PSU names 2017 Outstanding Seniors

  Monday, May 1, 2017 2:00 AM
  News, Milestones, Academics

Pittsburg, KS

PSU names 2017 Outstanding Seniors

The 2017 Outstanding Seniors at Pittsburg State University practically grew up on campus.

Katelyn Flood, of Weir, and Cody James Lindbloom, of Frontenac, received the university’s highest honors at the annual student leadership and awards banquet on April 28.

Flood, a biology major, is the daughter of Timothy and Christine Flood of Weir. Lindbloom, a psychology and counseling major, is the son of Carissa Lindbloom of Frontenac and Trent Lindbloom of Weir.

Flood’s father, Tim, is chair of the Department of Mathematics. Lindbloom’s dad, Trent, is an associate professor in Automotive Technology.

“I remember running around the halls of the Kansas Technology Center when it was new,” Lindbloom said.

The selection of an outstanding senior woman and man is a campus tradition that goes back more than 60 years. The selection process begins with nominations by faculty, staff or student organization presidents. A committee evaluates the nominees, considering their academic records, campus involvement, leadership in the organizations they belong to, their awards and honors, community service and volunteer work and their contributions to the university and the community.

“Selecting just two from the list of finalists is a very difficult task,” said Steve Erwin, vice president of student life, “because each of the finalists has an extraordinary record of achievement.”

Following tradition, the outstanding senior woman and outstanding senior man will deliver remarks to their fellow graduates at commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13. A brass plaque will be installed in the Senior Walk in front of Russ Hall in their honor.

Katelyn Flood

A member of the Honors College, Flood has been active in the Newman Club, the Pre-Med Club, the Pre-Pharmacy Club and the Omicron Delta Kappa, Lambda Sigma and Phi Eta Sigma national honor societies.

Flood’s volunteer service includes a two-week medical mission trip to Argentina and work with the campus Move-In Crew, the Lord’s Diner, Special Olympics, and numerous other activities.

Flood works as an optometry technician for Wimmer Vision Care and on-campus for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

“My time at Pitt State has given me so many incredible opportunities to learn what it means to be a leader,” Flood said. “Whether it was organizing small study groups, leading Bible Studies with friends or stepping into bigger leadership positions, I have gained confidence in myself (and) in my ability to see where others flourish.”

Flood said she gained some of that self confidence through her membership in the Honors College, especially a trip to Eastern Europe the group took between her junior and senior years.

“I can say, without an ounce of hesitation, that those two weeks were the best of my life and have changed me for good,” she said.

After graduation, Flood plans on attending the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry where she will earn her doctorate in optometry.

Cody Lindbloom

Cody Lindbloom says the organizations he’s been involved in at Pittsburg State have made him a better person.

Lindbloom is a member of University Student Ambassadors and the Center for Research, Evaluation, and Awareness of Dyslexia (the Center for READing). He has also served as poetry editor for the Cow Creek Review and as a Pitt Encouragement and Education Specialist (PEERS) for the Office of Student Success. He is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Eta Sigma national honor societies.

Lindbloom works a variety of jobs on campus. He is an orientation leader for Pitt Campus Advisement, Registration and Enrollment Sessions (C.A.R.E.S.) during the summer sessions. He is also a lead technician for Gorilla Geeks, works as a system’s student assistant at Axe Library, and is an interventionist at the Center for READing in the Department of Psychology and Counseling, where he tutors children with dyslexia or reading difficulties.

Off-campus, Lindbloom serves as a volunteer firefighter for the Frontenac Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

Lindbloom plans to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and to serve children and adolescents with psychological and developmental needs. He will enter PSU’s master’s degree program in clinical psychology this fall.


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