Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2024

12 13 SPRING 2024 EDITION THE LINDENWOOD THE LINDENWOOD SPRING 2024 EDITION UNDERSTORY The CAMPUS LIFE CAMPUS LIFE MARKELL ROPER MCDANIELS SUPPORTS FELLOW STUDENTS Lindenwood University student Markell Roper McDaniels was selected as the winner of Sodexo, Inc.’s “Better Together Get-Together” sweepstakes. Sodexo, Lindenwood’s food service provider, sponsored the national prize-drawing competition in which 17 randomly selected college students received a $500 donation made in their name to a legally recognized food charity or not-for- profit organization dedicated to fighting hunger and food education. Roper McDaniels chose to donate his award to Lindenwood’s campus food pantry, Little Free Pantry. “When I realized what happened, I got super excited because this is my opportunity to give back to the community,” Roper McDaniels said. A sophomore entrepreneurial studies major, Roper McDaniels grew up in Harviell, Missouri, southeast of Poplar Bluff, and was raised to be independent. Since coming to Lindenwood, he has embraced the community of students and serves as director of finance on the Lindenwood Student Government Executive Board. “When I got a chance to donate, I knew it was the best thing to do,” he said. “I know there’s people on campus that are struggling. It can be hard to ask for help and I want to be able to give back, so they have that opportunity to get what they need without being embarrassed or seeming like they have to rely on people.” “In addition to his Educational Specialist advisees, Dr. Weir takes on the advising duties of all non- degree seeking students in the Educational Leadership Department. These are students, who are coming back to Lindenwood to complete additional work required for principal or superintendent certification. Dr. Weir does meticulous research on the educational background of each student and create an individualized plan for them to follow to meet all of the certification requirements. While doing this, he is in frequent contact with the certification office to ensure a smooth path for each student.” Dr. Graham Weir Professor, Educational Leadership College of Education and Human Services “A student came to Academic Services with a complicated situation. The particular student had been directed to a few different offices but had yet to find a resolution to his problem. When Paris Suzuki heard of the situation, she took charge, communicated with the essential offices needed to reach a resolution, and made sure the student received the answer he needed. When a final referral to another office became necessary, Paris guided the student to where he was going and ensured someone who had already been briefed on his situation was waiting to support him when he arrived.” Paris Suzuki Assistant Registrar Academic Services “Early in the semester, Dr. Harrod reached out to a student that was struggling in her course. She discovered that he could benefit from some accommodations that really improved his engagement and performance for the rest of the semester. He is finishing up the class strong and even asked her which class he can take of hers next semester. Student-focused, student- centered!” Dr. Amanda Harrod Assistant Professor, Public Health College of Science, Technology, and Health Students MARKELL ROPER MCDANIELS I know there’s people on campus that are struggling. It can be hard to ask for help and I want to be able to give back , so they have that opportunity to get what they need without being embarrassed or seeming like they have to rely on people. RECOGNIZING OUR FACULTY AND STAFF Lindenwood University employees recognize their peers for demonstrating one of the University’s core values. The following employees were all recognized for living out our value, “We put our students first.” Dr. Luke Nicholson | Assistant Professor, Accounting | Plaster College of Business and Entrepreneurship