New awards to recognize top seniors

By Sarah R. Buchholz, Chronicle staff

hancellor John V. Lombardi is calling for nominations from the faculty for a new set of awards to recognize outstanding seniors, according to the Provost's Office. The awardees will be designated as University of Massachusetts Amherst Leaders for the 21st Century.

     As many as 12 awards will be presented at the 2003 Commencement ceremony. Recipients will receive an adaptation of the Chancellor's Medal.

     "He wanted to take the opportunity of Commencement to recognize a group of outstanding students who are both talented academically and also have contributed to the University with exceptional performance in other areas," said interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jo-Anne Vanin. "It's our hope that faculty from across the University will take this opportunity to nominate their students who stand above the rest."

     The award is designed to recognize students who have strong academic records and additional "exemplary achievements" that distinguish themselves and "enhance the reputation of the University."

     A variety of contributions to the campus community will be considered for the award. They include:

     Demonstrating strong leadership qualities, characterized by the ability to unite and inspire others towards positive action, or expanding the intellectual climate of their academic area through noteworthy original research;

     Noticeable improving the quality of life for others through community service, either at the University or off-campus;

     Advancing the teaching mission of the University as an exceptional undergraduate teaching assistant whose efforts continually motivate others to learn;

     Exemplifying perseverance and courage by overcoming extraordinary personal obstacles through resolve and a determination to excel;

     Participating in the demands of public presentation, either by exhibiting a truly inspiring caliber of artistic talent, through creation or performance, or by excelling in the competitive demands of athleticism.

     "The idea is that we have some fabulous students on this campus who contribute to the University's well being in many different and comprehensive ways," said Charlena Seymour, interim vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and provost. "We want to recognize their accomplishments and nurture a relationship with them for the future's sake. We want them to look back and remember that the University really valued them.

     "We also want to strengthen our relationship with our alumni, and we hope that as people who exhibited leadership while they were students, they also will lead the way in the Alumni Association and alumni involvement."

     Nominations forms, accompanied by the student's vita, must be submitted by February 3, 2003 to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life, Attn: Committee-Leaders for the 21st Century, 319 Whitmore or via e-mail (vc@stuaf.umass.edu).

     Forms can be downloaded from the Web (www.umass.edu/commencement/nominations.html).