Five graduating University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service students have been announced as award winners as part of the school’s graduation celebration.
Clinton School Dean James L. “Skip” Rutherford III and Academic Dean Susan Hoffpauir announced the recipients in virtual presentations celebrating this year’s winners.
Katerina Noori is the recipient of the MPS Academic Award, presented to a student from the in-person degree program, and Amanda R. Nipper is the recipient of the EMPS Academic Award, given to a student from the online degree program. Both awards were voted on by the Clinton School faculty.
Academic Award recipients have demonstrated a deep understanding of the knowledge, skills, and values of the program and have shown that they are able to integrate them across the curriculum and to their public service projects.
Pam Margolis is the recipient of the Public Service Excellence Award, given to an online student who has demonstrated excellence in public service during their time at the Clinton School.
Patrick Isokpunwu (Benin City, Nigeria) is the recipient of the Dr. Tom Bruce International Student Prize. Established by late founding Clinton School Academic Dean Tom Bruce, the award is annually presented to a graduating student from outside the United States who has visibly contributed to world peace during their time at the Clinton School.
Tim Campbell is the recipient of the Shannon Butler Bridge Builder Award, recognized as the school’s top honor. The award is named in honor of former Clinton Foundation Deputy Director Shannon Butler, who played a key role in the opening of the Clinton School and Clinton Presidential Center. The award is presented to a member of the graduating class who has displayed collaborative leadership skills and exemplifies the spirit of bringing people together. It comes with a $1,500 stipend.
Noori and Margolis were selected as class speakers for the MPS and EMPS programs, respectively, and delivered their messages during the virtual ceremonies.
Finally, the Online Student Government Association recognized six students as the inaugural recipients of the Skip Rutherford Service Award after giving at least 100 hours of service – unpaid acts of volunteer service – to their community as students.
The service award recipients are Rinda Hall, Margolis, Jeff Meador, Nipper, Lisa Taylor, and Aaron Utley.
Previous Shannon Butler Bridge Builder Award Winners
2020: Samantha Sheffield
2019: Beth Quarles
2018: Rebecca Ajyei
2017: Thurman Green
2016: Ashley-Brooke Moses
2015: Brandon Mathews
2014: Allie Rouse
2013: Andrea Price
2012: Anatoliy Shatkovskyy
2011: Lindsey Johnson
2010: Harvell Howard
2009: J.D. Lowery
2008: Julie Gehrki
Previous EMPS Academic Award Winners
2020: Chelsea Scantlan
Previous MPS Academic Award Winners
2020: Justin Murdock
2019: Yaala Muller
2018: Hannah Bahn
2017: Merrill Schmidt
2016: Katherine Baxter
2015: Brad Cameron
Previous Dr. Tom Bruce International Student Prize Winners
2020: Reiko Muranaka
2019: John Mensah
2018: Darlynton Adegor
2017: Arjola Limani
2016: Nouroudine Alassane
Previous Public Service Award Recipients:
2020: Renee Tyler
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