Presentation Remarks:

"Jessie, in your time at Denison you have raised the meaning of ‘scholar-artist’ to new heights. You were selected as a Young Scholar and as an Alumnae Endowed Scholar. You also were chosen for numerous arts scholarships such as the Marimac, Vosmer, Wright, Shackelford, and Vail. You have combined an artistic flair and creativity with rigorous intellectual analysis and research. A teacher comments that your ‘academic efforts clearly demonstrate an inquisitive, discerning, and ruthlessly analytical intelligence.’ Your artistic vision reached its greatest exfoliation through your theatre major and your studio art minor where you have crafted a synthesis of visual and performance artistry. Another professor says that you look at the world ‘with a telescope in one hand and a magnifying glass in the other.’ You observe the details but do not get lost in them. You are drawn to seeing the artistic, social, and political connections of the world refracted through the lens of theatrical production. Not only were you involved in three to four main stage productions a year; you held a spectrum of positions, from actress to costume designer to wardrobe supervisor.

“The leadership skills you cultivated as a Posse Scholar before your time at Denison have blossomed at the College and are manifest in your many roles as a member of La Fuerza Latina and Women’s Emphasis, president of the theater honorary, June Orientation staff member, alumni fundraiser, and four-year disc jockey for WDUB, where you also served as Co-Station Manager and Fund Raising Coordinator. The culmination of your manifold contributions to the larger purposes of the College has been your selection for the Denison Distinguished Leadership Award.

“Jessie, as you move forward in the fulfillment of your artistic and theatrical goals, we are acutely attuned to the observation of Shakespeare that ‘all the world is a stage.’ It is clear that on that stage your performance will be as stellar and award winning as it has been here at our College.”

Student Achievements:

Posse Foundation Scholarship; Dean's List; Distinguished Leadership Award; Honors Program; Phi Society; Theta Alpha Phi (Theater Honorary) - President; La Fuerza Latina - Public Relations Chair; Jeanne Vail Fine Arts Scholarship; Edward Wright Scholarship; Marimac Scholarship; Reese & Shackelford Theatre Scholarship; Honors Senior Research - Explorations in Character and Costume; Department of Theatre - Lightboard Operator, Costume Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor, Dresser; Summer Scholar; June Orientation - Student Advisor; WDUB 91.1 FM Radio - DJ, Alumni and Fundraising Coordinator, Co-Station Manager; Denison Community Governance Association - Dining Committee, Personnel Committee; Woman's Emphasis