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As the winner of the Distinguished Senior Award, Liam Carls ’23 gave the senior class address during Commencement weekend.

Liam Carls ?23 received the Distinguished Senior Award. Liam Carls ’23 received the Distinguished Senior Award. The announcement came May 6 during Carthage’s annual Celebration of Scholars. A faculty committee selected Liam from a pool of eight finalists that included runner-up Jillian Arbeiter ’23.

Liam, a physics major with a cumulative GPA of 3.98, was actively involved in space science research as a member of the Carthage Microgravity Team. He also served as president of the Society of Physics Students chapter.

The Distinguished Senior Award recognizes high academic achievement, service to the campus community, leadership in student organizations, and active engagement beyond the campus. This year’s recipient drew praise from faculty nominators for his wider impact.

“At the heart of Liam’s work here at Carthage has been his unwavering passion for sustainability,” said Professor Neil Scharnick, who announced Liam as the award winner.

As a campus sustainability intern for the past two academic years, Liam worked to manage recycling processes, repurpose electronics, and promote environmentally friendly habits. In spring 2022, he and other like-minded students launched the Sustainability Summit, a now-annual community event that features expert speakers and organizational booths.

Liam minored in mathematics as well as meteorology and climatology. As a freshman, he competed as a libero for the Firebirds’ NCAA Division III volleyball program.

Liam will soon begin a master’s program in applied physics at the University of Oregon. He plans to focus on battery storage technology and clean energy generation.

The senior address took place May 26, during the Commencement ceremony in A. F. Siebert Chapel. Graduating seniors selected Nina Weisling, assistant professor of education, to give the faculty remarks.