COLLEGE STATION, Texas, May 19, 2009 – Jennifer Leigh Christensen, a graduating senior in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, has been named recipient of the Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Award.
The award, one of the university’s most prestigious student distinctions, honors students who exemplify the leadership and related traits of the late Gen. Earl Rudder, a World War II hero who served as president of Texas A&M from 1959 until his death in 1970. It includes a cash gift of $5,000. This academic year only two students from the university’s entire graduating class were selected for the honor, Christensen of Hamilton and Juhee Choi of Korea.
Christensen, who also received a certificate for advanced international affairs from the Bush School of Government and Public Service in addition to graduating with a chemical engineering degree, is known as both an outstanding student and leader.
One of her nominators for the award labeled her among the top five students he has known during his career as a professor and said she has shown a devotion to excellence in every aspect of the Aggie tradition, both in the classroom and through service as a leader in other areas.
Presenting Christensen with the award, Texas A&M President Elsa Murano highlighted her many accomplishments.
“Ms. Christensen has been active in numerous organizations at Texas A&M, including serving as vice president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, a director with the Student Government Association, co-chair of the Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society and on the board of the Lutheran Student Fellowship,” Murano said. “She also co-authored a book chapter with one of her professors and maintained a perfect 4.0 GPR while earning her degree.”
Earlier this year, Christensen, received the 2008-2009 Craig C. Brown Outstanding Senior Engineer Award. The award is considered the most prestigious honor bestowed on a graduating senior in the university’s Dwight Look College of Engineering and is presented to a student who demonstrates scholastic achievement, leadership skills and a strong moral character. Christensen also is a recipient of the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering Outstanding Graduating Senior Award.
