Harris, Williams Awarded 2012 Senior Honor Citation

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas graduating seniors Kayln Williams of Edmond, Okla., and Ryan Harris of Paragould were recognized with the 2012 Senior Honor Citation during the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors luncheon on May 11.

Established 47 years ago by the Alumni Association, the award recognizes a senior man and woman who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, campus and community involvement, and leadership. Students were required to be a member of the graduating class of 2012 (finishing degree requirements in August or December 2011 or May 2012.) The citation includes a personal memento, a $500 cash award, life membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association as well as permanent recognition on the student Honor Wall at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House.

Williams is a Chancellor’s Scholar who received her degree in international business in economics with minors in Asian studies and political science. Grateful for her experience at the University of Arkansas, she is thankful for the opportunities she received inside and outside the classroom. While studying abroad in Taiwan, she was one of two freshmen among 30 upperclass students studying Mandarin Chinese. She chose to study Mandarin because of the importance China has in global business.

Becoming a successful leader on campus, Williams served as chief of staff for the Associated Student Government and helped to develop the first advancement committee of ASG to receive corporate funding for Safe Ride. During her senior year, she served as student chair of the Distinguished Lectures Committee and helped bring various speakers to the university, including Elie Wiesel, the author and Holocaust survivor.

Harris, a University of Arkansas Alumni Endowed Scholar and Honors College Leadership Scholar, received his degree in biology with departmental honors. Crediting the university faculty for motivating him to achieve his academic goals, he went on to conduct research at the Arkansas Children’s Research Hospital. While studying abroad in Sweden, he observed the Swedish commitment to research. During his honors undergraduate research project, he conducted enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay immunology testing for antibodies.

His leadership skills have evolved from his time spent at the university and within the local community. He served on Student Alumni Board and was the New Greek Council president. During his time in the Greek system, he received the opportunity to help a food drive collect more than 20,000 items for Life Source International. He also organized the Hogs for Haiti relief effort, which raised more than $20,000 for Haitian earthquake victims.