Graduate student Daniel Guymon named 2010 winner of A. Alan Baird Memorial Award
Daniel Guymon, of Spotsylvania, Va., a graduate student majoring in computer engineering in the College of Engineering, has been selected to receive the university's 18th annual A. Alan Baird Award.
This year's award recipient demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to the residential community at Virginia Tech, serving first as a resident advisor, and more recently as a senior resident advisor and an active member of the National Residence Hall Honorary.
Through his work with Residence Life, Guymon focused on community and routinely emphasized the importance of getting to know each individual student personally, to help enhance their on-campus experience. Outside of the residence halls, Guymon is a peer leader in the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity.
"Since the day I met Danny, I knew that he would be a great leader on the staff and in the department," said Donald Walker, complex director for Slusher Hall, who nominated Guymon. "His sheer passion for connecting with students and staff is evident in all that he does and he is truly learning about himself and others in the process."
Leon McClinton, director of Residence Life, presented Guymon with a commemorative plaque in recognition of his achievement during the 18th annual University Student Leadership Awards on Thursday, April 29. In addition, he will receive a cash prize and his name will be inscribed on the Baird Award recipient plaque displayed in New Hall West.
The award was created in memory of A. Alan Baird, who was an active member of the campus community during his time at Virginia Tech.
"Alan was an exceptional student leader with high energy, enthusiasm, gifted leadership skills, charisma, and a very caring attitude about his fellow students," said Edward Spencer, vice president for student affairs. The award is presented annually to the student who has made the most outstanding contribution to the residence hall program during, or culminating in, the current academic year.
The other finalists for the 2010 award were:
- Makayla Greathouse of Chesapeake, Va., a junior human development major in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences;
- Carl Kaufman of Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas, a senior political science major in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences;
- Erin Melissa Mosher, Yorktown, Va., a senior management major in the Pamplin College of Business; and
- Ayla Wilk of Martinsville, Va., a senior chemistry major in the College of Science.
The Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Tech encompasses departments dedicated to providing a rich co-curricular experience and essential student services. Virtually every aspect of a student's life outside the classroom is represented through the division's departments.
Written by Katherine Grace Clayton of Charlottesville, Va., a junior majoring in communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
