May 9, 2003

Loyola recognizes outstanding graduates

by Pamela Kauveiyakul A'05, and Nicole C. Fitz Rawlins, A'05, Interns in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications

Ignatius Award presented to undergraduates

The Ignatius Award is presented to a graduating male and female each year at the University Baccalaureate Mass. The recipients are chosen for their involvement in campus life, representing Loyola with honor and distinction, living their faith commitment, and high academic standing.

Lisa LaFleur is the recipient of the Ignatian Award for outstanding senior female. She is a music education major with a Catholic studies minor. Her involvement in many organizations and clubs gives her the opportunity to share her passion as a Catholic, and they reflect her commitment, as well as her character, especially because she holds a 3.993 GPA despite her busy activities. LaFleur enhances her music education major as a member of the Music Educators National Conference. She also participates in various vocal opportunities on and off campus, including the Opera Workshop and the St. Louis Cathedral Choir. Complementing her Catholic studies minor, LaFleur is highly involved with University Ministry by serving as lector, cantor, and retreat staff member, which allows her to lead others in Loyola's Jesuit ideals.

"I have learned, then passed on to others, important lessons in serving one another with dignity, holding respectful discussions on contrary opinions, becoming more aware of the less fortunate of our world, and finding the ways to positively change the world in which I live," LaFleur wrote.

Philip Watson, a political science major, is the Charles H. Bailey Ignatian Award recipient. Watson's participation in the religious community is one of his key characteristics. By attending the Awakening retreat and then returning as a staff member, Watson helps to promote students' spiritual experiences. Not only is he president of the Jesuit Honor Society at Loyola, but he also plans to forego attending law school for a year to work with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. With business administration as part of his degree, Watson completed a marketing and public relations internship at the Louisiana Superdome, and he has worked as an office assistant at Loyola School of Law. Watson maintained a 3.81 GPA in addition to helping the Loyola and New Orleans communities.

"When I act in any capacity, my actions are influenced and enriched by the academic, spiritual and social delights I have experienced at Loyola," Watson wrote. "I have gotten so much from my Loyola journey... My Jesuit experience has taught me that my actions should be dedicated to the greater glory of God, and I have honestly done my best to focus my work and my spare time in doing so."

Casey Stowe receives outstanding graduate student award

Casey T. Stowe, who will graduate with an MBA fromthe College of Business Administration on May 17, is the recipient of the first annual Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Stowe received a bachelor of arts degree in finance from Loyola in 1996. He has a 4.0 grade point average and is involved in a number of campus organizations.

Stowe has been an active member and officer of the MBA Association and has been a major contributor to the revitalization of the MBA Association. He held the positions of treasurer, student adviser, and executive committee member. He helped with numerous community service events, recruiting, and career placement and curriculum issues for the MBA program. "I feel that my Loyola education has prepared me to become an ethical leader not only in the business community," said Stowe, "but in my personal and spiritual life as well."

Stowe is also a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society, Beta Gamma Sigma, the Business Honor Society, and MENSA. He has been a business ethics guest speaker at Loyola. He is a self-described change agent, who is involved with the alumni association.

Outside of school, Stowe is an active member of the community. He participates in Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, an IRS-sponsored volunteer program, which offers tax planning, education, and preparation assistance to low-income families. "He is known as a leader who is not afraid to improve situations, even when most are satisfied with the status quo," a nominee wrote. "He has been a living model of many of the tenets of Jesuit philosophy of education."

The award is presented to a graduating student who has earned a distinguished academic record, represented Loyola with honor and distinction, distinguished him or herself by involvement in the life of the campus, has provided services to others, made contributions to his or her chosen field or profession, and contributes to the advancement of religion and citizenship.