Written by John Finn 330-263-2145 Email Story | Print Story

May 5, 2004

Erin Kriynovich

WOOSTER, Ohio - Erin Kriynovich, a senior political science and art history double major at The College of Wooster, has been awarded the 2004 David L. Carpenter Pre-Law Prize. The $5,000 prize is awarded annually to the top pre-law student at The College of Wooster. In order to be considered for the award, the student must have an exemplary record of academic achievement, noteworthy involvement in co-curricular activities, significant participation in Wooster's Pre-Law Advising Program, experience as a student leader, and a commitment to personal honesty and integrity. The student must also have been accepted into an accredited U.S. law school.

"Erin is an excellent student," said Amy Carter, instructor in political science and one of Kriynovich's advisors. "She works very hard; she is well spoken; and she is insightful at many levels. Erin is very special, and I have no doubt that she deserves this award."

Established by the Figgie Family Foundation in 1999, the Carpenter Prize commemorates the life of the late David Lyle Carpenter, a 1965 Wooster alumnus who became a leading tax and corporate lawyer and a partner in the Cleveland law firm of Calfee, Halter & Griswold L.L.P. Prior to his death in 1999, Carpenter was recognized by Best Lawyers in America for excellence in the category of corporate law. He was also an active member of the Heights Christian Church and served on the board of the National Conference for Community and Justice. At Wooster, he won departmental honors in economics and lettered in track and field. He later attended the University of Michigan, where he earned both an M.B.A. and a J.D.

"I was very surprised to receive the Carpenter prize," said Kriynovich, who plans to attend either Cleveland-Marshall College of Law or Moritz College of Law at The Ohio State University in the fall. "After meeting Nancy Carpenter and Nancy and Harry Figgie, I understand even more how great an honor this is. The Carpenters and Figgies are a testament to the generosity and the involvement of alumni and friends of The College of Wooster in furthering the College's ideals. I am honored to carry this tradition forward as I take the next step in my education."

Kriynovich, who plans to pursue a career in the public interest field, specifically in fair housing or immigration, is a resident of Valley View and a graduate of Cuyahoga Heights High School. While at Wooster, she served as president of the Yoga Club and as a tutor for English as a Second Language. She also was a member of the French House, received honors on her Senior Independent Study project, and was a College Scholar.