News from Arkansas State University For Release: March 31, 2003 |
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University Communications Office Jonesboro, Arkansas Staff: Tom Moore Virginia Adams 870-972-3056 fax 870-972-3069 Send mail: ASUnews@astate.edu Links: List of News/Announcements Upcoming Events About ASU ASU Home Page |
Wilson Award, Distinguished Service Awards given at Convocation Ceremony Sach Oliver (center) of Viola, a senior at Arkansas State University, today was named recipient of the 117th R.E. Lee Wilson Award for 2002-2003 at the 70th annual Student Honors Awards Ceremony. The Wilson Award, ASU's most prestigious student award, is presented annually to the most outstanding recent graduate or graduating senior. Selection from among the nominees is based upon character, determination, involvement and academic achievement. Oliver will graduate in May with a bachelor's degree in agricultural business from the College of Agriculture. The former president of the Student Government Association has played a key role in numerous student organizations and excelled in every aspect of his college career. The Wilson Award is presented at the annual Student Honors Reception during Convocation of Scholars, and is the highlight of the annual event. The award is named in honor of R.E. Lee Wilson, a member of the institution's Board of Trustees from 1917 to 1933. Wilson was dedicated to ASU's development in the early days, and his family has presented the award each year. Diana Wilson Gray, a great-granddaughter and long-time supporter of ASU, presented this year's award. Gray read quotes from the letters of nomination while introducing Oliver as the Wilson Award winner. The writers described Oliver as a student who has "tirelessly and whole-heartedly supported all areas of our university." "Sach is mature, decisive, intelligent and charismatic. He possesses strong determination and the will to succeed. He is a sincere person and has a great sense of pride for ASU. Sach's citizenship is outstanding and he has been endorsed as one of the finest students at Arkansas State University." Oliver also was named one of five recipients of the Distinguished Service Award. Other DSA winners were Sara Harris of Forrest City; Leah Minge of Mountain Home; Gustavo Pamplona Rehder of Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Lorna LaRee Scaife of Springfield. Dr. Rick Stripling, vice president for Student Affairs, presented the DSA awards, which are based on scholarship, contributions to student life, and involvement in university activities. All of the Distinguished Service Award winners have numerous achievements in leadership roles, campus activities and academics. Here are some highlights about each award recipient: Sara Harris of Forrest City -- A Presidential Ambassador, Harris has served in many leadership positions on campus including secretary/treasurer for the Student Government Association, Student Alumni Chapter president and a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Harris was also Miss Arkansas 2000. She currently works as a community education instructor for East Arkansas Community College, Mid-South Community College and Mississippi County Community College teaching various classes for children and teenagers. She is the daughter of Bette and H.N. Green of Forrest City. Her advisor is Dr. Joel Gambill. Leah Minge of Mountain Home -- A Cum Laude
graduate, Minge has been actively involved in many organizations on
campus including American Society of Mechanical Engineers, a board member
of the ASU Engineering Advisory Council, ASU Student Alumni Chapter,
National Society of Collegiate Scholars, a member of Chi Omega sorority
and she has been co-captain and captain of the ASU Cheerleading squad.
She is a President's and Dean's List student and was named to Who's Who
Among American Colleges and Universities. Choate was also a recipient of
the Outstanding Mechanical Engineering Graduate award and a President's
Scholar. Her parents are Harriet and Roger Minge of Mountain Home. Dr.
Brad Edgar is her advisor. # # # |
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