HAC Department presents student awards

Outstanding students in Trine University’s Department of Humanities and Communication (HAC) received departmental awards during a ceremony in Wells Theater inside Taylor Hall on Tuesday, April 16.

Clare Danner, a senior from Indianapolis majoring in communication, was named Outstanding Senior in Humanities and Communication.

Lacie Piekarski, a senior from Spring Lake, Michigan, majoring in marketing, received the Jeanine B. Samuelson Student Distinction Award. The award is presented to a well-rounded, successful member of the Department of Humanities and Communication who has been nominated by his or her classmates.

Vifa McBride, a senior from Bronson, Michigan, majoring in biology, received the Needler-McGreggor Excellence in English Award, presented to a student for outstanding performance in English, both inside and outside the classroom. She also was honored with the Outstanding Senior Writing Center Tutor Award.

John Kay, a sophomore from Petoskey, Michigan, majoring in communication, received the Golden Microphone Award, presented to a student who performs exceptionally in media production — written, web, audio or video.

Cyrus Colyer, an MBA student from Coldwater, Michigan, received the Mal Foerster Backstage Award, presented for exceptional backstage/tech work on Trine University Drama Club productions.

Outstanding Spanish Student awards were given to: Chase Guenin, a sophomore from La Fontaine, Indiana, majoring in mechanical engineering; Morgan Smith, a sophomore from Liberty Township, Ohio, majoring in exercise science; Kaitlyn Rumsey, a dual enrollment student from Prairie Heights High School; and Alyssa Mudd, a sophomore from Ligonier, Indiana, majoring in psychology.

Madison Sanderson, a junior from Leo, Indiana, majoring in communication, received the Outstanding ECO Center Intern award. The award is presented to a student interning for Trine University’s Art Eberhardt Environmental and Community Outreach Center.

Jarod Davis, a junior from Angola, Indiana, majoring in communication, was honored as the Outstanding New Student in HAC, given to a student who transfers to Trine or transfers to HAC from another major.

Kaitlyn Lee, a freshman from San Diego, California, majoring in communication, was honored as the Outstanding Freshman in HAC.