Seven graduating Denison University seniors whose interests range from juggling, poetry, Spanish literature and dragonflies to cinema, athletics and opera were honored today (Friday, April 14) by President Dale T. Knobel as this year's "President's Medalists" during the University's annual spring Academic Awards Convocation.

The President's Medals were established in 1985 as Denison's highest and most prestigious honor, recognizing students who have demonstrated not only intellectual achievement, but also have made some other significant contribution to the community in such areas as global awareness, athletic fitness, leadership and campus discourse.

This year's seven President's Medalists, one of whom achieved Phi Beta Kappa status as a junior and four who were inducted this year, were presented by Associate Professor Michael Fuson, chair of the faculty. All of the medalists were named to the 2000 edition of "Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities" and six were named as Distinguished Leadership Award winners earlier in the semester. They are:

• Jarold "Jake" Tawney,    son of James and Mary Tawney of St. Ives Circle, Uniontown,
  
  
• Alison A. Stine,
      daughter of Herm and Nancy Stine of Marion Avenue Road, Mansfield,
  
  
• Edward S. Knotek,
      son of Edward and Toni Knotek of Windward Way, Strongsville,
  
  
• Holly L. Menninger,
      daughter of John and Marcia Menninger of Sundance Drive, Cincinnati,
  
  
• Robert E. Levine,
      son of Kathleen and Edgar R. "Sandy" Levine of North Tacoma, Indianapolis, Ind.,
  
  
• Jonathan J. Dunham,
      son of and Dr. and Mrs. Paul L. Dunham Jr. of Barratt Street, Laramie, Wyo., and
  
  
• Thomas I. James,
      son of Hubert and Blondine James of State Route 133, Blanchester.

About Denison:

Denison University, founded in 1831, is an independent, residential liberal arts institution located in Granville, Ohio. A highly selective college enrolling 2,100 full-time undergraduate students from all 50 states and dozens of foreign countries, Denison is a place where innovative faculty and motivated students collaborate in rigorous scholarship, civic engagement and the cultivation of independent thinking.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575