2022 Pott College Student Awards
Congratulations to the student recipients of the 2022 Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education awards:
2022 Pott College Distinguished Graduate
Elissa Tam
Department of Biology Distinguished Graduate
I am forever grateful for the endless opportunities USI’s campus has offered me, especially Pott College. Our diverse academic curriculum has not only shaped me to become a better scientist, but also into a person who has learned to persist in the face of failure. My favorite memories during my time pursuing my degree will always be the nights surrounded by my friends studying for exams. We would simultaneously question what was going to be on the test, ponder the best restaurant as our dinner reward, and laugh about how stressed we were. Also behind my achievements are the star professors who have invested their valuable time and hard work to help me reach my goals. To all our professors and faculty, I thank you because I wouldn’t be who I am today without your guidance. All my experiences here at USI have fostered my dedication to life-long learning and treating others with compassion.
As I wrap up my chapter here at USI, I will continue to pursue a doctorate in medicine after my gap year of working in the hospital. I strive to become a palliative care physician who can touch the lives of others while learning from their struggles. Life is beautiful and filled with love. For that reason alone, I hope to become a doctor who can celebrate these joys with my patients during their most vulnerable moments.
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Pott College Distinguished Graduate Finalists
Josi Barscz
Department of Chemistry Distinguished Graduate (Biochemistry)
I am thankful that USI has given me so many opportunities in and outside of the classroom. My time as USI’s Student Trustee has been my favorite experience as a Screagle. I was fortunate to volunteer on a medical service trip to Ecuador through USI’s chapter of Timmy Global Health. Leading USI’s student chapter of American Chemical Society during a pandemic was difficult, but it fostered my passion for teaching others about chemistry. I will always look back on my time at USI fondly. The professors in the USI Chemistry Department are phenomenal, and they have helped me achieve my goals and more. I am excited to attend medical school at Des Moines University in the fall while concurrently pursuing a Master of Public Health degree.
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Madelyn Sturgeon
Department of Engineering Distinguished Graduate (Civil Engineering)
My name is Madelyn Sturgeon and I am expected to graduate magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education this May of 2022. Throughout my time at USI, I have served many roles in USI's American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) student organization on campus. ASCE has provided some great memories, friends, and real-world experiences. However, nothing compares to the life-long friendships developed throughout my 4 years at USI. After graduation, I will work in Evansville as an Entry Level Structural Engineer at PCI - A Salas O'Brien Company.
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Morgan Schitter
Department of Geology & Physics Distinguished Graduate (Environmental Science & Geology)
I have loved being a part of the Environmental Science and Geology Department at USI, especially getting to go on some of the great field trips offered by these programs. From visiting 300-million-year-old beaches on the roadside to hiking through cave-filled countryside, the field studies were so fun and I always learned a lot about the world around me. I have made some life-long friends, with both classmates and professors, while in this program and I'll be walking away with great, real-world knowledge (and a backpack full of rocks).
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Koryn Englert
Department of Kinesiology & Sport Distinguished Student (Exercise Science)
Some of my favorite memories at USI have been meeting my friends within my major and forming friendships that will last a lifetime. I have enjoyed my classes with my professors such as lifting weights with Professor Wildeman in EXSC 225 and playing Dodgetag in EXSC 487! My professors and friends here at USI have encouraged me to always do my best and keep working towards my goals! I couldn’t have made it to where I am without my time spent at USI and I will cherish my memories I made here forever. After graduation from USI in May, I will be attending IUPUI’s Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program in Indianapolis, Indiana. I plan to become a pediatric occupational therapist following graduation with my DOT.
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Rebekah Gardner
Department of Mathematical Sciences Distinguished Graduate (Statistics)
Studying Mathematics and Statistics at USI has been an amazing opportunity to challenge myself academically. I appreciate all the opportunities USI's program has given me to work collaboratively with classmates, as it has better prepared me to work on teams in the job force. Some of my favorite memories have come from studying in the Math Lounge. This allowed me to surround myself with support from peers and professors while we all work on our assignments. In addition, as the student assistant to the Mathematical Sciences Department, I have enjoyed getting to know my professors in a more casual setting, and they were very willing to assist me along my path to success.
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Sydney Mann
Teacher Education Department Distinguished Graduate (Special Education)
My time at USI studying special education and elementary education in the Teacher Education program has been precious and beneficial. Lesson plans, teaching strategies, and classroom management are just a few of the numerous concepts that have prepared me for my future career as an educator. I am excited to announce that I have accepted a 1st grade teaching position for EVSC starting in August. Through my classes here at USI and my amazing clinical internship experience, I feel confident in myself as a first-year teacher. Deciding to participate in the Teach Now program, as well, has boosted my self-esteem and level of classroom experience. I will greatly miss being a part of USI's incredible teaching program when I graduate this May.
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Distinguished Graduate & Academic Achievement Awards
Chemistry
Madison Krie - Distinguished Graduate in Chemistry
Engineering
Melissa Kurz - Distinguished Graduate in Mechanical Engineering (tie)
Lily Bittner - Distinguished Graduate in Mechanical Engineering (tie)
Evan Fleming - Distinguished Graduate in Electrical Engineering
Nick Zieg - Distinguished Graduate in Manufacturing Engineering
Jotam Chen - Distinguished Graduate in Engineering
Blake Chandler - Distinguished Graduate in Advanced Manufacturing
Jesse Cullison - Distinguished Graduate in Industrial Supervision
Paul Shan - Distinguished Graduate in Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Kinesiology & Sport
Alexis Price - Distinguished Graduate in Kinesiology
Amanda Lewandowski - Distinguished Graduate in Sport Management
Justin Faas - Distinguished Graduate in Master of Science in Sport Management
Sam Barnett - Academic Achievement Award in Kinesiology & Sport
Mathematical Sciences
Lauren Mygatt - Distinguished Graduate in Mathematics
Megan Wagler - Distinguished Graduate in Mathematics Teaching
Joseph Russler - Academic Achievement Award in Calculus
Teacher Education
Abbey Davis - Distinguished Graduate in Elementary Education
Sarah Barnes - Distinguished Graduate in Early Childhood Education
Whitney Bogan - Distinguished Graduate in Secondary/P-12 Education