WITH THE recent announcement of the Lawn selections for the coming academic year, we are again apprised of the University's biggest and brightest. Without a doubt, these individuals deserve not only our praise, but also our respect.
But another side to this story remains to be revealed. This is the time of year that we not only honor our most notable leaders, but also one of our quietest and most genuine characters.
All too often today we tend to notice those students among us who hold big name leadership positions, or those who achieve the most notable academic awards, or even those who garner the most athletic accolades. Unfortunately, we tend to miss out on a very large group of individuals, who by the sheer magnitude of their personalities, gain respect among peers for their unselfish behavior and general positive attitude.
That's right, we're talking about the unsung heroes among us, those University students who participate in activities, not because of the resume appeal, but those who truly love what they do.
They are athletes who play and practice for four years, but who are not All-American caliber athletes. They are students who work diligently and persevere to get a degree in something they love without being able to just roll through classes without cracking a book. They are those who participate in clubs and governing councils who are not the president or chairperson, yet who give equally of their time and effort to reach the common goal. They are people who, no matter what the circumstances, always greet you with a smile and a laugh.
These are the individuals the Gus Blagden Room seeks to honor.
Augustus "Gus" Silliman Blagden, III was a student at the University in the early 1960s. During these years, he was "beloved and admired throughout the University community." Gene Corrigan, past athletic director at the University, wrote, "Gus was a very average student and a mediocre athlete at best, but was so well respected by his teammates that they chose him to be co-captain of the 1963 lacrosse team. He was, above all, a kind, generous and noble person."
Gus died only a few years after graduation, but he had so affected the people with whom he had contact that this room was endowed and dedicated to his honor.
Blagden was a man who epitomized the goals of Jefferson's University. A well-rounded student who, although he did not excel at academics or athletics, gave a wholehearted effort in everything he did. He was involved in many activities around the University, and gave fully to them all. Furthermore, he was a man of character who constantly demonstrated the qualities of a gentleman.
The "Good Guy" Room is set aside each year for a graduating undergraduate student who has given of him or herself and has proven helpful to fellow students. The recipient need not have achieved academic distinction, have been recognized by positions of leadership, nor shall financial need be a consideration in his selection.
This man or woman should be of high moral character and one who strives to attain a high standard of conduct, since selection is based heavily on character, rather than organizational activities. Foremost, this person should display genuine concern and care for fellow students.
Nominations should be as personalized as possible, preferably in letterform. Personal anecdotes that reveal the nominee's character traits in the spirit of a "modern day Gus Blagden" are preferred over resume-style nominations. Questions may be directed to goodguyroom@hotmail.com. Nominations are due to the Dean of Students Office by Thurs. March 1.
(Justin Saunders is a fourth-year College student. He is a member of the Gus Blagden Selection Committee.)
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