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As the winner of the Distinguished Senior Award, Kamren Smith ’20 delivered the senior class address at Carthage’s virtual 2020 Commencement ceremony Saturday, May 23.

Kamren Smith ?20 received the Distinguished Senior Award. The annual award recognizes high academic achievement, service to the campus community, leadership in student organizations, and active engagement beyond the campus. A faculty committee chose Kamren from a pool of 26 exceptional finalists.

Professor Neil Kristian Scharnick made the announcement during the Celebration of Scholars video award ceremony on May 8. He cited Kamren’s “character, drive, insightfulness, and compassion” as qualities befitting a Distinguished Senior.

A finance and management major from Joliet, Illinois, Kamren made the dean’s list every semester. In addition, he earned academic all-conference honors each season while rising to team captain as a sprinter on the men’s track and field team.

Beyond the classroom, Kamren developed into a student leader. He co-founded My Brother’s Keeper, a leadership program for men of color, and was actively involved in a variety of organizations: Finance and Investment Club, Pi Sigma Epsilon business fraternity, Black Student Union, Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, and Carthage Activities Board.

Kamren’s senior class address was featured on the Wall Street Journal.
Watch his address

During an internship at Froedtert South, he assisted with the hospital-wide budget, which led to a full-time position after graduation as a financial analyst. Kamren also has been accepted to the Carthage master’s program in business, joining the first cohort in the new sports management track this fall.

Professor Catherine Lau, chair of the Accounting and Finance Department, surprised the winner with the news in a video meeting.

“I’m really overwhelmed, and I’m so honored and humbled at the same time,” Kamren said.

His recorded remarks were part of the virtual celebration on the original 2020 Commencement date. A traditional Commencement ceremony will also be held on campus at a later date.

Celebration of Scholars 2020

Commencement 2020