For Jeremy Sturgell, winner of the Outstanding Graduate Award, his profound words were words of thanks.

The biology major accepted the award at the spring 2003 Honors Convocation April 29 in the Taylor Auditorium.

Sturgell attributed his success to his instructors, friends, family and even went so far as to dedicate his award to his wife, Mandy.

Melanie Cox, elementary education major, awarded for her graduation from the honors program, was in awe of the event.

“The award was a very nice surprise,” she said. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but it’s been a growing experience. Honors program opened up my curiosity throughout the world around me. Jeremy Sturgell’s remarks were touching and poignant.”

Karen Grabbe, music major, also awarded for honors program graduation, agreed with the “hard work” assessment of Cox.

“It’s been a lot of work to get through the program,” she said. “Dr. (Pat) Kluthe has been very supportive all the way through. It’s been a great four years, I really loved it here.”

Dr. Richard Laird, assistant professor of mathematics, gave the introduction speech to the convocation. A first-time member of the convocation committee, Laird found the experience to be exciting but taxing.

“It was fun to do, but I’m glad it’s over,” Laird said. “It was a pleasure to have all of these students in this school.”

The convocation is an annual event planned by the honors convocation committee.

Laird joined other members of the committee in orchestrating the event and contacting the student participants.

“Each department can submit a graduate to be considered for honors,” Laird said. “We put the whole thing together and send the letters out to the students to let them know they’ve been honored. There’s a lot of help from secretaries and other staff, too.”

Dr. Ann Marlowe, professor of English, has found the yearly convocation to be an important and inspirational event.

“I think it’s good to honor our outstanding students,” she said. “They serve as role models for students and faculty. I think they’re inspirational because they do so much so well.”