April 10, 2006 -- James Bishop of Weiner, a senior at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, today was named the recipient of the R.E. Lee Wilson Award for 2005-2006 at the 73rd annual Student Honors Awards Ceremony and Reception in the new Student Union Auditorium.

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.

Bishop will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from the College of Sciences and Mathematics. He has served on the Student Activities Board and Student Leadership Board and has also played a key role in numerous student organizations, excelling 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. Perry Wilson, a great-great-grandson and long-time supporter of ASU, presented this year’s award, the 120th since the first award was given in 1934.

Wilson read quotes from the letters of nomination while introducing Bishop as the Wilson Award winner. Writers described him by stating, “Anyone who is fortunate enough to come in contact with James Bishop realizes that he is truly a brilliant, hard working individual with greater ambitions of helping those who are less fortunate than most. James continues to serve as an example of the best that humanity has to offer. We are a better organization because of this person’s character, commitment and dedication...”

Bishop also was named one of four recipients of the Distinguished Service Award.
Other DSA winners were Marvin Alexander of Chicago, Candace Martin and Ashley Tidwell, both of Jonesboro.

ASU President Dr. Les Wyatt 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:

                                        James Bishop of Weiner

James will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and an emphasis in pre-professional studies. James has served as president of the Student Leadership Board and in numerous director positions within the Student Activities Board. He has been a Tribal Leader for three years and was named as the 2003 Tribal Leader “Rookie of the Year” and in 2004 was the Tribal Leader of the Year. James has spent a greater portion of the last four year’s giving his time and talent by serving as a mentor and tutor for the Upward Bound program. The Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity member has been on the President’s List and Dean’s List and was elected to the 2005 Homecoming Court. He has researched with Dr. Jeanette Loutsch in the Department of Biological Sciences on three major projects through the McNair Scholars Program, including a study on regulating the spread of West Nile Virus.

James is the son of Rick and Reginia Raines of Weiner. His advisor is Dr. Ronald Johnson.

                                   Marvin C. Alexander of Chicago

Marvin will graduate at the May 2006 Commencement after only three years of study, completing a bachelor’s degree in social work. Marvin has been a leader in several organizations on campus, serving as president of the NAACP, director of cultural diversity for the Student Government Association, and vice-president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. He was a residence assistant in Twin Towers men’s residence hall, where he was named “RA of the Week” on several occasions. This past December, Marvin was selected as a Global Student Leader traveling to China and Hong Kong. He is Dean’s List student and is a member of numerous honor societies and has participated on the Debate Team. He has served as president of the National Association of Black Social Workers, and has participated in numerous community service activities, including the Hillcrest Elementary Lunch Buddies Program for the past three years.
 
Marvin is the son of Shirley Alexander of Dayton, Ohio. His faculty advisors are Scott Burcham and Dr. Patricia Walls.

                                    Candace Martin of Jonesboro

Candace will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an emphasis in public relations. A Dean’s List and President’s List student, Candace has been active in many campus organizations, including the Student Activities Board and the Future Alumni Network. Candace has served as both president of the Student Government Association and president of Chi Omega sorority. She was elected to the Homecoming Court last fall and has received numerous awards for her campus involvement, including the 2004-05 SGA Senator of the Year and the 2005 Best Director Award. Candace traveled to New Zealand and Australia as a Global Student Leader and has volunteered for many charities including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics, Race for the Cure and Relay for Life.

She is the daughter of John, Jr. and Kay Martin of Jonesboro. Her advisor is Dr. Gil Fowler.

                                  Ashley K. Tidwell of Jonesboro

Ashley is a University Honors graduate and will graduate with a bachelor’s of arts degree in English this May. She has played in the Handbell Choir, marched as a participant in the Color Guard with the ASU band, and served as president of the Literature Club. She has been very active with the ASU Honors Association, serving as activities director, vice-president and prime minister. The Trustees’ Scholar, who has been named to both the President’s List and Dean’s list, has served on the Student Government Association and as a board member for the Future Alumni Network. Ashley contributes to the community mainly through the Colleges Against Cancer, where she has served on the Survivorship Committee and as secretary of the organization.

Ashley is the daughter of John and Teresa Tidwell of Sherwood and her advisor is Dr. Deborah Chappel.