Last week we recognized the contributions of four outstanding individuals at our annual Talon Awards. Since 1997, the Talon Awards have been presented during Homecoming week to recognize an alumnus, a student, a faculty member, and member of local or university community for their leadership, support and service to FAU.

The Alumni Talon Award was presented to Ambassador Robert M. "Skipp" Orr '76, who was confirmed by the Senate as U.S. executive director with rank of ambassador to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in September 2010. He previously served as chairman of the Board of the Panasonic Foundation and president of Boeing Japan.

Monica Escaleras, Ph.D., received the Faculty Talon Award. Dr. Escaleras is an associate professor of economics and founder and director of the Business and Economics Polling Initiative (BEPI) in the College of Business. BEPI provides a laboratory for students to learn all aspects of the survey research process. Results of the polls are regularly featured in leading media outlets, giving significant exposure to FAU.

The Student Talon Award, which was announced that night, was presented to a pleasantly surprised Océane Boulais. Océane is an electrical engineering major and has been involved in a number of activities here at FAU, including starting the university's IEEE Power and Energy Society Chapter. She is currently a developmental operations engineering intern at NBCUniversal, where she was selected as a top-25 student from 700 interns in the program.

I had the pleasure of presenting the President's Talon Award to Head Softball Coach Joan Joyce. Coach Joyce also coaches our women's golf team and had a career as professional golfer, including 19 years on the LPGA Tour, before coming to FAU. Under Coach Joyce's leadership, the softball team has won 11 conference championships and made 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.

Congratulations again to our 2016 Talon Award honorees!