Purdue News

September 23, 2003

One Brick Higher goes to student leader

Emily Gurry, a junior who started a tutoring program in Purdue Village, is the latest winner of the One Brick Higher Award, given by President Martin Jischke to faculty, staff and students who do exceptional things.

Jischke presented the award at the Sept. 18 President’s Forum.

Gurry, a junior in psychology and the philanthropy chair for student honorary Alpha Lambda Delta/Phi Eta Sigma, was instrumental in initiating a tutoring service for children of married students who live in Purdue Village. She believed that members of the honorary could be excellent role models for older elementary or middle school students, an age group she felt was sometimes overlooked. Gurry gained support for her idea by speaking with the manager of Purdue Village, and the tutoring service is now beginning to blossom.

One nominator said of Gurry: "Emily never ceases to amaze with her energy, her focus, and her gentle personality. Her hard work, pursuit of excellence in both classroom and co-curricular activities, and her desire to make a positive difference make her an excellent candidate for this award."

In honoring Gurry, Jischke pointed to Purdue’s focus on service learning and community service.

"We want to teach our students not only the importance of service, but a love for service that will continue throughout their lives," he said. "Our students are responding to this. They are volunteering on their own and as members of organizations.

"We have wonderful students at Purdue. Emily is truly one of the best. I thank her for her leadership, her example, her work and everything she is doing for our University and our community."