Graduate from California, MO Receives Most Prestigious Award for Seniors

Leigh Ann Lutz from California, MO received the most prestigious award for graduating seniors Westminster College bestows, the Outstanding Seniors Award, from Johanna Dowdy Lee, ’83, member of the Westminster College Alumni Council, at the Westminster College commencement exercises May 10.

Lutz has been widely honored for her skills on the women’s Blue Jay basketball team,  NCAA Division III–two time All Conference player, SLIAC Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player, and team captain.

However, she shines just as brightly off the court, epitomizing what a student-athlete should be.

The day before graduation she received word that she was the recipient of a NCAA post-graduate scholarship, one of only 29 winter-sport female athletes chosen from across the United States.

Her other academic athletic titles include Academic All American, Top 25 National GPA, Capital One Regional All-Academic team, and SLIAC Conference All-Academic team.

She is  also Vice President of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, Vice President of Communications for the Panhellenic Council, a Westminster Seminar mentor, Student Ambassador, and a member of Student Foundation.

The Outstanding Senior Award was established in 1977 by the Westminster College Alumni Association to honor a well-respected graduating senior for service to Westminster College, the city of Fulton, and the surrounding community and their living group as well as living a life of success, significance, and service while at Westminster College.

Westminster President Dr. Bob Hansen, who nominated Leigh Ann for the award, provided some wonderful insight.  “When asked to identify a leader who leads by example and who demonstrates humility, it’s not surprising that many of our students point to Leigh Ann,” says Dr. Hansen.   “Her accomplishments are the result of the intersection of talent and hard work.  She is gifted for sure, but it is what she does with these gifts that is so impressive.  All too often, those who excel do so by leaving others behind…not so with Leigh Ann…she brings them alongside.”

She is  also Vice President of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, Vice President of Communications for the Panhellenic Council, a Westminster Seminar mentor, Student Ambassador, and a member of Student Foundation.

Westminster President Dr. Bob Hansen, who nominated Leigh Ann for the award, provided some wonderful insight.  “When asked to identify a leader who leads by example and who demonstrates humility, it’s not surprising that many of our students point to Leigh Ann,” says Dr. Hansen.   “Her accomplishments are the result of the intersection of talent and hard work.  She is gifted for sure, but it is what she does with these gifts that is so impressive.  All too often, those who excel do so by leaving others behind…not so with Leigh Ann…she brings them alongside.”