Elmhurst Residents Achieve Honors, Recognition at Colleges Across the Country

We have lots of good news to report about college students from Elmhurst. Thanks to the various colleges and parents who sent this information to us. Do you have a college student who makes you proud? Share their accomplishments with Elmhurst Patch by emailing editor Karen Chadra, at karenc@patch.com.

Now, without further ado, check out what our Elmhurst students are doing at universities around the country.

Laura Rovi, a senior in the honors program at Dominican University, spent her junior year studying abroad at Oxford University, United Kingdom. She said the life-changing experience opened doors in her academic life, social life and global outlook. (See attached video.) Dominican University students can study abroad their junior year at Blackfriars Hall as part of a relationship between the two universities. Blackfriars Hall is run by Dominican Friars and houses the Studium, or intellectual center, of the English Dominicans. Education at Blackfriars Hall centers around a weekly tutorial, where a student meets with a tutor and they discuss an essay topic and books assigned the previous week. 

University of Dayton student Rachel Michaud took a stand to protect the environment and reduce carbon emissions by pledging to leave her car at home for her first two years on the Ohio campus. In exchange, the university gave Rachel a new Linus bicycle. Nearly 300 students signed the pledge to not bring a car to campus, and 100 of those were awarded bicycles. The program is intended to promote a healthier, greener campus while empowering students to change the world around them through sustainability and responsible stewardship. It's all part of a larger initiative to create a bike-friendly campus and reduce carbon emissions. In 2011, the University launched a bike rental program that has recorded more than 4,500 checkouts, with 3,000 in the last year. The university also recently signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, pledging to move the university toward becoming carbon neutral.

The following students were named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.: Shelly Ann Delano, Alexander DeVries, Susan Marie Dunne, Sharise Lund, Christine Marie Lutz, Madeline Nelson, Mansi Parikh, Lindsey Rhea, Michael Ruchti and Devon Tamm. 

Julia Jones earned a master's in business administration and Lindsey Rhea earned a bachelor's degree from the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue.

University of Evansville student Abigail Elf is spending the fall semester studying abroad in Paris. Elf, who is majoring in French education at UE, is studying abroad through a program run by Council on International Educational Exchange. She received a $1,250 scholarship from CIEE to support her studies.

Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation presented a $5,000 Thomas O. Myers Jr. and Shirley L. Myers Endowed Scholarship to Shawn John, son of Biju and Maya John and a 2013 graduate of York High School. He will attend Ohio State University and major in biology. Kyle Scott, a 2010 graduate of Bartlett High School, also was awarded. He  is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering at Purdue University. This endowed scholarship was first awarded in 2004 by the Myers in appreciation for the compassionate care provided by the staff of Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare. It is presented each year to two individuals who are the son or daughter of an Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare employee and pursuing a degree in healthcare or medicine.

Peter Howland, a freshman majoring in electrical engineering, is competing on the Men's Cross Country team at Trine University, Angola, Ind.

Sarah Samuel took part in a White Coat Ceremony at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, symbolizing the first step in becoming a pharmacist. The white coat is a symbol of commitment to professionalism. She is the daughter of Benjamin and Mini Samuel, and  a 2011 graduate of York High School. The class of 2017 will spend the next four years gaining knowledge and skills to prepare them to become leaders in the profession of pharmacy.

Danielle Frobel participated in the Ambassadors of Change program at Butler University, Indianapolis, which focuses on service to the community and leadership skill development. Throughout the six-day program, students are introduced to the campus and Indianapolis community through daily volunteering at local agencies. Participants also take part in discussions about social issues and learn about service and leadership styles while getting to know their fellow classmates.

Samantha Hamilton, Sophie Darley and Danielle Frobel were among 557 Butler University students to participate in Bulldogs Into the Streets, a large-scale single day of community service hosted by the Butler Volunteer Center.

Kenneth Zillig was elected to the Sigma Xi honor society at Carleton College, Northfield, Minn., by demonstrating research potential in a field of pure or applied science. Brian Spisiak was awarded the Philip H. Niles Prize in Medieval and Renaissance Studies, and has been elected to the Phi Beta Kappa honorary scholastic fraternity. The Prize in Medieval and Renaissance Studies is presented for the best short essays in any related field. Phi Beta Kappa elects its memberships from students who rank in the highest 15 percent of their graduating class and meet other prescribed criteria.

Catherine Varnas received a bachelor's degree and a master of architecture degree from Roger Williams University, Bristol, R.I.