Shelley LunBeck of Jonesboro, a senior at Arkansas State University, today was named recipient of the 118^th R.E. Lee Wilson Award for 2003-2004 at the 71^st annual Student Honors Awards Ceremony and Reception.

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.

LunBeck will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the College of Sciences and Mathematics.  The outgoing president of the Student Government Association has played a key role in numerous student organizations and excelled in every aspect of her 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.  Perry Wilson, a great-great-grandson and long-time supporter of ASU, presented this year’s award.

Wilson read quotes from the letters of nomination while introducing LunBeck as the Wilson Award winner.  The writers described LunBeck as a student who “gives 110% in all she does and sets a standard for her fellow students to follow.”

Another nominator wrote, “Shelley is certainly an impressive individual and through her devotion to committees and philanthropies, she significantly contributed to making our campus a great one!”

LunBeck also was named one of four recipients of the Distinguished Service Award.

Other DSA winners were Lesley Pruitt of Newport; Allison Slinkard of Rogers; and Loretta Smith of Hazen.

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:

Shelley LunBeck of Jonesboro– Wilson and Distinguished Service Award

A President’s and Dean’s List student, LunBeck has served in many leadership positions on campus including president and vice-president of the Student Government Association, Presidential Ambassador, Global Student Leaders, president of Greeks Advocating the Mature Management of Alcohol, Tribal Leaders, American Chemical Society, Society of Leaders, and the Student Alumni Chapter. She is also a member of Alpha Gamma Delta.  Following graduation, she will attend the University of Arkansas Medical School in Little Rock to pursue her pharmaceutical degree.

LunBeck is the daughter of Jo and Dwayne LunBeck of Jonesboro.  Her advisor is Dr. Michael Panigot (pronounced Pan-uh-go).

Lesley Pruitt of Newport - DSA

Pruitt will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.  A President’s and National Dean’s List student, she has had numerous academic achievements during her undergraduate studies.  She is the recipient of the Harry S. Truman scholarship, Middle East Studies Committee scholarship and a Sturgis Trustees’ Scholar.  Pruitt is actively involved in many organizations, including the ASU Honors Association, Presidential Ambassadors, Phi Kappa Phi, Gamma Beta Phi, Phi Eta Sigma and College Bowl.  She will be attending the University of Queensland in Australia on a Rotary Ambassadorial scholarship in the fall.

Allison Slinkard of Rogers – DSA

Slinkard will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from the College of Communications.  A Dean’s List student, she has been active in many organizations including current president of the Student Activities Board, president of Lambda Pi Eta, Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, Student Union Advisory Board, Gamma Beta Phi, Tribal Leaders and Student Alumni Chapter.  Slinkard is also a President’s Scholarship recipient.  Following graduation she plans to begin her career and then attend graduate school.

She is the daughter of Howard and Karen Slinkard of Rogers.  Her advisor is Mr. Chris Harper. 

Loretta Smith of Hazen - DSA

Smith will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the College of Business.  A Presidential Scholarship recipient, Smith has held many leadership roles while attending ASU including the current president of Delta Sigma Theta, secretary of the Arkansas Pan-Hellenic Council, member of Black Student Association, National Association for Female Executives, National Dean’s List Award in 2001, MLK Image Award 2004, Golden Key Honors Society president, ASU Honors Society, Gamma Beta Phi, Beta Alpha Phi and Monster.com Diversity Leadership Award.  Smith was also named to Who’s Who Among America’s Colleges and Universities in 2003. She plans to enroll in graduate school to pursue her master’s degree. 

Her parents are Lindsey and Greta Smith of Hazen.  Dr. Patricia Toney-McLin is her advisor.

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Pictured here from left is Allison Slinkard of Rogers, Lesley Pruitt of Newport, Shelley LunBeck of Jonesboro and Loretta Smith of Hazen.

-- This and other releases are online at http://ASUnews.astate.edu/newspage.htm

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