Kenna Koehler Wins Miami University's President's Distinguished Service Award

2017 Apr 26

Miami University student Kenna Koehler is one of 23 seniors to win this year's President's Distinguished Service Award.

The awards are presented each year to graduating seniors for their contributions to campus, the greater community and to higher education.

One nominator summed up Kenna Koehler’s contributions by saying that she “has touched the lives of countless elders and Miami students alike in enabling them to build bridges across age and cognitive barriers.” Kenna has done this through extensive involvement in Opening Minds through Art, an intergenerational art programs for people with dementia, where she has been involved for the past five semesters, serving first as a volunteer, then a student leader, and currently as the treasurer of the organization. Another nominator characterized Kenna’s uniqueness by stating that over twelve hundred students have completed the OMA program and Kenna has set herself apart from all other students. Outside of OMA, Kenna has served as a sexual assault crisis advocate with Women Helping Women, an Honors Ambassador, and conducted cardiac research with a faculty member on campus. Kenna accomplished this depth of involvement while also preparing for medical school, with her goal of becoming a physician focused on serving underserved populations and unrecognized members of society.

The winners are also awarded the Senior Service Leadership Award and wear a special medallion at commencement.

Koehler, from Powell, is earning a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Biochemistry, Premedical Studies.

Miami University was 1 of only 5 universities in the nation to receive the Presidential Award in the 2012 President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. In 2013, Miami received an honor roll placement with distinction. Miami has been named to The President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll every year since 2007.