Board Member; The LeaderShape Institute; DU Lead; Denison Community Association; Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Denison Service Orientation.

Presentation remarks: Ally has spent countless hours brainstorming ways to make The Denisonian more interesting and more student-driven than ever before. As editor-in-chief, she worked tirelessly to recruit incoming first-year students who had writing experience. Ally secured funding for these students to attend the Associated College Press (ACP) & College Media Advisors (CMA) National Convention in Austin in order to make sure that when she left her post, The Denisonian would have dedicated students to continue this important campus tradition. Warm-hearted, thoughtful and creative, her leadership often has been behind-the-scenes.

Stephanie LaCount

B.S. Biochemistry; Cincinnati, Ohio

Philip F. Dye Memorial Award; Mortar Board (National College Senior Honorary); Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry - Fellow, Laboratory Assistant; Physics Book Award Recipient; Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry - Outstanding Student; Dean’s List; Denison Honors Program; Paschal Carter Scholarship; Robert C. Byrd Scholarship; National Merit Finalist; Physical Chemistry - Teaching Lab Design; Academic Support and Enrichment Center - Search Committee; Department of Chemistry - Head Tutor; Department of Biology - Tutor; Department of Mathematics - Tutor; Alpha Epsilon Delta (National Health Preprofessional Honorary) - Vice President; Religious Life Advisory Board; Denison International Relief Effort (DIRE); Operation Smile; Break Away; Denison Chemical Society - President; Doane Library - Circulation Student Employee, Acquisitions Student Employee.

Presentation remarks: An exemplary student - bright, responsible, curious, motivated, respectful of peers and instructors - Stephanie is a leader by example. Serving as president of the Denison Chemical Society, Stephanie also serves as Head Tutor for the University Tutoring Program. She displays remarkable patience and understanding combined with a firm hand and light-hearted encouragement. In her multiple responsibilities, Stephanie demonstrates initiative, integrity, and maturity. She has made a great impact on others at Denison and will continue to make great impacts on others throughout the course of her life.

Kimberly Lewis

B.A. Sociology/Anthropology and Spanish; Newport News, Va.

Fulbright Scholarship - ETA Grant Recipient to Ecuador; Sigma Delta Pi (National Collegiate Hispanic Honorary); Alpha Kappa Delta (International Sociology Honorary); Lambda Alpha (National Anthropology Honorary); Department of Sociology/Anthropology - Fellow; Department of Modern Languages - Fellow; Phi Beta Kappa; Summer Scholar (Research on masculinity in online gaming); McMahon/Romaniak Summer Stipend; Research Presenter at Ohio Latin Americanist Conference ("Youth, Education, and the Citizen’s Revolution in Ecuador"); Phi Society; Denison Religious Understanding (DRU) - President, Discussion Leader, Leadership Council; Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish Honorary) - Chapter President; Language and Culture House - Spanish Teaching Assistant; QUEST Sophomore Retreat - Student Leader; LeaderShape Institute; SafeZone - Advisor; Sexual Harassment and Rape Education (SHARE) Advocate; Office of Academic Support and Enrichment - Student Tutor, Spanish and Sociology/Anthropology; Varsity Swimming and Diving - Team Manager.

Presentation remarks: Modeling strong linguistic skills in Spanish and cultural competency, Kim has left her mark among our Spanish students with her unwavering service and leadership in Sigma Delta Phi, the Spanish Honorary Society. In her own hometown, Kim designed a Spanish language education program in order to expand HIV testing. An active member and then a co-president of Denison Religious Understanding (DRU), Kim's skill at helping people see from the vantage of others' perspectives in order to better understand their own is unparalleled. Her ability to motivate and organize is rare among her peers and her modeling of honest, thoroughgoing dialogue is an invitation that many have accepted.

Emily Marshall

B.A. Economics (mathematics concentration); Louisville, Ky.

Delta Gamma, Beta Zeta Chapter - President, Vice President of Communications; Denison Founders Scholarship; Park National Bank Endowed Scholarship in Economics; Toledo Alumni Chapter of Delta Gamma Scholarship; Dean’s List; Pi Mu Epsilon (National Mathematics Honorary); Omicron Delta Epsilon (International Economics Honorary); Mortar Board (National Honor Society); Outstanding Greek Leader Award; Outstanding Greek Athlete of the Year Award; Academic Affairs Council; LeaderShape Institute; Greek Advance; Teacher’s Assistant, Introduction to Macroeconomics and Intermediate Macroeconomics Tutor; Young Scholar Program; Prospective Student Host; Denison Student Athletes Advisory Committee (DSAAC); Varsity Field Hockey - Captain; National Field Hockey Coaches Association All - Academic Squad, “Heart of the Team” Award, Second Team All - North Coast Atlantic Conference.

Presentation remarks: As an athlete, Emily was a mentor and role model for her teammates by way of her tremendous work ethic, skill and sportsmanship against opponents. Her motivating words of encouragement and commitment to the team were acknowledged when she was named as a team captain during her senior season. Emily has served as an outstanding leader not only during athletic competitions serving as Captain of our Varsity Field Hockey team but also on Academic Affairs Council and as a host to prospective students. Emily is a disciplined, driven, energetic, ethical young woman whose accomplishments led to her selection as NCAC all-conference and to National Field Hockey Association All-Academic Squad.

Lauren Meyer

B.S. Psychology; Biology (neuroscience concentration) minor; McFarland, Wis.

Anderson Scholarship for Excellence in Science; Paschal Carter Scholar; Department of Psychology - Senior Fellow; Mortar Board (Senior Honorary) - Vice President of Service; Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Nominee; Sigma Xi (The Scientific Research Society) Associate Member; Phi Beta Kappa; Psi Chi (Psychology Honorary); Nu Rho Psi (Neuroscience Honorary) - Secretary; Phi Society; Dean’s List; Honors Program - Mentor; Presidential Scholars Program; Anderson Scholarship for Summer Research; Mellon Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Experience in Decision Making; Midwestern Psychological Association; Ohio Academy of Science - Judge, Behavioral and Social Science Team, Ohio State Science Day; Ohio Academy of Science Conference - Medicine, Health, and Physiology Podium Session; Hope for Autism - Parent and Organization Contact Chair, Team Leader; Neuroscience Education and Research at Denison (N.E.R.D.) - President, Vice President; Denison University Biological Society (DUBS) - Public Relations Chair; After School Drama Club - Chair; President’s Volunteer Gold Service Award; Office of Academic Support and Enrichment - Psychology, Biology, and Chemistry Tutor; Office of Admissions - Tour Guide; Secular Student Alliance; Denison Religious Understanding; Red Cross Blood Drive; Project NAS 2008 - Audio recording of the National Academy of Sciences’ Science, Evolution, and Creationism, “Voice of Neuroscience” 2008; Gospel Choir; Concert Choir.

Presentation remarks: Bright, conscientious and an exceptional leader, Lauren played a strong role in the formation of Neuroscience Education & Research at Denison and served as president. She earned charter membership into Nu Rho Psi –the National Honor Society for Neuroscience and she was a key organizer for three years of Brain Bee. Within DCA, Lauren has chaired Hope of Autism for three years where her passion for children with autism has flourished. Working with the Cleveland Clinic, she helped organize three conferences on our campus for our student volunteers and for professionals and parents in our community. Lauren’s exceptional contributions both on and off campus will be deeply missed.

Hannah Miller

B.A. Sociology/Anthropology; Kinsman, Ohio

Institute for the International Education of Students, Santiago, Chile; Ashbrook Scholar for Summer Research; Alford Center for Service - Learning - Paul R. Ashbrook Scholar; Office of Admissions - Senior Interviewer; Department of Sociology/Anthropology - Fellow; Jonathan Everett Dunbar Scholarship in the Humanities; National Merit Scholar; Strimbu Memorial Fund Leadership Scholarship Award; Denison GO Fellowship; Leadership and Community Involvement Scholarship; Phi Beta Kappa; Mortar Board; Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology Honorary); Iota Iota Iota; (Women’s Studies Honorary); Lambda Alpha (Anthropology Honorary); Harry S Truman Scholarship Finalist; Marshall Scholarship Finalist; President’s Gold Service Award; Honors Program; Denison Community Association (DCA) - Vice - President, BreakAway - Trip Leader, Make - A - Difference Day, A Call to College, Big Brothers Big Sisters; Denison Service Orientation - Student Coordinator, Student Leader; Model United Nations - Research Assistant; August Orientation - Student Staff; June Orientation - Student Staff; Writing Center - Consultant; Educación Popular en Salud Santiago, Chile; Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Washington, D.C.; KIPP Journey Academy - Volunteer; English Opens Doors; Denison Religious Understanding (DRU); Newman Catholic Ministry - Executive Board; Service Chair.

Presentation remarks: Hannah's exceptional work with the Housing Coalition is only one of many community-based and public service projects where Hannah’s exceptional leadership has flourished. From her work as the student coordinator of the Denison Service Orientation to her leadership as a BreakAway trip coordinator and leader, Hannah demonstrates her creativity and adaptability as well as her organizational and leadership abilities. Low-key and unassuming in her interactions with others, Hannah brings order to situations of uncertainty and reason to moments of high emotion. She does this with kindness and a caring spirit. Part of her effectiveness rests in her ability to model the highest qualities of humanity, and to implicitly ask others to meet her at that high standard.

Alyssa Rossodivita

B.S. Biology; Spanish minor; Kirtland, Ohio

Mary E. Carr Full Tuition Scholarship Recipient; Margaret Ann Watkin Award for Juniors in Biology; IES Study Abroad in Santiago, Chile; Department of Biology - Senior Fellow; Sigma Xi Research Honorary; Mortar Board; Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish Honorary); Alpha Epsilon Delta (Pre - Health Honorary); Anderson Summer Scholar; Department of Biology - Teaching Assistant; Alford Center for Service - Learning - Intern, Tour Guide; Denison Service Orientation; Salvation Army; August Orientation Leader; Break Away Alternative Breaks - Co - Chair, Co - Leader/Organizer, President’s Award for Most Improved Volunteer Committee; LeaderShape; ESOL tutor in Newark, Santiago, Chile; Denison Community Association (DCA) - Cabinet Member, Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Rookie Volunteer of the Year; Denison Equestrian Team.

Presentation remarks: During her term as chair of BreakAway, the number of winter-break trips expanded from two to six, enabling 84 students to participate. Her deeply-held commitment to serving those who are neglected or marginalized drives her passion. Alyssa brings tremendous motivation, discipline, and a high degree of curiosity to both her academic and community work. Both students and faculty recognize Alyssa on campus as a leader who is effective in motivating and coordinating others. With her kind spirit and continuous optimism, Alyssa is a person of personal integrity for whom service to others is fundamental to her values.

Wagner Soto

B.A. Communication; Roxbury, Mass.

Study Abroad: IES Tokyo Society and Culture Program, Student Council; Posse Foundation Leadership Scholar; Department of Modern Languages - Spanish Teacher’s Assistant, Office Assistant; La Fuerza Latina - President, Vice President; Denison Campus Governance Association (DCGA) - Senator; Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) - Company Commander.

Presentation remarks: Wagner is a strong yet quiet leader who has worked diligently to make sure that students interested in Latino/a culture and issues have the opportunity to be part of an organization that embraces them and supports them. Serving first as Vice President of La Fuerza Latina and then as President, he also was involved in The IES Tokyo Student Council while abroad. His strong leadership abilities have clearly surfaced in his service as Company Commander in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Hard working and disciplined, Wagner is a person who has been committed to finding ways for our community to more productively utilize our diversity in ways that enhance understanding for all of us.

Emily Stimpert

B.A. Psychology and Educational Studies; Music Performance (vocal) minor; Worthington, Ohio

Mortar Board; Gamma Sigma Alpha (Greek Academic Honorary); Rho Lambda (Women’s Greek Honorary); Psi Chi (Psychology Honorary) - Vice President; Kappa Delta Pi (Education Honorary) - President, Vice President; Denison Alumni Award Scholarship; Campus and Residential Life - Resident Assistant, Head Resident; Denison Community Association (DCA) - Hope for Autism: Kappa Kappa Gamma (Philanthropic and Social Sorority) - Registrar; Chamber Singers; Women’s Choir; Concert Choir; Women’s Varsity Golf.

Presentation remarks: A key facilitator for Residential Life’s “Leadership-Supervision-Management” workshops during staff training in August, people listen to and respect Emily. As an outstanding vocalist with the Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, member of our Women’s Varsity Golf Team, and with her superb summer and senior research in psychology, Emily truly personifies the liberal arts! She embraces the powerful combination of science for humanity. She has combined her passion for helping children with rigorous summer and senior research projects on how music affects their comprehension. Emily has had a lasting impact on both our campus and surrounding communities.

Katherine Summers

B.A. Sociology/Anthropology; Greenfield, Ind.

Sociology/Anthropology Department Fellow, Department Forum - President, Vice - President; Lambda Alpha (Anthropology Honorary); Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology Honorary) Phi Beta Kappa; Mortar Board; Dean’s List; Arcadia University, Sydney Semester Internship, Sydney, Australia - Study Abroad; Arcadia Sydney Semester Internship, Sydney, Australia - Intern; Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges; Off - Campus Study Office - Outreach Coordinator; Denison Community Association (DCA) - Reflections Chair, Licking County Legal Aid Intern; Denison Service Orientation - Student Coordinator, Student Leader; Denison Campus Governance Association (DCGA) - Co - Governor, Senator, Academic Chair.

Presentation remarks: With her intelligence, creativity, and flexibility to solve the kinds of problems that DSO trips present, Kate also has the patience, kindness and humor to oversee forty incoming students and five student and two faculty advisors. When she became the Student Staff Leader, she handled responsibility for oversight and organization of the entire program with grace and self-assurance. Kate has brought her talents to other areas of Service-Learning, including BreakAway, Legal Aid and the DCA Cabinet which, along with strong contributions to her Sociology/Anthropology major, she has won the admiration of both fellow students and faculty.

Yu-Shan Sun

B.S. Computer Science; Economics minor; Quito, Ecuador

Parajon Scholarship; Peer International Student Advisor; Denison International Student - Pre - Orientation Staff; LeaderShape Institute; Asian Culture Club - Treasurer, President; Denison International Student Association (DISA) - Social Chair; Office of Admissions - Intern, Tour Guide; University Bookstore - Staff; Slayter Union Building Manager, Mailroom Staff; Denison Summer Science Research Symposium; Poster Presentations: Automated Tools for Reasoning in CS Courses, Automated Generation of Verification Clauses for Formally Specified Software; Summer Science Research Symposium; Presentation: Generic Sorting in RESOLVE; RESOLVE 2009 Workshop: Software Verification - the Cornerstone of Reuse.

Presentation remarks: Sami’s knowledge of and belief in the value of Denison and all it has to offer our students drive his daily work and his passion for our institution. Serving first as Treasurer and now as President, his leadership in the Asian Culture Club has resulted in steady growth and dynamic programming. An extraordinary Admissions intern, tour guide and the “I’ll help however I can person,” an officer of the Denison International Student Association and key member of the International Student Pre-Orientation Staff, and a Peer International Student Advisor, he has been a leader on the pre-orientation staff for the past three years. An exceptional individual who has had an amazing impact, Sami has made Denison a better place.

Ashley Taylor

B.S. Biology and Latin; Chemistry (pre-med concentration) minor; Canal Winchester, Ohio

Alpha Epsilon Delta (national premedical honorary) - President, Historian; Honors Program - Assistant; Dean’s List; Phi Society; Sigma Xi (Scientific Research Society) Associate Member; Who’s Who Among Students of American University and Colleges; Office of Campus and Residential Life - Head Resident, Resident Assistant; Denison Community Association - Red Cross, American Reads - Advisory Board; University Programming Board (UPC) - Assistant Director of Special Events, Executive Secretary; Peer Mentor, Peer Mediator; LeaderShape; DU Lead - Facilitator; Annual Fund Volunteer; Dance Department - Videographer; Office of Admissions - Host; Club Volleyball; Intramural Sports.

Presentation remarks: Honest, loyal and warm-hearted, Ashley’s peers look to her as someone who can easily understand what to do in times of crisis and keep her cool. As an RA and now HR, she has displayed sound judgment and maturity, and modeled strong problem solving skills. Ashley developed programs for first-year and upper-class students, supervised staff members, served on the training, selection and recognition committees and co-chaired the Residential Life Selection Committee. A DU Lead Facilitator and trained Peer Mentor and Mediator, Ashley is a leader who has made the mentoring of others one of her top priorities.

Rachel Voelkle

B.A. Sociology/Anthropology; Marilla, N.Y.

Department of Sociology/Anthropology - Fellow, Research/Teaching Assistant; Lambda Alpha (Anthropology Honor ary); Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology Honor ary); Charles J. Ping Student Community Service Award Winner, Legacy Honorarium Recipient; Mary Carr Endowed Scholarship; Denison Community Governance Association (DCGA) - Finance Reform Committee; Office of Campus and Residential Life - Resident Assistant; Denison Community Association (DCA) - Treasurer, Cabinet Member, Garden of Hope Co - Intern; August Orientation - Staff Member; Alford Center for Service - Learning - Office Worker, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lunch Buddy, Salvation Army; Denison Knitting Co - Op - Co - founder, Chair, Instructor; Breakaway Alternative Breaks - Site Leader, Co - Chair; Women’s Leadership Network - Co - Founder, Facilitator; Kairos Retreat - Leader; President’s Volunteer Gold, Silver Service Award.

Presentation remarks: Rachel’s strong presence and inspirational leadership are thoroughly interwoven throughout the Denison Community Association. On several DCA committees, as well as in her capacity as Morrow House RA, as convener of a group of women student leaders, as a student leader for the winter BreakAway trips for the past two years and this spring in a leadership role in the Haiti Relief Coordinating Committee, Rachel’s work is characterized by depth and meaning. Always demonstrating character, intelligence and grace, she has had an enormous impact on Denison, our students as well as those in other communities whose lives she has touched.

Teresa Young

B.A. Communication and Spanish; Payne, Ohio

Fulbright Scholarship (English Teaching Assistantship, Argentina); University Honors Program; Mortar Board (National College Senior Honorary) - Co - Vice President; Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish Honorary) - Treasurer; Department of Spanish - Research Fellow; Lambda Pi Eta (Communication Studies Honorary); Geraldine H. Crocker Scholarship (Awarded by department faculty for excellence in Communication); Department of Communication - Research Fellow, Research presentation at University of St. Thomas’ Undergraduate Communication Research Conference; Universidad de Humanismo Cristiano, Santiago, Chile; Organizational Studies; Office of Campus and Residential Life - Resident Assistant, Recognition and Development Committee; Office of Academic Support and Enrichment - Spanish Tutor; Varsity Women’s Basketball - Team Captain; Language in Action Conference May 2010 - Student Representative Planning Committee; Denison Community Association (DCA) - Big Brothers Big Sisters, Homelessness and Hunger Awareness Committee, Habitat for Humanity; Centenary United Methodist Church (Granville, Ohio) - Life Group Leader; DU Lead - Facilitator; Catalyst; Bench Press to Beat Cancer.

Presentation remarks: An outstanding student leader in the classroom, on the basketball court and as an RA, in all that she does, Teresa is driven by her commitment to service. An excellent captain and a wonderful ambassador for our women's basketball team, she played a key role in mentoring a group of younger players this year and showed them how to navigate the path to being a successful student/athlete. Teresa’s leadership and character also are expressed in her commitment to children in Big Brothers/Big Sisters and as a mentor through Life Group at Centenary United Methodist Church. Wherever she goes, Teresa will be a visible agent for change in bettering her community.

Dr. Samuel J. Thios

Sam Thios - Distinguished Leadership Award

Dr. Samuel J. Thios

Vice President for Student Affairs, Professor of Psychology
B.A., Wake Forest Univ.; M.A., Univ. of Richmond; Ph.D., Univ. of Virginia

Professor Samuel J. Thios has been a treasured member of Denison’s faculty and administration since 1972 when he joined the Psychology Department as an assistant professor. He was named associate professor in 1977 and full professor in 1982. He served as chair of the department for 11 years and was named acting president of the college during the 1988-89 academic year.

Thios became Vice President for Student Affairs in 1995 and will continue in that role until his retirement in June. He was the first recipient of the Charles and Nancy Brickman Distinguished Service Chair which he held from 1993 to 1998, as a person “who is outstanding in the teaching role, in concern for students and in exemplary service to the community.” He also was recognized as Teacher of the Year by the Crossed Keys student honorary in 1986.

His teaching areas were Child and Adolescent Development, Exceptional Children, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Thios is the author or co-author of more than 30 publications, research papers, and book reviews. He was editor-in-chief of Down Syndrome Quarterly (1995-2006) and editor of Psychology in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (1987-2008).

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