Each year, thousands of fancy ceremonies are held to formally recognize individuals for their accomplishments. This recognition is usually symbolized with the transfer of some shiny object, like a medal or a statue, from the awarding institution to its designee.
Far too often, however, these awards go to the wrong people for the wrong reasons. In recent years, for example, two super models have won Oscars for Best Actress, and Yasser Arafat was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Personally, I can live with the occasional, undeserving jerk who receives an accolade he has not earned. What bothers me, though, is that there are many extraordinary people who are never appreciated for what they do or who they are. During my time at WU, I’ve gotten to know a few of these individuals and, while they might hate me for doing this, I feel they deserve to be recognized. So, I’ve put together my own award ceremony. Here goes:
Awards for Modesty go to. Alison Strom and Tara Liss
These are two of the most intelligent, warm, magnanimous people you’ll ever meet. Alison, an RA (among other things), once told me she was worried she wasn’t spending enough time with her residents because she was “strong in Alpha Phi.” A few weeks later, someone casually mentioned that she was actually the president of that sorority. Tara was awarded one of the university’s most prestigious scholarships, something I discovered only after I pried it out of her. Both Alison and Tara could have let these things slip without appearing boastful, but chose not to. That kind of modesty is rare indeed.
Awards for Generosity go to. Carl Nordenbeg and Jessica Lipps
Carl and Jess spend their time thinking of ways to give to their friends, family, and anyone else they meet. Carl does thoughtful little favors for people every day. He is also a student advisor and goes above and beyond for each of his advisees. Jess puts her friends and family before herself. This past semester, she spent so much time listening to, comforting, and supporting one friend that her school work began to suffer because of it. They are both truly selfless souls and, if you know them, you should consider yourself lucky.
The Resilience Awards go to.Bill Bulman and Taylor Upchurch
Bill and Taylor, the former co-editors-in-chief of Student Life, have put their hearts and souls into this paper since they were freshmen. They did more work than they had to, supported their staff in incredible ways and held a sometimes tumultuous operation together by sheer force of will. They will be missed.
The Courage Award goes to. Alicia McDonald
I’ve seen Alicia grill Ward Connerly, stand up to predatory politicians and challenge injustice openly and fearlessly wherever she has encountered it. She cares deeply about the social problems plaguing this country and has, time and again, taken great, personal risks to fight for those that cannot fight for themselves. Alicia is one of those people you would trust with your life, because you know she’d do everything she could to protect you.
The Class Act Award goes to. Ashish Asawa
Ashish, a pre-med, did incredibly well on his MCAT this year but decided he wanted to do even better. After receiving his scores, Ashish knew immediately that he’d have to re-take the notoriously arduous exam and delay his application to medical school. I saw him the day after he got his scores. He didn’t complain once. At a school where you can’t get through a day without someone reminding you of how much work they have, Ashish’s attitude was truly remarkable. I’m sure he was down that day, but he didn’t want to lay his problems on anyone else.
The Devotion Award goes to. Kathleen Drury
You will not find a professor with a greater respect for the learning process than Kathleen Drury. Perhaps that is why she gives so much to each of her classes. Drury, who teaches English composition, not only commits her student’s papers to memory, she also takes the time to learn their names, majors, and anything else they’re willing to share with her. Drury also manages to challenge and befriend her students simultaneously, a skill that earns her both respect and adoration. You will simply never come across a better professor.