During his years at Elmhurst, Jacob Meding led student and service organizations that made campus life vibrant and fun, built homes for the needy, and brought money and help to a variety of causes. Meding has been named the College’s 2012 Senior of the Year.
A political science major, Meding has served as president of the Student Government Association, chair of the Union Board Homecoming event and a member of the Advisory Council for Strategic Planning. While serving as president of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity this past year, he was named Greek Man of the Year and his fraternity received the Chapter of Excellence Award. Meding also was a leader of, or participant in, service and philanthropic organizations such as Community Outreach, Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life/Walk for Hope.
“My mother has always taught my sister and me to help those in need, and that is one of the principles of my life,” he says. “I am motivated by the fact that every day someone needs a helping hand, and I want to be there to support others in their time of need.”
In the fall, Meding will begin studies toward a master’s degree in college student affairs at Eastern Illinois University. “My time here at Elmhurst has given me many benefits, and I wish to pass on those same experiences to future students,” he says.
The winner of the highly sought-after Senior of the Year award is selected annually by a special committee of the College’s Alumni Association. “It is a great honor to be selected by the committee,” he said. “I feel privileged to join former outstanding Elmhurst graduates who were past Senior of the Year winners.”
Meding is the son of Ken and Marge Bartels, of Elmhurst, and he is a graduate of York Community High School. He will graduate from Elmhurst College during Spring Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 26.