June 5, 2003

Contact: Barbara Ballard, Student Support, (785) 864-4381.

KU senior class officers announce annual Campanile Award recipient

LAWRENCE -- The senior class officers at the University of Kansas recently named McLean Thompson, May KU graduate from Pierre, S.D., as the recipient of the 2003 Campanile Award.

The KU Class of 2000 established the Campanile Award to be presented annually to a senior graduating in May. The recipient must have displayed remarkable leadership, strength of character and respect for the university while at KU.

Thompson graduated in May with a bachelor's degree in business administration and communication studies. She is the daughter of Charlie and Ann Thompson in Pierre, S.D., and graduated from T.F. Riggs Senior High School in Pierre.

During her four years at KU, Thompson served as the assistant treasurer of the Student Senate and was involved with organizations such as the Commission on the Status of Women, Hawk Nights, the Association of University Residence Halls, Center for Community Outreach and Alternative Breaks. She also volunteered with after-school activities at a local elementary school.

KU's Board of Class Officers selects the recipient of the Campanile Award based on a short essay on their contributions to KU and the Lawrence community and an interview with the senior class officers and the senior class advisory board.