Students honored with first Platinum Awards
Aug. 21, 2000
KALAMAZOO -- Nearly 70 Western Michigan University students (see below) were recognized for their academic and leadership abilities this past spring during WMU's first Platinum Awards celebration.
The on-campus event was designed to primarily encourage and honor students and organizations participating in Division of Minority Affairs programs.
"In past years, we've had individual events to honor these exceptional students and organizations," said Elizabeth Richardson, assistant director of the division, which sponsored the celebration. "This year, we created one large, festive event to better showcase the students' academic accomplishments and the leadership they've shown through their community service."
The recognition celebration featured 11 students who received named scholarship or service awards for the 1999-2000 academic year. In addition, 59 freshmen and sophomores were cited for excellence in academic achievement.
Among the featured scholarship and award recipients were the winners of the Pfizer Pharmaceutical Award, which is presented to minority students who have at least a 3.0 grade point average and who have an interest in pharmaceutical sales as a career.
Acknowledged as recipients of this scholarship were: Tashara J. Jones, a senior from Grand Rapids, Mich., majoring in biomedical sciences; Danielle Lacey, a senior from Grand Rapids majoring in computer information systems; Jeremy M. Roberts, a senior from Portage, Mich., majoring in computer information systems; and Andrew Virgil, a senior from Battle Creek, Mich., majoring in biomedical sciences.
Two other named scholarships went to participants of WMU's Martin Luther King Jr. Program. Asha Johnson, a senior from Detroit majoring in elementary education, won the Kimon Boumazos Award for having the MLK program's highest grade point average for a graduating senior. Kenyetta V. Louis, a senior from Flint, Mich., majoring in family and consumer science, won the Martin Luther King Jr. Program Award for her academic achievements as well as active community involvement.
Also honored was Shakira T. Johnson, a senior from Grand Rapids. Johnson received the Ann C. Mountjoy Award, which goes to the minority student majoring in psychology who has the highest grade point average for a graduating senior.
Michael A. Burt, a senior from Grand Rapids majoring in organizational communication was honored as Outstanding Student Leader and Phillip Newkirt, a freshman from Detroit majoring in engineering graphics and design technology, was honored as Mentee of the Year.
In addition, the Liderazgo Award was given to Olga Munguia, a senior nursing major from Saginaw, Mich., and a member of the Lee Honors College. This award is presented by the Division of Minority Affairs to an individual whose leadership has served as a source of strength and support to the Latino community. Olvin Pettway, a freshman from Detroit majoring in biomedical sciences was recognized as the winner of the "You Can't Lose" game, a Web-based game that helps students meet their academic goals. Players enhance their academic skills and as they become involved in volunteer activities and fully utilize WMU resources.
The final service award went to the University's chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants. The group was named Outstanding Student Organization.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 616 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu
Freshmen and sophomores cited for academic excellence
Nicole Adams, Niles, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Amy Ayers, Charlotte, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a sophomore, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
German Barbe, Grosse Point, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
David Boafo, Caledonia, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Adiah Bodley, Chicago, excellence in academic achievement for a sophomore, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Elaina Boryszcuk, Dearborn Heights, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Lisa Boynton, Vandalia, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Nikia Carroll, Auburn Hills, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a sophomore, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Ronald Cheek Jr., Detroit, excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Natalie Cinato, Grosse Isle, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Katie Constant, Niles, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a sophomore, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Mary Crawford, Inkster, Mich., a member of the Lee Honors College, excellence in academic achievement for a sophomore, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Karen Decker, Jackson, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Nicole Delaforet, Stevensville, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a sophomore, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Linde Drumheller, Holland, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Tracey Dylewski, Troy, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Angela Foster, Ann Arbor, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Nathan Gall, Grand Blanc, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Brian Ganz, Westland, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Scott Hankins, Farmington Hills, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Patricia Heath, Country Club Hills, Ill., excellence in academic achievement for a sophomore, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Jennifer Hodges, Detroit, excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Jason Holt, Detroit, excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Jane James, Livonia, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Ebony Jones, Canton, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a sophomore, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Michelle Jones, Benton Harbor, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Ludmila Katz, Battle Creek, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Leighton Kelley, Detroit, excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Cynthia Lara, Kalamazoo, excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Tracy Listenbee, Mt. Clemens, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Cynthia Massoll, Brighton, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Brett J. McGovern, Caledonia, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 4.0 grade point average.
Kristopher McWilliams, Jasper, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Mandana Nordbrock, Bloomingdale, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a sophomore, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Michael Origer, Grand Rapids, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Rachel Padgett, Royal Oak, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Shyanna Pratt, Plainwell, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Tarrance W. Reed, Detroit, excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 4.0 grade point average.
Kristin Rekucki, Rochester Hills, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Katrina Robinson, Lowell, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Jillian Routzahn, Livonia, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Heather Rutledge, West Bloomfield, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Ryan St. John, East Lansing, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Megan Sanford, Farmington Hills, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Joe Seto, South Lyon, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Rhonda Sheaman, Kentwood, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Austin Smith, Grand Rapids, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Rachel Smith, Mason, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a sophomore, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Anthony Spagnuolo, South Lyon, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Katrina Super, Sterling Heights, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Leeanna Tolles, Jackson, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a sophomore, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Brendan Turpin, Detroit, excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Sara Vosters, Plainwell, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Jessica Walkden, Buchanan, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Ronald Weaver, Highland, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Marissa Weishaar, Troy, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Susan Weyand, Rosco, Ill., excellence in academic achievement for a sophomore, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Allison Wills, Rochester Hills, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.
Melissa Woods, Rochester Hills, Mich., excellence in academic achievement for a freshman, 3.0 to 3.9 grade point average.