Biology major Emily Lamm: 2016 President's Medalist

Emily Lamm of Pittsburgh, a biology major, was awarded a President’s Medal by President Adam Weinberg in a ceremony that took place on Friday, April 15, in Swasey Chapel. The President’s Medal is the highest honor the college bestows on a student, given for academic success as well as for creating a legacy at Denison. Lamm was one of only nine students to receive this honor.

In presenting the President’s Medal to Lamm, Professor of Philosophy and chair of the faculty Steven Vogel said of Lamm, “Emily, you have astonished many with all that you have done during your time here. You have shown an exemplary work ethic and dedication to your numerous academic, athletic and community activities and have been described as a ‘true symbol of competitive excellence.’ As a biology major, member of Phi Beta Kappa, tutor for both the biology and chemistry departments, and a teaching assistant, your ability to read, interpret, analyze and synthesize information has been impressive. In the classroom you are known for not only asking some of the most thoughtful questions, but also answering some of the toughest. Outside of the classroom, you took full advantage of your summer research opportunities by working in the Department of Structural Biology and the Center for Neurosurgery at the University of Pittsburgh, and you shared your love of sc ience by serving as a mentor for local families participating in the annual science fair at The Works. Your commitment to excellence extended to your time on the track as well. Your awards are numerous: four-time all NCAC, two-time U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association All Great Lakes Region in Cross Country, and four-time USTFCCCA All Academic Honoree, four-time Denison Top 50 Student Athlete Honoree, and two-time Ted Barclay Top 5 Student Athlete award recipient. Emily, your transformation over your time here at Denison has been remarkable and, as one faculty member put it, ‘a true testament to the power of a liberal arts education.’ You entered Denison focused on a career in medicine, and after taking courses across a variety of disciplines, you decided that your analytical skills would be best applied to a career in law. Emily, we are proud to award you this President’s Medal as a reflection of all that you have achieved.”