Student Leadership Awards - 2009

Susan Morrison Award Speech:

• I would like to start by thanking my family and friends for being here today and Jenna for nominating me
• I'd also like to thank the Student Leadership Awards Selection Committee for this honor
o Being a member of the committee myself last year, I know how difficult it is to make these award decisions

• Susan Teegarden Morrison was the epitome of change and progress during her time at the University of Illinois
o Not only was she an active student leader, but she is well distinguished as being the first female president of the Illini Union Board

• I primarily chose the University of Illinois because of the nationally ranked comprehensive program for people with disabilities
o I was quite surprised to find that the larger student organizations on campus lacked significant representation from the disability community
• I too believe in progress and decided that I was going to try my luck at getting involved
o 1,000 emails, 500 trips to the Union, and 100 meetings later...I am here before you today
 But none of my accomplishments would have been possible if it wasn't for hard work and dedication

• So while I am so excited to be the first person with a physical disability to have served on the Illinois Student Senate as a Senator and Chairman and as a Director of the Illini Union Board, my underlying goals have always been to inspire others
• Just like Susan Morrison inspired women to be empowered during a time of inequality, I have always tried to inspire people with disabilities to put themselves out there and get involved
o The barriers of entry may be tough, but they aren't unbreakable
 Having this award proves that

• Thank you so much and Go Illini!

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• student
• leadership
• disability