SPIRIT OF STATE AWARDS, 2009

Undergraduate political science majors Whitney Holliday (a senior) and Laura Hamm (a junior) were awarded the Sprit of State award. At an awards ceremony in the Union, MSU President Mark Keenum stated that the award was a "great honor," because it embodied the MSU goal of "service to others." The Vice President for Student Affairs reiterated that it was "the most prestigious award" for students at MSU, as it embodied the "essence and soul of MSU." Each award recipient received a framed certificate and a watch, as well as a full page entry (with their picture) in the brochure for the program. The award was started at MSU in 2006, and students at all levels (including freshmen and graduate students) are eligible. Only twenty-two students from across the entire university received the award this year. Both political science recipients were nominated by Professor Steve Shaffer. Each student's responses to three important questions follow:

What does the Spirit of State mean to you?

• Laura Hamm- "To me, Spirit of State is an embodiment of the qualities that Mississippi State University represents. It means a commitment to service and scholastics and a drive to continue to share a passion for the university."
• Whitney Holliday- "Spirit of State is when someone embraces the MSU attitude and is a warm and welcoming host to everyone here. It is to want to take advantage of all the opportunities here at MSU, and it is someone who gives back to the university and changes it for the better."

What do you like most about Mississippi State University?

• Laura Hamm- "Though Mississippi State contains some of the most beautiful landscapes, unique buildings and best sporting events, the greatest attribute of Mississippi State is the people. Never have I been in such a more welcoming and joyful environment."
• Whitney Holliday- "The welcoming atmosphere. I never stepped foot somewhere that felt more like home. From the very first day I started here I knew that this would definitely be a warm and welcoming home."

What is the most rewarding experience you've had while at MSU?

• Laura Hamm- "The most rewarding experience that I've had while at MSU was getting involved in a campus ministry. I've gotten to know some of my best friends through Reformed University Fellowship. It has taught me and encouraged me on multiple levels. Through it, I've been able to make an impact on the lives of others and my life has been impacted as well."
• Whitney Holliday- "The most rewarding experience has been simply being a student here at MSU. I know that I could not have had such a unique experience anywhere else. My involvement in the Student Association and Stennis-Montgomery Association and other organizations has really allowed me to put my talents to use for the betterment of others, which has been very rewarding. But I think that I have been equally rewarded by being surrounded by such a phenomenal group of peers, faculty and staff."