April 16, 2004

ASBSU Recognizes Top Boise State Organizations, Graduates

The Associated Students of Boise State University recently presented the annual Student Hall of Fame awards in recognition of excellence at Boise State University. Organizations, graduating students, staff and alumni were recognized for their significant contributions to the students of Boise State University. Hall of Fame Awards recognize students and alumni who have distinguished themselves through service, academics, fine arts, student government, athletics or other areas. Alumni: Carol Hoidal, a 1972 graduate of Boise State in history, was recognized for her many contributions to the university. Hoidal is a past president of the Boise State Alumni Association and remains involved on committees relating to events and student scholarships. She and her husband, Ernie, have established scholarships in both the history department and the College of Business and Economics. She is also past president of the Ronald McDonald House.   Community Service: Ryan VanderLinden, a senior majoring in biochemistry, was recognized for his outstanding community service. VanderLinden has been active in many campus organizations and is a past director of Boise State’s Volunteer Services Board as well as a founding member of the Student Alumni Association and president of the American Chemical Society School Affiliate. In addition, he participated in this year’s Alternative Spring Break service project to San Diego, Calif.   Outstanding Academic Achievement: Melissa Schurger, a senior majoring in German, is a graphic designer for Boise State’s Volunteer Services Board. A member of the Honors College and Honors Student Association, she has maintained an excellent GPA while juggling school, track, committees and teaching piano lessons.   Student Government: Baxter Andrews, a senior from Tucson, Ariz., majoring in criminal justice administration, is an associate justice for ASBSU. She was recognized for her thoughtful analyses and conscientious service to ASBSU. Andrews is a member of the Idaho Women’s Network, Idaho Mediation Association, Society for Police and Criminal Justice and the Justice Research and Statistics Association.   Student Organization: Galen Carlson, a senior from Norwalk, Calif., majoring in criminal justice administration, is vice president of the Alpha Kappa Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma. She was recognized for her extraordinary dedication to the organization as well as her exemplary coursework and research. She recently received the highly competitive V.A. Leonard Scholarship at the Alpha Phi Sigma National Convention.   Marj Billings Award: Kara Fink, a senior majoring in international business with a minor in German, was recognized for her service to the Boise State community. Fink is director of the Volunteer Services Board and a member of the Honors Student Association, Student Alumni Association, Ambassadors and the Boise State Vocal Jazz Ensemble.   OCNORB: Linda Hamson, administrative assistant for Student Union and Activities, received this award for going beyond her duties to assist and support ASBSU.   David S. Taylor Service to Students Award: Richard Payne, Boise State professor of economics. Payne received multiple nominations for this award, which honors the lifetime achievements of an outstanding Boise State University administrator, faculty, adviser, alumni or employee who demonstrates ongoing commitment and dedication to the service of students, student learning outside the classroom, and to the quality of student life at Boise State University.     Outstanding Student Organization Awards were started in 1986 as a way to recognize exceptional student organizations. These awards are presented to organizations that have shown leadership and involvement in the community and at Boise State University.   Advisor of the Year: Nikki Hampton, Alpha Chi Omega. Hampton is the supply buyer for the Boise State Bookstore.   Organization of the Year: Kappa Sigma Fraternity, Dave Morrison, president.   Academic/Professional Organization of the Year: Lambda Alpha Epsilon, Sara Malang, president.   Greek Organization of the Year: Alpha Xi Delta, Katie Robins, president.   Honor Society Organization of the Year: Pi Kappa Delta, Annah Merkley, president   Service or Special Interest Organization of the Year: Campus Greens, Lori Gardiner, president.   Religious Organization of the year: Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, Dan Russell, president.   Club Sports Organization of the Year: Women’s Lacrosse Club, Jill Mendenhall, president. -30- Contact Mike Esposito Student Organizations 208 426-1590 Media Contacts Kathleen Craven communications and marketing 208 426-3275 Angela Jones communications and marketing 208 426-3196