“`html

The Women’s Society of Washington University honored the Harriet K. Switzer Leadership Award and the Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarship to four outstanding students during its annual membership gathering on April 11 in the Anheuser-Busch Dining Room at the Charles F. Knight Executive Education Center.

The Switzer Leadership Award is named to commemorate Harriet K. Switzer for her dedication to the Women’s Society and her passion for leadership development. This award is presented to students who demonstrate a commitment to the university and show leadership at the undergraduate level. This year’s honorees include graduating seniors Kaylaa Betts, Samantha (Sam) Evanoff, and Emmy Morin.

Kathy Fulstone, the chair of the leadership committee, presented the awards recognizing the students’ achievements and contributions to the university.

Betts, a biology student in Arts & Sciences, aims to utilize science in addressing environmental issues. She founded the student chapter of the American Society for Microbiology at WashU, which has become the largest and most active undergraduate science organization on campus. Betts aspires to gain industry experience in biotechnology or consumer products before pursuing further studies in graduate school.

Evanoff follows a pre-med path with a major in philosophy and psychology in Arts & Sciences, alongside neuroscience. She acts as a volunteer coordinator for Ability WashU, a group that promotes disability inclusion and accessibility throughout the campus via programs that include building evaluations, disability rights advocacy, and community education. Additionally, she is the president of the Night Off Program, a monthly childcare initiative for families with children on the autism spectrum.

Evanoff intends to continue her role as a technician in the emergency sector at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and volunteer with KEEN St. Louis. This summer, she will work abroad in France and Switzerland with Putney Schools to educate high school students about Arts & Sciences. She aims to apply to medical school in the future.

Morin, who majors in both chemistry and mathematics in Arts & Sciences, recently received the Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Assistant Award from the Department of Chemistry. She is also a board member of the WashU STEM Education Association, which invites local students to campus to engage with science. Furthermore, Morin holds the position of question writing co-chair for the WashU Chemistry Tournament. After graduation, she intends to pursue a doctorate in physical and materials chemistry at Northwestern University.

The Elizabeth Gray Danforth Scholarship, which offers a full two-year tuition scholarship, is awarded to remarkable community college transfer students. This year’s awardee is Gavin O’Neal, who studies at St. Louis Community College’s Meramec campus.

O’Neal achieved his black belt in karate in 2019 and attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 2021. He aspires to teach philosophy or embark on a career in journalism.

Danforth Scholarship recipients also gain an Ida H. Early startup grant, which assists with indirect educational expenses during their first-year transition.

Following the annual meeting, Yo-El Ju, the Barbara Burton and Reuben M. Morriss III Professor of Neurology at WashU Medicine, presented this year’s Adele Starbird Lecture focusing on sleep and brain health.

The post Women’s Society presents leadership awards, scholarship appeared first on The Source.

“`