Seyeong Hanlim ’23: President’s Medalist

Political science major Seyeong Hanlim is one of only eight students chosen as a President’s Medalist, Denison’s highest award for students, for the Class of 2023. Hanlim, who also minors in philosophy and studio art, says that “What amazed me throughout the four years here is the amount of opportunities available at Denison regarding various spheres of life, whether it be career, art, academics, or relationships. These opportunities have changed the course of my life in many ways, and have been crucial in forming my own identity.”

She adds, “If the opportunities at Denison are what led me here, people like President Weinberg are why I decided to stay. He is easily spotted on campus and makes himself very approachable to all students — once I invited him to my exhibition’s opening reception and he stayed for the whole hour, leaving plenty of time for us to converse. He not only teaches the values and missions of Denison, but also lives it by supporting the community at a close distance.”

Hanlim’s citation reads, in part:

“…You have been exemplary in enlarging the Denison community’s global perspective, acting as a mentor for fellow international students, challenging us on the question of what it means to be people of color, and carrying your insights into independent senior research.

“…you pushed beyond your original academic endeavors in order to pursue a passion for making art, begun in an introduction to sculpture class, and leading already to multiple solo and group exhibitions.

“…you create artworks with whatever you find at hand, such as trash collected as part of a protest protecting a natural preserve where trespassers were endangering wildlife. And through your art, you further develop insights from prior research you’ve conducted along the way.

“…You have excelled academically while working multiple jobs, performing significant university and student service work, and interning with the Center for Global Programs; the Consortium on Gender, Security, and Human Rights; and The Asherah Foundation. Your work on the University Honor Committee, University Conduct Board, as a Vail Series staff member, and as a singer in Tehillah demonstrate the wide range of ways you contributed to and influenced our campus.