Lisa Rizzo of Bartlett, Illinois, honored by Olivet as outstanding female graduate

2015 May 20

Lisa Rizzo (biology major, Bartlett, Illinois) received the Maggie Sloan Crawford Award as the outstanding female graduate in the Olivet Nazarene University Class of 2015.

The honor came during the University's 102nd undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 9. The award is named for Olivet's first graduate and goes to a female student who exemplifies the highest standard of excellence in character, scholarship achievement and contribution to extracurricular activities.

Rizzo graduated summa cum laude and was named to the dean's list for every semester. She was recognized by Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges(R) as one of Olivet's outstanding graduating seniors. In fall 2015, Rizzo will enter the physician assistant program at Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois. She is the daughter of Robert and Karyn Rizzo.

During her academic career, Rizzo has been the recipient of several scholarships, including The Kenneth D. McCoy Foundation Scholarship, The David Jones and John Hanson Scholarship, The Crawford Scholarship, The Custom Brokers and Forwarders ASC Scholarship (three times), The American Legion Woman's Club Scholarship (three times) and The Dr. John Dickey Scholarship.

Outside of the classroom, she has participated in numerous opportunities at Olivet, serving as the president of Biophilic biology club, being an active member of Sister to Sister and Best Buddies, and taking part in a mission trip to Papua New Guinea.

"Lisa is an intelligent, service-oriented woman who represents all of the best qualities of this award," said Dr. Dwight Ginn, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. "In addition to her hard work as a student, which gained her acceptances into three different physician assistant programs, she found time to volunteer in numerous service organizations on campus and beyond. We are proud of Lisa and her accomplishments."