Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State University has presented the Hines Memorial Medal to two graduating seniors in recognition of their academic accomplishments.

Named after Linnaeus Hines, who served as the fourth president of Indiana State from 1921 to 1933, the medal is awarded to students with the highest cumulative grade-point average during the pursuit of a bachelor's degree at Indiana State. Recipients will be recognized during Indiana State's spring commencement on May 3.

Benjamin Wayne Hancock of Ninevah is graduating with a bachelor's degree in chemistry and environmental science.

Hancock, a Rural Health Scholar, is active in the chemistry department as an undergraduate researcher and supplemental instructor. He has presented his research at American Chemical Society national meetings. His study as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) included computational chemistry research and physical chemistry research

He has received the Rural Health Scholarship, Outstanding Organic Chemistry Student, Donald and Mary Jo Stanley Scholarship, P.D. Wilkinson Award and CRC Press Award for outstanding student in general chemistry.
His community involvement included American Chemical Society, Indiana Rural Health Association and Semester at Sea (spring 2013).

Hancock's parents are Stan and Janis Hancock. He attended Indian Creek High School. He plans to continue his studies at Indiana University School of Medicine on a four-year scholarship, pursuing his interest in rural and international medicine.

Shelby Lynn Kitch of Akron is completing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

She was part of the Chi Omega sorority, Lambda Alpha Epsilon criminal justice rfaternity, Sycamore Ambassadors, Office of Student Conduct & Integrity, Alpha Lambda Delta honor Society, Sigma Alpha Pi National Society of Leadership and Success, University Honors Program member and Donaghy Day.

She has received Outstanding Senior Award from the criminal justice department, American Criminal Justice Association National Scholarship, University Honors Scholarship, Dr. Dane and Mary Louise Miller Biomet Scholarship, Richard J. Brett Study Abroad Scholarship, Indiana Sheriff's Association Scholarship

Her community involvement included Kid Hope USA mentor, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Walk team leader, Kosciusko County Jail tutor, World Compassion Network, San Jose and Costa Rica Orphanage volunteer, Make a Wish Foundation, MS Walk, Hull House participant, Terre Haute Humane Society, Lighthouse Mission, Fulton County Animal Shelter and SOAR Mission Trip.

Kitch's parents are Steve and Linda Kitch. She attended Tippecanoe Valley High School. After graduation, she plans pursue a probation officer position and plans on earning her master's in preparation for a career as a federal probation officer.

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/Other/Headshot-Proofs/Miscellaneous-Portrat-Proofs/Spring-Commencement-2014/i-dDMCrX5/1/L/april%2004%2C%202014%20benjamin%20w.%20hancock%200795-L.jpg - Ben Hancock

Photo: http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/Other/Headshot-Proofs/Miscellaneous-Portrat-Proofs/Spring-Commencement-2014/i-vN3sSwZ/1/L/03_28_14_kitch%2C%20shelby-4-L.jpg - Shelby Kitch

Writer: Beth Pickerill, media relations assistant, Office of Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-3773 or bpickerill@sycamores.indstate.edu