Release Date: 2008-05-14
Original Link: http://presszoom.com/story_145111.html
Nicholas Keith Taunton of Katy, a magna cum laude graduate and former student body president of Texas A&M University, is the recipient of the Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Award, the institution�s highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior.
(PressZoom.com) - Nicholas Keith Taunton of Katy, a magna cum laude graduate and former student body president of Texas A&M University, is the recipient of the Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Award, the institution�s highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior.
The award honors top students who exemplify the leadership and related traits of the late Gen. Earl Rudder, a World War II hero who served as president of Texas A&M from 1959 until his death in 1970.
The award is normally presented at commencement exercises at Texas A&M each May, but Taunton is currently out of the country and will formally receive the award during August graduation ceremonies.
Taunton, who graduated in December with a bachelor of business administration finance, was active in numerous student organizations, in addition to being student body president, while maintaining a 3.71 GPR.
Citing Taunton�s exceptional academic performance, Dean Bresciani, the university�s vice president for student affairs, said Taunton has exceptional interpersonal skills. �He is a gifted speaker capable of energizing any audience made up of peers, alumni, legislators, foreign dignitaries and even the former president and first lady of the United States,� Bresciani said.
Douglas Slack, who served on committees with Taunton while speaker of the Texas A&M Faculty Senate, noted that Taunton was well respected by students and faculty. �He is the embodiment of Texas A&M. Integrity, loyalty, excellence, leadership, selfless-service and respect are not just words to Nic Taunton.�
Ben Welch, professor of management and director of the Center for Executive Business Development, said he recognized Taunton as a student who cared about making a difference. �He has excelled in all areas and is truly one of the most motivated individuals I have known.�
In addition to his duties in student government, Taunton was a recruitment leader for the Aggie Relay for Life, an organization that raises money for cancer research. He also participated in the Aggie Men�s Club, the Fall Activities Council, Student Organization Advisory Board, Parent�s Weekend, Howdy Week and Rwanda S.P.R.E.A.D., an organization dedicated to raising money for the African country.
�He matches courage of conviction with antithetic humility,� said John McDermott, distinguished professor of philosophy and humanities. �He has a deep commitment to the values we hold dear here at Texas A&M. Never, however, is there in his person the slightest trace of arrogance, pomposity or self-preening. Add to these characteristics that he is a thinker, a reader, an avid listener and given to helpful rumination and you come upon a rare and treasured student leader.�
Two of the Brown-Rudder awards are presented each year at Texas A&M.
The other winner was Jonathon Edward Glueck of Canyon, who graduated with a bachelor of science in both agricultural leadership development and agricultural economics. Each of the Brown-Rudder Award recipients receives a check for $5,000 and a framed certificate.
Contact: Tura King at (979) 845-4670 or tura-king@tamu.edu