The Anderson Society awarded Joe Pavlisko with the Outstanding Junior Award on April 8. Pavlisko is majoring in economics and political science and is from Cleveland, Ohio.
“I am so honored to have been selected as the outstanding junior and have a huge list of individuals to whom I’m truly indebted,” Pavlisko said. “What excites me most is that I feel that my work and experiences both on campus and off must be meaningful.”
Pavlisko said he is grateful for the opportunities he has been given here at the University, but also for supplying opportunities to other students as well.
“I’ve implemented several events on campus to help create opportunities for students to practice foreign languages in a casual setting,” he said. “I’ve also helped to establish HCA’s new MakeItHappen program.”
Pavlisko is a National Merit Scholar and a member of the University Scholars program, which allows undergraduates to complete their bachelors and masters degrees consecutively. He has also served as president of the International Student Association, member of the University Fellows Experience, member of Honors College Assembly, and the participant in United Way campaigns.
“As president of International Student Association (ISA) this year and the 2008-2009 chair of Freshman Forum’s Global Awareness Committee, I’ve worked to host events aimed at integrating non-Americans into our campus culture,” he said.
Pavlisko said there were so many people who encouraged and inspired him along the way that it didn’t make sense to only name one person.
“I’ve learned the power of elegance from Jacqueline Morgan, the value of empathy from Chip Cooper, the worth of imagination from Drew Tuggle, the importance of optimism from Jonathan Pittman, the definition of cool from Alexandra Tucci, the merit of effort from Mike Zhang, the meaning of friendliness from Seema Kumar, the abundance of laughter from Melissa Mills, the gift of experience from Emily Seelenfreund, and so much more from so many others,” he said.
Tuggle said Pavlisko is a humble, selfless person.
“Far from pursuing recognition for himself, he meaningfully and generously casts it upon others,” Tuggle said. “He discerns in himself little cause for pride, but rather room for improvement.”
Pavlisko said this award is humbling and encourages other students to pursue their dreams.
“I think the majority of college students have at times questioned themselves and their experiences, wanting to make sure that their efforts are worthwhile and help other people,” he said.
“I’ve allowed myself to feel that this award is a little nod from the University that I’m heading in the right direction.”
Pavlisko is undecided about what he intends to do upon graduation. He is considering job-searching, pursuing a masters or teaching English in Indonesia. Ultimately, he said he hopes to gain a managerial role in business or government.
