ANNE RITZ
News Editor
With Commencement quickly approaching, seniors will soon say goodbye to Fredonia. But before departing, some will be awarded for their accomplishments. Carl Lam, senior music, journalism and audio/radio production major, has been awarded the Lanford Presidential Prize.
The recipient of the Lanford Prize is selected by nomination and by those who exemplify Fredonia’s ideals. Nominees must have at least a 3.25 GPA, show growth and achievement during their years at Fredonia and be active in more than one area.
Lam was nominated by Kathleen McDonough, chair of the communication department, and Elmer Ploetz, journalism professor.
“I was really humbled to get the award,” said Lam.
“You just don’t think these things are going to happen,” he said. “You don’t expect it.”
Lam explained that his motivation was drawn from enjoying his college experience. Unlike high school where individuals must take required classes, Lam was able to take classes that interested him. “I came here and I am doing what I actually like,” he said. “I’m doing music, I’m doing journalism, I’m doing audio production and those are things I like doing. That doesn’t even feel like work anymore — it’s all fun,” he said.
Lam first started out in activities by joining Student Association. Coming to Fredonia as a music education major, Lam first joined organizations in the music school such as the American String Teacher’s Association and the National Ed Association for Music Education. Then Lam decided to join The Leader.
Upon first visiting The Leader offices, Lam was intrigued by the newspaper. He then decided to join and write. “I don’t know what happened, but something just clicked, and one day I was like, I am just going to do everything I can,” he said.
Lam joined other activities, such as General Education committee, University Senate, Fredonia Radio Systems, as well as many others. “I just wanted to go in a different direction from not being involved, to be involved,” he said.
In addition to having three majors, Lam has been involved in many other activities on campus as well as internships. Over the years, Lam has been in many orchestral committees, non-for profit committees, SA, on-campus media, search committees, as well as internships with radio stations and tv stations in Buffalo.
“Fifty-one professors, 52 newspaper articles, 71 orchestral works and 111 classes later, this place has completely changed me and I’m glad that I’ve had the support I need to accomplish what I have,” said Lam.
The next step for Lam is to continue on to grad school at Canisius College in Buffalo. He will be attending for college student personnel administration. Lam explained that it is a preparatory program for directorship jobs. In this program Lam will prepare for director of residence life, registrar and jobs of that nature.
“We’ll see where it takes me,” said Lam. “I like so many different things. I’ve taken weird classes that people don’t really see the connection with. I like too many things, it’s a chronic problem. I just like too many things.”
“Hopefully that’s not a negative in the future,” said Lam. “If you spread yourself in so many different directions, people are like ‘Are you focused on one thing?’ Of course I like to think I can be focused on certain things.”
Throughout college, Lam worked to balance his schedule. “Time management is the big key,” said Lam. “If you come to college and you can’t manage your schedule that’s kind of like shooting yourself in the foot.”
Lam explained that he had a great experience during his time at Fredonia.
“I never actually expected to love this university as much as I do now. This place has easily exceeded my expectations and that’s a great feeling to have. I honestly wish that everyone had a chance to experience what we have to offer here because we’re on a completely different level.”
“I don’t think I would ever rethink my decision to come here. My next college has a tall order to fulfill to match the experience Fredonia gave me.”