Gwendolyn Carpenter Honored with Inaugural “Live to the Truth” Award; Jeremy McDonald Receives Rising Rams Leader Honor
Framingham, Mass. – Framingham State senior women's basketball and softball student-athlete Gwendolyn Carpenter was the recipient of the "Live to the Truth" award at the inaugural Excellence in Leadership Awards Ceremony at Framingham State on April 4th.
First-year men's ice hockey team member Jeremy McDonald was also recognized as the Rising Rams Leader.
The Live to the Truth award is given to the graduating senior who, through scholarship (a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0), leadership, and service, most exemplifies the values we aspire to at Framingham State University. The recipient is a student who's passionate leadership has led directly to positive change within the FSU community. This leadership can be expressed in advocacy for an issue, idea, or cause within the campus community, or as a representative of the University within the greater Framingham community. This awardee demonstrates success through leadership that educates and engages others, encourages greater awareness, greater engagement, and/or greater wellness within our community.
Carpenter, a biology major with a minor in neuroscience, currently carries a 3.99 GPA and is on track to graduate this spring and start a Physician's Assistant program next academic year has been a five-year member of the women's basketball and softball programs.
"She is an incredibly involved student, working as both a Supplemental Instruction Leader and Biology Subject Tutor here in CASA, as well as serving as the captain of both the Women's Basketball and Softball teams... Gwen goes above and beyond in all aspects, and displays the Live to the Truth qualities in all of her work." stated one of her nominators.
"Her charisma with people is palpable. Her dedication to learning and her willingness to lead in the classroom has set an excellent example across campus in various settings; on the field or court, in the classroom, and among friends." stated a current FSU faculty member.
"Gwen is the truest example of what Division III is about" said Rams Head Softball Coach Larry Miller. "Graduating at the top of her high school class, Gwen chose to attend Framingham State with the intention of being accepted into a PA program upon graduation while having the opportunity to play both women's basketball and softball at the collegiate level. Fast forward almost five years later, through a global pandemic, Gwen has been accepted to the PA program of her choice, been a four year-starter and all-conference/all-region performer, team captain and five-time conference champion in both basketball and softball." continued Miller. "She will go down as one of FSU's most successful student-athletes both on the court/field and off, and you couldn't find a better person".
The Rising Ram award recognizes an FSU student in their first or second year who has demonstrated potential as a campus leader. Through participation in opportunities outside of the classroom, the nominee has enthusiastically contributed to a program, project, student organization, department/office, or campus resource. Nominees do not need to hold an official or appointed position, rather have shown their commitment to the FSU community and a dedication to individual improvement in their skills and talents.
McDonald who is a first-year Political Science major, showed great potential as a campus leader attending a Board of Trustees dinner as a student representative, attending an administrator's forum representing the SGA with other student leaders. When the University began to assemble the strategic planning committee, Jeremy was asked if he would serve and "he signed on enthusiastically, attending meetings during the winter break and coordinating an upcoming session with the SGA to solicit student input for the new strategic plan." stated one of his nominators.
They went on "I believe that Jeremy has evidenced these (leadership) features in his time at FSU and is deserving of this recognition. I look forward to his future terms and accomplishments".