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Leading by Example

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Political Science major Andy Walsh, NC State’s 2012-2013 student body president, is the subject of a video created by students in COM 437 – Advanced Digital Video, in the Department of Communication.

Walsh, a first generation college student, is passionate about the value of a CHASS education. He’s also serious about upholding traditions, and creating new ones.

As co-chair of the student government Traditions Commission, Andy helped bring back Tuffy, the living mascot, to athletic events. He’s been key to promoting The Brick, a book given to all incoming freshmen. When they complete 40 of the traditions outlined in the book, they graduate with a special medal. The Brick then serves as a keepsake of their best memories at NC State.

Walsh helped spearhead the largest student-led fundraising effort ever undertaken on campus: raising $200,000 to expand the Coaches’ Corner just outside Reynolds Coliseum.

If all goes as Andy plans, statues of Everett Case, Norm Sloan and Jim Valvano will be unveiled this fall, next to the existing tribute to Kay Yow.

“Our traditions and our history give us our common identity,” Andy says. “They bind us together.”

Walsh was one of four NC State seniors to receive the prestigious Mathews Medal for his leadership and his service to the university. Walsh excelled not only as a leader, but also as a student. He received several merit scholarships from the college: the Jean F. Kilgore Scholarship (2012-2013) and the CHASS Board of Advisors Scholarship (2011 – 2012).  

He graduated summa cum laude and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He’s currently working in government affairs at the SAS Institute and plans to pursue graduate school.