The Faculty Medal of Distinction is awarded annually by the faculty of the IU School of Liberal Arts to an undergraduate student who has made outstanding contributions to the liberal arts community in the areas of scholarship, leadership, and service.
The Faculty Medal of Distinction is presented to the recipient during the annual Faculty Assembly Awards ceremony.
The faculty of the IU School of Liberal Arts nominate students based on:
- academic accomplishments, including excellence in multiple disciplines, project participation, or other awards.
- meritorious participation in extracurricular activities, including contributions and leadership.
- other considerations, such as community engagement related to their academic pursuits, other accomplishments that speak to their excellence as a student, or other activities and accomplishments that support the university’s overall mission.
Hayden Garris majored in English Literature with minors in History, Creative Writing, and Professional and Public Writing. While studying in the IU School of Liberal Arts, Hayden became known across the school for his capacity for creative, socially relevant thinking and a personal resilience that defines a transformative liberal arts education.
Beyond the classroom, Hayden had to overcome profound personal struggles and then became an advocate for himself and his peers.
Hayden has approached every challenge with grace and humility. He is a founding member of the Heartland Christian Writers group. He has also built a community of writers and readers through his “Bookstagram.” Importantly, Hayden accomplished all of these academic achievements while also balancing full-time employment.
Hayden has received several department and campus recognitions and received several external writing awards. During his final year, he was recognized among the IU Indianapolis Outstanding Seniors, named a Chancellor’s Scholar, and received the Liberal Arts Faculty Medal of Academic Distinction.
