Sources: Chwen Sheu, 785-532-4363, csheu@k-state.edu;
and Jinzi Chen, jinzi@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Megan Molitor, 785-532-1566, molitor@k-state.edu
Monday, Dec. 12, 2011
Ending on a high note: K-State business senior receives outstanding student award
MANHATTAN -- For the first time in the history of Kansas State University's College of Business Administration, an international student has been chosen as the recipient of the Outstanding Senior Award. Jinzi Chen, a senior in management, was recognized for the award at the college's commencement ceremony Dec. 10.
The award recognizes a graduating senior who has excelled in the classroom and in related college activities. Recipients must have a minimum 3.5 grade point average. Chen received a $500 cash award and a plaque. She was selected for the honor by a committee from the college's Dean's Student Advisory Council.
Chen, from Shanwei, Guangdong, in China, has used her time at K-State to focus on operations and supply chain management. Throughout her undergraduate career, she served as an ambassador for the College of Business Administration and contributed to the college's international student population as an adviser assistant, mentor and informal instructor to the students, according to Madeline Haas, chair of the search committee.
Chen lives in Alpha of Clovia Scholarship House and has received numerous awards and honors, including the Anderson Award for Outstanding Leadership and the Kansas Peace Award.
"Her commitment to improving the life and scholarship of her fellow multicultural students has been exceptional and admirably promotes her Chinese culture as well as her affection for Kansas State University," said Haas, a senior in finance and accounting.
Several faculty members nominated Chen for the award, including Chwen Sheu, head of the management department and the Paul Edgerley chair in business administration. Sheu said Chen was chosen for her exceptional performance in her classes, hard work, dedication and commitment to help her peers find success.
"She brought the aspect of international culture to the classroom and this college," Sheu said. "She often shares her own culture with other American students and helps then understand the cultural difference in global business."
Chen said receiving the Outstanding Senior in Business Award is a significant accomplishment in her life, and that she's grateful for the opportunity to study at the College of Business Administration and to have been involved in numerous events.
"My family has been tremendous in supporting me, and I greatly appreciate the nominations from so many faculty and staff," Chen said. "I am glad to set a good example for international students to encourage them to overcome difficulties, use their talents to contribute to the community and get the most out of their experience at K-State.”
Chen is going to work for Koch Industries in Wichita. She is the daughter of Shulin and Yuyun Lin Chen.