Department of Humanities and Communication recognizes students

The Trine University Department of Humanities and Communication (HAC) recognized graduates and outstanding students for the 2016-2017 school year at a ceremony held May 4 in Wells Theater, Taylor Hall.

Jordan Blank, a junior English education major from Montpelier, Ohio, received the Humanities and Communication Outstanding New Student Award. The award is given to a new student in the department — freshman, transfer or new major — who demonstrates excellence in the classroom and extraordinary dedication to departmental activities.

The Humanities and Communication Outstanding Freshman Award was given to Jessica Griffioen, an English major from Sturgis, Michigan. The award recognizes a freshman communications or English major who demonstrates excellence in the classroom and extraordinary dedication to departmental activities.

Mikaela Gerba of Highland, a senior social studies education major and humanities minor with a specialty in English, was honored with the Outstanding Senior Writing Center Tutor Award and the Needler-McGreggor Excellence in English Award, given for excellence in English and Communication.

Clare Danner, a sophomore from Indianapolis majoring in communication, received the Jeanine Samuelson Student Distinction Award. The award, which is determined by peer nomination, recognizes students who best exhibit the key HAC qualities:

• Teamwork, exhibiting great communication skills
• Leadership in the classroom and departmental activities
• Valuing of diversity in the classroom and across campus
• Commitment to academic excellence
• Dedication to the HAC department and his or her professional field
• Excitement and passion in the classroom and departmental activities
• Ethical behavior and decision-making in and outside of the classroom.

Kathleen Seeley, a biomedical engineering major from Zanesfield, Ohio, and Christopher Vojtko, a mechanical engineering major from Benton Harbor, Michigan, were recognized as outstanding senior Drama Club members.

Samuel Driffill, a senior civil engineering major from Anderson, and Mitchell Mott, a senior civil engineering major from Alma, Michigan, were recognized as outstanding Spanish students.

Ben Vigliarolo, a junior communication major from West Bloomfield, Michigan, was honored for his service as intern for the Art Eberhardt Environmental and Community Outreach (ECO) Center.

Clare Danner; Alexis Delancey-Christiansen, a senior professional writing and English studies major from Angola; Jessica Griffioen; Rebecca Mann of Angola, a senior finance major and humanities minor with a specialty in English; Megan Miller, a junior professional writing and English studies major from Angola; and Stephanie Delph, a senior professional writing and English studies major from Lake Station, were recognized for serving on the HAC Media Team.

Kirstan Scott, a senior chemical engineering major from Lima, Ohio, was recognized for serving as the HAC student worker.

Members of the Sigma Tau Delta English honor society were recognized: August Buehrer, a senior music major from Angola; Mikaela Gerba; Amanda Higbee, a senior communication major from Reading, Michigan; Mycah Houser, a sophomore English major from Valparaiso; Kyle Long, a sophomore social studies education major from Edon, Ohio; Emma Lucas, a junior professional writing and English studies major from Hamilton; and Alexis Delancey-Christiansen.

The department also recognized its graduating seniors: Stephanie Delph; Annabelle Elder, a senior communication major from Wauseon, Ohio; Cody Konieczki, a senior communication major from Jackson, Michigan; August Buehrer; Mikaela Gerba; and Rebecca Mann.