ANDY LING IS STUDENT SPEAKER FOR 2006 COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

A model student, a high academic achiever…actively involved in the total life of the College.” This comment by Honors Program Director Clarence Christian typifies the regard of faculty who have taught Andy Ling, and staff who have associated with him in his many student activity and co-curricular achievements.

He also receives highest accolades from International Programs Coordinator Debbie Hunt for his leadership and service activities for the International Student Club, for which he represented the College at the Tennessee Conference for International Leadership in Spring and Fall 2005. Dr. Steve Katz, Ling’s piano instructor, added that Andy “is a brilliant pianist…who discovers and explores aspects of himself as he plays…when he plays certain songs, the audience almost stops breathing…”

During the Student Honors Convocation, Ling received the Natural Sciences Award (one of four students who did), the Liberal Studies and Education Excellence Award, the Piano Soloist Award (one of two students), the Tennessee Honors Conference Talent Award, the Honors Academy Scholar of the Year Award, and the Tennessee Board of Regents Video Participants recognition (one of two students).

Ling came to Southwest from Malaysia in Spring 2005, and at age 18 has completed an Associate of Science degree in Natural Sciences. He graduates May 13 summa cum laude, having achieved a 4.0 overall average. He has won many honors, been a leader in academic and student groups, and participated – again as a leader – in service activities to both College and wider communities.

A brief listing of activities, awards, honors and achievements includes president of the International Student Club, club representative of the Student Government Association, Southwest Piano Ensemble member, Southwest Honors Society member, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member. He was named to the National Dean’s List 2005-2006; he was selected for Who’s Who Among Students in Junior Colleges 2006; participated in the United States Achievement Academy Collegiate All-American Scholar Program; and was consistently on the Southwest Dean’s List.

He received the Steve Katz/AMRO Music Piano Excellence Award 2006 and the Southwest Department of Fine Arts Languages and Literature Piano Soloist Award 2006. He performed in Ensemble Piano concerts (three each in Spring and Fall 2005 and Spring 2006; and performed (piano) at the Tennessee Collegiate Honors Council Conference Spring 2006.

Service activities included organizing a fund-raiser for tsunami relief efforts Spring 2005; assisting in Katrina relief efforts Fall 2005; and organizing a nursing home party that included a solo piano concert and student sing along.

Student work experience included tutoring at the College’s Academic Support Center, October 2005 to the present, and lab assistant for the biology lab August to December 2005 as part of an Honors Contract.

Ling’s college plans include a baccalaureate in biology prior to further study leading to a career in biological/biotechnical research. He plans also to complete his baccalaureate in music with the goal of qualifying as a piano instructor.

As student speaker, Ling may have a treat for his peers and all his listeners: according to Associate Professor Christian, “His highest reputation in the College…is due to his oratorical skills. Always analytically and creatively developed, his speeches are skillfully and persuasively presented.”

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