The Office of Student Involvement recently recognized a graduating senior from the Kelley School of Business Indianapolis as the IUPUI Outstanding Female Student Leader.
Shannon Adams, a double major in supply chain and management, was one of two female undergraduate students on the entire campus to receive the award, designed to recognize special contributions by female students to the campus and the greater community. The awards were presented March 30 at a ceremony marking the end of Women’s History Month.
“I was honored just to be there (and nominated),” Adams said. “It was really special that someone would hold me in such high regard to put my name in for this award.”
Jane Lambert, outgoing director of academic programs for Kelley Indianapolis, nominated Adams for the award and was on hand to celebrate her selection.
“Shannon’s enthusiasm, energy and commitment to excellence are remarkable,” Lambert said.
“I cannot imagine a better leader or role model for students,” Lambert continued. “She is not afraid to make decisions and she works well with and brings out the best in her colleagues. She possesses in abundance that rarest and most appreciated of qualities: initiative.”
Adams noted several accomplishments while on campus which particularly make her proud, including being a co-founder of the Operations and Supply Chain Management Student Organization, a member of the Director’s Advisory Board, a collaborator on the proposed code of student conduct and a member of the Student Development Committee.
While she isn’t exactly comfortable talking about personal achievements, Adams said her leadership experiences stem from her desire to “have people around me experience all the great things I have while on campus.”
“I’m not the same person I was five a half years ago when I walked in the door,” she added. “Before coming to Kelley, I had always felt like I was missing something, but now I have so many more tools I am armed with.”
As part of the application for the award, Adams was required to write a short essay. An excerpt is included below.
“The legacy that I leave behind is not mine alone – it is the legacy of every student who has been willing to fail in order to succeed. My hope is that through my actions I have embodied the spirit that is electric through the halls of the business building – that I have helped to create and foster an environment in which students can excel; an example that achieving true success is only possible if one is willing to fail along the way. I hope that I have inspired individuals as I have been inspired – to be better tomorrow than today.”