Franklin Miller Awards

I am writing in enthusiastic support of Marissa Sun for the Franklin Miller Award. Marissa is an extremely intelligent, motivated student who is passionate about research and public service. Her research and service has manifested in remarkable contributions to the entire campus community here at Kenyon. I am so happy I admitted Marissa into my research lab three years ago, even though she was just a freshman at the time. And I beamed with pride when Marissa welcomed Kenyon’s first-year class during a speech she delivered during opening convocation as the Student Council President. Her impressive initiative, work-ethic and ambition have generated impressive outcomes — in the classroom, in the lab and throughout the entire Kenyon campus.

Marissa is a senior majoring in psychology and pursuing a minor in biology and a concentration in computing science. She is not only deeply engaged in leadership on campus, but she is also a star in the classroom and in the lab. Notably, her civic engagement and commitment to public service is evident in the classes she takes and the research she pursues.

Given Marissa’s impressive leadership, involvement in scholarly endeavors both inside and outside of the classroom, the high-quality of her research and her commitment to public service, she is an extraordinarily strong candidate for this award. She has my highest recommendation.

—Nominated by Associate Professor of Psychology Margaret Stevenson

Today I am writing to recommend Basil (Isabella) Strickland for a Franklin Miller Award. Strickland would be a wonderful recipient due to her exemplary course work and Writing Center tutoring.

Strickland is an accomplished communicator both in the classroom and in the Writing Center. As her professor, I had ample opportunity to see her written work and listen to her presentations and participation in a variety of class settings. Not only did she earn a high grade in my course due to her exemplary writing and speaking skills, but her enthusiasm also appealed to me. Strickland is an effective communicator who gets others excited about whatever it is she is sharing. I even use some of her work from her time in my class as an example for students who are currently enrolled (with Strickland’s permission, of course).

Strickland is a hard worker, both on a team and on her own. In class, she devoted herself to group work, never slacking off or leaving her classmates in the lurch. She also works hard to complete assignments on time, accurately and with valuable insights. As a tutor, she works on collaborative projects, completing assignments in a timely fashion and asking useful questions along the way. Her work one-on-one with writers and speakers proves Strickland can take initiative and complete the job independently, often so well that she has writers return for additional support. This dedication to her academics and her tutoring work make her an outstanding Franklin Miller recipient.

Basil Strickland is a clear communicator, an adaptable employee and a diligent worker who follows directions well. I recommend her without reservation for this honor.

—Nominated by Writing Center Director Anna Scanlon