MENTOR OF THE YEAR, Continued “During sophomore year, I mentioned to Dr. Wakefield that I might want to conduct economic research this summer, rather than pure math. I had told other professors and Dr. Wakefield DID NOT reply as others did. Rather than encouraging me to stick with math, he took note of what I said, discussed why I was leaning toward economics, and then several weeks later he emailed me notification of a posting he had seen with the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Economic Research Department. During my stressful application process, he used his professional network to find me a past Fed employee who would help prepare me for my first interview. He met with me before the panel interview and was the first person I told when I received an offer there. Now returning for a second summer at the Fed, I am so thankful for his recommendation and encouragement. “As a junior, I applied for the Truman Scholarship, and asked for a letter of recommendation from him. His letter was sent within six hours of my asking for it. He helped edit my essays and continued to encourage me. He prioritizes his students. “Finally, I am beginning my graduate school search. I told him about a few of the schools I am applying to and he sent a reply with positive encouragement, comments on various programs (which he spent his valuable time looking into for me), and a suggestion. ‘Have you considered a big name such as MIT or Chicago?’ After a few more emails he has given me the motivation to apply to top ten schools for my PhD. “I truly believe I am the product of the wonderful people around me, especially Dr. Wakefield. I look up to him and someday hope to positively influence someone as much as he has mentored me.”
multicultural
student services Leadership Award
Purpose
The Multicultural Student Services Leadership Award recognizes one or two minority students served through the Center for Student Progress who have achieved academic success and demonstrated effective leadership in promoting cultural awareness to the campus and community.
Criteria • • • • •
Currently enrolled multicultural student who participates in Multicultural Student Services GPA of 3.0 or higher and good disciplinary standing for the previous two years Evidence of leadership in community and/or campus cultural awareness events Three references (one of which must be YSU faculty or administrative staff) Individual interview with Coordinator of Multicultural Student Services, CSP
Selection
Up to two candidates will be chosen by the Student Awards Committee and a representative of Multicultural Student Services based upon the completed application, input from references and feedback on interview.
Julian Harris Hometown: Columbus, Ohio Major: Social Work
Campus Involvement:
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. (President, Spring 2014-Present) • NAACP (Second Vice President, Fall 2013-Present) • Presidential Mentor (Fall 2014-Present) • Student Diversity Council (Fall 2014-Present)
In Julian’s Words:
“I believe that I demostrate leadership characteristics with the way I conduct myself on campus and in the classroom. I have experienced failure and struggles in and out of the classroom. To be a strong leader you must know how to respond to adversity and learn to follow before you can lead. I have continued to strive for greatness within the classroom to gain my current grade point average.
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