Herman B Wells was a leader of uncommon vision and generosity. As the architect of IU’s rise to greatness, his legacy continues to permeate every corner of the university. Created in 1961 by the Indiana Memorial Union Board of Directors, the esteemed Herman B Wells Distinguished Senior Award honors outstanding seniors that have excelled academically and are established leaders within the IU community.
This year, we are proud to honor Leilanu Jackson with the 2023 Herman B Wells Award for her academic excellence, established leadership, and ability to exemplify the spirit of Herman Wells during her journey at IU.
Leilanu Jackson with High Distinction in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs in Environmental Management with minors in Law and Public Policy and Public Management from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. As a Cox Civic Scholar, Leilanu worked in a local community nonprofit agency throughout her undergraduate years to engage in meaningful community service. She was also recognized on O’Neill Dean’s List for all 7 of her undergraduate semesters.
While serving as a member on the Dean of Students’ Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (lead by Dean Dave O’Guinn), Leilanu travelled to Israel to develop and strengthen her perspectives of foreign affairs and learn how to be an ally to her Jewish peers. After returning, Leilanu took strides to strengthen connections between Black and Jewish communities through various cross-cultural programming efforts and activities. During her junior year, Leilanu co-founded the Pacific Islander Student Association with her best friend Dana Taborn to increase Pacific Islander awareness on campus. Through these organizations, initiatives and experiences, Leilanu has taken strides to increase awareness and address the needs of both her own cultures and fellow communities on campus. Additionally, she traveled to Sydney, Australia during the summer of 2022 to study abroad and intern with a local consultant agency that aimed to highlight community voices in government development initiatives.
After graduating from IU, Leilanu opted to continue her Hoosier journey. She is currently working towards a Masters of Public Affairs at O’Neill through the Accelerated Masters Program.
Acknowledgements
When reflecting on those that have impacted her most during her time at IU, Leilanu said:
The opportunities I have been presented and accomplishments I have achieved as a student would not have been possible without the support of many different groups, both on- and off-campus. I want to thank the Cox Scholars program, the Dean of Students Office, the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, the Hudson and Holland Scholars Program, all of the campus cultural centers, and everyone else who has contributed to forming my ‘aiga [“family” in Samoan] at Indiana University. Most of all, I would like to thank my parents for constantly supporting and encouraging me to strive for greatness, even in the face of adversity.
Leave a Reply