Contact: Rick Peterson, Manager of News Services, 920/832-6590
For Immediate Release
February 13, 2002

Lawrence University's Clara Muggli Cited by USA Today as "Academic All-Star"

APPLETON, WIS. -- Lawrence University senior Clara Muggli has been cited by USA TODAY as a member of the newspaper's 2003 All-USA College Academic Team.

Muggli received Third Team honors on the All-USA College Academic -- the highest level of recognition a Lawrence student has received in the program's 14-year history -- from among more than 500 nominations from colleges and universities across the country. The annual award, announced in Thursday's edition (2/13), recognizes academic excellence, leadership and use of intellectual skills outside the classroom.

An environmental studies major with a 3.98 grade point average from Decorah, Iowa, Muggli was cited for her efforts in reducing Lawrence's ecological footprint.

During her Lawrence career, she has helped organize a panel on genetically modified foods, provided research on "green" building techniques for a proposed new student center and co-founded an alternative student newspaper that focuses on environmental and political issues. In addition, she serves as the head of Greenfire, Lawrence's student environmental organization and has participated in an alternative spring break trip of volunteer service at the Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Ark., the outreach center for Heifer Project International.

"Clara Muggli is a brilliant, radiant person who, I predict, will quietly but measurably change the world," said Marcia Bjornerud, professor of geology, who nominated Muggli for the USA TODAY award. "Besides being an exemplary student, Clara is a visible and respected spokesperson for planetary stewardship. She has a distinctive combination of wit, civility, intellect and just enough stubbornness to allow her to face the daunting challenges of environmental problem solving. It's entirely appropriate that USA Today should recognize her accomplishments and contributions as well as her potential with this award."

As a freshman, Muggli was named a Wriston Scholar, Lawrence's most prestigious honor accorded current students. In April, 2002, she was named a Udall Scholar, one of 80 national recipients of a $5,000 scholarship from the Morris Udall Scholarship and Excellence in National Environmental Policy Foundation. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa last fall.

Lawrence was one of only four Wisconsin colleges represented on this year's All-USA College Academic Team. A total of 83 students were recognized, including 20 who were honored as first-team recipients. Students earning first-team honors receive a trophy and a $2,500 cash award.