Presidential Medalists embody some combination of: excellence in academic achievement, service to the community, contribution to the arts, enlargement of the community's global perspective, athletic fitness and achievement, leadership ability and contribution to community discourse.

Julie Lynn Rooney (Munroe Falls, OH)

B.A. International Studies and B.A. Philosophy

Julie’s nominators have described her as the perfect example of what a scholar athlete at a liberal arts institution should be, as she has truly taken advantage of everything Denison has to offer.

From her philosophy/international studies double major; her work with Denison’s Amnesty International group, USAID; internships with both Human Rights Watch and the National Endowment for the Humanities; to her semester in Indonesia doing field work studying attitudes toward female genital mutilation — she has shown that she is driven by a belief that what you do matters in its own right. Julie’s academic success is reflected in being named a philosophy fellow as a junior, a rare decision, as well as being named a Truman Scholarship Finalist last year. Her philosophy professors are in agreement that not only is her writing terrific, her skill in verbal argumentation, in vocabulary, and in organizing her thoughts is quite astounding.

Her quiet, patient and dedicated manner also has served her well in all she has undertaken outside of the classroom, gaining her the label of “silent assassin” on the softball team, not as a flashy or loud player, but always able to perform in pressure situations. This ability earned Julie numerous athletic honors, including selection to the NCAC All Conference team, being named a NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete and as the 2014 NCAC Softball Player of the Year. Julie managed to find time to work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Catholic Campus Community Group, the Writing Center and to serve as the president and founder of the Whistling Dixies, Denison’s first all-whistling a cappella group!

Julie describes herself on her website as “the girl from Ohio with a penchant for writing and a passion for human rights who wants to help change the world.” We agree with those who have said, “changing the world is tough, but if anyone can, it might be you. And, it’s a safe bet that she will make the world a better place.”

May 5, 2015