Blackburn Institute

Five of Six Premier Awards Awarded to Student Fellows

September 10, 2008

The Premier Awards are the highest honors given by The University of Alabama. This year five of the six Premier Awards student recipients are Blackburn Institute Fellows. The following students are not only outstanding Blackburn fellows but also serve throughout the University community. Their dedication is an inspiration.

Jessica Garcia, a junior from Tampa, Florida majoring in English and Spanish was awarded the William P. Bloom Scholarship Award. The William P. Bloom Scholarship Award honors a junior who has improved relations among disparate groups. Jessica has improved interaction and understanding among student groups through her involvement in Sustained Dialogue and Creative Campus in addition to various other extracurricular activities.

Alex Flachsbart, a junior from Concord, California majoring in Political Science and Economics was awarded the John Fraser Ramsey Award. The John Fraser Ramsey Award honors a junior with broad humanistic interests who has exerted a positive influence on his/her contemporaries. Alex currently serves as chairman of the BamaBike Task Force, serves as a University Steward, and works to build consensus for the Public Policy Center.

Tim Neunzig, a senior from Tuscaloosa, Alabama majoring in International Management and German was awarded the Morris Lehman Mayer Award. The Morris Lehman Mayer Award honors one graduating senior and one teaching faculty recipient who exemplifies the life of Morris L. Mayer: selfless and significant service and leadership for the University of Alabama community. Tim’s involvement on campus has been driven by his desires to improve the community. Whether it is working with the Alabama Environmental Council, International Students Association, or WVUA radio station, Tim strives to make a difference in his community.

Trey Hayes, a senior from Brilliant, Alabama majoring in Industrial Engineering and Karoline Richardson, a senior from Montgomery, Alabama majoring in Classics were awarded the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award honors two graduating seniors (one man and one woman) and one non-student winner who have demonstrated the highest standards of scholarship, leadership, and service.

Between Trey’s rigorous course demands, Trey has found time to excel in all areas across campus. He has served as president for Mortar Board, College of Engineering Ambassadors, and captain of his intramural football team. He serves as director of Alabama Action and is a University Steward. Next to his extensive list of honors and achievements is an extensive list of organizations he has volunteered with including but not limited to Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, and Focus First.

Karoline has established herself as a leader on campus by her far-reaching positions in student organizations. She led the Student Government Association by holding the position of attorney general. She served as president of the Anderson Society and as president of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Amongst all of her achievements her time spent tutoring with HangTYMERS is listed at the top. HangTYMERS is a Daniel Scholars project initiated by another Blackburn fellow. Karoline is committed to helping others achieve their best and is acting as a change agent.

This year’s Premier Awards Reception was held on Friday February 29 at North River Yacht Club.

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