Third-year College student Amey Adkins said she never expected to be one of the students selected to live on the Lawn, much less in one of the seven endowed rooms.
Adkins was announced yesterday as the next resident of the Gus Blagden Room, an honor colloquially referred to as "the Good Guy" award.
"I had nominated someone else, and I wasn't expecting that someone would nominate me," Adkins said. "To be considered worthy enough to be in that group is an honor."
Each year, students nominate other students to live in Room 15 on the West Lawn.
"It's not something that you work for, but it's nice to know that someone notices you," Adkins said.
The Gus Blagden Room Selection Committee chooses a rising fourth year who exemplifies the qualities worthy of the honor, said Tamika Lockhart, fourth-year Engineering student and current Room 15 resident.
Augustus Silliman "Gus" Blagden graduated from the University in 1966 and passed away a few years later. In 1968, the Scott family -- close friends of Blagden -- endowed the room in his name, Lockhart said.
The Scotts intended for the room to be given annually to a recipient who has a good moral character, is not necessarily distinguished for academic or leadership abilities and strives for a high standard of personal self conduct, according to Lockhart.
Members of the selection committee include the current room resident, the Dean of Students, the Housing Director, the outgoing presidents of the Inter-Sorority Council and the Inter-Fraternity Council and the kings of the IMP and Z secret societies.
Adkins currently serves as Black Voices President, leads a Bible Study and volunteers for Abundant Life. She also was a former Honor Committee member and Cavalier Daily opinion columnist.
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