Melanie Bacaling of Gurnee Named University of Evansville's Most Outstanding Senior Woman

Related Media

Melanie Bacaling and University of Evansville President Thomas A. Kazee at the 155th Commencement, Saturday, May 4

EVANSVILLE, IN (05/06/2013)(readMedia)-- Melanie Bacaling of Gurnee, Illinois, has received the University of Evansville's prestigious Mabel Dillingham Nenneker Outstanding Senior Service Award for the most outstanding senior woman.

The award, presented each year at UE's Spring Commencement, recognizes high academic performance, a commitment to service, outstanding leadership, and diverse involvement in campus activities. The winner is chosen by a committee of UE students and faculty. When announcing the award at today's Commencement, UE President Thomas A. Kazee called Bacaling "an outstanding leader who brings out the best in those around her."

Bacaling, a Warren Township High School alumna, graduated today with a Bachelor of Music in performance and a Bachelor of Science in psychology.

During her time at UE, Bacaling served as president of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, president of Student Alumni Ambassadors, and director of music ministry for the Newman Club. She served as a student representative on the University's housing development committee, academic committee for the strategic planning process, and a faculty search committee.

Bacaling has also performed with numerous student music ensembles, including University Choir and UE Opera. The summer before her junior year, she performed with the University Choir at New York City's famed Carnegie Hall, and last summer, she studied abroad at Salzburg College in Austria to explore the life and works of Mozart. On April 23, she was named the winner of the 36th annual Gumberts Award Recital, which recognizes the top music majors in the senior class.

This fall, Bacaling will begin graduate studies at The Boston Conservatory, where she plans to pursue a Master of Music degree in vocal pedagogy.

The University of Evansville is a private, liberal arts-based university with a full-time undergraduate enrollment of approximately 2,400. UE's diverse student body represents 42 states and 46 countries. U.S. News & World Report recognizes UE as a top 10 master's-granting university in the Midwest, and third in the region for "Great Schools, Great Prices." For more information, please visit http://www.evansville.edu.