Tuesday, May 02, 2006
President’s Medal honors service and scholarship
 The President’s Medal is bestowed on a graduating senior who has shared significant personal time and talent for the benefit of the University of Southern Indiana and who has excelled in the classroom. It is the highest recognition presented to a member of the graduating class. Lindsey Anne McGowan of Plainfield, Indiana, is the President’s Medal recipient for the Class of 2006. The President’s Medal was awarded to her during the Commencement ceremony at Roberts Stadium on May 6, 2006. McGowan graduated magna cum laude from the Bower Suhrheinrich College of Education and Human Services with a major in elementary education. She is completing student teaching at Fairlawn Elementary School in Evansville. McGowan’s future goals are to earn a master’s degree and become a school superintendent. Her service to USI is exemplary. She was elected attorney general for Student Government Association and has been a student ambassador and an AMIGO orientation leader. As an ambassador, McGowan served as student coordinator of Southern Hospitality Days, the visit days when prospective students and parents tour the campus and meet with counselors and faculty. She is a member and officer of Kappa Delta Pi education honorary, the Student Education Association, and the Evansville Area Reading Council. She was a member of the women’s choir for two years, in the Madrigal Dinner production one year, and a member of the 2005 Homecoming Court. As McGowan recalled Homecoming, she said, “What girl doesn’t want a sash!” She was an officer of the Student Housing Association and a member of the Resident Assistant Training and Selection Committee. She lived on campus while at USI and credits housing as essential to her academic success and her social development. McGowan said, “Friendships are built with others who are experiencing the same excitement, anxiety, and hopes you experience. I cannot imagine going through college without having had this opportunity.” As a high school senior, McGowan visited USI during a Southern Hospitality Day and a friendship with a then-current student began. McGowan observed that this woman effused enthusiasm and pride for the University, and she wanted to model her college career after this admission ambassador. McGowan said, “I looked upon her with admiration and respect for her level of academic achievement, campus involvement, and unending USI enthusiasm. It has been incredible for me to hear that she is proud of my accomplishments.” A housing supervisor noted McGowan’s integrity and initiative as a resident assistant. In a letter supporting her nomination, he wrote, “She served in a leadership role for 64 residents who lived in the building where she was resident assistant. She connected with the students on a professional and personal level. She developed programs focused on the needs of students to insure their success at USI.” Her academic strengths also have been listed in support letters. An education faculty member wrote that Lindsey pours her heart and soul into assignments, and she brings a creative force to everything she does. When she demonstrated a book talk for elementary school children on the topic of “Books about the Ocean,” McGowan donned complete scuba gear from head to toe. The faculty member ended the letter saying McGowan exemplifies the best that USI has to offer: “She has taken full advantage of the opportunities available on campus, and she has served the University with flair and panache. She has endless potential in her chosen profession and her loyalty to USI will serve the University well for years to come.” McGowan is the oldest of four children in the Beverly and Greg McGowan family. One is a sophomore at Ball State University, another is a high school junior, and the youngest is in 8th grade. She credits her parents for her individual drive and passion for excellence. She said, “My parents have an unending amount of enthusiasm for participating in the community, the schools, and the lives of their children. They have always encouraged me to be academically successful while reminding me of the importance of character. I have had at least one parent attend all events in which I have been involved.” The President’s Medal winner is chosen by the Student Affairs Committee of the Faculty Senate. The medal is engraved with the University seal, the person’s name, and the year the award is presented. McGowan joins a list of distinguished recipients whose scholarship and service serve as incentive to current students. |
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