Aquinas alumna Amy Burns was honored with the 2011 Outstanding Academic Advisor Award from the Michigan Academic Advising Association (MIACADA) at the annual conference in May, held at Wayne State University. Burns, who graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Aquinas in 2007, was recognized for her work as a graduate assistant at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) for the past two years.

“I nominated her for the award based on her outstanding work with the students at Grand Valley State University. I felt that she was deserving of this honor,” said Jennifer McCaul, the Director of Undergraduate Advising at the College of Community and Public Service at GVSU. “As a student affairs professional, Amy embodies the qualities of a dedicated academic advisor.”

Burns returned to Aquinas in the fall of 2010 to work as an intern for the Campus Ministry office, where she contributed over 150 hours under the supervision of Eric Bridge. While there, Burns helped prepare the fall break service learning trips, and also served as an advisor for seven students on the Dominican Republic trip.

“I loved my experience at Aquinas. The students, faculty and staff are wonderful and kind-hearted,” Burns said. “It was an amazing experience to work in mobile medical clinics in the [Dominican Republic] with Aquinas students.”

Burns was inspired to pursue a career in academic advising after teaching a parks and recreation ceramic class in East Lansing. While there she was approached by many of the students with their hopes for the future and career aspirations, and after consulting with her faculty mentor from Aquinas, Dana Freeman, she decided to pursue a career in that field. Burns graduated from GVSU this past April, earning her Master of Education (M.Ed) in College Student Affairs Leadership. While at GVSU, Burns also held an 18-month Graduate Assistantship position where she worked with criminal justice and social work students.

“I love working with students, watching them succeed and obtain their goals,” Burns said. “Receiving the award a few weeks after graduating provided me with not only excitement, but affirmed my goals for my professional career.”

Burns is currently looking for an academic advising position, and is hoping to begin work this fall. Because of her background in the arts at Aquinas, she is hoping to find a position where she would interact with fellow art students.