Who's who among college students this year?

Fifty-three juniors and seniors from Ohio University Southern - that's who.

Honorees, friends and family attended a ceremony at the university Tuesday to be inducted into the national publication "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges."

Students must be on the dean's list for at least two quarters and must be

juniors or seniors to be nominated.

OUS Dean Dr. Dan Evans told the crowd of about 100 people that the exclusive honor to have their biographical information printed in the 60-year-old publication is a strong statement about the future of these students.

"It recognizes the achievements and accomplishments, but it also recognizes the future leaders of the community," he said.

Senior early childhood education major Tiffani Lehman said she was proud to receive the award.

"I hope this can help me in the future," she said. "I have worked really hard, so it is good to get some recognition and accomplishment."

Lehman's mother, Vicki, was even more excited and had a hard time containing her ear-to-ear smile after driving from Florida to see her daughter honored.

Tiffani said that her success would not be possible without her parents.

"My mom and dad supported me throughout the four years - financially and emotionally," she said. "I am thankful to have such great parents that support me."

Stephanie McKnight, a junior criminal justice major from Ironton that is looking towards law school, agreed that it was a prestigious honor.

"It was nice," she said. "I was surprised at how old the award is."

Academic advisor Gail Thornton said that the award is an excellent thing for students to include on resumes and references.

"The quality of our students has gone up every year as far as academics are concerned," she said. "This has been a good year. The caliber of students that are coming here now has increased dramatically."

Because it is based on enrollment, this is one of OUS' largest years in terms of inductees since it began nominating students in 1982.

Dawson-Bryant Elementary Principal and OUS graduate Eric Holmes spoke to the students on their achievements. As a 1989-1990 recipient, Holmes spoke from experience and told the students that they have the power and ability to change the perception of southern Ohio.

"It is your intelligence that will attract business, industry and economic development that this area needs," Holmes said. "I want to encourage you to stay here and have that business and industry come to you."

Holmes emphasized that this should just be the beginning of a bright future.

"Don't stop here, but let this be a stepping stone to go on to bigger and better things," he said.

The 2003-2004 honorees are Ledusta Abner, Amy Adams, Lance Allen, Adam Alt, Jamie Artrip, Walter Baker, Brandon Balandra, Joshua Bator, Marissa Bostick, Jessica Boston, Jason Cade, Amy Callicoat, Jennifer Carter, Catherine Chapman, Carrie Collier, Sarah Conley, Stacey Conley, Aaron Cooley, Stevi Dean, Renee Edwards, Derrick Elliott, Edgel Eshem, Danielle Fuller, Anne Jones, Jae Jung, Michael Kitchen, Seth Knore, Tiffani Lehman, Amanda Lockyer, Ruby McCray, Stephanie McKnight, Erica Melvin, Heather Messer, Claire Miller, Michael Miller, Angelia Moore, Christienne Moore, Sommer Picklesimer, Shannon Potter, Donna Reaper, Katherine Rindfusz, Phillip Rister, Sara Schwab, Greg Scythes, Robin Seaman, Patricia Shively, Lori Tatum, Lisa Thompson, Tracy Walters, Anita Warner, Carolyn Webb, Renee Williams and Ngan Wong.