Alumni Association honors students
By NICK SWEEDO
News Writer
Notre Dame undergraduate student Brett Perkins and graduate student April Langley were recently chosen as the recipients of the 2001 Alumni Association Distinguished Student awards.
The Alumni Association annually awards two students who best exemplify the spirit of Notre Dame through community service and academic excellence.
"We are blessed to have two people who exemplify many students at Notre Dame in what they do for the community, in the classroom and for fellow Notre Dame students," said Chuck Lennon, the Executive Director of the Alumni Association. "They are truly great representatives of what the Alumni Association tries to do with this award, that is, honoring two great young people."
Perkins is a senior finance major and theology minor. In addition to his studies, he is president of the handbell choir, vice-president of Beta Gamma Sigma, a resident assistant of Keough Hall and a student coordinator of the NDE retreats. He also actively participates in the Knights of Columbus chapter, Celebration Choir and the RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults).
Perkins said time management was the key to balancing his many activities.
"I remember what my freshman chemistry teacher, Dr. Rudy Bottei, told our class. He told us to make use of `primetime' hours from nine to five, so I try to take advantage of that. That usually leaves the evenings open for extra-curricular activities," he said. "Throughout my hectic schedule, I always try to keep the focus on God, always remembering that there's a greater meaning in everything I do and that everything I do helps strengthen the kingdom of God."
After graduation, Perkins will work in Chicago for Arthur Andersen as a business consultant.
Langley is currently working on her doctoral thesis in English and has a 4.0 GPA. She has taught freshman composition at Notre Dame and has been an assistant teacher for courses in Honors Shakespeare and African-American literature.
She also has received the $15,000 American Association of University Women Dissertation Fellowship. In the community, she is an active member of her church where she currently serves in its Marriage Ministry. She also works to increase diversity on campus.
Langley gave God credit for helping her achieve her goals.
"With God, all things are possible. My ability to balance my busy schedule is based upon my adherence to a basic philosophy of prioritizing, which is deeply rooted in my faith and spirituality," she said. "Serving God is my first priority, after which serving my family and community is next, and then I give full and rigorous time and energy to my scholarly work and teaching."
The two students were honored on Feb. 15 under the rotunda of the Main Building in a celebration that included Father Edward Malloy, president of the University, and the Celebration Choir. They will receive plaques on April 27 at the annual Alumni Association meeting.
All News Stories for Thursday, March 1, 2001
