Purdue's top seniors to be honored at spring commencement
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University will honor some of its highest-academic achieving graduating seniors during spring commencement ceremonies on May 13, 14 and 15.
Rachel E. Schluttenhofer
Rachel E. Schluttenhofer, of Thorntown, Ind., who majored in biochemistry in the School of Agriculture, has been awarded the 2011 Flora Roberts Award. The award is presented annually to the outstanding senior woman to honor her scholarship, leadership, character and service to the university community. Schluttenhofer will enter a doctorate program in biological sciences at the University of Notre Dame in July. 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.
Benjamin A. Nault of Kendallville, Ind., who majored in chemistry in the College of Science, has been awarded the 2011 G.A. Ross Award, which is presented annually to Purdue's outstanding graduating senior man. Nault plans to attend the University of California at Berkeley in the fall to pursue a doctorate in earth and planetary science. 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 permanently inscribed on the award marker on Purdue Mall.
Benjamin A. Nault
In addition to these students, other seniors who will receive university honors include:
Christopher J. Schoepp of Indianapolis, who majored in communication, received the Louis Sudler Prize in the Arts. 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.
Arman A. Batayev of Pavlodar, Kazakhstan, who majored in agricultural economics, 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 graduation index, 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.
The three students who were awarded the Charles O. McGaughey Leadership Awards are David J. Andrews of Ft. Wayne, Ind., who majored in social studies-history; Kristin K. Shrack of Zionsville, Ind., who majored in general health sciences; and Jamie L. Steiner of Berne, Ind., who majored in quantitative agricultural economics.
McGaughey, a 1939 Purdue graduate, established the awards to honor students for leadership potential. To be eligible for these awards, students must have completed a minimum of two years full-time study at Purdue and achieved at least a 3.0 graduation index. Recipients are selected on the basis of their contributions to the university and the community. Each honoree receives a crystal paperweight commemorating the award and $3,345 as an acknowledgment of their superior leadership abilities, scholarship and appreciation of basic American values.
Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu
Source: Christine DeHahn Pass, assistant registrar for records, registration and graduation, 765-494-6163, dehahn@purdue.edu
Related news release:
'Hero of Hudson' Sullenberger to speak at Purdue commencement"