Purdue's top students to be honored at spring commencement

May 7, 2013  


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University will honor some of its highest academic-achieving graduating seniors during spring commencement ceremonies on May 10-12.

Two students from the College of Agriculture were honored with the university's top student awards for graduating seniors.

Laura A. Donaldson

Laura A. donaldson 
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Laura A. Donaldson of Kentland, Ind., who majored in agribusiness management, has been awarded the 2013 Flora Roberts Award. The award is presented annually to the outstanding senior woman to honor scholarship, leadership, character and service to the university community. Donaldson will be working with John Deere in marketing. The award is made possible through a bequest from Flora Roberts, a member of the Purdue class of 1887. The recipient receives a $500 award, medallion and her name inscribed on the award marker on Purdue Mall.

Gabriel W. Rangel

Gabriel W. Rangel  
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Gabriel W. Rangel of Indianapolis, who majored in biochemistry, has been awarded the 2013 G.A. Ross Award. The award is presented annually to Purdue's outstanding graduating senior man. He starts graduate school at Harvard University to seek a doctorate in biological sciences and public health. G.A. Ross, a 1916 graduate, stipulated that the award go to a graduating senior man demonstrating high standards of academic achievement, outstanding leadership, strength of character and contribution to Purdue. The recipient receives a $500 award, medallion and his name inscribed on the award marker on Purdue Mall.

Donaldson and Rangel, along with the following student awards, will be recognized at their respective commencement ceremonies.

The France A. Córdova Award for Leadership in Action was awarded to Jackson H. Troxel of LaCrosse, Ind., who majored in agricultural economics in the College of Agriculture. Troxel was honored for his leadership in President's Leadership Class, the Purdue Agricultural Council where he served as president, Purdue Student Government, a team leader for Boiler Gold Rush, a founding member of Purdue Ag Week and other organizations. This award honors a graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership during his or her Purdue career. The student must have held successful leadership roles at Purdue, working in partnership with staff and faculty to move the university forward, while maintaining a minimum 3.0 grade point average. The award winner receives a certificate, a cash award and their name inscribed on a plaque.

The Louis Sudler Prize in the Arts was awarded to Cameron K. Cecil of Fishers, Ind., who majored in mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering. The prize is awarded to an outstanding senior who has demonstrated excellence and the highest standards of proficiency in the visual or performing arts. The late Louis Sudler, a Chicago businessman and supporter of the arts, endowed this award. The recipient receives $1,000 and a certificate.

Lourdes C. Urena of Panama City, Panama, who majored in interdisciplinary engineering, received the Martin C. Jischke Outstanding International Student of the Year Award. This award was established by president emeritus Martin C. Jischke to honor an international Purdue student who has made special efforts to welcome and connect with people of all cultures. The award is granted to a graduating senior who has attained a minimum 3.0 GPA, demonstrated leadership qualities, achieved academic accomplishments and participated in service projects. The recipient receives a cash award along with their name inscribed on a plaque in Schleman Hall. 

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu 

Sources: Christine DeHahn Pass, assistant registrar for records, registration and graduation, 765-494-6163, dehahn@purdue.edu

Nicole Zimmerman, commencement coordinator, 765-494-6157, nzimmerm@purdue.edu 

Related news release:

Purdue campuses to host spring commencement ceremonies

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