Media Arts and Science undergrad named recipient of IUPUI Chancellor's Scholar Award
April 29, 2008
Leon Nowlin, Jr., a Media Arts and Science Program senior, has been named recipient of the School of Informatics 2008 IUPUI Chancellor’s Scholar Award. Nowlin, 22, was recognized for his accomplishments during the Chancellor’s Honors Convocation April 25 at IUPUI.
“I was shocked when I learned I’d been selected,” said Nowlin, a senior and Indianapolis native. “It was both an exciting and humbling revelation. You know, I just concentrate on doing the best that I can,” he added.
Nowlin – who graduates in May with a grade point average of 3.982 as a Diversity Research Scholar – was selected by the faculty for having the School’s highest undergraduate GPA. As is tradition, he will carry the Informatics academic banner during the commencement ceremony processional.
“Leon is committed to academic excellence, undergraduate research, and service to his fellow students,” said Mark McCreary, assistant dean. “He also is a consistent presence on the Informatics Deans List as well as a member of the Informatics League of Excellence.”
Other of his awards include International Golden Key Inductee, the Joseph Taylor Academic Achievement Award, and IUPUI Top 100 Award. Nowlin has served as president of Student African-American Brotherhood, president of Circle K International, and president of SIGGRAPH’s IUPUI chapter.
Like many of his peers, Leon first became interested in digital media following a trip to the local theater to see Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster dinosaur drama.
“I went to see Jurassic Park, and it really motivated me,” explained Nowlin. “I remember thinking ‘I want to learn how to do that [computer animation] – I’m going to do that some day.’”
Following graduation, Nowlin plans to work as a compositor for feature films adding green-screen elements, mixing matte paintings and blending them into video and film.
“I’d like to thank the faculty, especially Prof. Clint Koch, for being terrific mentors. I see this award as a recognition of everyone’s contributions to my success,” said Nowlin.
Information about the IUPUI Media Arts and Science Program is available here.
