Two Engineering Graduates Named University Student Award Winners for 2013

Two recent graduates from the University of Kansas School of Engineering were among 10 KU students honored with 2013 University Student Awards, recognizing students’ academic, volunteer and leadership accomplishments during their time at KU.

Sida Niu, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, received the Class of 1913 Award, which annually goes to a graduating man and woman who show evidence of intelligence, devotion to studies, personal character and promise of usefulness to society.

Niu was a Hall Center Scholar and a Self Engineering Leadership Fellow. Among his other honors, he was a Summerfield Scholar, member of the University Honors Program and a Dean’s Scholar. He was a member of University Scholars, which honors 20 sophomores who are selected on the basis of academic credentials, commitment to their education, intellectual promise and evaluations by instructors, advisers and other faculty members. He was active in the Center for Community Outreach and Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Niu plans to attend the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He is the son of Shan Bai, Overland Park. 

The female winner was Bernadette Ann Myers, who graduated in May with bachelor’s degrees in English and Italian.

Samuel Philip Schroeder, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, received the Agnes Wright Strickland Award, which goes annually go to graduating seniors in recognition of their academic records, demonstrated leadership in matters of university concern, respect among fellow students and indications of future dedication to service in the university.

Schroeder is a founding father of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and served as the chapter’s vice president in 2011. He received the 2013 Outstanding Greek Senior award. He was a member of the Hazing Prevention Task Force. Schroeder was a 2012 Ex.C.E.L. finalist and was featured on the 2012-13 Men of Merit poster. He was a member of the Student Alumni Leadership Board. He accepted a job as a completions engineer with ConocoPhillips in Houston. He is the son of Tom and Debbie Schroeder of Independence. 

Hannah Marie Bolton, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in business management and leadership, was the other Strickland Award winner.