University of Arkansas graduating seniors Nate Looney of Jonesboro and Erin Gray of Eugene, Ore., were recognized with the 2009 Senior Honor Citation award during the Arkansas Alumni Association Board of Directors luncheon on May 8.
Established 44 years ago by the Alumni Association, the award recognizes a senior man and woman who exhibit outstanding academic achievement, campus and community involvement and leadership. Students were required to be a member of the graduating class of 2008 (graduating August ’08, December ’09, or May ’09.) The citation includes a personal memento, a $500 cash award, life membership in the Arkansas Alumni Association as well as permanent recognition on the student Honor Wall at the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House.
Gray, who graduated with honors on May 9, never imagined she would end up at the University of Arkansas but says it was the best decision she has ever made.
“My experience at the University of Arkansas has helped me grow and mature as a student and person over the past four years,” she wrote in her application. “I have not only gained a greater level of independence, being 2000 miles away from home, but I have also made valuable self-assessments that have helped me become more flexible about my academic and athletic futures.”
A biology and political science major, Gray spent her summers working in a laboratory at the University of Oregon studying Fanconi Anemia, a rare genetic disease. Her research is inspired by a close friend, whom she hopes to help by finding an effective treatment or cure.
Athletically, Gray’s leg injuries have caused many setbacks while training as a distance runner on the Razorback women’s track and cross-country team. Realizing her physical limitations, Gray is trading in her racing spikes for race walking shoes with the goal of making the 2012 Olympic team. She also plans to work toward doctoral and medical doctor degrees.
“I cannot make any predictions about where I will be four years from now,” Gray said. “But if someone asks me to reflect on the paths I pursued in my undergraduate academic and athletic careers, I will say, with the utmost pride, that any successes I have had stem from the solid support and the invaluable experiences I had when I was a Razorback at the University of Arkansas.”
Looney, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science, has devoted his life to public service. During his four years at the University of Arkansas, Looney co-founded the Arkansas Student Association to raise awareness about higher education issues and served as Associated Student Government secretary and president. An Arkansas Alumni Association Endowed Scholar, Looney was also a dedicated member of the Student Alumni Board and R.E.A.L. Razorbacks.
“Since I was young, I have always valued the political process and the service it fosters,” Looney said. “I realize that I would not be the person that I am today had it not been for the countless people who cared for me while growing up. Over the years, I have found the best way to repay those that have given so much to me is through public service. Throughout my life, I have worked to impact the lives of those around me and have tried to make the world a better place for others to live.”
In the fall, Looney will attend the Bowen School of Law and the Clinton School of Public Service in Little Rock as a candidate in the combined degree program. After gaining a deeper understanding of the political process, he hopes to run for office in Arkansas and one day pursue a career in national politics.
