Blank and Griffioen named Outstanding New Students in HAC
It can be difficult being a freshman in college, and at times scary joining a group as tight-knit as students in Humanities and Communication. So, when a student stands out, you definitely want to acknowledge them.
This year, for the first time, the department decided to award an Outstanding Freshman Award. There was just one problem鈥攚e have too many outstanding new freshmen, including some students who aren鈥檛 freshmen at all, but transfers into the department. Viola鈥攖wo new awards via Outstanding Freshman in HAC and Outstanding New Student in HAC.
Freshman Jessica Griffioen beat out a tough crowd to win the Outstanding Freshman in HAC Award the year. Still, it wasn鈥檛 too much of a surprise for those who have had her in class. HAC professor Dr. Jeanette Goddard said, 鈥淛essica鈥檚 writing is overwhelming good. She鈥檚 generous in helping other students with their writing.鈥�
Jessica Griffioen (back row, left) as part of the HAC Media Team.
HAC professor Dr. Don Jones agreed about her strong writing. 鈥淛ess wrote what is by far the best paper ever written in the history of the course [COM 152: Principles of Public Relations], doing thorough, high quality research and analysis.鈥� Griffioen showed off those writing skills as part of the HAC Media Team this semester writing for this very website.
Not to be outdone, transfer student Jordan Blank was the strong pick for Outstanding New Student in HAC, which encompasses both transfers and those students who have changed majors after their first year. HAC professor and Jannen School of Arts and Sciences Dean Amy Nicholls was taken by Blank鈥檚 work in her The Bible as Literature class. 鈥淪he validated other students鈥� opinions while still expressing her own opinion with grace and tact,鈥� Nicholls said. 鈥淪he was an excellent leader in small group activities and often was the spokesperson for her group, as well.鈥�
HAC professor and Writing Center Director Dr. Cassandra Bausman has seen a different side of Blank working in the Writing Center. 鈥淪he鈥檚 also an exceptional Writing Center tutor and will be an amazing teacher if she goes that route.鈥� She additionally pointed out that Blank had organized an eight-hour plus Star Wars tabletop RPG campaign for this year鈥檚 Playing for Pets.
Both young women, as well as the rest of the freshmen class, have obviously been invaluable additions to the department.