CONWAY, Ark. (April 23, 2009) – Hendrix College senior Kelly Ann Zalocusky of Belleville, Ill., received the Hendrix President’s Medal during a convocation Thursday, the highest award attainable by a graduating senior.

The award is presented annually to the student who best exemplifies the highest ideals of the college. Zalocusky was the 30^th student to receive the medal, first awarded in 1980. As the President’s Medal winner, she will carry the banner of the college during Hendrix’s commencement on May 9.

Zalocusky, a biology and psychology major, is the daughter of Michael and Christine Zalocusky of Belleville, Ill. In addition to receiving the President’s Medal, Zalocusky also received the Earle A. Spessard Biology Award, offered to the biology major whose performances in courses, comprehensive examinations and departmental contributions is of the highest quality; and the Margaret E. Fitch Award in Psychology, presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in psychology.

Also Thursday, Benjamin David Molini, a senior from Kansas City, Mo, received the 2009 Walker-Odyssey Fellowship, a $12,500 grant that will allow him to pursue independent exploration and travel outside the U.S. The Walker Fellowship Program was created by a gift from the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. Molini plans to use the fellowship to travel to Korea, Thailand, Brazil and Russia, studying the traditional martial arts of each nation and attempting to discover not only what is effective, but also what is expressive.

Other award winners Thursday were:

Departmental Academic Awards 

• Jonathan West Lee will receive the Service to the Department Award for his hard work and dedication to the Art Department.
• Blake Andrew Burkert is the recipient of The Albert M. Raymond AED Award offered by Beta Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, given to a member of the fraternity entering medical, dental, veterinary, or para-medical professional school.
• Thomas Michael Dornhoffer is the recipient of the Johnson Biology Award given in recognition of a graduating senior biology major who exemplifies the biological interests, the academic, intellectual, character, and leadership qualities exhibited by Dr. Arthur A. Johnson.
• Matthew Lynn Reid is the recipient of the Clark Biology Award given in recognition of a graduating senior biology major who exemplifies the biological interests, the academic, intellectual, character, and leadership qualities exhibited by Dr. G. Thomas Clark.
• Erica Anne Siebrasse is the recipient of the Keith Sutton Award given in recognition of a graduating senior biology major who exemplifies the biological interests, the academic, intellectual, character, and leadership qualities exhibited by Dr. J. Keith Sutton.
• Rebecca Ann Callahan and Eric Nathaniel Joseph are the recipients of the McHenry Chemistry Award offered in honor of the late Dr. M. J. McHenry by his four children, to the top ranking senior major. 
• Matthew Curtis Casey is the recipient of the American Institute of Chemists Award presented to a graduating senior planning to enter graduate school who has demonstrated scholastic achievement.
• Colin Weir Hoy, Malena Ann Outhay, and Laura Katherine Plummer are the recipients of the John E. Stuckey First Year Chemistry Award. This is presented to the student who during the current academic year demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in first-year chemistry courses.
• Patrick Dale Rawhouser is the recipient of the Analytical Chemistry Award presented to a junior chemistry major who has displayed an outstanding aptitude for or an interest in analytical chemistry.
• Aaron M. Crawford is the recipient of the Frank Dicken McAlister Memorial Scholarship awarded annually to an upcoming senior who has designated accounting as his/her area of concentration, and is based on academic achievement, participation in extra-curricular activities, leadership, and character.
• Jordan Scott Frazin and Jen Marie Imbro are the recipients of the Mosley Economics and Business Award offered by the late Ellis G. Mosley to a student studying Economics and Business who, during the senior year, ranked highest in departmental courses.
• Krista Rae Messer is the recipient of the E. W. Martin Memorial Accounting Award offered by friends of the late Mr. Martin to the student who has done outstanding work in accounting and has demonstrated leadership in the community.
• Joseph Patrick Sullivan is the recipient of the Eloise W. Raymond Masters Award offered in honor of Eloise Raymond, Emeritus Professor of Economics and Business, to a student completing the fifth year Master of Arts in Accounting Program, who performed at the highest level in the graduate courses.
• Ellie Ann Wheeler is the recipient of the Robert F. Baker, Jr. Prize in Economics offered annually in memory of Dr. Baker, a long time member of the Department of Economics and Business faculty, to the Hendrix junior who, in the opinion of the Awards Committee, has written the most promising proposal for future research in any field of economics.
• David Witten is the recipient of the James C. Pruden Memorial Scholarship, established by the estate of Jim Pruden and by Jim's family and friends, awarded each year to an upcoming senior majoring in Accounting, Economics and Business, or a related field, on the basis of academic achievement, participation in extra-curricular activities, leadership ability, and character.
• Katie Lynn Greshowak is the recipient of the Hendrix College Early Childhood Education Award presented to a student majoring in elementary education, selected on the basis of scores on the departmental comprehensive, student teaching experience and professional interest in education.
• Elizabeth Ann Jackson and Arika LaCheal Smith are the recipients of the Ruby Carroll Hughes Children’s Literature Award established by Dr. Helen Yvonne Hughes, long time educator and friend of the College. The award is given to the student with a strong academic record who has demonstrated projects suitable for teaching, and has done exemplary work in children’s literature.
• Katherine Lee Alexander is the recipient of the Kenneth Story Best Senior Thesis Award which is given by the Department of English to the senior English major who writes the most outstanding thesis in the Senior Thesis Seminar. Dr. Kenneth Story, Emeritus Professor of English who taught at Hendrix between 1972 and 2001, demonstrated during his career constant devotion to teaching and learning as well as scrupulous adherence to the highest standards of literary scholarship.
• Christopher Dale Eaton and Christopher Newman Wheat are the recipients of the Robert L. Campbell-Walter A. Moffatt Award named in honor of two distinguished long-time Chairmen of the Department. The award is given by the Department of English to a freshman or sophomore who demonstrates outstanding potential in the study of literature.
• Robin Ferris-Hanson is the recipient of the Isaac Andrew Campbell Memorial Prize for Poetry offered by Dr. James Means in memory of his late grandfather, to the student who has shown outstanding talent, promise, and achievement as a poet.
• Rachel Leia Hamaker is the recipient of the William H. Hughes Shakespeare Award offered by Dr. Helen Yvonne Hughes, Emeritus Professor of English, in honor of her father, to the outstanding student in the Shakespeare course.
• Cameron Shea Yeates is the recipient of the McCuistion English Prize offered by the family of the late Dr. Fred McCuistion to the outstanding senior English major and the Kenneth Story Best Senior Thesis Award which is given by the Department of English to the senior English major who writes the most outstanding thesis in the Senior Thesis Seminar. Dr. Kenneth Story, Emeritus Professor of English who taught at Hendrix between 1972 and 2001, demonstrated during his career constant devotion to teaching and learning as well as scrupulous adherence to the highest standards of literary scholarship.
• Blake Evan Smith is the recipient of the Larson Prize given each year in honor of David G. Larson, professor of history at Hendrix from 1975 to 2006. It recognizes that student who in the Historiography class demonstrated most enthusiasm for and promise in the study of history.
• Lara Catherine Morrow is the recipient of the Dr. I. L. Claude, Jr. International Studies Achievement Award given by the International/Intercultural Studies Committee to the senior whose overall record in international studies courses, including foreign languages, culture studies and the various disciplines of the College, and in overseas studies programs reflects the most outstanding level of academic achievement.
• Donald Alexander Bennett is the recipient of The Robert C. Eslinger Computer Science Award presented to the senior computer science student with high achievement in upper-level computer science courses and with active participation in departmental activities.
• Adam Ross Crocker, Fidele Bingwa, and Michael Winslow Gardner are the recipients of the McHenry-Lane Mathematics Award, honoring the late Dr. Harry Lane and the late Miss Elizabeth McHenry, offered to the freshman student with the highest achievement in the calculus sequence.
• Henry Wang is the recipient of the Parker Undergraduate Research Award, honoring Dr. Phillip Parker, and presented to the senior mathematics major for outstanding undergraduate research culminating in publication or presentation at a regional or national research conference.
• Martha Loflin Gary is the recipient of The Robert McGill Choral Music Award, presented to that member of the Hendrix College Choir whose musicality, hard work, dependability, and dedication are recognized by his or her peers and by the director as having made an outstanding contribution to the Choir.
• Kevin Peek is the recipient of the Hendrix College Orchestra Award presented to the member of the Orchestra who has demonstrated the highest degree of musicianship, leadership, and dedication.
• Timothy Marquez Pote is the recipient of the Ashley R. Coffman Wind Ensemble Award. Recipients are selected based on musicianship and commitment to the program during the current year.
• Alana Lea Buie and Zaccheus Daniel Harmon are the recipients of the Robert G. Shoemaker Award presented to the graduating philosophy major who has demonstrated the greatest sensitivity to philosophical issues and creative enthusiasm for the study of philosophy.
• Laura Anne Johnson and William James Porter III are the recipients of The Joe G. Robbins Physics Award which recognizes outstanding performance by a sophomore enrolled in physics courses at Hendrix.
• Mason Lee Boling is the recipient of the Dr. John A. Ziegler Law Award established in 1990-91. This award is presented to the student who during the current year demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in American constitutional law courses.
• Cache Mansfield Carter is the recipient of the Brandon Matthew Ryan Scholarship in Politics and International Relations presented to that junior Politics or international relations major, who best combines a demonstration of aptitude and growth as a student of Politics, personal character, and leadership traits.
• Leslie Michelle Levy is the recipient of the W. C. Buthman Prize in Politics and International Relations offered by friends of the late Dr. Buthman to a Politics major for outstanding achievement in departmental courses and on the senior comprehensive examination.
• Elizabeth Greaves is the recipient of the Moore Religion Award given by Dr. and Mrs. R. B. Moore and Dr. and Mrs. R. B. Moore, Jr. for the student who has demonstrated the highest standards of academic excellence in the study of Religion. She is also Graduating with Distinction in Religion
• Mary Teresa Flanigan and Sarah Elizabeth Hughes are the recipients of the Juanita D. Sandford Social Justice Award. Through her sociological scholarship, teaching, and community action, Dr. Juanita D. Sandford has worked to advance social justice in Arkansas. She was awarded an honorary degree from Hendrix College in 1991. This award is presented to the senior sociology/anthropology major who has demonstrated the greatest commitment to using sociological and anthropological knowledge to bring about a more just society.
• Leah Pritchford Horton is the recipient of the Ferris C. Baker Sociology Award presented by the Sociology/Anthropology Department to that senior student with high achievement in the sociology major who has demonstrated a commitment to public service.
• Kathleen Joy Brannon is the recipient of the Rosemary E. Henenberg Scholarship established in 2002 in honor of Dr. Rosemary Henenberg, Willis H. Holmes Distinguished Professor Emerita of Theatre Arts and longtime Chair of the Department, to recognize Outstanding Achievement by a rising junior or senior in Theatre Arts. The recipient should give evidence of outstanding effort in the academic aspects of the study of drama and theatre; theatrical aspects of the performance of theatre; and departmental leadership and good spirit.
• Brett Thomas Carr is the recipient of the Ella Myrl Shanks Scholarship established in 1992 in honor of Ella Myrl Shanks, Emerita Professor and longtime Chair of the Theatre Arts Department, to recognize outstanding achievement by a rising senior in the Department.
• Elizabeth Carol Dunnet is the recipient of the Vivian Hill Drama Award offered by the Hendrix Players to the student who during the year has done the most to further drama activities.
• William Caldwell Gaskins is the recipient of The Bennett Essay Prize, awarded by Dr. James Bennett of Fayetteville for the best essay written on the topic of ethics and business.

Residence Hall Awards

• Conner Patrick McMains is the recipient of The Darrell G. Trotter Memorial Award which is given to a resident of Couch Hall who has exhibited enthusiastic leadership and mature citizenship.
• Heather Michelle Newell is the recipient of The Jessie Embry Award which is given to the Galloway woman who embodies best those qualities for which Mrs. Embry is admired and respected - selfless pride in her work, deep caring for others, devotion and service beyond what is asked or required.
• Joshua Lee Hooper-Schaffer is the recipient of The Hardin Hall Outstanding Citizen Award which is presented to the resident of Hardin Hall who, in the estimation of his peers, has done the most for his hall and fellow residents and has best exemplified the standards and ideals of Hendrix College.
• John Andrew Christie is the recipient of The Captain W. W. Martin Award which is given to the Martin resident who has demonstrated those qualities which Captain Martin's life exemplified: strong leadership, good character, and concern for others.
• Hannah Marie Allee is the recipient of The Raney Hall Award which is presented to the Raney woman who best exemplifies loyalty, enthusiasm, and friendship.
• Emily Kathleen Fieser is the recipient of The Violet Braly Award and is honored by her peers for her dedication, her enthusiasm, and her genuine consideration for fellow Veasey residents.

Student Organization Awards

• Houston Robert Hughes is the recipient of The Alice Hines Award for Excellence in Multicultural Leadership and Service presented by the Multicultural Development Committee and the Office of Multicultural and International Students to those individuals who have gone beyond the call of duty to bolster diversity on the Hendrix College campus. The award was named after Dr. Alice Hines, Cabe Distinguished Professor of English, due to her continuous efforts to provide an environment that is culturally diverse and accepting of differences.
• Trenton Chase Elliott, Jordan Scott Frazin, Lacey Beth Gebhart, Heather Lynn Hawkins Jordan Leigh Kennedy, Jessica Michelle Rood, and Chad Seena Sardashti are the recipients of the Hendrix College Leadership Scholar Award. The award is presented by the Office of Student Activities to those graduating seniors who have successfully completed the 4-year Leadership Scholar curriculum. These scholars have actively engaged in activities, presentations, and reflections that challenged and enhanced their own leadership perspectives while contributing to our campus and community as exemplary leaders and servants.
• Jessica Michelle Rood and Valerie Rose Sanchirico are the recipients of The Betty F. Bumpers International Leadership and Fellowship Award given to the students who have made the most significant contributions to the development of international activities and understanding within the Hendrix College community.
• Lauren Elizabeth Campbell is the recipient of The Matt L. Ellis Volunteer of the Year Award given in honor of Dr. Ellis to a student who has excelled in voluntary services to the community. Larnie has been the chair of the Volunteer Action Committee on campus and volunteers regularly in the community. This summer she will be one of the members of the Miller Center Mission Trip to Vietnam and will intern with a local farm to promote sustainability in Central Arkansas.
• Michael Ryan McAllister, Kady Yates MacFarlane, and Huyen Trang Van are the recipients of the Miller Center Service Scholars which is given to those graduating students who have completed 150 hours of volunteer work, engaged in vocational discernment through service to others, and been leaders for service work on the college campus.

Intercollegiate Athletics and Intramural Awards

• Angela Marie Bennett is the recipient of the Hendrix Intramural Woman Athlete of the Year presented to the student participating in intramural athletics who has exhibited outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, participation, and achievement.
• Lin Albright Poff is the recipient of the Hendrix Intramural Man Athlete of the Year presented to the student participating in intramural athletics who has exhibited outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, participation, and achievement.
• Samantha A. Clark and Ryan Scott Wible are the recipients of The Bob Courtway Leadership Award given in honor of Dr. Robert F. Courtway, retired athletic director and professor, to the athlete who has exemplified the ideals of honesty, integrity, character, sportsmanship; pursuit of excellence; dedication to physical health and well-being; team above self; honor above victory and service to the Hendrix community.
• Laura Jean Broederdorf is the recipient of the NCAA Woman of the Year Award presented to the outstanding woman athlete nominated for academic, service and athletic achievement.
• David Gerard Foley, Daniel J. Ward and Sara Nicole Hunter are the recipients of The Carl Babcock Award for Leadership in Athletics awarded by the Athletic Advisory Committee to the varsity athlete who has exemplified the ideals of clean and vigorous competition; the pursuit of excellence; dedication to physical health and well-being; team above self; honor above victory.

Hendrix College, founded in 1876, is an undergraduate liberal arts college emphasizing experiential learning in a demanding yet supportive environment. The college is among 165 colleges featured in the 2009 edition of the Princeton Review America’s Best Value Colleges. Hendrix has been affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884. For more information, visit www.hendrix.edu.