May 24, 2012

Athens, Ohio - On Wednesday, May 23, Ohio University honored its student leaders and the role that they play on campus with the 29th Annual Leadership Awards Gala. The event hosted by the Division of Student Affairs ushered in the "best of what Ohio University has to offer," according to President Roderick J. McDavis.

The annual showcase, which was held in the Baker University Center Ballroom, presented more than 40 students, faculty, staff members and student organizations with awards and celebrated Ohio leadership as a whole.

Jordan Thompson was one of nine students to receive the Outstanding Senior Leader award and Lexie Hartnett was one of 12 students to earn an Ohio University Campus Leadership Scholarship. The scholarship is for $2,500 and is sponsored by Pepsi. Mollie Geske, a teammate of Hartnett's, was also a finalist for the Pepsi Scholars Award.

Thompson, a redshirt senior tight end for the football team, was recently named to Phil Steele's 2012 Preseason All-Mid-American Conference squad. The Rockford, Ohio native was honored by the Famous Idaho Bowl Committee for his work off the field in the community prior to the Bobcats' historic victory. Thompson also enjoyed his best statistical season in 2011 with 24 catches for 258 yards and two touchdowns.

Hartnett, a redshirt junior middle blocker for the volleyball program, was a 2011 All-MAC Academic selection. The Fairport, N.Y. native received All-MAC honors for a second time after helping Ohio rank 19th in the nation in blocks per set. Hartnett was named the MAC Defensive Player of the Week on multiple occasions this year and was selected to the Comcast Lady Vol Classic All-Tournament Team. She ranked third in the MAC in blocks per set and placed second with 117.0 total blocks.

Geske, a sophomore defensive specialist for the volleyball team, was an Academic All-MAC Honorable Mention choice. The Shakopee, Minn. native played in every set for the Bobcats this season, leading the team in digs and finishing third in assists.

History and Description

The Leadership Recognition Reception was established in 1983 to recognize the outstanding work of individuals and student organizations on the Ohio University campus and its surrounding community. In 2008, for the event's 25th anniversary, the Division of Student Affairs transformed the reception to what is now known as its "premier event": The Leadership Awards Gala - a grand evening in celebration of our students and their outstanding demonstration of character, commitment, civility, community, and citizenship.

For more information on the evening's event, please click here.

Leadership Gala honors OHIO leaders Wednesday