Student Deemed 'Extraordinary' by Staff, Faculty

Reprinted Courtesy of K-State Media Relations and Marketing

Kansas State University recently honored students who have overcome obstacles to succeed in their educational pursuits.

The 2007 Extraordinary Student Awards were presented at a May 2 banquet to six undergraduate and two graduate students who have continued their college education despite such challenges as physical and learning disabilities, family tragedy, and political and social turmoil.

Among the students honored with Extraordinary Student Awards for 2007 was Danielle Garrison, fifth-year major in interior architecture and product design, Broomfield, CO. Garrison was nominated by Judy Roland, academic advisor in interior architecture and product design.

Garrison was involved in a serious accident at the age of 4 which resulted in a severe arm injury. In her nomination, Roland stated that most students with an arm injury as serious as Garrison’s would chose a less demanding career path. Roland says, “Within our degree, we have a large component of design workshops, and Danielle is completing an additional advanced design workshop,” Roland said. “These courses require the student to design and physically build their design in our departmental workshops. The projects are constructed of different types of wood which Danielle had to cut with large, industrial grade mill working tools. These tools are utilized on each project, and Danielle completed the projects with her own skills,” Roland said.

Roland went on to say, “In addition, Danielle was required to design studio projects with the computer using AutoCAD and other computer design software. As you may understand, using a computer usually requires the use of both hands, and that is exactly what Danielle does not have. Even with her physical disability, Danielle has achieved a strong academic performance. She has overcome many difficult obstacles, and I am confident that she will continue to accomplish great things. She is extremely pleasant, has a ready smile, is persistent in reaching her goals and is a good team player.”

“This occasion is not just a celebration of the students, who are so inspirational for their persistence in the face of incredible adversity,” said Cia Verschelden, an associate professor who belongs to the planning and selection committees for the awards. “We also acknowledge the faculty and staff at K-State who support and encourage them.”

This is the sixth year for the awards. They have been supported by the K-State Faculty Senate, several deans and members of the faculty and staff, said Verschelden, who also directs K-State’s office of assessment.

For the past three years, the members of the executive board of the Kansas State University Foundation have donated their own money to fund cash awards for the students.

Verschelden quoted from a letter written by one of the award winners: “I am actually surprised that my professors have nominated me, because it is the people here at K-State who deserve this honor. I have always found in them a listening ear ready to hear my slightest distress. Their encouragement enabled me to get through the toughest times, always guiding me toward the best possible path.”

The Extraordinary Student Awards are given out each spring. Anyone in K-State’s campus community can nominate a student. The planning and selection is done completely with volunteer work and donated money.