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University of Evansville Announces Two Outstanding Senior Awards

Posted: Monday, May 12, 2014

Victoria Bruner, a health services administration major from Vincennes, Indiana, and Bryce R. Weiler, a sports management and sports communication major from Claremont, Illinois, were named the University of Evansville’s Outstanding Seniors during today’s Commencement at the Ford Center. 

The Mabel Dillingham Nenneker and Guthrie May Outstanding Senior Service Awards are the highest honors the University presents to one female and one male senior. They are named for two of the University’s most respected alumni, Mabel Dillingham Nenneker and Guthrie May.

Bruner was the recipient of the Mabel Dillingham Nenneker Outstanding Senior Service Award. She graduated magna cum laude with Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Health Services Administration.

Bruner is a member of the UE Admission Ambassadors, Women’s Chorus, Phi Eta Sigma, Student Alumni Ambassadors and the sorority Chi Omega. She belongs to many other groups, including the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, National Society of Leadership and Success, Order of Omega, Colleges Against Cancer, and the UE Leadership Academy.

Bruner is very involved with Circle K, a service organization affiliated with Kiwanis whose purpose is to assist the community through service projects, build fellowship, and create leaders within the membership.  While a sophomore, she became president and planned the group’s annual Special Needs Prom. Bruner worked with special needs students in organizing the event, and identified a student to serve on the planning committee. Bruner noted that the special needs students were “excited to actually have a hand in the planning process for their own prom, and I could not stop smiling seeing their genuine excitement and joy!”

Bruner said she is leaving UE “as a better person, a better friend, and a better leader.”

The Guthrie May Award was presented to Weiler. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sport Management and Sports Communication.

Weiler is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the National Society of Leadership and Success, Aware, UE’s campus radio station WUEV, the History Club, and the Society of History. He was president of the Sport Management Club.  He has volunteered at the Susan G. Komen women’s basketball and men’s soccer auctions to raise funds for cancer research. 

In addition, Weiler has received the Mark R. Simpson Award – an honor given to students who have overcome adversity. Weiler has faced unique challenges during his college career and throughout his life. Born completely blind, he has often had to depend on his fellow students for assistance. He says that credit for his successes at UE should be shared with all those who befriended him and assisted him.

They in turn were inspired by his positive and determined attitude. Fellow UE student Beth Litke said she has “never met anyone as outgoing and ready to live … he doesn’t want his disability to stop him.” 

Very interested in broadcasting, Weiler has offered color commentary for over 75 different games for WUEV. He has also interviewed a number of college coaches. 

During UE basketball season home games, Weiler sat on the bench next to the team and was provided play-by-play calls of the action on court.  Joining the UE men’s basketball team in this way opened doors for him to provide motivational talks to other college teams.  UE Basketball Coach Marty Simmons said Weiler “inspires me every day.” 

For more information, please contact University Relations at 812-488-2236 or 812-488-2241.

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