Montana State University Psychological Science/Spanish Major, C. Ivie English Wins the Third Annual Daniel E. Czech Excellence-in-Leadership Award From 2006 Business Graduate

Montana State University, Bozeman Student, C. Ivie English won the third annual Daniel E. Czech Excellence-in-Leadership award. This award includes a $100 scholarship, and is given to an individual that works at the Montana State University (MSU) Leadership Institute http://www.montana.edu/leadership/ , shows an aptitude for leadership, and uses his or her abilities in the community.

English is from Great Falls, MT and is the daughter of Kathi Selindh and James English. She just finished her Junior year and is pursuing degrees in Psychological Science and Spanish, with minors in Political Science and Latino Studies. English is also very involved outside of the MSU Leadership Institute. She is an AdvoCat, president of the MSU College Democrats, and Vice President of the Spanish Club. In addition, English is involved in the University Honors Program and a member of several honor societies, including Mortar Board. Somehow, she still finds time for running, snowboarding, hiking, dancing, yoga, guitar, and swimming.

Carmen McSpadden, director of the MSU Leadership Institute called English considerate, intelligent, and incredibly involved at MSU and praised English for her communication skills: both oral and written. According to McSpadden, English’s work is of high quality and when asked about working together, McSpadden said it was incredibly enjoyable. “There is not anything I throw at her that she [English] won’t take on,” McSpadden said, “[English] is really deserving of the 2008… award—for everything she does at the Leadership Institute and MSU.”

This year, English said her best moments occurred when the she experienced some bad luck during events she organized. Whether it was a lower-than-expected turnout or technical difficulties with PowerPoint, English learned how to handle unexpected developments. “We cannot possibly account for every potential error… and recognizing this principle while remaining prepared to respond in extraordinarily impromptu manners, has given me my greatest sense of achievement,” English said.

Amanda Anguiano, Junior and fellow MSU Leadership institute employee, said working with English is really inspiring. According to Anguiano, English’s Latino Studies minor has encouraged English to travel to several Latin American countries. Anguiano is additionally inspired by English’s involvement in a lot of organizations. But most of all, Anguiano is moved by English’s engaging attitude. “Ivie gets immersed in everything she does, and it’s hands on, not just theoretical,” Anguiano said.

After graduating in May 2009, English wants to join the Peace Corps so she can dedicate some of her life to service to others. Furthermore, English said she wants the values of community involvement and political participation to be a part of her life indefinitely.

Daniel Czech was the Associate Students of Montana State University senate liaison to the MSU Leadership institute from 2004 to 2006. Impressed by the extraordinary events and the high level of professionalism by the students who ran them, Czech decided to give something back to the Leadership Institute and MSU during his senior year. After thinking it over, Czech donated money from his own pocket, created the award, and took the first applications that year. He is pleased to award the scholarship to someone the caliber of Ms. English, and that she joins the ranks of former winners Rachel Hofacker and Zach Stordahl.