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The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business named Adam Arras, of Collinsville, as the recipient of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Student Organization Leader of the Semester Award. Arras is a senior computer management and information systems (CMIS) major.
Photo by Roger Starkey
The scholarship is awarded to student leaders who participate in events, show a willingness to take on responsibility, promote innovative ideas and effectively involve others in the organization.
Arras is the secretary of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP), and was nominated by the AITP Faculty Adviser Andrea Hester, Ph.D. Hester, is an SIUE assistant professor of CMIS and a Collinsville High School graduate. She nominated Arras because of his willingness to go beyond his assigned duties.
“Last year, Adam decided to become more involved in AITP and wanted to do more than just participate as a member,” said Hester. “Adam was anxious to play a larger role this year and has exceeded the expectations for a secretary.”
Arras said he was unaware of the nomination from Hester until he was notified he had won. “I was completely blindsided,” he said. “Dr. Hester puts a lot of work into the organization. It is an honor to be nominated by someone who works as hard as she does.”
Alongside AITP, Arras is involved in organizations within the community, such as the National Society of Leadership and Success and the Regional Business Council of St. Louis.
“Employers are looking for quality leaders, and this award is a way to recognize students who are leaders and provide measured results,” said Enterprise Talent Acquisition Manager Steve Talbott.
Talbott added that while there were many candidates that were highly qualified to receive the award, Arras stood out.
“The variety in Adam’s activities really made him the ideal recipient,” said Talbott. “He was able to step up and take leadership within AITP, and maintain the continuity of success from the previous leaders.”
Arras is thankful for the award, adding, “I appreciate everyone’s support and would like to thank Dr. Hester for giving me this opportunity.”
Currently, Arras is a call center support intern at Centene Corp. in St. Louis. Set to graduate August 2014, he hopes to become a business analyst and work his way to a project manager position.
Arras accepted his award at a Nov. 21 reception in the large conference room of the new Cougar Business Resource Center (CBRC). He received $100 and will be recognized with fellow recipients at the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Student Organization Recognition Program to be held in the spring.
Enterprise, a primary supporter of the School of Business, has been sponsoring the Student Organization Leader of the Semester and the Student Organization of the Year Awards since 2006.
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