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UE Announces Outstanding Senior Awards at Commencement

Posted: Monday, May 9, 2016

Emily R. Denne, a psychology major from Zionsville, Indiana, and Alex Schmitt, a physics and Spanish major from Jasper, Indiana, were named the University of Evansville’s Outstanding Seniors during UE's Commencement on May 7.

The Mabel Dillingham Nenneker and Guthrie May Outstanding Senior Service Awards are the highest honors the University presents to one female and one male senior. They are named for two of the University’s most respected alumni, Mabel Dillingham Nenneker and Guthrie May.

Denne was the recipient of the Mabel Dillingham Nenneker Outstanding Senior Service Award. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology with a minor in studio art.

Denne is a member of the American Psychology-Law Society, the Association for Psychological Science, the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, and the Indiana Academy of Social Sciences. She was president of her sorority during her senior year and received the Chi Omega Senior Academic Excellence Award for the highest GPA and the Ethel Switzer Howard Award for high character. In addition she was the first place presenter at the UE Humanities Night Internship Showcase.

Denne received grants from UE to support her undergraduate research, including the UExplore Undergraduate Fall Research; Arts, Research and Teaching Grant; the Alumni Research and Scholarly Activity Fellowship Grant; and an Undergraduate Spring Research Grant. 

While a student at UE, she has attended many professional conferences and presented research, and has published articles and contributed to chapters in psychology books. Denne has been involved with volunteering at Morning Dove Therapeutic Horse Riding Barn and College Mentors for Kids. 

Next year, Denne plans to attend Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, and earn a doctorate in child development and social policy. 

The Guthrie May Award was presented to Schmitt. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degrees in Spanish and physics with a minor in mathematics.

While at UE, Schmitt has been involved in the UE Community Garden and served as vice president of outreach and community service for the Honors Activities Board. He was a co-founder of Honors Ace Mentors, vice president of the Spanish Club, president of the Venturing Crew, and academic committee chair of the Student Government Association.

Schmitt was president of the Powell Hall Council when it was recognized as the Hall Council of the Year, and was recognized as Hall Council President of the Year. 

In addition to his UE academic aid, Schmitt received financial support from the Indiana Space Grant Consortium, the National Society for Collegiate Scholars, and the Society of Physics Students.

After graduation, he hopes to work with alternative energy programs in Southwestern Indiana before pursuing graduate school.

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