Lance Leverenz ’18 receives three prestigious academic awards

Lance Leverenz, a senior at William Woods University (WWU) and resident of Auxvasse, was honored with three prestigious awards from the university during the William Woods Academic Honors Convocation and Co-Curricular Banquet on April 27. At the end of each academic year, WWU recognizes a select group of graduating seniors who have achieved excellence in academic, co-curricular and service projects during their time at the university.

Leverenz, who graduated on April 28 with a degree with honors in Biology/Pre-Med concentration, received the OWL Achievement, Faculty and Cockrell Awards from the university.

Recipients of the OWL Achievement Award are selected for their Outstanding Wisdom and Leadership while a student at William Woods. To be eligible, students must have a grade point average of at least 3.4 and have submitted a resume and list of campus activities for review. Criteria includes the student’s scholarship ability; participation and leadership in academic and co-curricular activities; citizenship; service the William Woods University and the community and potential for future achievement.

The Faculty Award is given to the magna cum laude or summa cum laude graduate who, in the estimation of the faculty at William Woods, has shown exemplary devotion and commitment to the life of the mind.

The Cockrell Award is presented to the graduating senior who has participated in a variety of campus activities, serving as an officer or chair and who has held membership in honorary groups. The student must exemplify outstanding campus citizenship, contribute to society, exhibit loyalty to the university and its policies and have a genuine regard for others in personal relationships.

Actively involved on campus, Leverenz has served as a Student Researcher in the Biology Department; member of the Dean’s Council; vice president and treasurer of Rotaract; president of the Pre-Med Club; and member of the TriBeta Biology Honor Society, Campus Standards Board and Peer Educator. He is also a past Treasurer of the Exercise Science Student Organization and past member of the Athletic Training Student Organization.