Robins awards held Saturday
The most prestigious award at Utah State University, the Bill Robins Memorial Award, was given to The Associated Students of Utah State University’s President Steve Palmer Saturday night at the 45th annual ceremony.
The Bill Robins Award is one of 16 given at the Robins Awards ceremony each year. The program began in memory of William E. Robins who served as student body president 53 years ago. He was known for his enthusiasm, vision and love for USU. Through his efforts, the Union Building, now the Taggart Student Center (TSC), was constructed.
In 1954 Robins and his wife, Geraldine, were killed in a plane crash. They left behind a 2-year-old son. The Sigma Nu Fraternity, of which Robins was a member, created a fund to provide a scholarship for the child’s education. But he died of leukemia when he was 8. The awards were started in their memory.
Karmann Clements, ASUSU organizations and traditions vice president, headed the ceremony this year.
“[The highlight] was seeing it all come together and run smoothly,” she said.
Roughly 650 people attended this year’s black-tie ceremony. Students, faculty, administration and parents sat at tables filling the TSC Ballroom. The Calvary Baptist Choir entertained the audience.
Special guest Reverend France Davis, who marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, helped introduce the night of honor. He challenged the audience to “aim for the sky” and “dream a little.”
“Learn to be the best of whatever you are,” he said.
Throughout the ceremony people were recognized for their academic ability, talent, service and love for USU. More than 200 nominations had been received. Finalists were asked to submit an autobiography for committee review.
Both winners and nominees alike said they were honored just to be there.
Owen T. Nevin of the College of Natural Resources was awarded Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year.
“Wow,” he said.
Wendy R. Wasson, a graduate student in speech and language pathology, was awarded Woman of the Year for her 4.0 grade point average and relentless service to the Spanish Ambassadors organization.
“Not only does giving service give me joy,” she said. “But not giving service makes me feel empty.”
Shane Larsen, a senior in liberal arts and sciences, spoke for the Student Alumni Association which won Organization of the Year.
“It’s exciting mostly because all the efforts made by members throughout the year have been recognized,” he said.
Brianne Plowman, a senior in public relations, was the only female to be nominated for the Bill Robins Memorial Award.
“I just feel honored to be nominated,” she said. “I wasn’t even expecting it.”
Gov. Michael Leavitt was at the ceremony to support his son, Taylor, who was also a nominee.
“I’m here as a parent tonight,” he said. “This is another testament of Utah State’s remarkable students.”
Months of planning the ceremony brought to light the “best youth has to offer,” as the Bill Robins Award boasts.
In winning the featured award, Palmer was recognized for his service to ASUSU, his leadership as president of the Utah Council of Student Body Presidents and his motivation to better USU. He helped bring back the women’s basketball team and launch a new student honor code system.
“Let there be no mistake that I love Utah State University,” he said. “In the words of France Davis, thank you for allowing me to ‘dream a little.'”
Clements said the Robins Awards were made for people to be the best they can at USU.
“I just hope next year will be even bigger and better,” she said. “I hope more students will want to attend, because it’s for them.”prestigious award at Utah State University, the Bill Robins Memorial Award, was given to The Associated Students of Utah State University’s President Steve Palmer Saturday night at the 45th annual ceremony.
The Bill Robins Award is one oBy Marie Griffin
Staff Writer
The most prestigious award at Utah State University, the Bill Robins Memorial Award, was given to The Associated Students of Utah State University’s President Steve Palmer Saturday night at the 45th annual ceremony.
The Bill Robins Award is one of 16 given at the Robins Awards ceremony each year. The program began in memory of William E. Robins who served as student body president 53 years ago. He was known for his enthusiasm, vision and love for USU. Through his efforts, the Union Building, now the Taggart Student Center (TSC), was constructed.
In 1954 Robins and his wife, Geraldine, were killed in a plane crash. They left behind a 2-year-old son. The Sigma Nu Fraternity, of which Robins was a member, created a fund to provide a scholarship for the child’s education. But he died of leukemia when he was 8. The awards were started in their memory.
Karmann Clements, ASUSU organizations and traditions vice president, headed the ceremony this year.
“[The highlight] was seeing it all come together and run smoothly,” she said.
Roughly 650 people attended this year’s black-tie ceremony. Students, faculty, administration and parents sat at tables filling the TSC Ballroom. The Calvary Baptist Choir entertained the audience.
Special guest Reverend France Davis, who marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, helped introduce the night of honor. He challenged the audience to “aim for the sky” and “dream a little.”
“Learn to be the best of whatever you are,” he said.
Throughout the ceremony people were recognized for their academic ability, talent, service and love for USU. More than 200 nominations had been received. Finalists were asked to submit an autobiography for committee review.
Both winners and nominees alike said they were honored just to be there.
Owen T. Nevin of the College of Natural Resources was awarded Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year.
“Wow,” he said.
Wendy R. Wasson, a graduate student in speech and language pathology, was awarded Woman of the Year for her 4.0 grade point average and relentless service to the Spanish Ambassadors organization.
“Not only does giving service give me joy,” she said. “But not giving service makes me feel empty.”
Shane Larsen, a senior in liberal arts and sciences, spoke for the Student Alumni Association which won Organization of the Year.
“It’s exciting mostly because all the efforts made by members throughout the year have been recognized,” he said.
Brianne Plowman, a senior in public relations, was the only female to be nominated for the Bill Robins Memorial Award.
“I just feel honored to be nominated,” she said. “I wasn’t even expecting it.”
Gov. Michael Leavitt was at the ceremony to support his son, Taylor, who was also a nominee.
“I’m here as a parent tonight,” he said. “This is another testament of Utah State’s remarkable students.”
Months of planning the ceremony brought to light the “best youth has to offer,” as the Bill Robins Award boasts.
In winning the featured award, Palmer was recognized for his service to ASUSU, his leadership as president of the Utah Council of Student Body Presidents and his motivation to better USU. He helped bring back the women’s basketball team and launch a new student honor code system.
“Let there be no mistake that I love Utah State University,” he said. “In the words of France Davis, thank you for allowing me to ‘dream a little.'”
Clements said the Robins Awards were made for people to be the best they can at USU.
“I just hope next year will be even bigger and better,” she said. “I hope more students will want to attend, because it’s for them.”f 16 given at the Robins Awards ceremony each year. The program began in memory of William E. Robins, who served as student body president 53 years ago. He was known for his enthusiasm, vision and love for USU. Throug
h his efforts, the Union Building, now the Taggart Student Center (TSC), was constructed.
In 1954 Robins and his wife, Geraldine, were killed in a plane crash. They left behind a 2-year-old son. The Sigma Nu Fraternity, of which Robins was a member, created a fund to provide a scholarship for the child’s education. But he died of leukemia when he was 8. Thus, the Robins Awards were started.
Karmann Clements, ASUSU organizations and traditions vice president, headed the ceremony this year.
“[The highlight] was seeing it all come together and run smoothly,” she said.
Roughly 650 people attended this year’s black-tie ceremony. Students, faculty, administration and parents sat at tables filling the TSC Ballroom. The lively Calvary Baptist Choir entertained the audience.
Special guest Reverend France Davis, who marched with Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, helped introduce the night of honor. He challenged the audience to “aim for the sky” and “dream a little.”
“Learn to be the best of whatever you are,” he said.
Throughout the ceremony people were recognized for their academic ability, talent, service and love for USU. More than 200 nominations had been received. Finalists were asked to submit an autobiography for committee review.
Both winners and nominees alike said they were honored just to be there.
Owen T. Nevin of the College of Natural Resources was awarded Graduate Teaching Assistant of the Year.
“Wow,” he said.
Wendy R. Wasson, a graduate student in speech and language pathology, was awarded Woman of the Year for her 4.0 grade point average and relentless service to the Spanish Ambassadors organization.
“Not only does giving service give me joy,” she said. “But not giving service makes me feel empty.”
Shane Larsen, a senior in liberal arts and sciences, spoke for the Student Alumni Association which won Organization of the Year.
“It’s exciting mostly because all the efforts made by members throughout the year have been recognized,” he said.
Brianne Plowman, a senior in public relations, was the only female to be nominated for the Bill Robins Memorial Award.
“I just feel honored to be nominated,” she said. “I wasn’t even expecting it.”
Gov. Michael Leavitt was at the ceremony to support his son Taylor, who was also a nominee.
“I’m here as a parent tonight,” he said. “This is another testament of Utah State’s remarkable students.”
Months of planning the ceremony brought to light the “best youth has to offer,” as the Bill Robins Award boasts.
In winning the featured award, Palmer was recognized for his service to ASUSU, his leadership as president of the Utah Council of Student Body Presidents and his motivation to better USU. He helped bring back the women’s basketball team and launch a new student honor code system.
“Let there be no mistake that I love Utah State University,” he said. “In the words of France Davis, thank you for allowing me to ‘dream a little.'”
Clements said the Robins Awards were made for people to be the best they can at USU.
“I just hope next year will be even bigger and better,” she said. “I hope more students will want to attend, because it’s for them.”