Much like the former nationally renown Who’s Who Award, this award - established in 2018 - is presented to students who have achieved outstanding accomplishments related to academics, leadership, community engagement, and career readiness during their time at West Chester University.

Article by Maddie Tyler, AKSM News

WEST CHESTER, PA - As students across the country graduated via online ceremonies and celebrations, West Chester University made sure that their highest achieving students did not feel left out. On April 16th, 2020 a select number of West Chester Juniors and Seniors were announced as this year’s recipients of the 1871 Award. Among that selection was Lauren Kirkpatrick. Much like the former nationally renown Who’s Who Award, this award - established in 2018 - is presented to students who have achieved outstanding accomplishments related to academics, leadership, community engagement, and career readiness during their time at West Chester University.

Eligible students must have a high GPA, and are assessed on each of the four tiers mentioned earlier. Each assessment is worth 25% of the final decision as well as a personal essay and two letters of recommendation. Nominees are presented to a committee of faculty, staff and student representatives as well as representatives from ten different organizations, departments, colleges and schools. Once the awardees are announced they are usually invited and recognized at a award ceremony in the spring hosted by the University’s administration. In light of the Coronavirus pandemic - which forced West Chester to send their students home before the spring semester even got rolling - the in-person ceremony did not happen. However, students were honored virtually and received their plaque and special 1871 Honoree pin at home.

This is not Lauren’s first honor of her senior year. Lauren was also named one of West Chester’s “Most Outstanding Students” in the College of Business and Public Management. In a statement Lauren said, “I am honored and excited to be selected [for this award]. I have learned so much in my past four years at WCU and I can’t wait to see where my future path leads.”