MC’s ‘Best and Brightest’ honored

By Kyle Christensen
Courier Staff

With the enlivening sound of bagpipes filling the air and as student leaders placed the college and American flags on display, Monmouth College’s annual Honors Convocation commenced at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 25 in the Dahl Chapel and Auditorium.

The fundamental purpose of this yearly gathering is to pay tribute to the “Best and Brightest” undergraduates of the college community who have excelled in the fields of academics, extra-curricular activities and community service and to commemorate them for superb achievements.
Following a congratulatory luncheon of honored guests in Stockdale’s Highlander Room, the event opened with a recital of the school hymn and an inspirational prayer on the virtues of knowledge and creative growth from the Rev. Dr. B. Kathleen Fannin. Profound words of encouragement were spoken by President Mauri Ditzler, as well as Rajkumar Ambrose, dean of the faculty.

Ambrose stated, “If you set your mind to it, you can be a force of change.”

These stirring addresses were not without their comical moments, however, as Ambrose also recounted a humorous article he recently read in which a skeptical parent slipped a check for $2,000 into her college son’s calculus book, slyly believing the only way he would ever come across the money would be if he was keeping up with his studies.

Following the addresses, the acknowledgment of scholarships and dispersal of distinguished awards began.

Eight scholastic organizations – Blue Key, Mortar Board, Honors Program participants, Alpha Lambda Delta, Sigma Omicron Mu, Kappa Chapter of Lambda Pi Eta, National Latin Exam medal winners and Sigma Delta Pi – were recognized, while 49 departmental prizes were distributed and numerous financial scholarships were noted, most named in reverence of past alumni and charitable benefactors.

Individual accolades were announced as well, with John McElligott receiving “Freshman Man of the Year,” Ryne Sherman and Anthony Welty both earning “Senior Man of the Year,” Paige Halpin garnering “Freshman Woman of the Year” and Valerie Curtis acquiring “Senior Woman of the Year.”

Benita Dilley, associate professor of communication and theater arts, and Rob Hale, associate professor of English, were granted the student-appointed Junior and Senior Faculty of the Year titles, respectively, and senior Nathan Brown was presented with the esteemed Post Baccalaureate Fellowship award.

Finally, Brandie Miller, residing president of the Associated Students of Monmouth College (ASMC), reflected upon the year’s historic accomplishments, including the establishment of a new ASMC constitution, containing a pioneering student bill of rights, and then announced her successors to office.

Junior Richard Harrod and freshman Halpin have been elected president and vice-president, respectively, for the 2006-2007 term.