Troy University students will be recognized for their achievements during the University’s annual Honors Convocation at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 17, in the Claudia Crosby Theater on the Troy Campus.

Dr. John W. Schmidt, a former Troy University senior administrator, will serve as the keynote speaker for the convocation.

Among the awards to be presented are the Ingalls Award for Excellence in Classroom Teaching, presented to an outstanding faculty member, and the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards, given to a senior male and female student and to a distinguished faculty or staff member.

The Ingalls Award is given annually to the teacher on the Troy Campus who has “most diligently, effectively and cheerfully conducted his or her classes during the current academic year.” Students nominate faculty members for the award, and a committee of students and faculty advisors selects the recipient.

The Sullivan Award, which is presented at select colleges and universities throughout the United States, recognizes recipients for their excellence of character, humanitarian service and spiritual qualities. The award has been presented annually at TROY since 1981 with nominations for the awards coming from students, faculty and staff.

In addition, students from each of the University’s five colleges will be recognized for their achievements, including those inducted into various honor societies.

Dr. Schmidt, who retired in 2014 after 20 years of service to the University, served in several key leadership positions at TROY, including Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement and External Relations and Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Services.

During his tenure at the University, Dr. Schmidt worked to create a program to help first-year students excel and develop centers to help foster their academic, social and personal success. The John W. Schmidt Center for Student Success was named in his honor in 2014.

Dr. Schmidt provided leadership for the University’s first two capital campaigns and led the implementation of a first-year common reader program that led to a University-wide emphasis on creating a culture of reading.

Dr. Schmidt, a retired United States Marine colonel, also led the development of the Newman Center, a value-focused learning community residence hall, and facilitated the construction of Trojan Village, a 500-person residence hall complex.