Three young alumni honored with college award

September 16, 2015  


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Three alumni from Purdue University's College of Liberal Arts will receive the 2015 Emerging Voice Award.

Honorees Akin Ayodele, Stephanie Pemberton and David Swenson will receive the award at a Sept. 18 reception.

This year's recipients are:

* Ayodele, a 2001 graduate with a bachelor's degree in sociology, splits time between a career as a serial entrepreneur and investor and philanthropy work as co-founder of The Dream Builders Foundation in Colleyville, Texas. His work spans several industries, leading businesses in the strategic implementation of investments. A former NFL linebacker, Ayodele strives as a philanthropist to help "at-risk" youth by using The Dream Builders Foundation to pair pro athletes from a variety of sports with the organizations and projects that help those youth. He also is a motivational speaker. More information is available online.

* Pemberton has served as senior director of marketing for the last three years with the Indianapolis Colts. She graduated in 2005 with a bachelor's degree from the Brian Lamb School of Communications. During her 12 years with the NFL team, she has worked up through the community relations department, including director of community relations. More information is available online.

* Swenson has gone on to earn awards for his part in video-game development after graduating in 2004 with a master's degree in sound design and technology. He currently works as audio director for Activision, where his team developed the sound work for "Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare," which earned Audio of the Year honors in 2014. His achievements range from other video games, including Dead Space, to sound designs for Super Bowl commercials, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City and a new Broadway-style musical produced by Disney Theatrical. More information is available online

Writer: Brian L. Huchel, 494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu 

Source: Chris Sharp, College of Liberal Arts director of alumni relations and special events, 765-494-7884, ctsharp@purdue.edu 

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