Distinguished Alumnus Award: This award is presented to an alumnus or alumna who has demonstrated outstanding performance in his or her profession and has made outstanding contributions to his or her community.  This is the highest honor presented by the Alumni Association.

This year's recipient was Stephanie Craft.  Stephanie graduated from SSU in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in social science.  While working on her Master’s degree in social work, Stephanie developed a plan to create social work services at the Southern Ohio Medical Center Cancer Center.  After her graduation, Stephanie was hired by SOMC to carry out that plan as the Oncology Social Worker.  In addition to those duties, Stephanie initiated the “Kids Cope” support group for kids whose parents have cancer and the “Patient Compassion Fund” that assists under or uninsured patients in receiving cancer treatment.

Stephanie is also involved in her community.  She formed Bobby’s ABC All-Stars, a team which sponsors fundraisers for cancer research and she co-chaired the 2008 Scioto County Relay for Life.  She is also involved in her church’s ministries and youth league and school sports.

Alumni Service Award: This award is presented to an alumnus or alumna in recognition of his or her outstanding volunteer service and contributions to Shawnee State and/or the Alumni Association.

This year's recipient was Rebecca Harr.  Becky graduated from SSU in 1999 with a bachelor's degree in social science.  She is the director of Upward Bound at SSU.  Becky routinely volunteers her time to help SSU students, despite the fact that her own program serves only high school students.  She is always willing to serve as a volunteer at university events and she serves her community by finding ways to link her Upward Bound students with important community service projects.  As one of the three people who nominated Becky wrote, “She is dedicated to Scioto County students, she is dedicated to the Upward Bound program and she is dedicated to the university from which she graduated.”

Alumnus of Tomorrow Award: This award is given each academic year to a graduating student (from that academic year) who has displayed commitment to his or her individual endeavors—academic, social and personal—and who shows great promise toward his or her future endeavors.  The award is given at the annual Evening of Honors in May.

 

This year's recipient was Kimberly Crawford.  Kimberly will graduate in May 2009 with a bachelor's degree in social science.  Kimberly is the student coordinator of the Honors Program.  She has been involved in a number of campus activities including the Women’s Forum, the Environmental Club, and the Otherworld Society.  She also helped several fellow students as a note-taker and tutor.  She has served her community as a volunteer with the Special Olympics and she has organized drives for both the local homeless shelter and the domestic violence shelter.  The void she will leave on campus is obvious as seven people nominated her for this award.  Kimberly plans to pursue a Master’s degree and then continue on with a career in social work. 

For more information on how to nominate someone for these awards, click here.