Purdue News

May 5, 2000 Purdue names outstanding agriculture senior WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University named Luke Jacobus of Columbus, Ind., as this year's outstanding senior in the School of Agriculture. Jacobus, an entomology major with an international study minor, studied in Japan and completed seven semesters of Japanese language studies. While at Iwate University in Japan, he also conducted environmental impact surveys for Nexus Corp. Jacobus is conducting a biodiversity study of mayflies in the streams, rivers and lakes of New York state, the results of which will be published in the journal Northeast Naturalist. Among his honors, Jacobus received an honorable mention in the competition for the National Science Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowships, and he is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He will deliver the class response during a commencement ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May 13, one of four commencements scheduled that weekend at the West Lafayette campus. After graduation, Jacobus will enter graduate school in the entomology department, continuing his studies of mayflies. Karl Brandt, associate dean and director of academic programs, said the outstanding senior is selected based on academics and leadership activities. "Jacobus has a broad education, international experience, has been active in student activities and has conducted undergraduate research," Brandt said. "He has done it all." CONTACTS: Jacobus, (765) 495-8330, or Brandt, (765) 494-8472 Compiled by Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page