Honors, Achievements and Awards
Academic achievers across all disciplines were recognized at the Honors Convocation, held during the sixth annual Academic Excellence Celebration on April 25.
Division of Science and Mathematics honorees Kristyn Tully ’19 (mathematics), Ashley Hathaway ’19 (biology) and Brittni Futrell ’19 (biopsychology) are joined on the stage by (seated) Dr. Michele Schutzenhofer ’03, division chair; President James Dennis; and Dr. Christine Bahr, provost and dean.
The 2019 United Methodist Church Exemplary Teacher Award was presented to Dr. Nancy Ypma. The Distinguished Service Professor has taught music at McKendree since 1988 and is the University’s pianist and organist. As chair of the Division of Visual and Performing Arts, she ensures that its music, art and theatre curricula and programs are of the highest quality.
Associate Faculty Awards for Excellence in Teaching went to part-time instructors Dr. Tracey Layng-Awasthi, who teaches writing and literature and helps prepare future English teachers; and Antonio (Tony) Emanuel (not pictured), who teaches accounting and corporate finance courses online in the MBA program.
The President’s Award for Professional Excellence went to “Mr. McKendree himself,” Tim Mullins, printing and mail services manager and a staff member for 27 years.
Celebrating Academic Excellence
More than 300 students presented their original research, collaborative projects and
creative talent at the sixth annual Academic Excellence Celebration (AEC) on April
25. The AEC gives friends, family, faculty and staff members a chance to appreciate
the scholarly achievement and creativity of students from all disciplines. Sessions
featured honors theses, capstone projects and research posters, as well as an art
exhibit, the Honors Convocation, 13 honor society inductions, and performances at
the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts.
Steven Towns Jr., Brenyé D. Johnson and Jamari Johnson presented “Old School vs. Today’s Generation” at the poster session.
Mitchell Kuntz ’19, an exercise and sport performance major, presented his honors thesis, “Overpopulation: Facts, Figures, and What McKendree Thinks.”
Junior psychology major Faith Rose discussed “Ladies of the 80’s: Examining the #MeToo Movement and What Comes Next.”
Dr. Stephen Hagan and Kirby Smith ’19, president of Alpha Kappa Delta, initiated Chris Gillissie ’19 into the honor society for sociology.