Students Honored at Torchlight Laurels

April 30, 2007 -- Outstanding University of Wyoming students were honored for academic excellence, service and leadership during UW's 54th annual Torchlight Laurels ceremony held Friday, April 27.

Scholastic awards, service organization recognition, class honorary presentations and special awards were included in the program hosted by the Cap and Gown Chapter of Mortar Board, UW's national senior class honorary.

Special awards presented included the Rosemarie Marth Spitaleri Award, outstanding graduating woman, Cristine Salo, Diamondville; Tobin Memorial Award, outstanding graduating man, Travis Jordan, Gillette; Greek Man of the Year, Clint Jasperson, Cheyenne, and Jeremy Zilmer, Alliance, Neb; and Greek Women of the Year, Ashley Spear, Cheyenne, and Rebecca Freeburn, Fort Laramie.

Special awards also included the Associated Students of UW (ASUW) Freshman Senator of the Year, Erin Percival, Gillette; ASUW Charlotte H. Davis Senator of the Year, Virginia Clay, Manassas Park, Va.; and ASUW Student at Large of the Year, Steven Boomgarden, Casper.

The Recognized Student Organization Funding Board was recognized as the ASUW Committee of the Year.

Paul Ludden, associate professor in the Department of Animal Science, received the Mortar Board Outstanding Academic Adviser Award, and Dennis Dreher, assistant dean of students, received the Mortar Board Outstanding Service and Dedication Award.

Among those honored were the senior members of the University Honors Program; Mortar Board; Iron Skull, UW junior class honorary; Cardinal Key, national junior class honorary; Spurs, sophomore class honor society; Phi Kappa Phi, national all-discipline honor society; and Omicron Delta Kappa, leadership honorary.

UW alumna Lucille Dumbrill of Newcastle presented the night's keynote address.

Posted on Monday, April 30, 2007