Each College of Liberal Arts department and Interdisciplinary Studies Program selects an Outstanding Senior. These 10 amazing students achieved academic success, demonstrated a commitment to their major, balanced the academic load with extracurricular activities and/or employment, demonstrated leadership ability, and will graduate during the current calendar year.

Pictured from left to right: front row: Jhan Harp and Francisca Hoffmann
Back row left to right: Dean Irwin Weiser, Christian Tate, Donald Pattee, Ross Blythe, Jenean Cox, Katie Johnstone, Stephanie Grebe. Not pictured: Daye Phillippo and Emma Clohessy.

---

ANTHROPOLOGY

 

Donald Pattee
Lowell, IN

Majors: Anthropology and Classical Studies (Archaeology)

According to Professor Kevin Vaughn, “Mr. Pattee has consistently been at the top of his cohort in each class that he has taken. He is devoted to the study of anthropological archaeology…”   Donald is a double major in classical studies and includes a minor in global studies in his portfolio. In addition to his classes, Donald is an active member of Habitat for Humanity, Purdue Anthropology Society, and Purdue Classical Association. To augment his classroom experiences, Donald interned with the Dayton Society of Natural History and participated in the Anatolian Archaeological Field School. He is a member of the Sigma Alpha Lambda Anthropology Honors Society and has earned  Dean’s list honors.  After graduation he will pursue a graduate degree in anthropological archaeology.

Activities: Purdue Habitat for Humanity, Purdue Anthropology Society, Purdue Classical Association, Discovery Undergraduate Research Internship Program, Dayton Society of Natural History intern, Anatolian Archaeological Field School

Honors: Sigma Alpha Lambda Honors Society, Dean's List

Future: Pursue graduate degree in anthropological archaeology

---

COMMUNICATION

 

Stephanie Grebe
Vernon Hills, IL

Major: Public Relations and Rhetorical Advocacy

During her Purdue career Stephanie took advantage of research, internship, and study abroad opportunities that enhanced the education she received in the classroom. From day one Stephanie wanted to be challenged. In fact, according to professor Josh Boyd, during her first year as a major Stephanie met with a professor to ask how she could be challenged more in the program. That perseverance helped her become a participant in the College and University Honors Programs, and a member of Phi Beta Delta – an international education honors society. She recently received the Communication Department’s Service Award. After graduation Stephanie will intern with Red Frog Events in Chicago.

Activities: Undergraduate research assistant (Communication), Liberal Arts Career Development intern, Salon GC communication consultant, Study Abroad in Italy

Honors: Dammon Dean's Scholar, CLA Honors Program, University Honors Program, Kepner Tregoe Problem Solving and Decision Making Certification, Caterpillar Study Abroad Scholarship, CIMBA Scholarship, Purdue Study Abroad Travel Grant, Phi Beta Delta (international education honors society), Communication Department Service Award, Dean's List

Future: Internship with Red Frog Events in Chicago 

---

ENGLISH

 

Daye Phillippo
Attica, IN

Major: Creative Writing

In addition to her Creative Writing major, Daye is minoring in Anthropology and Jewish Studies. Already a published poet, Daye is the mother of eight and grandmother to 20, and an active member of her church. Outside of the classroom, she serves on Purdue’s Span Plan Student Advisory Board, is a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda adult student honor society and CLA Honors Program, interned with the Sycamore Review, and is a recipient of a number of awards from the Purdue Literary Awards. Professor Nancy Peterson explained that Daye was selected for this award “because of her stellar record in coursework for creative writing and literature. She is also pursuing challenging honors coursework and is deeply committed to interdisciplinary and liberal arts learning.”

Activities: Purdue's Span Plan Student Advisory Board, Sycamore Review intern, church volunteer

Honors: Alpha Sigma Lambda (adult student honor society), CLA Honors Program, Helen B. Schleman Scholarship, Dr. Frank Neuffer Scholarship, Jerome Frumkin Scholarship, Poems published by Plainsongs, North Central Review, and Words on the Go, Purdue Literary Awards (Bain-Swigget Award, Kneale Award, Student English Association Award, University Book Store Award)

Future: Pursue an MFA in Creative Writing through a low-residency program

---

FOREIGN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES

 

Katie Johnstone
Indianapolis, IN

Majors: Spanish and Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

According to academic advisor Marianne Gupta, “Academically, Katie tops the list of FLL majors graduating this May. She is ranked first among graduating FLL majors by the faculty.” Katie’s goal is to combine both her majors – Spanish and Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences – and become a bilingual speech language pathologist in a school system. Katie is an active member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, and her sorority Delta Delta Delta.  In addition to her studies, she was an undergraduate research assistant and worked at the Recreational Sports Center. Katie earned Phi Beta Kappa, is a member of Sigma Delta Pi honor society, is on the Dean’s list, and received semester honors. After graduation Katie will continue to work towards her goal by pursuing a graduate degree in bilingual speech pathology.

Activities: Greater Lafayette Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program, National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, Easter Seals Crossroads Life Skills Camp and CampAbility, Delta Delta Delta, undergraduate research assistant

Honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish honor society), Dean's List, Semester's Honors, Recreational Sports Center Intramural Office Assistant of the Year Award, Excellence in Summer Service Education Award

Future: Pursue a graduate degree in bilingual speech pathology

---

HISTORY

 

Francisca Hoffmann
Syracuse, IN

Majors: History and Law & Society

During her academic career, Francisca focused on the underlying story imbedded in the historic facts shared in the classroom. She made her own history, too, as an active member of numerous campus organizations, including executive positions with the Purdue Student Government, Purdue Anti-Violence Against Women Coalition, and membership in the Purdue College Democrats. Francisca earned Phi Beta Kappa and is a member of Golden Key Honor Society, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Professor Charles Cutter shared that the selection committee members “…were tremendously impressed with Ms. Hoffmann’s outside activities that centered on issues of social justice.”  Francisca is one of 5,200 young Americans who will be participating in Teach for America. She was chosen out of a pool of 40,000 applicants and will teach in the Miami-Dade area beginning this fall.

Activities: Upwards Athletics coach, Gibson Law Office intern, Purdue Dance Marathon, Purdue Student Government, Purdue College Democrats, Purdue Anti-Violence Against Women Coalition, Boiler Gold Rush

Honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Dean's List, Semester's Honors, Mortar Board "Tip of the Cap" Award, Purdue Student Activities Office "Emerging Leader" Award

Future: Participate in the Teach for America program in Miami-Dade, FL

---

INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

 

Interdisciplinary Studies Program-Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Christian Tate
Crestwood, KY

Majors: Medieval and Renaissance Studies and Mechanical Engineering

Christian will graduate with two very different majors – Medieval and Renaissance Studies and Mechanical Engineering. Professor Paul White explained that “Christian’s outstanding academic record blends scientific inquiry with historical research. He is an interdisciplinary scholar in the truest sense.” During his time at Purdue, Christian has balanced his volunteer work and organization involvement between his two interests in Engineering and Liberal Arts. He travelled to Haiti where he helped build houses and administer medical and dental services. Christian helped local elementary students with language arts and math and is a teaching assistant in Mechanical Engineering. Christian also participated in a summer undergraduate research fellowship working on rolling friction and the discrete element method and studied abroad in China. After graduation, Christian plans to travel back to Haiti and then to pursue a graduate degree in medieval literature in England.

Activities: Purdue Running Club, Purdue Catholic Students, Elementary school tutor, Purdue teaching assistant, Humanitarian mission trip volunteer, Study Abroad in China, Boy Scouts of America

Honors: Golden Key International Honor Society, Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Dean's List

Future: Take humanitarian trips to Haiti and pursue a graduate degree in Medieval Literature in England

---

PATTI AND RUSTY RUEFF SCHOOL OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

 

Jhan Harp
West Lafayette, IN

Majors: Theatre and Physics

Jhan will graduate in May with two degrees – a bachelor’s of arts in Theatre and a bachelor’s of science in Physics. Jhan enrolled as Purdue as a Physics major then took an introductory Theatre class and was hooked. He found real passion in developing, writing, and producing television, film, and theatre. Jhan spent summers in Los Angeles doing background work on numerous television shows and movies, include Glee, House, Valentine’s Day, CSI: New York, and many more. In collaboration with his best friend, Jhan has already written several scripts and is currently shooting a trailer for his television series, Mythos. Professor Richard Stockton Rand explains, “Jhan’s dedication, discipline, humanism, and rigor are unprecedented in an undergraduate student. He truly is both an outstanding senior and a consummate liberal artist.” After graduation, Jhan will travel to Los Angeles to make his dream of working on his own television show come true.

Activities: American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, Purdue Geological Society, Society of Physics Students, Independent filmmaker/screenwriter/actor/director

Honors: National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Purdue's "Makers All" campaign, Dean's List, Academic Success Award, Joe Stockdale/Ross Smith Scholarship, Krane Physics Scholarship, Spira Physics Summer Research Award

Future: Pursue acting, writing, and directing in television, film, and theatre in Los Angeles, CA

---

PHILOSOPHY

Ross Blythe
East Lansing, MI

Majors: Philosophy and Professional Writing

According to Professor Patrick Kain, “While being extensively engaged on campus and in several different academic programs, Ross excelled in several of his Philosophy courses.” Involved he is indeed. In addition to Philosophy, Ross is also majoring in Professional Writing and minoring in Physics. He works his way through school as a resident assistant in Tarkington Hall and as an undergraduate research assistant. In his “free time” Ross is an active member of the Purdue Fencing Club, Purdue Night Train Swing Dance – where he was a dance instructor, the Philosophy Society, Taekwondo Club, and Society of Physics Students. Ross is also a Club DJ and teaches Blues workshops. After graduation, Ross plans to hone his technical writing skills with internships and eventually pursue a graduate degree in philosophy.

Activities: University Residences resident assistant, undergraduate research assistant, Purdue Fencing Club, Purdue Night Train Swing Dance, Philosophy Society, Purdue Taekwondo Club, Club DJ, Society of Physics Students, Study Abroad in Scotland

Honors: Crouse Scholarship, Emily Mauzy Vogel Sophomore Leadership Conference

Future: Apply for internships in the technical writing field and pursue a graduate degree in Philosophy

---

POLITICAL SCIENCE

 

Emma Clohessy
McHenry, IL

Major: Political Science

Emma’s involvement in research projects transformed her classroom studies into reality. As an undergraduate research assistant, Emma worked with Political Science professors to study the political mobilization of US communities near proposed nuclear facilities in the 20^th century as well as comparative international policies regarding breast cancer and nutrition. Emma also has a passion for the theatre and the “behind the scenes” happenings that go into making a production great. With a minor in theatre design and technology, she worked as a light board operator, carpenter, and electrician on eleven Purdue Theatre productions. As Professor Leigh Raymond explains, “Emma’s  commitment to study abroad and to a variety of important, practical experiences working on environmental policy issues over the summer and after graduation show how strongly she has benefitted from her study of political science.” After accepting her diploma, Emma will work as an environmental instructor at the Catalina Island Environmental Leadership Program.

Activities: Undergraduate research assistant, Study Abroad in Finland, Electrician and carpenter (Purdue Theatre), Swim instructor/lifeguard (Purdue RecSports), Naturalist/Outdoor leader (Catalina Island Camps)

Honors: Dean's List

Future: Work as an environmental instructor at the Catalina Island Environmental Leadership Program and pursue a graduate degree

---

SOCIOLOGY

 

Jenean Cox
Indianapolis, IN

Majors: Sociology and Psychology

This May, Jenean will walk off the Elliott Hall of Music stage with two degrees –Sociology and Psychological Sciences. To enhance her classroom experiences for both majors, Jenean worked with professors to study racial socialization of families and emotional bravery in dangerous occupations. She also participated in the Liberal Arts Honors program where she was able to conduct her own research. Jenean  studied post-Colonialism in London and is involved with the Science Bound Student Support Organization and the Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society. Her drive and success has not gone unnoticed. Over the course of her Purdue career, Jenean has received the Science Bound Scholarship, Purdue Opportunity Award, Twenty-First Century Scholars award, and is on the Dean’s List. Along the way, Jenean found time to work at a local bookstore. After graduation, Jenean plans to pursue volunteer opportunities and apply to graduate school.

Activities: Science Bound Student Support Organization, Study Abroad in London, Undergraduate research assistant (Sociology and Psychology), Follett's Bookstore associate

Honors: Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology Honor Society), Purdue Opportunity Awards, Science Bound Scholarship, Twenty-first Century Scholars, Dean's List

Future: Pursue volunteer opportunities and a graduate degree in culture studies

---

CONGRATULATIONS SENIORS and GOOD LUCK!

 

 

In this section

• 2011 Outstanding Seniors