KU News Release

LAWRENCE — The Department of Sociology at the University of Kansas honored students for their achievements in the 2009-10 academic year.

During the department’s undergraduate graduation ceremony May 14, 73 graduating seniors earning bachelor’s degrees were recognized. Recipients of several scholarships and awards, including the Harley S. Nelson Family Scholarship and the Marston M. and Charlyne McCluggage Scholarship, were announced.

Later that evening, students in the doctoral program were honored and winners of several awards were announced.

Adrianne Showalter Matlock, a master’s student in sociology, and Sydney Merideth Silverstein, a master’s student in anthropology, shared the E. Jackson Baur Award for Research and Study of Social Conflict and Conflict Resolution. The award, named for a former KU professor of sociology, supports research and professional travel and recognizes scholarly accomplishment.

Nicole K. Perry, a doctoral student in sociology, received the Carroll D. Clark Award for Teaching Excellence, which recognizes outstanding contributions of graduate students to the department, university and/or profession of sociology.

Carroll D. Clark Pre- and Post-master’s Degree Awards honoring graduate students who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship, integrity and promise in the discipline of sociology were also presented. Clark was a former KU professor of sociology. Kuo-Ray Mao, doctoral student in sociology, earned the post-master’s award and Benjamin Andrew Hayter, master’s student in sociology, won the pre-master’s award.

Founded in 1891, KU’s Department of Sociology is the oldest academic sociology program in the United States.

Funds for the scholarship are managed by KU Endowment, the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management foundation for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

Award and scholarship recipients are listed below by hometown, level in school, major, parents’ names, previous schools attended and award or scholarship.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence 66044
Mallory Taylor Bowen, senior in sociology and women’s studies; Highland School, Warrenton, Va.; Harley S. Nelson Family Scholarship.

Kuo-Ray Mao, doctoral student in sociology; master’s degree from KU; bachelor’s degree from California State University-Fullerton; Carroll D. Clark Post-Master of Arts Award.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
From Linwood 66052
Nicole K. Perry, doctoral student in sociology; daughter of Joe and Janet Perry; master’s and bachelor’s degrees from KU; Basehor-Linwood High School; Carroll D. Clark Award for Teaching Excellence.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka 66609
Elizabeth Marie O’Neill, junior in sociology; daughter of Connie and Chris O’Neill; Shawnee Heights Senior High School, Tecumseh; Marston M. and Charlyne McCluggage Award.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY
From Kansas City 66101
Adrianne Showalter Matlock, master’s student in sociology; bachelor’s degree from Southern Nazarene University; E. Jackson Baur Award for Research and Study of Social Conflict and Conflict Resolution.

CALIFORNIA
From Oakland 94601
Sydney Merideth Silverstein, master’s student in anthropology; bachelor’s degree from the University of California-Berkeley; E. Jackson Baur Award for Research and Study of Social Conflict and Conflict Resolution.

MISSOURI
From Springfield 65809
Benjamin Andrew Hayter, master’s student in sociology; bachelor’s degree from Ozarks Technical Community College; Carroll D. Clark Pre-Master of Arts Award.

NEBRASKA
From Omaha 68132
Matthew C. Soener, junior in psychology and sociology; son of Tom and Jayne Soener; Creighton Preparatory School; Marston M. and Charlyne McCluggage Scholarship.