FINALIST - 2005

Susan Bothwell A timid blonde, I came to Lafayette with a primary focus on doing well academically (translation: I would tolerate nothing short of perfection). I spent my days imprisoned in the basement of the library and my nights in the computer lab, and I was convinced that the power-walk from Skillman to Marquis was the path to success. Along the way, I was fortunate to meet many amazing people—students, faculty, and staff—who completely uprooted my way of being, particularly my value system. These interactions changed my definition of success, and I have come to realize that building relationships with people through leadership, service, or friendship is as important to me as my academics. The people who I’ve met have helped transform me in unexpected ways, going far beyond a simple change in hair color. They have challenged me academically and personally, opened my eyes to local and global issues, and inspired me to make an impact in the community. Perhaps most importantly, they have showed me how to “just chill” and not take myself too seriously. Playing checkers with five-year-old Robbie on Tuesdays has become a highlight of my week. Three years ago, I never would have found the time for Robbie. I do still spend a portion of my day in one of my two favorite seats in the library. However, I spend large amounts of my time in Farinon encouraging/bribing people to volunteer, chatting with friends, or enjoying tri-flavored popcorn out of my personalized pail in the Outreach Center when I’m not running off to “collect the virgins” (flies, that is) in lab. I believe that my time here most nearly represents the ideal Lafayette Experience because I’ve more than accomplished my goals while having the time of my life, and I would wish that for anyone.

 

Major: B.S. Neuroscience
Minor: Healthcare and Society
Thesis Topic: “Effects of Reactive Oxygen Species and Antioxidants in a Drosophila Melangaster Model for Parkinson’s Disease”

Academic Activities/Awards

• William C. Rappolt ’67 and Walter Oechsle ’57 Neuroscience Prize (4)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program Scholar (4)
• Society for Neuroscience Conference presenting “Methylphenidate Increases Fear to the Context but Not to the Discrete Conditioned Stimulus in Classical Fear Conditioning” (4)
• Sigma Xi (4)
• EXCEL Scholar (4)
• Phi Beta Kappa (3,4)
• Psi Chi (3,4)
• Quiz Grader for General Biology (3,4)
• LEARN Scholar (3)
• Dana Scholar (2,3,4)
• McKelvy Scholar (2)
• Teaching Assistant for General Biology (2)
• Trustee Scholar (1,2,3,4)
• Dean’s List (1,2,3,4)
• Anna M. Vincent Scholar (1,2,3,4)
• Society for Neuroscience (1,2,3,4),
• Ahart Family Scholarship (4)
• Mary Ell Appley Scholarship (4)
• Charles W. Gorsuch Memorial Scholarship (4)
• Ralph G. Treen Memorial Scholarship (4)

Campus Service Activities

• Landis Community Outreach Center Community Service Assistant (2,3,4)
• Landis Community Outreach Center Team Leader (4)
• Family Weekend Committee (1,2,3,4, Executive Chair 3,4)
• Residence Hall Council (1,2,3, Building President 1,3, Vice President of the Executive Board 2, Best Use of Funds Award 3)
• National Residence Hall Honorary (1,2,3,4, President 3,4)
• Presenter for Lafayette Leadership Institute (4)
• Panelist for Career Services (4)
• Dining Committee (1,2)
• Host for Prospective Students (1)

Community Service Activities

• Hospital Volunteer (1,2,3,4)
• Spanish Club for Kids (2,3, coordinator 2,3)
• Neighborhood Tutoring Network (2,3, coordinator 2,3,4)
• Firth Youth Center Tutoring (4, coordinator 3,4)
• Group Opportunities Coordinator (4)
• Kids in the Community (KIC DT) (4)
• Tsunami Relief Committee (4)
• Best Buddies (1)
• Literacy Day (2,3,4, Co-Chair 4)
• Habitat for Humanity (1,2)
• MS Walk (4 Team Co-Captain)
• Eggstravaganza (2)
• Cycle for Safety
• Walk for Thought (4 Organizer)
• Healthy Kids Day (4 Organizer)
• Nurse Family Partnership Christmas Party (4 Organizer)

Athletics

• Intramural Tennis (1)
• Intramural Bowling (2)

Special Interest Group Activities

• Keefe Volunteer Floor (2)
• Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority (2)
• Lafayette Concert Choir (1)
• Lafayette Madrigal Choir (1)
• Lafayette Christian Fellowship (1)