2005-2006
2005-2006 Unsung General of the Year Julie Anderson '06
McKenzie and Hopper Honored with University’s Decade Award
Lexington, VA • March 23, 2006
Washington and Lee University senior Julie Anderson was named the John W. Elrod Unsung General of the Year at the fourth annual Celebrating Student Success Gala Awards Assembly in Lee Chapel on March 22. Anderson was chosen with input from the campus community and the University's Celebrating Student Success Committee from among a group of 22 student nominees for her leadership and volunteer service to Washington and Lee.
The award carries a $1,000 stipend, to be split between Anderson and the campus or local organization of her choice. Anderson, who was nominated for the award by another student, will have her name engraved on a plaque in the John W. Elrod University Commons.
A senior sociology major from Medford Lakes, N.J., Anderson has been a Bonner Leader, a Shepherd intern at a women's shelter in Washington, D.C., and a volunteer at Project Horizon, as well as taking part in Adopt-A-Classroom, the AMC Hospice Camp Dragonfly for grieving children, the National Armory GED program and the Rockbridge Literacy Tutor Program.
She was also a Teach For America Campus liaison, Trip Coordinator of Volunteer Venture in Greensboro, a lesson plan developer for Nabors Service League's Literacy Campaign and co-chair of the BRAVE "Day of Beauty," among other activities.
"Julie has brought issues of literacy, poverty and sexual assault to the forefront of our community," said Marguerite McClinton, director of the University Commons and campus activities, in presenting the award on Wednesday evening. "Nominated by one of her peers, she embodies the characteristics of this award: someone who adds depth and breadth to the Washington and Lee community."
"Julie satisfies the criteria for this award better than anyone I know," confirmed Harlan Beckley, acting president of the University and one of Anderson's advisors. "She has been a quiet service leader throughout her years at Washington and Lee. She is so unassuming that we hear little about her work. This recognition will let us all sing the praises of this heretofore unsung servant."
Anderson said she was honored to receive the award, and was quick to note that she is not alone in her volunteer efforts. "(The award) was unexpected, yet very welcomed," she said. "I value the light this award shines on all student volunteer work here at W&L. W&L is blessed to be full of service-conscious students, and the Unsung General Award really helps to highlight this."
The John W. Elrod Unsung General of the Year was announced at the Celebrating Student Success Gala Awards Assembly, in Lee Chapel and Reception in the Elrod Commons Living Room on Wednesday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m.
- Programming: James McKay a junior recognized for his leadership in the Student Activities Organization. James was a founder of SAO which has grown to become a vibrant and important campus organization. His talents include inspiring others to leadership roles and focusing on leadership by committee. By supporting other members in this organization, James has created a truly interdependent group which offers important social programming for W&L.
- Religious Life: Justine Dargahi a junior involved in many areas of campus life as a Dorm Counselor, Tour Guide, a leader in her sorority Pi Beta Phi. and a member of the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity She is being recognized for her leadership in Hillel as the group’s Co-Vice President and Shabbat Chair. She leads the services and offers commentary about the week’s bible portion. Her reflections are described as articulate, thoughtful and always relevant to life at W&L. Justine has also contributed many hours to community service projects like packing and delivering Thanksgiving Baskets for Glasgow Head Start families.
- Greek Life: Karlyn Gold a senior from Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. As Recruitment Chair her junior year and Panhellenic President her senior year, Karlyn has worked on behalf of Greek Women at W&L to bring a 6th sorority to campus as well as making a presentation to the Board about Greek risk management. Karlyn is further involved on campus through her work as a dorm counselor, and a member of Chi Omega, KEWL, GSA, Students for Choice and MSA. Karyln is recognized for her thoughtful and pro-active approach towards improving student life
- Community Service: Ingrid Easton a senior from Charlotte, North Carolina, is a Bonner Leader, providing over 900 hours of community service. She worked with the Department of Social Services, cared for animals at the SPCA and was the recreation coordinator for Girl Power program at the Lexington Community Center. She has also dedicated many long hours to coordinate the Campus Kitchen Project here at Washington and Lee University. Organizational Honorable Mention: ESOL (English as a Second Language)
- Environmental/General: Will Townes a junior from Boomer, North Carolina, is active in the Students Environmental Advocacy League and Environmental Planning Management Committee. He has worked over the last two years to make Washington and Lee University more recycle accessible. He volunteers at a local elementary school where he raises awareness about environmental stewardship. Furthermore, he has walked the entire Appalachian Trail, which is over 2000 miles. He is also a key staff member for the Outing Club and has been the recipient of the S. Bryant Kendrick Award for Environmental Exploration Organizational Honorable Mention: SEAL (Student Environmental Advocacy League)
- Student Government: Wheeler Sparks is a senior from Dallas Texas is a double major in Music composition and Business. He serves as the Vice-President on the Executive Committee. He is a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity where he serves on the fraternity's internal governing/administrative boards. He is active with the Christian group RUF. He is described by his peers as humble, caring, and dedicated. Organizational Honorable Mention: White Book Committee won honorable mention
- Performing Arts: Steph Wiechman, a junior from Channahon, IL, is a member of the Theater Outreach Club and Mindbending. Steph is one of the proclaimed “Theater groupies,” and has been a constant presence in the theater in all its aspects. Wonderfully, she is both well known among the Theater majors and is well liked for being a reliable, generous, and selfless participant in theater programs. Additionally, Steph is committed to featuring women’s studies and gender-related topics on her weekly radio show on WLUR. Organizational Honorable Mention: Joyful Noise
- Media/Publications: Matt Null, a senior from New Martinsville, WV, has directed and expanded the House Mountain Radio Show on WLUR with his enthusiasm and professional abilities. He has highlighted a variety of aspects of Appalachian music using weekly live individual and group musical performances. Additionally, as an Intern for Shenandoah, Matt is writing diligently to create a periodical which provides insights into Appalachian culture. Organizational Honorable Mention: WLUR
- Recreation: Kevin Pharris, a senior from Douglasville, GA, has been a vital part in the booming success of Club Soccer. He has been excellent with his administrative responsibilities. In addition, Kevin has been extremely patient in mediating and assuaging all of the issues the officers of sports clubs so often encounter. Moreover, Kevin has short term and long term visions for the club. His passion for soccer has allowed for the club to continue at a competitive level, yet still enriches the experiences of everyone involved. Not only is he a mature and professional leader, but he succeeded and moved forward even when his efforts would remain largely unrecognized even by those involved. Organizational Honorable Mention: Intramurals
Committee Members Ashley Bell, Nelson Bunn, Elliott Walker, Will Mathews, Peter Goodwin, Diane Kuhn, Jon Philipson, Kristen Powell, Jason Rodocker, Peter Stanton, Tiffany Todd, Trey Hart, Madeline Mayer, Sarah Atkins, Maria Blackwell, Andrae Anderson, Eddy Greco
