Forty-four WSU students were chosen as winners of the President’s Award and recognized at a dinner awards ceremony Sunday night.

The award recognizes the top 1 percent of the student population. Winners are chosen based on how well they represent the five core values of WSU: inquiry and innovation; character and integrity; stewardship and service; teamwork; and diversity.

“These students are the top of the top,” said Connan Campbell, director of Student Involvement and Leadership Development.

Students can apply for the award, or be nominated and then apply. Applying requires two references and an essay about how they most represent one of the core five values.

Three students in particular stood out to the selection committee because of their leadership, academic performance and teamwork in their respective areas of interest.

Richard Swihart III, a junior movement studies major, is attending WSU to become a naval officer. He enlisted in the military almost 10 years ago and has served two tours in Iraq. He said he uses the experience he gained in his position as the Naval ROTC platoon sergeant to mentor others in the program.

When submiting the application, he wrote about character, he said.

“It shows that hard work does pay off,” he said. “Not only does the military recognize my leadership, but the university does, as well.” Scott Ryder, commanding officer for the Naval ROTC at the University of Idaho and WSU, nominated Swihart.

Another winner, senior public affairs major Amy Burton, also won the Chancellor’s Award on the Vancouver campus in addition to the President’s Award, she said. She is graduating magna cum laude.

Burton is the vice president of the Social Environmental Justice Club at the Vancouver campus.

“The award means a lot to my family. I am one of the first to graduate college,” she said. “So to not only to graduate but to get awards is a big deal.” Burton plans to attend graduate school after taking a year off.

Sandy Chan, a pharmacy graduate student and president-elect of the Professional Pharmacy Student Organization, wrote her application essay on teamwork.

“I was really surprised,” she said. “I didn’t think I deserved it.” Through PPSO, she is a member of five of the country’s major pharmacy organizations and has collaborated with the Cougar Health Awareness Team.

“This award is not just for me, but for my officers,” she said. “I remember a speech about how life is a bus – you can either be a passenger and get driven around, or you can be a driver and choose where to go. But without those other people, you wouldn’t be able to go anywhere.” The selection committee is made up of two undergraduate students, two graduate students, two faculty and two staff members.

The winning students get a free dinner, a plaque and a picture with the president.