The University of Denver Pioneer Awards Ceremony 2010 was held last night, Tuesday, May 18, 2010. I was nominated for two awards and was also there to support my friends receiving other awards.
Outstanding Student Awards
Students, advisers, and student organizations are nominated based on their contributions to academic excellence, the campus and university, and community involvement.
18 Seniors were nominated for Outstanding Senior. A few (3 or 4) were chosen as Distinguished Seniors. One was chosen as Outstanding Senior. This year, that person was me.
My certificate reads:
A University is a community of leaders and scholars.
A leader is one that raises the bar for their peers and works to better their institution.
The University of Denver
would like to recognize
Joel Portman
Outstanding Senior Student
2009-2010
This award is present to you in recognition of your excellence in the areas of leadership, scholarship, citizenship, and service to the University of Denver community.
I was not expecting to receive this award. While I have been active, I did not think that I was as involved this year. Apparently other people recognize my involvement more significantly than I did. Either way, I am very appreciative to everyone.
Two years ago, I also received the award for Outstanding Sophomore Student.
Pioneer Awards
The Pioneer Award is the most prestigious award given to a University of Denver student.
From the award ceremony booklet:
The year was 1926 and the Parsons of the Colorado Seminary became the Pioneers of the University of Denver.
That same year the Kynewisbok [University of Denver yearbook, now defunct] began one of the University’s most lasting traditions – the naming of “The Pioneers” – individuals whose dedication to our University and its students is beyond measure.
This year’s Pioneer Award nomination came from all over campus and represent the finest ambassadors of the University of Denver both on campus and in the community.
The 10 students, 1 faculty member, 1 staff member, and 1 student organization selected by the committee were chosen for their exemplary dedication and contributions to, and on behalf of, the University.
While their personal goals and ideals differ, they are bound by their visions of a better DU. Their work toward a goal does not make them unique, but rather the creativity, passion, and spirit with which they pursue this vision does. Each of these people and organizations have made a difference.
The 1930 Kynewisbok urged its winners,
“Go forth: great battles are yet to be won.”
We urge the same.
The battles they have fought at DU may seem small in comparison to the battles of life but the fight our Pioneers have given show us what is best in ourselves.
We salute their bold imagination, their fiery determination, their collective sense of compassion, and most of all, their Pioneer spirit.
Twenty-six students were nominated to the Pioneer Award. Ten received it. I, along with several of my friends, received the award.
I received a poster/certificate/plaque (it is rather large) that has a picture of former University of Denver Chancellor Henry Buchtel and the recognition text. Henry Buchtel was Governor of Colorado from 1907-1909 and was Chancellor of the University of Denver 1900-1920. He moved the University of Denver out of debt and began many lasting traditions.
The text on my award reads:
Pioneer. One who sets themselves apart.
One who chooses a direction and then blazes a path for others to follow. A pioneer is an innovator, a person who uses his creative talents and unique perspective to positively impact hiss community.
A University of Denver Pioneer is a scholar, a leader and a person with a compassionate spirit and strong character.
We honor
Joel Portman
for his Pioneer Spirit and commitment
to the University of Denver.
/x/ Chancellor Robert D. Coombe
This was certainly a very nice recognition of my four years of hard work and involvement at the University of Denver.
I am appreciative to have been recognized with these awards for my work at DU – but really it is because of everyone who has been there with me and who has supported me that I have been successful. Additionally, I could not have asked for a better group of people with whom to receive the Pioneer Award.
Joel Portman, Tuyen Trisa Bui, and Javier Ogaz, Pioneer Award Recipients, with Provost Gregg Kvistad
Joel Portman 