Spring Break
Banquet honors students' academic achievements
Speaker, quartet provide entertainment for students and family members in Davies Center
Cassandra Golburg
Issue date: 4/30/07 Section: Campus News
Families of honors students waited in long lines to get into the Tamarack Room in Davies Center Saturday, as their sons and daughters received accolades for their achievements.
UW-Eau Claire hosted its 35th annual Honors Banquet Saturday, as part of Honors Week.
"The purpose (of this event) is to recognize and honor students' achievements, and to reward excellence," Associate Dean of Student Development Jodi Thesing-Ritter said to the audience.
Thesing-Ritter and the Honors Week Steering Committee also paid tribute to Roma Hoff, the event's co-founder.
Honors Week has been held every year since the 1972-1973 school year. Its purpose is to honor students' achievements as they receive them. Representatives from all Eau Claire honor societies participate, as well students who have succeeded in academics independently.
Sophomore Amanda Conley was the toastmistress of the event and led the attendees in a candle-lighting ceremony.
Non-traditional student Patricia Elliott then led them in a moment of meditation.
"Live your life knowing all things count," she said. "Your achievements are not only your own. You are a part of the world, you are responsible for what happens to it."
Organizers presented awards after a buffet-style dinner. Awards ranged from scholarships in the math department to Outstanding Senior Awards, which are given to seniors who have kept a 3.5 grade point average and have been nominated by a faculty member in their major.
"It's a huge honor," said senior Megan Bell, who was nominated for an Outstanding Senior Award and is also a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society. "It makes me realize how important it is to get involved and work hard in this school."
Senior Deborah Chopper was the keynote speaker of the evening. Chancellor Brian Levin-Stankevich was also on hand to help present the awards to the students.
"I think it's important to acknowledge students who do well and this is a good way to do it because they get to be with their families," said senior Jackie Lockerby, who was also nominated for an Outstanding Senior Award.
The Sparkling Strings Quartet, a group consisting of seniors Allison Bulger and Hayley Nelson and juniors Mary Heimerman and Meredith Hyduke, provided entertainment throughout the evening. The main feature, however, was the awards.
"It feels great just to see people who work so hard to affect the people around them," Bell said. "It's a celebration of bright futures."
UW-Eau Claire hosted its 35th annual Honors Banquet Saturday, as part of Honors Week.
"The purpose (of this event) is to recognize and honor students' achievements, and to reward excellence," Associate Dean of Student Development Jodi Thesing-Ritter said to the audience.
Thesing-Ritter and the Honors Week Steering Committee also paid tribute to Roma Hoff, the event's co-founder.
Honors Week has been held every year since the 1972-1973 school year. Its purpose is to honor students' achievements as they receive them. Representatives from all Eau Claire honor societies participate, as well students who have succeeded in academics independently.
Sophomore Amanda Conley was the toastmistress of the event and led the attendees in a candle-lighting ceremony.
Non-traditional student Patricia Elliott then led them in a moment of meditation.
"Live your life knowing all things count," she said. "Your achievements are not only your own. You are a part of the world, you are responsible for what happens to it."
Organizers presented awards after a buffet-style dinner. Awards ranged from scholarships in the math department to Outstanding Senior Awards, which are given to seniors who have kept a 3.5 grade point average and have been nominated by a faculty member in their major.
"It's a huge honor," said senior Megan Bell, who was nominated for an Outstanding Senior Award and is also a member of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honor society. "It makes me realize how important it is to get involved and work hard in this school."
Senior Deborah Chopper was the keynote speaker of the evening. Chancellor Brian Levin-Stankevich was also on hand to help present the awards to the students.
"I think it's important to acknowledge students who do well and this is a good way to do it because they get to be with their families," said senior Jackie Lockerby, who was also nominated for an Outstanding Senior Award.
The Sparkling Strings Quartet, a group consisting of seniors Allison Bulger and Hayley Nelson and juniors Mary Heimerman and Meredith Hyduke, provided entertainment throughout the evening. The main feature, however, was the awards.
"It feels great just to see people who work so hard to affect the people around them," Bell said. "It's a celebration of bright futures."
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