Spring Break
Two students, senate honored during annual A. Robert Rainville Awards
Jeff Sullivan
Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: News
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The nominees and recipients received remarks of praise from their peers and faculty in three categories: student leadership, outstanding student employee and team excellence.
This year's Rainville Awards were not only special for the student attendees, but also for URI President Robert L. Carothers, who was selected as the namesake for one of the new awards: the Dr. Robert L. Carothers Award for Outstanding Service to the URI Community.
"In recognition of your commitment to the leadership and service to the University of Rhode Island, we honor your legacy this year and each year after," said Bruce Hamilton, director of the Memorial Union.
The selection process for the awards was rigorous, and included not only a review of the accomplishments of the nominees, but also personal interviews with the selection committee. Letters of recommendation were also required, as well as a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
Senior women's studies major Melanie Shapiro was selected as the recipient of the student leadership award.
Shapiro came to URI as a transfer student. In the two years she attended URI, she has been involved in many different campus organizations and advocacy groups, including her position as co-chair of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Human Trafficking.
"I'm laughing and crying at the same time and can't feel anything," Shapiro said upon winning the award. "This is a tremendous honor and I did not expect it at all. Thank you for believing in me and encouraging my leadership and scholarship. You've taught me so much."
Fifth-year pharmacy student Kayla Smith introduced fellow nominee junior Jennifer Elias for the next category - the student employee award - and had nothing but compliments for her peer.
"She goes the extra mile," Smith said. "I know URI [students] may cringe when they hear about chemistry, but Jen reflects upon her job with the biggest smile."
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