Founders Day honors distinguished achievers

IU honored outstanding faculty and students at the 184th Founders Day celebration held Saturday in Assembly Hall.\nWith President Adam W. Herbert presiding, the ceremony began with a prayer by Sister Concetta Fabo, pastoral associate from St. Paul's Catholic center.\nFollowing opening remarks by Herbert, Charles R. Bantz, chancellor for IU-Purdue University Indianapolis, announced IU's four newest distinguished professors, the "most prestigious academic appointment IU can offer," according to the Founders Day program.\nIU Professors Hal E. Broxmeyer, Timothy R. Noble, Loren H. Rieseberg and David P. Thelen were each given the title of distinguished professor.\nFaculty, alumni, students and other knowledgeable sources nominate the professors, and the chosen few are honored for outstanding scholarship, artistic literature distinction or other peer-recognized achievements.\nEleven distinguished teaching awards were then given in acknowledgment to teachers who have gone above and beyond.\nLibby Lewis, an honor student in the College of Arts and Sciences, gave an inspirational speech about listening to professors. She said a professor told her to take a walk while studying abroad. Thinking it would take an hour or two, Lewis did so. Ten hours later, when she finally finished, she had had an enlightening experience, thanks to a professor's suggestion.\nThe next segment of the program focused on honoring all students who achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or above during the spring or summer semester of 2003 or the fall semester of 2004.\n"My parents encouraged me to come because of my honors in academics, basically to celebrate my academic achievements," sophomore Sarrona Clardy said. "You never know how long it will last, you have to get it while you can." \nStudents were brought on stage before their professors, family members and peers in accordance to their school.\n"I thought it was very good to have your achievements recognized and to see everyone else who is an honors student be recognized as well," freshman Aaron Jackson said.\nDuring the ceremony, the IU brass quintet, the IU string quartet and the IU horn ensemble performed several pieces of music, including "Hail to Old IU."\nAfter the ceremony, students were invited to the John Mellencamp Pavilion to pick up their certificates, mingle with the professors and enjoy some light refreshments.\n"It was really nice, it was very well planned and the music was wonderful," freshman Melissa Taylor said. \n-- Contact staff writer Amber Nicholas at amrnicho@indiana.edu.