Judy Linder (left), executive director of alumni relations, with May 2007 graduate Karen Ellis (center), this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Senior Award, and Alice Stegen Macaluso ’57 (right ), who received the first Outstanding Senior Award 50 years ago

Karen Ellis, a May 2007 graduate of William Paterson with a bachelor’s degree in political science, magna cum laude, has been named the 2007 recipient of the Alumni Association’s Outstanding Senior Award.  This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the annual award, which is based on high academic standing, strong involvement in extracurricular activities, demonstrated leadership ability, and service to the University.  Ellis was one of 23 students nominated for the award.

A single mother, Ellis, 32, combined academics with numerous activities, including service as a student representative on the William Paterson Board of Trustees, treasurer of the Student Government Association, writing for the campus newspaper, the Beacon, and serving as head delegate for the Political Science Model United Nations Club.  She has received many honors and awards, including a Minority Fellow award from the American Political Science Association.  Ellis is headed to the University of Chicago as the recipient of a University of Chicago Academic Fellowship, and is one of ten students selected for admission to the Ph.D. program there in comparative political economy.