Baker University president tells Academic All-Stars to be open to new plans

photo by: Richard Gwin

Lynne Murray, president of Baker University, speaks at the 2016 Journal-World Academic All-Star luncheon, Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at Maceli's Banquet Hall.

As students begin their college education, it’s important for them to realize that goals can change over time and students shouldn’t be afraid revise their plans, said Lynne Murray, president of Baker University.

“If you find what you are passionate about, drop everything and follow it,” Murray said. “You will find great happiness.”

Murray delivered the keynote address at Wednesday’s luncheon honoring the Journal-World’s Academic All-Star team. The team is made up of 10 area high school seniors selected based on their academics, extracurricular activities and essays.

Since 1997, the Journal-World has sponsored the annual Academic All-Star program, which honors the top seniors in the greater Lawrence area. Ten are selected to the team, and one of them receives a $500 scholarship. This year’s scholarship winner is Christina Im of Bishop Seabury Academy.

Murray also emphasized that students should look for opportunities to learn both in and outside of school.

“I’ve come to understand that whether it be at school or work, I always learn more when I’m not the smartest one in the room,” Murray said. “So surround yourself with people who you can learn from.”

Twenty-three students were nominated by their principals or counselors for the Academic All-Star team, and judges selected six young women and four young men. Seven students on the team had a grade-point average of 4.0 or above and three earned a 3.9. The students will attend universities such as Harvard, Rice, Kansas University and Kansas State.

Whether the students stick with their current plans or deviate from them, Murray encouraged them to work hard.

“I hope you follow your dreams and that you have the tenacity to keep following them or the courage to chart a new course for yourself when it feels right,” she said.