Ashley Bartreau, an economics 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. Bartreau was one of only nine students to receive this honor.
In presenting the President's Medal to Bartreau, Professor of Philosophy and chair of the faculty Steven Vogel said of Bartreau, “Ashley, leadership, maturity and professionalism are the words that surfaced again and again in the comments of your nominators. You have fully embraced Denison's liberal arts mission by your engagement with course content, co-curricular activities and the broader community. You have been able to make connections repeatedly between what you study as a top student in your chosen major of economics, and your activities on campus and beyond. As a team leader for a grant writing and community service project in your economics class, you helped to identify a financially sustainable project for SPARK, a local daytime habilitation center for adults with developmental disabilities, which they are still using today. As a volunteer for the Licking County Coalition for Housing's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, you studied the training manuals and obtained the IRS certification on your own, and you helped low-income families save money on their tax returns. Staff and volunteers alike commented on your exceptional communication skills with clients. Your communication skills also served you well in your work with our Office of Admission as a tour guide. Your passion for your service with Big Brother/Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, Listening for a Change, the Denison Campus Governance Association senate and finance committees, and as a representative on University Council, among other commitments, all came through as you conducted campus tours. Campus visitors regularly reported back to the Office of Admission that you clearly conveyed your love of Denison as you talked about your student experiences. Admission staff members agree that you are 'personally responsible for convincing dozens of high school students to enroll at Denison!' Ashley, we applaud your commitment to service and civic engagement, an d we in the Denison community have been very lucky to have you among us.”
