Messenger - Vol. 1, No. 1, Page 27 Fall 1991 Duo earns special place in Class of '91 April Michelle Jackson, Delaware '91, and Leonard P. Stark, Delaware '91, sit together under a tent, waiting for their cue to lead the alumni delegate procession into Delaware Stadium for the 142nd Commencement exercises. That brief period of rest signaled the pair's realization that their individual relationship with the University was about to change. "It took a few days for it to sink in. Then it just hit me, I'm done," Stark says, remembering the moment. As recipients of the Emalea P. Warner and the Alexander J. Taylor Sr. awards to the outstanding senior woman and man of the Class of 1991, Jackson and Stark earned the special role of leading the alumni commencement delegates. This final recognition capped many honors for both students.While earning a bachelor of arts degree with distinction in psychology, Jackson, who grew up in New Castle, Del., participated in an undergraduate research program with Marion C. Hyson, associate professor of individual and family studies. Jackson's research developed into her senior honors thesis on stress and support among African-American college freshmen and their parents. Her interest in educational as well as African-American issues will continue when she enters the Ph.D. program in clinical psychology at Kent State University this fall. The average student in the United States takes longer than four years to complete an undergraduate degree. Although Stark might tell you he is a typical student, he is hardly average. In four years, Stark, originally from Huntington, N.Y., earned a bachelor of arts honors degree in political science, a bachelor of science degree with distinction in economics and a master of arts in European history with a minor in women's studies. When the final tally is posted, Stark will have accumulated more than 200 college credits. Stark will leave Oct. 3 for Oxford University as the first Rhodes Scholar from the University of Delaware since 1961. Stark and Jackson were drawn to the University by its Honors Program and took advantage of other opportunities during their stay at Delaware. Stark spent a Winter Session in Europe, and Jackson was president of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Both young alumni developed personal relationships with faculty and administrators. Jackson recognizes the guidance she received from Hyson and Judith Y. Gibson, assistant vice president for affirmative action and multicultural programs. "They are my fairy godmothers," she says. Jackson also says she believes psychology prof. James Jones helped focus her career path through his course, "Psychological Perspectives of the Black American." The admiration between Jackson and these faculty members is mutual. "April's success, or her achievement, will only be limited by the ways in which she limits herself. I can see her doing everything," says Gibson. The relationship with Delaware will not end for either outstanding senior upon the framing of their diploma. In fact, Stark will continue to be active in the Volunteer Admissions Support Team (VAST), as he was through all four undergraduate years. "He has a versatility that makes him an excellent volunteer," says Stirling Miller, assistant dean of admissions and director of the VAST program. As Jackson and Stark led the alumni delegation, the University's living history, through the rows of the Class of 1991, the stadium filled with resounding applause. Says Stark, "I hope that Commencement will be as special to me years from now as it was for all the alumni who came back." --Skip Cook, Delaware '89