Scholarship, Leadership Recognized at UA’s Annual Honors Week

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama honored its top students of 2001-2002 for their scholarship and leadership today during the Tappings and Awards Ceremony on the Mound, the highlight of UA’s annual Honors Week, April 8-12.

Outstanding Student Awards for each class were presented to: Outstanding Freshman, William Jamison of Tuscaloosa; Outstanding Sophomore, John Richard Beasley Jr. of Mobile, Outstanding Junior (female), Holly Morris of Grand Rapids, Mich.; Outstanding Junior (male), Nabeel Memon of Tuscaloosa; Outstanding Senior, Lisa S. Jones of Fort Payne; Outstanding Graduate Student, Bethany Powell of Birmingham (35216); Outstanding Transfer Student, Lauren Davidson of Madison.

Recipients of UA’s Premier Awards were recognized by Dr. Nancy Barrett, UA provost and vice president for academic affairs. These top awards, given by UA President Andrew Sorensen, include the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, the William P. Bloom Scholarship Award, the John Fraser Ramsey Award and the Morris Lehman Mayer Award.

This year’s Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award was presented to one man and one woman of the graduating class and one non-student who has been helpful to, and associated with, the University. The Sullivan Award recognizes excellence of character and service to humanity. Student winners of this year’s Sullivan Award are James “Jim” Frank Ford of Auburn and Lisa Somerville Jones of Fort Payne. Dr. Gary April, chair of UA’s chemical engineering department, received the Sullivan Award as a non-student honoree.

The William P. Bloom Scholarship Award honors a junior who has improved intergroup relations within the University community; this year’s recipient is Kana Anne Ellis of Tuscaloosa.

The John Fraser Ramsey Award, named in honor of the late University history professor emeritus, recognizes in a junior the versatility of gifts and attainments, as well as the breadth of excellence in mind and character, that have traditionally been the goals of a liberal education. The recipient of the Ramsey Award is Christopher Todd of Piedmont.

The Morris Lehman Mayer Award, named in honor of Morris Lehman Mayer, business professor emeritus, recognizes one member of the graduating class who exemplifies integrity, selfless service and leadership at UA. Andrew “Drew” Maddox Thornley of Jasper received the Mayer Award as the graduating recipient.

John J. McMahon Jr. of Birmingham was named recipient of this year’s Frances S. Summersell Award, sponsored by UA’s Iota Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK). Established in 1992, this award recognizes an individual or individuals who have aided the educational mission of the University or improved the quality of life in the state. McMahon, chairman of the executive committee of McWane Inc. in Birmingham, has served in numerous leadership positions for the University. He has been a member of the UA Board of Trustees since 1998 and is an executive committee member of the UA Crimson Tradition Fund.

The University’s Amanda Grace Taylor Watson Distinctive Image Award, given by the UA Capstone Men and Women organization, was presented to Emily Jamison, director of special services, University Advancement. The award, named in memory of former Capstone Woman Amanda Grace Taylor Watson, is given to a person who exemplifies the essence of the University in all aspects of life.

The Walter R. Guyton Student Service Award was presented to Dr. Larry Bowen, associate director of the UA Center for Teaching and Learning. The Guyton Award recognizes outstanding commitment to service of UA students.

The Other Club Outstanding Senior Awards were presented to Jon Macklem of Daphne, Carlisle Campbell of West Point, Miss., and Bridgette Fisher of Nashville, Tenn. The Other Club Outstanding Faculty Awards went to Dr. Martha Powell, professor and chair of biological sciences, and Dr. James Otteson, assistant professor of philosophy. The Other Club Person of the Year Award went to Dr. Norm Baldwin, associate professor of political science. The Other Club is a student-run honorary organization that brings together undergraduate leaders, concerned faculty and local citizens to discuss timely issues in an Oxford-style atmosphere; it was originally founded in London in 1911.

The UA National Alumni Association’s 2002 Alumni Student Awards were given to Cameron Leigh Willis of Gadsden, Christopher Dean Bottoms of Enterprise, and Thomas B.D. Lee of Greensboro. This award honors members of the senior class who have excelled in academics and extracurricular activities, shown strength of character and maturity, and displayed exceptional hospitality toward guests and friends of the University.

The Alumni Association also presented the 2002 Alumni Outstanding Senior Award to Rebecca Baum of Gadsden; Lisa S. Jones of Fort Payne; Amber Martin of Birmingham (35215); Monica Moss of Hattiesburg, Miss.; Andree Pickens of Houston; Lauren Santi of Nashville, Tenn.; James “Nick” Irvin of Dora; Charles “Randall” Minor of Birmingham (35211); Christopher Lee Moore of Florence; Michael Stoltz of Pleasant Grove; and Drew Thornley of Jasper.

Haley Shawn Noble of Jackson received the 2002 Penny Allen Award, recognizing a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership. The award also recognizes university employees who have contributed to the quality of student life, and was presented this year to Helga Visscher, acting head librarian and associate professor for the McLure Education Library, and Carl Bacon, director of Union Facilities. The award was established in honor of the late Sara Bell Penrod “Penny” Allen of the UA School of Social Work.

The top University-wide honor societies also tapped new members. They include:

ANDERSON SOCIETY: Anderson Society is an honor society for seniors. The society’s 24 members are chosen in recognition of their significant contributions to the University and the Tuscaloosa community. The society seeks to promote high academic standards as well as excellence in student leadership and service.

New members are: Katherine Paterson Booth, Birmingham (35213); Elizabeth Marie Brown, Roanoke; Christin Nell Collier, Rainbow City; Kimberly Anne Collins, Kingwood, Texas; Christopher Caleb Connor, Tuscaloosa; Robert Neal Davis, Montgomery; Blakely Palmer Dueitt, Louisville, Ky.; Kana Anne Ellis, Tuscaloosa; Lindsay Paige Hembree, Anniston; Laura E. Herring, Opelika; James Albert Hurt III, Clinton, Miss.; Allison Judith Kellogg, Madison, Miss.; Emily Suzanne Loggins, Oneonta; Mark Walter Charles Martin, Huntsville; Nabeel Ahmed Memon, Tuscaloosa; Holly Michelle Morris, Grand Rapids, Mich.; James Louis Perrien, Mobile; Kelly Laine Pinckard, Troy; Robin Marie Preussel, Tuscaloosa; Tonita Jean Romero, Prattville; Katherine Irene Terry, Huntsville; Andrew Christopher Todd, Piedmont; Jennifer Ann Traywick, Clanton; Elizabeth Margaret Watson, Tuscaloosa.

Honorary members are: Jessica Brooks, Elaine Globetti, Steve Johnson, Kimberly Arleen Mason, Dr. Forrest McDonald, Dr. Gary Taylor, Tyler Farrior Watts, Jennifer Brooke West.

BLUE KEY HONOR FRATERNITY: Blue Key was, with Omicron Delta Kappa and the Jasons, one of the first three honor societies at UA. During the Great Depression, Blue Key ceased operating on the campus, but it returned in 1987. Blue Key members are selected during spring semester of the junior year and must represent high scholastic ideals, leadership, and diversity of background. Selection is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on rising seniors.

New members are: William Bruce Akin Jr., Vestavia Hills; Haley Amanda Andrews, Oxford; Katherine Paterson Booth, Birmingham (35213); Elizabeth Marie Brown, Roanoke; Joshua Adam Burcham, Cherokee; Mary Emily Chastain, Fairhope; Haley Marie Clark, Northport; Christin Nell Collier, Rainbow City; Kimberly Anne Collins, Kingwood, Texas; Christopher Caleb Connor, Tuscaloosa; Blakely Palmer Dueitt, Louisville, Ky.; Kana Anne Ellis, Tuscaloosa; Frances Anne Fulton, Montgomery; Wesley Elizabeth Harriss, Baton Rouge, La.; Lindsay Paige Hembree, Anniston; Laura Elizabeth Herring, Opelika; Kristen Keye Horn, Opelika; James Albert Hurt III, Clinton, Miss.; Louis R. Jernagan II, Pensacola, Fla.; Lauren Elizabeth Kallus, Birmingham (35242); Allison J. Kellogg, Madison, Miss.; Emily Suzanne Loggins, Oneonta; Mark Walter Charles Martin, Huntsville; Nabeel Ahmed Memon, Tuscaloosa; Holly Michelle Morris, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Adam Selig Muhlendorf, Florence; Jessica Faye Najjar, Snellville, Ga.; Haley Shawn Noble, Jackson; James Louis Perrien Jr., Mobile; Kelly Laine Pinckard, Troy; Ashley Fallon Ragsdale, Huntsville; Justin R. Reynolds, Montgomery; Grantland T. Rice, Montgomery; Sharman Elizabeth Ringland, Birmingham (35213); Tonita Jean Romero, Prattville; Leslie Cloye Scarbrough, Geneva; Lydia M. Seabol, Florence; Victoria Nicole Shepard, Foley; Emily Ruth Smith, Hoover; Lindsay Marie Snellgrove, Enterprise; Deborah Toluwalope Sodeke, Auburn; Jodi Michelle Teaford, Sylacauga; Andrew Christopher Todd, Piedmont; Jennifer Ann Traywick, Clanton; Elizabeth Margaret Watson, Tuscaloosa; Anthony Brett Wilborn, Fort Payne; Rachel Leigh Wood, Hamilton.

MORTAR BOARD: Election to Mortar Board, a national honor society for men and women, is based on leadership, scholarship, and service. It is one of the highest honors that can be granted to seniors. Members must display outstanding dedication to service and leadership.

New members are: Haley A. Andrews, Oxford; Katherine Paterson Booth, Birmingham (35213); Betsy M. Brown, Roanoke; Lindsey W. Clements, Opelika; Christin N. Collier, Rainbow City; Kimberly A. Collins, Kingwood, Texas; Christopher Caleb Connor, Tuscaloosa; David A. Cusimano, Tuscaloosa; Blakely P. Dueitt, Louisville, Ky.; Kana A. Ellis, Tuscaloosa; Kayla Bonnie Erwin, Grand Bay; Jason M. Goggins, Montevallo; Wesley E. Harriss, Baton Rouge, La.; Lindsay P. Hembree, Anniston; Laura E. Herring, Opelika; James A. Hurt, Clinton, Miss.; Lauren E. Kallus, Birmingham (35242); Allison J. Kellogg, Madison, Miss.; Kimberly L. Kornman, Helena; Emily S. Loggins, Oneonta; Mark W.C. Martin, Huntsville; Nabeel A. Memon, Tuscaloosa; Jan Elizabeth Mims, Monroeville; Clint Moore, Brent; Holly M. Morris, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Jessica F. Najjar, Snellville, Ga.; Lila D. Newton, Greenville; Haley S. Noble, Jackson; James L. Perrien, Mobile; Whitney Brooke Perry, Anniston; Kelly L. Pinckard, Troy; Lance H. Poole, Tuscaloosa; Robin Marie Preussel, Huntsville; Ashley F. Ragsdale, Huntsville; Justin R. Reynolds, Montgomery; Sharman E. Ringland, Birmingham (35213); Tonita J. Romero, Prattville; Nicholas C. Seamon, Prattville; Cecile M. Smith, Brewton; Deborah T. Sodeke, Auburn; Jodi Michelle Teaford, Sylacauga; Katherine Irene Terry, Huntsville; Andrew C. Todd, Piedmont; Jennifer A. Traywick, Clanton; Ebonye R. Underwood, Montgomery; Holly Sue Vliek, Athens; Kathryn E. Wallace, Birmingham (35216); Elizabeth M. Watson, Tuscaloosa; A. Brett Wilborn, Fort Payne; Rachel Leigh Wood, Hamilton.

OMICRON DELTA KAPPA: The purpose of ODK is to recognize those students who have attained high standards in collegiate activities, to inspire others to strive for similar attainments, and to bring together students in all areas of college life: scholarship; athletics; campus or community service; social and religious activities; campus government; journalism, speech, and mass media; and creative and performing arts.

New members are: William B. Akin, Vestavia Hills; Laura E. Anderson; Haley A. Andrews, Oxford; Emily S. Bishop, Great Falls, Va.; Michael G. Bonfield, Muscle Shoals; Katherine P. Booth, Birmingham (35213); Betsy M. Brown, Roanoke; Tasha M. Bryant, Decatur; Hannah L. Buchanan, Arab; Joshua A. Burcham, Cherokee; Haley M. Clark, Northport; Christin N. Collier, Rainbow City; Kimberly A. Collins, Kingwood, Texas; Christopher C. Connor, Tuscaloosa; David A. Cusimano, Tuscaloosa; Blakley P. Dueitt, Louisville, Ky.; Kana A. Ellis, Tuscaloosa; Susanna L. Firestone, Southside; Frances A. Fulton, Montgomery; Jason M. Goggins, Montevallo; Michael E. Hallman, Cottondale; Justin F. Harrison, Tuscaloosa; Jennifer B. Heard, Germantown, Tenn.; Lindsay P. Hembree, Anniston; Laura E. Herring, Opelika; William M. Hill, Huntsville; Kristen K. Horn, Opelika; James A. Hurt, Clinton, Miss.; Sarah H. Johnston, Benton, La.; Lauren E. Kallus, Allison J. Kellogg, Madison, Miss.; William W. Kilgroe, Pell City; Kenneth B. King, Daphne; Kimberly L. Kornman, Helena; Ashley D. LaBudde, Smyrna, Ga.; Amanda K. Leech, Broussard, La.; Emily S. Loggins, Oneonta; Mark W.C. Martin, Huntsville; Alexa L. Martinez, Leander, Texas; Laura J. Medders, Thomasville, Ga.; Nabeel A. Memon, Tuscaloosa; Elizabeth M. Milner, Baton Rouge, La.; Holly M. Morris, Grand Rapids, Mich.; Adam S. Muhlendorf, Florence; Jessica F. Najjar, Snellville, Ga.; Eleanor L. Parker, Tuscumbia; Andrew S. Passmore, Saraland; Bhavik N. Patel, Tuscaloosa; David G. Patton, Birmingham (35216); James L. Perrien, Mobile; Whitney B. Perry, Anniston; Kelly L. Pinckard, Troy; Robin M. Preussel, Hunstville; Oscar M. Price, Birmingham (35213); Challis E. Prillaman, Hermitage, Tenn.; Ashley F. Ragsdale, Huntsville; Justin R. Reynolds, Montgomery; Grantland T. Rice, Montgomery; Sharman E. Ringland; Birmingham (35213); Tonita J. Romero, Prattville; Leslie C. Scarbrough, Geneva; Lydia M. Seabol, Florence; Sarah K. Sexton, Selma; Elizabeth T. Sims, Birmingham (35213); Cecile M. Smith, Brewton; Emily R. Smith, Hoover; Lindsay M. Snellgrove, Enterprise; Deborah T. Sodeke, Auburn; Jennifer A. Traywick, Clanton; Elizabeth M. Watson, Tuscaloosa; Anthony B. Wilborn, Fort Payne; Steven D. Yates, Tuscaloosa.

Faculty/Staff Members: Cornelius Carter, Dr. Deborah F. Crown, Jan Pruitt Duvall, Dr. Angela K. Lewis, Dr. James Otteson, Dr. Jane Rasco.

Alumni Member: Nancy Parker.