The Exponent Online


Thursday, 4/26/2001	5 day quick link 4/25 \| 4/24 \| 4/23 \| 4/20 \| 4/19

Students receive achievement awards

Clubs, volunteering enrich student's life

Ben Hasse

By Dave Stephens
Assistant Campus Editor

Ben Hasse said he was tired, but the energy and excitement in his voice masked the four hours of sleep he had the night before while working at a local homeless shelter.

That constant high level of energy is one of the leading factors to why Hasse, a senior in the School of Agriculture, received the G. A. Ross Award, given to the best graduating male of each class. The recipient is chosen based on academic achievement, leadership, character and overall contribution to the University.

"I’m very grateful I won the award, but I’m not certain they picked the right guy," said Hasse. "I really don’t feel like I’m the No. 1 graduating male this semester."

Whether they picked the right guy or not, Hasse’s academic success and dedication to serving others made him a prime candidate for the award.

"The service part (of the award) was really important in the selection process," said Hasse.

Along with volunteering at the homeless shelter, Hasse also spends a lot of his time teaching classes at St. Thomas of Aquinas Catholic Church.

"When I first got to college, I was disillusioned by how selfish college life is, not necessarily the people, but the actual daily living," said Hasse.

He said he began volunteering with different organizations as a sort of reality check.

"Working at the homeless center has made me realize that I’ve been very blessed, that I am so lucky to have had all these wonderful things happen in my life," said Hasse.

Although wonderful things have happened in his life, Hasse will continue to make things happen in the lives of others after he graduates this spring. In September, Hasse begins a 27-month tour with the Peace Corp, using his two degrees — forestry and Spanish — to teach conservation practices to the people of El Salvador.

Hasse said joining the Peace Corp is something he has always wanted to do since hearing the stories of his parents, who served with the Peace Corp in Africa.

With the huge dedication to service, Hasse himself wonders why he has done as well as he has sometimes with his classes.

"My time management skills are bad. I’ve been so busy with so many different things, I sometimes put things off to the last possible second," said Hasse. "I have a hard time saying ‘no’ to people."

Hasse said he is glad he was blessed with lots of energy, high metabolism and a positive outlook.

Hasse said he is also grateful for President-emeritus Steven Beering, who set up the Beering Scholarships. Hasse said without the scholarships, he would not have been able to come to Purdue.

Hasse said he can’t understand how students at Purdue could ever complain about being bored when Purdue offers so many opportunities to do things.

"There’s so many opportunities to get involved here; Purdue has something like 600 student organizations," said Hasse. "I could quit everything I’m involved with, sign up for a bunch of new activities, and still not have time to be involved in all the activities that I want to do."

Hasse said he is unsure about his future after the Peace Corp, but he isn’t worried about his career path.

"I’m so far from having things figured out, and that’s a good thing," said Hasse. "If I had things figured out, it would be kind of unfortunate. There’s so much about me that I still want to discover."

Related Coverage

Headlines