News Release

Contact: Jeri Kornegay
Director of Media and Public Relations
260-982-5285  jskornegay@manchester.edu

Jared Mobley, Dean Glenn Sharfman and Sam Cox

Jared Mobley, Sam Cox win

Jo Young Switzer Award

at Dean’s Student Scholarship Symposium

       Presentations on the sacrifices made by German-Americans during World War I and research on smallmouth bass in the Eel River drew top honors at the 9^th Annual Dean’s Student Scholarship Symposium at Manchester College.

       History and German major Sam Cox of Kokomo and environmental studies major Jared Mobley of North Manchester each received The Jo Young Switzer Award for Excellence and $150 following an afternoon of presentations by 26 Manchester students on Friday, March 9.

       “The quality of the papers was astounding,” said Glenn R. Sharfman, vice president and dean for academic affairs.  “Our students turned out work that was, in many instances, graduate quality.  It is so gratifying to see students motivated by scholarly material and be able to be authoritative in their area.  Their faculty mentors also deserve a great deal of credit for giving their time to help students achieve their best.”

       Mobley, a junior, discussed reproduction, habitat preference and year class strength of smallmouth bass in the Eel River, near North Manchester, based on a research project last summer. The report on his research with another student also won Best Student Paper for the American Fisheries Society. Mobley’s mentor is Dr. Jerry Sweeten, assistant professor of biology and director of environmental studies.

       Cox, a senior, looked to history for his presentation. “Finding their loyalty questioned all around them, German-Americans sacrificed their culture, language and unique identity in the face of overwhelming pressure to become true Americans and prove their dedication to their new homeland,” said Cox, a graduate of Northwestern High School in Kokomo. He was mentored by Dr.    Katherine Tinsley and Dr. Mark Angelos, associate professors of history.  

       Other presentations ranged from research on gypsy moths, the Commercial Revolution and biodegradation of certain pharmaceuticals to American Sign Language in elementary school, vertical jumping and U.S. intervention in Nicaragua.