Each year, the "Who's Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges "awards students who have persistently stood out to the faculty at his or her school. This year, 69 Auburn students were chosen to receive this award.
"The Who's Who program is a nationally recognized institution of the American academic community," said Tracey Brinyark, department team leader for Who's Who among Students. "Universities and Colleges bestow this honor upon academically deserving students so they can have a lifetime referencing service and scholarship opportunities."
Brinyark said the amount of students awarded each year is based on a certain quota, which each university or college is appointed. The quota is normally the top one-half percent of the total enrollment of the school, which is 69 students for Auburn University.
Kaitlyn Bonds, a senior in biomedical sciences and one of the 69 students chosen, said she contributes her win to the positions she has held as a Camp War Eagle counselor over the past two years.
"I really am just so thankful," Bond said. "When I came to Auburn from a little-bitty town, I never thought that I would break out of my comfort zone and get involved as much as I have. I always thought getting involved was more for people who came from monstrous high schools and had connections. I am just so blessed to have been selected for this amazing honor."
Brinyark said that each student selected was previously nominated by a college faculty member, which is the only way for a student nomination to be accepted and considered.
Shelby Hancock, a senior In English literature, said she was nominated by her University Program Council adviser, but was unaware that she had been nominated until she received an email saying she had won the award.
Hancock said she has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her years at Auburn and is a member of the Honors College and a Presidential Scholar, along with holding several positions in UPC and other organizations.
Steven Sheffield, a senior in finance who was nominated by his student involvement adviser, said he thinks his role as the president of Alternative Spring Breaks and being senator of the College of Business lead to him achieving this award.
"I just want to congratulate all of my friends who won this award, especially those with whom I work in Alternative Spring Break," Sheffield said.
Sheffield said he hopes the award will help motivate him in his professional career.
Bradley Burroughs, a junior in communications, said he didn't think he would win and was surprised when he received an email saying he had.
"This is something I feel like I can bring up in job interviews for the future and hopefully show future employee that I am a hard-worker and really enjoy working with others and I always try to do my best," Burroughs said.
Burroughs has been involved with organizations and programs on campus such as Tiger Tuesdays, SOS, Camp War Eagle and SGA since his freshman year.
All 69 students will be featured alongside the other students that were chosen for this award in America in the annual 'Who's Who among American Universities and Colleges" publication.
"If anything, I really just feel like this award is a confidence booster for me," Bond said. "It shows that you can achieve great things here at Auburn and they won't go unnoticed."
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