Purdue's 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 11-13.
Elaine Gilbert
Elaine A. Gilbert of Kirklin, Ind., who majored in psychology and youth, adult and family services in the College of Health and Human Sciences, has been awarded the 2012 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. Gilbert will be attending Indiana State University to pursue a doctorate in clinical adolescent psychology, and her career plans are to help troubled youth in a clinical setting. 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.
Joseph Muth
Joseph Thomas Muth of Knoxville, Tenn., who majored in materials science engineering in the College of Engineering, has been awarded the 2012 G.A. Ross Award, which is presented annually to Purdue's outstanding graduating senior man. Muth plans to pursue his doctorate in materials engineering at the University of Illinois and hopes to start his own company developing modular water purification strategies for developing areas. 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.
Also, a new university-wide recognition will be awarded this spring - the France A. Córdova Award for Leadership in Action. Nicholas Goldsmith of Frankfort, Ind., who majored in plant biology in the College of Agriculture; and Bradley D. Krites of Fort Wayne, Ind., who majored in management in the Krannert School of Management, are the first award recipients.
Goldsmith was recognized for his leadership in the Queer Student Union and LGBTQ Advisory Board, and he also worked on a resolution to add gender identity and expression, genetic information, and political affiliations to the Purdue nondiscrimination policy.
Krites was honored for his leadership of Purdue Student Government and creating and advocating for student policies such as the campus student bereavement policy and the statewide medical amnesty policy.
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.
In addition to these students, other seniors who will receive university honors include:
Caitlin A. Cotten of West Lafayette, who majored in communication-human relations, 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.
Bhimsupa Kulthanan of Bangkok, Thailand, who majored in history, 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 G.P.A., 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
Source: Christine DeHahn Pass, assistant registrar for records, registration and graduation, 765-494-6163, dehahn@purdue.edu
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