Outstanding Students Recognized at Honors Banquet

University Residences and Dining & Culinary annually present awards that celebrate accomplishments and dedication to leadership and service beyond the classroom. These awards recognize individuals who demonstrate a commitment to the Purdue community through their involvement in student organizations, student employment, community service and learning. Honorees were recognized at the Student Life Honors banquet, held April 14 in Purdue Memorial Union.  

Brandon Dimitri with Beth McCuskey, Vice Provost for Student Life
Brandon Dimitri with Beth McCuskey, vice provost for Student Life.

Brandon Dimitri received the William I. Bennett Courtier Achievement Scholarship, which was established to preserve the spirit of the Courtiers of Fowler Courts and to recognize William I. Bennett for his years of service to Fowler Courts. The scholarship is awarded to an individual who has excelled in academics, exemplified their hall spirit and contributed to their residence hall community. Dimitri has been heavily involved in two University Residences programs, serving as a tour guide for the Alumni and Guest Center and as a student ambassador for the Executive-in-Residence program. He has represented both programs in heavily public-facing roles with distinction. He has been a staple in the Executive-in-Residence program over the past three years, attending numerous events and assisting with every visiting executive since becoming involved during the spring of 2019.  Dimitri has also been a member of the design team of the Purdue chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue Running Club and Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity. Dimitri is a native of Ashburn, Virginia and will graduate this May with a degree in aeronautics and astronautics.

Charlotte Huff and Beth McCuskey
Charlotte Huff receives UR Conductor of the Year award.

Charlotte Huff was named with UR Conductor of the Year, presented to a student employed in the University Residences Alumni and Guest Center who does an excellent job passing on the Boilermaker Spirit. UR Conductors are students who help introduce parents, prospective students and guests to the University Residences community. The winner receives a cash award. Huff has worked with the Alumni and Guest Center for more than three years and currently serves in a leadership role while providing great customer service for guests. Huff has also held leadership positions with Purdue University Dance Marathon, Boiler Gold Rush and Alpha Xi Delta. Huff is a native of Harrisburg, North Carolina and will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry.

Madeline Feister and Beth McCuskey
Madeline Feister receives recognition at Student Life Honors banquet.

The William “Bill” Rumple Residential Dining Head Captain Award was established in recognition of William and Tim Rumple, both of whom provided outstanding service to University Residences dining services as former head waiters at Fowler Courts and Cary Quadrangle. The award recognizes a student manager or student coordinator in residential dining services who has achieved distinction in leadership while employed. Madeline Feister was named this year’s recipient. Feister serves as a student human resources manager for Dining & Culinary. As a member of the planning team, she has excelled in planning and running employee appreciation events and improving communications in Earhart Dining Court. Feister has also served as a mentor and super for the Jumpstart program, including overseeing the Earhart Jumpstart program in 2021. A native of Pittsboro, Indiana, Feister is studying cellular and molecular biology with a pre-dental concentration.

Madeline Powers

Madeline Powers

Madeline Powers was awarded the Lanny C. Wilson Scholarship, which was established to recognize the contributions of Lanny Wilson, former director of administration for University Residences, for his many years of service to Purdue students. Powers serves as a resident assistant in Windsor Halls. As a member of the Purdue Honors College, she was heavily involved in the Honors Leadership Council, including as an executive board member for Exploratory Studies. She was also involved in research in the Biochemistry Department and served as the President of the Undergraduate Research Society at Purdue. Powers is studying public health and hails from Holland, Michigan. The Lanny C. Wilson Scholarship is awarded to a student in University Residences who has achieved distinction in leadership while also employed in a student staff position.

Writer: Matt Vader | Editors: Tammy Loew, Renee Kashawlic, Danielle Fawbush

Editorial Board: Barb Frazee, Tammy Loew, Renee Kashawlic | Inquiries Contact: studentlifemarketing@purdue.edu

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