Two students, senate honored during annual A. Robert Rainville Awards

04/15/09 - The University of Rhode Island held the 2009 A. Robert Rainville Leadership Awards last night in the Memorial Union Ballroom, honoring three student leaders and organizations.The nominees and recipients received remarks of praise from their peers and faculty in three categories: student leadership, outstanding student employee and team excellence.

This year's Rainville Awards were not only special for the student attendees, but also for URI President Robert L. Carothers, who was selected as the namesake for one of the new awards: the Dr. Robert L. Carothers Award for Outstanding Service to the URI Community.

"In recognition of your commitment to the leadership and service to the University of Rhode Island, we honor your legacy this year and each year after," said Bruce Hamilton, director of the Memorial Union.

The selection process for the awards was rigorous, and included not only a review of the accomplishments of the nominees, but also personal interviews with the selection committee. Letters of recommendation were also required, as well as a minimum grade point average of 2.5.

Senior women's studies major Melanie Shapiro was selected as the recipient of the student leadership award.

Shapiro came to URI as a transfer student. In the two years she attended URI, she has been involved in many different campus organizations and advocacy groups, including her position as co-chair of the Rhode Island Coalition Against Human Trafficking.

"I'm laughing and crying at the same time and can't feel anything," Shapiro said upon winning the award. "This is a tremendous honor and I did not expect it at all. Thank you for believing in me and encouraging my leadership and scholarship. You've taught me so much."

Fifth-year pharmacy student Kayla Smith introduced fellow nominee junior Jennifer Elias for the next category - the student employee award - and had nothing but compliments for her peer.

"She goes the extra mile," Smith said. "I know URI [students] may cringe when they hear about chemistry, but Jen reflects upon her job with the biggest smile."

Elias, who worked as a stockroom prep employee for the chemistry department, said it was an honor to receive the award, and she thanked her parents, peers and coworkers for their part in her life. She is also majoring in kinesiology and exercise sciences with a minor in chemistry.

Representatives from the Student Senate said they were both surprised and honored to be recognized with the Team Excellence in Leadership award.

"Team leadership is fundamentally different from individual leadership, because the skill of collaboration is inherently crucial to success," said Rob Eaton, a senior on the team selection committee. "This group demonstrated an overwhelming initiative to showcase their talents along the way. This group is what truly encompasses a team of collaboration, commitment, focus and leadership."

The awards are named for A. Robert Rainville, who held many positions during his time at the university, including vice president of Student Affairs from 1980 to 1986. Rainville died unexpectedly in 1986 during his tenure. He was recognized for his outstanding work ethic and dedication to the university. Carothers had only good things to say about Rainville and his successor, Thomas Dougan.

"Whether it's good news or tragic news, Tom Dougan is the one you want to be there to take care of everybody who has joy or sorrow," Carothers said. "He has over the many years made us all very proud.