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Amy Peyton - Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award Winner

by Carly Martin

This award was established in 1968 to recognize outstanding seniors. Recipients of this award must show high character, outstanding achievement in academics and community activities.

Name: Amy Peyton

Major: Agricultural Business, Economics, Public Service and Administration in Agriculture, and International Agriculture

Hometown: Sac City, Iowa

What does it mean to you to be receiving the Wallace E. Barron All-University Senior Award?

Receiving the Wallace E. Barron Award is an incredible honor. There are so many deserving individuals that I am very lucky to be chosen. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Iowa State and all of my involvement and the award will serve as a reminder of the opportunities I have been able to take advantage of.

What university and community activities have you been involved with?

While at Iowa State, I have been part of the ISU Dance Marathon and Relay for Life. Also, I have been part of the Cyclone Alley Central Committee since 2009 and worked on many VEISHEA committees. In addition, I have been part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Academic Affairs Committee and the Iowa State Junior Greek Council.

What honors or scholarships have you received?

I was one of eight selected nationally for the Hitachi Foundation Award for Service to Community. I have also received many scholarships such as the Marvin B. Lind Sociology scholarship and the Jim and Connie Mohn Study Abroad scholarship. Also, I am a member of Cardinal Key and the Gamma Sigma Delta Agricultural Honor Society.

Have you been involved with any off-campus/community work?

I have been a part of Champions Are Readers program where I had the opportunity to read to 3rd graders each semester and I have been part of the Barn Quilts of Sac County. In August of 2010, I joined the Mortar Board where we do service activities such as making Christmas decorations for elderly and participate in a book drive to raise money for the local YMCA kids program to buy new books.

Has there been a particular staff member or professor that you have really looked up to? If so, who and why?

I was fortunate to have the chance to meet President and Mrs. Geoffroy my freshman year as a member of the President's Leadership Class. Every since that year, I looked up to President Geoffroy as a strong and effective leader. He was a great role model who was able to accomplish so many things and earn respect from everyone around him. I was always amazed at how the Geoffroy's always made a point to take time and talk to students, even in the midst of their busy and important schedules. It was at those points where you could tell they really cared and were passionate about their work. These reasons made President Geoffroy an amazing leader and someone I looked up to my four years as an example of a great leader.

What advice do you have for incoming freshman who want to get involved?

Don't be afraid to try something new. Getting involved in a variety of activities at Iowa State was the best way I spent my four years. I was able to make friends from varying backgrounds and make networking connections that I will be able to keep and use for the rest of my life.

What are your future plans following graduation?

I will be working for Caterpillar as a marketing representative in the Business Construction Products Division located in Cary, N.C.

What type of qualities/character do you think a strong leader must possess?

I believe that communication is one of the most important qualities that make a good leader. Leaders must be able to express their opinions and ideas, but also be able to get others to contribute. They must emphasize the goals and future of a certain project or idea while allowing the members of the group to provide their input. When people truly feel involved in a project and know what they are working towards, they will be more likely to put their entire effort into their work. Each group is only as strong as its individual members. Therefore, the more communication that each member contributes, the more success the organization will experience. Good leaders are ones who lead by example. They do not dictate to the group they are leading, but communicate by providing encouragement and guidance. Effective leaders know what they want to accomplish and help guide a group through tasks by setting a good example and being a role model.

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