Wichita State gives special recognition to students who show academic achievement, involvement in the community and well-rounded excellence in their contributions through the Senior Honor Man and Woman award. Winners receive several benefits such as the William Isley Scholarship for Senior Honor Man, the Unice Jones Isley Scholarship for Senior Honor Woman, the Frank C. Isley Scholarship, a gold WSU lapel pin and a plaque with their name engraved.

“This is the most prestigious award a Wichita State student can receive,” Dean’s Assistant Trish Inslee said. “Members of the WSU community nominate students for this highly-esteemed award.”

Up to five men and five women are chosen each year to compete for the scholarships and honors. Last year, the honor went to Chris Lohf and Bria Churney for their contributions to campus life and the WSU community. Churney said her involvement with student organizations and making academic achievement her top priority helped her gain recognition. She also encourages competing seniors this year to focus on how WSU has impacted them.

“Take time to reflect on your time at Wichita State and acknowledge the unique experiences and people you’ve encountered that have shaped you into the successful, capable man or woman you are today,” Churney said.

Lohf and Churney each receive scholarship money as a part of their honors. Churney says she’s saving hers for graduate school, which she will attend as soon as she choses a nursing specialty.

Nominations will be announced to the individuals in February, and winners will be featured during the Senior Honor Banquet on April 9. To be eligible, students must have at least 90 credit hours toward their first bachelor’s degree and intend to graduate in May or by the end of the summer.