Kresge Hall was packed with faculty, staff, students, and family members as 110 awards and distinctions were given to hundreds of students by esteemed faculty and administrators.
Julianne Miranda, senior class dean & associate dean of academic life, gave the opening remarks and highlighted both the senior class and other honorees for their “excellence, leadership, character, and growth.”
While presenting the Ferid Murad Medal, Vice President of Academic Affairs Anne Harris shared the same sentiment.
“Every year I am so humbled by the achievements of each of these students that are nominated,” Harris said.
Following Miranda’s opening remarks, Dr. Kathleen Mittendorf ’10 gave an inspirational keynote address that focused on her challenges and adaptability in the face of systemic lupus erythematosus. Mittendorf graduated from DePauw University in 2010 with a degree in biochemistry and a minor in psychology.
After her graduation, Mittendorf worked on her PhD at Vanderbilt University where she was a co-author on 7 peer-reviewed publications, all while battling early and debilitating symptoms of lupus.
“I don’t want this to be inspiration porn,” Mittenberg said. “Instead redefine success. That process is feasible. That process is okay.”
Following Mittendorf’s address, awards were given to seniors and other members of the student body. Among award winners, new members of the 11 different honors societies, 12 Fulbright scholars, and 6 Teach for America volunteers were honored for their achievements in nationally competitive fellowships and awards.
Two of DePauw’s most prestigious awards were given to seniors who have proved to be exceptional scholars as well as leaders during their time at the University.
Named for Nobel laureate Dr. Ferid Murad '58, the Murad Medal recognizes the senior who has had the most significant scholarly or artistic achievements during his or her time at DePauw.
Midori Kawaue was awarded the 2017 Murad Medal. Her achievements in History made her stand out amongst her peers. Currently she is co-editor of a Civil War Prisoner of War diary with Dr. John Schlotterbeck and the DePauw Archives. The manuscript is under review from the Kent State University Press.
“Throughout my four years, I have learned that resilience is key to success. It has been a pretty bumpy ride navigating DePauw, so receiving this award meant a lot to me and that is why I felt extremely overwhelmed last night,” Kawaue said.
In addition to the Murad Medal, The Walker Cup, which is to be presented annually to the member of the Senior Class who shall be determined to have done the most for DePauw during his or her college course, was awarded to Sarah Fears.
“I’m very excited. It was unexpected,” Fears said. “The other women who were nominated have done phenomenal work on campus and it was really great to get recognized amongst them.”
Fears has made notable contributions to cross cultural conversations and her work has guaranteed DePauw Dialogue will continue for the next five years.