B.A., Religion; Bucyrus, Ohio

William Gregory Holden, son of Barbara and William Holden of Martha Avenue, Bucyrus, Ohio, was among six Denison University seniors who were honored by President Dale T. Knobel as this year's "President's Medalists" during the University's annual Academic Awards Convocation on April 11. Holden is a 1999 graduate of Bucyrus High School.

President Knobel's presentation remarks:

"Greg, your many letters of nomination cite the multiplicity of ways in which your star has shone brightly at Denison over the past four years. To say that you are the epitome of a well-rounded student is accurate, but it doesn't do justice to the depth of engagement at every single point of that well-roundedness.

"Your academic record is impressive as a member of the Phi Society, a Teaching Assistant and Departmental Fellow for the Religion Department, and a Denison nominee for the Truman Scholarship. Even a partial listing of your larger contributions to the campus makes one believe that bi-location is possible: class co-governor in your first two years at Denison, Tour Guide and Senior Interviewer for the Admissions Office, Hilltopper and member of the Gospel Choir, student representative of the Board of Trustees Committee on Greek Life, participant in Habitat for Humanity, LEADS swim program for at-risk children, and Outdoor Orientation Planning Board.

"At the same time you somehow managed to establish a larger-than-life reputation at Denison by recreating the Crew Team, a remarkable whirlwind of activity in transforming a small inactive team of eight students into a strong competitive team of 80 students - right here in the middle of landlocked central Ohio! Thanks to your vigorous fundraising efforts, a Crew Club that just four years ago owned a single shell and one dilapidated trailer now has eight shells and a refurbished trailer. You led the team in regattas from Columbus to Atlanta to the Charles River in Boston, bringing to realization something that will be an important part of Denison life in years to come.

One of your professors says that you are driven 'not by a need for recognition, but by a sheer love of life.' He adds the following: 'In the final analysis, the greatest testimony to the impact that Greg has had on our lives is the affection we all have for him and the love he has for Denison and the gratitude he feels for this place and its people.'

"Greg, we return that gratitude by thanking you for the many contributions you have consistently made to the college. We are much in your debt, and we are privileged to have had you as a Denison student."