Leadership and Service Recognition
Leadership and Service Awards were given on April 26 to celebrate the inspirational contributions of these student leaders and organizations:
Student Hall of Fame:
• Andrew Olden ’15 collaborated on “McKendree Recollections,” a book of historical photographs and stories
of the University’s 187-year history. He was also named Outstanding Student Employee
for helping to restore, organize, conserve and digitize collections in the Holman Library and archives.
• Acadia Reynolds ’17 worked with the Center for Community Service to create innovative new outreach programs, including one that offers children from the Griffin Center in East St. Louis, Ill., a college experience on campus each week.
• Jennifer Melusky ’15 was actively involved in New Student Orientation, Emerging and Advanced Leaders, Student Ambassadors, Alpha Phi Omega and Kappa Sigma Tau.
• Caitlin Schlueter ’15 was a drum major, Kappa Sigma Tau president, resident advisor and exemplary campus leader.
• Spencer Marcum ’15 won several awards, including three Missouri state championships, as a member of the speech team.
ACES (Active Collegians Engaged in Service) Awards, sponsored by the Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service, went to Britani Beasley ’15 and Alayna Gillespie ’15 for volunteering over 400 hours to University and community activities.
Bearcat Pride: Taryn Butler ’15 balanced academic achievement with involvement as Student Government Association president, a Student Ambassador, Preview Day panel member, and member of the women’s
soccer team.
The Spark: Maria Rasch ’18 made an impact in her first year by creating a Marketing Club and providing organizational structure, visionary leadership and recruitment.
Country and Community Award: Jody Noram ’15 retired as an Air Force Master Sergeant in 2014 after a 24-year career and continues
to devote countless hours to mentoring and transporting over 1,600 children to Sunday
school. He spearheaded a Christmas toy and gift drive for 26 needy children and delivered
food to families at Thanksgiving.
Outstanding Service Project: Kevin Kinsall, MAED ’15 was honored for his work as a “fundraiser, planner, camp leader, construction worker,
sustainability engineer, technology coordinator and traveler” at the Mattaw Children’s
Village in Kenya with other members of First Baptist Church of Fairview Heights, Ill.
Outstanding Student Intern: Kati Melton ’15 blended her training as a speech communication major and leadership minor to improve
marketing and outreach for the Student Affairs Leadership Office.
Outstanding Collaborative Project: “Hope and Mic Night” sponsored by To Write Love on Her Arms and Campus Activities Board
Outstanding Registered Student Organization: Amazing Ladies Pursuing Holistic Appreciation (ALPHA)
Advisor of the Year: Holly Pawlak (“To Write Love on Her Arms”)
