Finkbine awards announced

University of Iowa students, faculty, and alumni were recognized April 29 at the 86th anniversary Finkbine Dinner for Representative Student Leaders, one of the University’s most prestigious award ceremonies.

The event included the presentation of the Hancher-Finkbine medallions, awards that are given in recognition of outstanding leadership, learning, and loyalty. The medallions are named after 1880 IU law graduate and Des Moines businessman William O. Finkbine and Virgil M. Hancher, who served as president of the University from 1940 to 1964.

The Finkbine Dinner was first held in 1917 to honor campus leaders and give them an opportunity to meet administrators, faculty, fellow students, and alumni. The tradition of awarding Hancher-Finkbine medallions began in 1964.

Here are this year’s award-winners:

Hancher-Finkbine Undergraduate Student Medallion:

• Jesse Elliott, senior political science and literature, science, and the arts major, Elgin, Ill.
• Helen Joanna Arabella Fuller, senior biomedical engineering and mathematics major, West Branch
• Andrew Stoll, senior management and organizations major, Omaha, Nebr.

Hancher-Finkbine Graduate/Professional Student Medallion:

• Kyle Jason Kaiser, third-year law student, Red Oak
• David Rasanen, fourth-year medical student, Elk Run Heights

Hancher-Finkbine Faculty Medallion:

• Jean Y. Jew, professor of anatomy

Hancher-Finkbine Alumni Medallion:

• Christine H.B. Grant, B.A. ’69, Ph.D. ’74, associate professor of health and sports studies. Grant served as director of women’s athletics at the University from 1973 to 2000.

Distinguished Student Leader Certificate:

• Neala Renee Arnold, senior elementary education major, Bettendorf

Philip G. Hubbard Human Rights Award:

• Ritu Bhatnagar, second-year medical student and graduate student in the College of Public Health, West Des Moines

Robert F. Ray Faculty Representative Award:

• Kristin Johnson, senior communications major, Cedar Rapids
• Andrew Lightfoot, B.A. ’02, Des Plaines, Ill.

M.L. Huit Faculty Award:

• William Eichinger, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering

James N. Murray Faculty Award:

• Susan Phillips, assistant professor of English