Anthropology program symposium highlights student achievement and awards
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Sophie Lenkiewicz presents research about Caribbean tourism culture at the Sapiens Symposium.
The anthropology program in the department of sociology, anthropology, and social work recognized student learning, achievement, and career and personal development at its annual Sapiens Symposium on April 25.
Current students gave presentations on lessons learned from education abroad, advocacy work, the MEDICS Project, Partners in Health and more. Other students presented innovative research-based exhibit design projects from a museum anthropology class. In addition, several alumni shared insights with current students about what anthropology has brought to their lives and professional trajectories.
The anthropology program also presented scholarships and awards to students, including:
- The Patricia J. O'Brien Scholarship Award in Archaeology — Leander Conoan
- Biological Anthropology Achievement Award — Sydni Ruiz-Hernandez
- Cultural Anthropology Achievement Award — Sophie Lenkiewicz
- Martin and Harriet J. Ottenheimer Adventurous Anthropology Award — Grace Schaefer
- Harriet Joseph Ottenheimer Linguistic Anthropology Award — Nico Hammarstedt
- Anthropology Ambassador Award — Abigail Ried
- Incoming Anthropology Major Scholarship — Reese Stone
Special thanks to the alumni speakers for their fascinating stories, sincere encouragement and mentoring.
Alumni who were in attendance include Michelle Jordan, Ascension Via Christi, Wichita; Dandelion Lakewood, Bard & Freedom Coach; Kelly Marshall, Spark! Wellness Strategies; Dr. Jocelyn Mattoon, Stormont Vail Health, Manhattan; Katie Ross, Greeley Museums; Holly Smith, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and Kirk Smith, SJCA Inc.