Principal's Medal 2017: Lindsey Karmen
Friday 23 June 2017
Congratulations to all our graduates.
I should now like to introduce the Principal’s Medal. This award was inaugurated eight years ago with a gift from three anonymous donors and is now supported by Ede and Ravenscroft, believed to be the oldest firm of tailors and robe-makers in the world.
The award of the Principal’s Medal recognises students who display exceptional endeavour and achievement during their time at St Andrews. The awards are open to final-year undergraduates, and to postgraduates in any discipline. The achievements celebrated are academic as well as sporting, musical, or other attainments.
I am delighted to have such a wonderful opportunity to recognise, publicly, the outstanding achievements of individual students.
For the academic year 2016-2017, the Principal’s Medal will be presented to three extraordinary students. This morning we recognise Lindsey Karmen, who has just received her Bachelor of Science degree in Medicine as a participant in the Canadian strand of our undergraduate medical programme. This international programme is delivered in partnership with the Universities of Edinburgh and Alberta.
In her nomination citation Lindsey is described as “an ambassador for the values and aspirations for all students at St Andrews.” In each year of her studies with us, she has appeared on the Dean’s List for academic achievement. Even at this early stage in her career her research skills have produced innovative, publishable results which will form the foundation of future grant applications from the School of Medicine. She has also participated enthusiastically in outreach work designed to inspire the next generation of university applicants.
Alongside her academic achievements Lindsey has excelled in competitive dance, not only as a solo competitor but also contributing to the success of the university ‘Blue Angels’ squad as choreographer, trainer, costume designer and dancer. Her success in representing St Andrews and Scotland at the International Federation of Dance World Championships in 2015 has been recognised with the award of a Full Blue. She has also made a wonderful contribution to the cultural life of our local community, performing at On The Rocks, the UK’s largest student-run arts festival, and teaching weekly dance classes to local residents.
Lindsey, in recognition of all that you have achieved both academically and personally during your time as an undergraduate, and as you prepare for the next steps in your medical education at the University of Edinburgh, it gives me great pleasure to invite you to join me on stage now to receive your medal.
– Principal Sally Mapstone