Eyo Ekpo was announced as the winner of the 2013 Tommie Award, director of student engagement Vern Klobassa said Thursday.
Ekpo, an entrepreneurship and finance double major, received a phone call Thursday morning from Klobassa.
Ekpo said winning the Tommie Award is “one of the best feelings I could ask for.”
“I’m confused as to whether today is Valentine’s Day or April Fool’s Day,” Ekpo said. “I’ve been running around trying to thank everyone that supported me.”
Ekpo was chosen as the winner from three finalists, including Rae Horton and Shalaw Mohammed. Voting for the final winner of the Tommie Award began on Monday and ended Wednesday.
“To be selected out of the 23 nominees and of the three phenomenal finalists… is a testament to the University of St. Thomas and the depth and quality of the students that go here,” Ekpo said.
Ekpo is from Andover, Minn. At St. Thomas, Ekpo is captain of the track team, was a member of the football team during his freshman and sophomore years, and has been involved with the Undergraduate Business Council, Student Athletic Advisory Council, Student Legacy, Practicing Entrepreneurs, Volunteers in Action, Tommie Ambassadors, Real Estate Society and Gibney Student Board.
In his written testimonial, English professor Michael Raimondi spoke highly of Ekpo’s willingness to help others.
“He shows exceptional compassion and maturity in working with both adults and children, and exemplifies what I would consider the pinnacle of the behavior I would expect from a holder of the Tommie Award,” Raimondi wrote.
Ekpo explained that the importance of being a moral, well-rounded person in the St. Thomas community is influenced by those you interact with with similar interests.
“It’s easy to develop these qualities when you’re surrounded by similar students and faculty members that strive for the same thing as you,” Ekpo said. “I’m the person I am today because of the St. Thomas community.”
Senior Garrett Engelhardt said Ekpo represents St. Thomas well.
“He’s so involved on campus and diversified in activities on campus,” Engelhardt said. “He has a well-rounded base on everything that represents St. Thomas.”
Joanie Kyllo, Ekpo’s academic adviser, wrote in her testimonial on behalf of Ekpo that he “demonstrates the characteristics and attributes of a conscientious, responsible person who works hard to succeed in everything he does.”
“Eyo embraces the entire college experience and, despite balancing the responsibilities of school, interning, volunteerism, and campus involvement including his leadership roles,” Kyllo wrote. “He has worked diligently to maintain a 3.7 GPA while getting his degree.”
One of the memorable things a Tommie Award recipient does is the graduation address. Engelhardt she he hopes Ekpo mentions a classic Tommie event in his speech.
“Definitely all the good times our class had at Tommie-Johnnie games,” Engelhardt said.
Ekpo said he is already looking forward for his big speech in May.
“Excited? Yes. I’m more nervous,” Ekpo said. “But hopefully I don’t blow it.”
Gabrielle Martinson contributed to this report.
Hayley Schnell can be reached at schn3912@stthomas.edu.
I have known Eyo almost my entire life (well atleast since high school) and this outstanding individual has helped guide me through my darkest hours. He has helped through the pain and suffering I was exposed through when all the children bullied me and I did not have a friend in the world. He was there for me. Congratulations Eyo, you are a man. I love you.
I could not be happier that my Eyo won this award. We both have come a long way since rooming together freshman year, me especially. For reasons I would not care to admit, he has brought me from darkness and into the light. There isn’t a lot else I can say other than I know I wouldn’t be the brave, confident and goal-oriented person I am today if it wasn’t for you, Eyo. I am proud to call you my friend and am even prouder to be able to congratulate you on this fantastic achievement. I love you.
I have had the great pleasures of knowing Eyo since high school. I unfortunately went to Coon Rapids High School and he went to the far superior Andover High School. We have played fantasy football together and he always wins, but he never brags about it. To this day, my favorite part of college has been watching the Bachelor with him. He is a sweet sensitive man. I love you.
I have been extremely blessed to be able to get to know Mr. Ekpo over the past 8 years. I went to Andover senior high with Eyo and have always looked up to him. I wasn’t what you would call a “popular” kid in high school but Eyo always took the time out of his day to interact with me and make me feel special. I remember one particular day when a couple bullies were pushing me into the lockers and Eyo came to my rescue and said “hey guys stop that!” I have watched him bloom into the man he is today and am so proud of him. I cannot think of anyone who is more deserving of the Tommie Award than my good friend Eyo here. HUSKIES and TOMMIES 4 life Eyo! Thanks for being my friend.
P.S. I love you.
I have had the please of knowing Eyo since the third grade and am not surprised this award was given to him. Since we were kids we would constantly compete in every aspect of life like academics, sports and sociability. His strive for excellence at a young age hasn’t deterred since we has grown. Now at the age of 21 I would like to say thank you my friend for shaping me to who I am today. They say the quality of a man is the measure of his personal commitment to excellence and to victory. Looks like your already there Eyo, i’ll see you at the top. Congratulations
Congratulations Eyo! I couldn’t imagine a more deserving, well-rounded, thoughtful, smart, funny, brave, sweet, comical, amusing, entertaining, brilliant, sociable, enjoyable, pleasing, outgoing, happy, humorous, jolly, nice, witty, cute, dashing, friendly, joyful, radiant, kind, gracious, generous, personable, engaging, lovable, loving, precious, giving, talented, lively, bright, trendy, intelligent, energetic, active, bold, dapper, understanding, determined, responsible, wise, eye-catching, whimsical, genuine, selfless and extravagant gentleman to achieve such a prestigious and honorable award. In my eyes you’ve have always been the best, unequaled, unparalleled, unrivaled, unsurpassed, first-class, first-rate, superlative person that everyone looks up too and respects. Thank you for all that you do and you’re seriously a one-in-a-million kind of guy. Wish I could see you more, but we will cross paths my destiny meets yours. Stay Classy Eyo Ekpo.
I always thought Eyo went to St. Kates..?