Program honors minorities
By Patricia Nikolaros
Staff
Writer
Nearly 200 African-American undergraduate students
will be honored for their leadership and academic achievements at the
26th Annual Academic and Service Awards program at 1 p.m. Saturday in
Fowler Hall.
The Purdue Black Caucus of Faculty and Staff along
with the Purdue Black Alumni Organization will sponsor the program.
Carolyn Johnson, senior research associate in the
Purdue African-American Studies and Research Center will be the keynote
speaker.
Johnny Brown, professor of mathematics and member
of the Purdue Black Caucus of Faculty and Staff, said, "In Dr. Johnson's
speech, she will motivate the students to continue to do well."
Awards will be given for academics, leadership
and service.
The Purdue Black Caucus of Faculty and Staff asks
faculty, staff and heads of programs for nominations. They also obtain
a list from the Office of the Registrar with the top minority students
in their class.
"It is incredible some of the things these students
do," said Brown.
Another award that is given is the Clara E. Bell
Award. This award is given to the senior majoring in nursing or health
sciences with the highest grade point average.
This year Arica Brandford will receive the award.
"I was shocked when I found out I received this
award, I am very proud to be the top minority student in the School
of Health Science," said Brandford.
Not only does Brandford earn good grades, she also
is part of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, president of the Minority Nursing
Club, member of the Nursing Student Council, ambassador for the School
of Nursing and also volunteers and works 25 hours a week.
The Clara E. Bell Award includes a monetary award.
Brandford said she is going to save the money and put it toward next
semester. Brandford is graduating in December and plans to go to Graduate
School and be a women's health practitioner.
Brown said that students look forward to this program
every year, and he has received several e-mails from parents about how
much they appreciate the program.
"This program is a nice occasion to recognize the
achievements of the students, and a way for them to get to know each
other and to see other black students and black faculty and staff,"
Brown said.
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