In today’s society it is important to have citizens that go beyond what is asked of them by performing selfless good deeds, and they should be recognized.

Jennifer Wayer, a senior Dietitis major, is one of these people, and we should feel privileged that she is a part of the Eastern Illinois University student body.

Wayer is currently the president of the Colleges Against Cancer organization here at Eastern. Colleges Against Cancer is an organization made up of college students with branches all over the country. They work with the American Cancer Society and help raise money for cancer awareness throughout the nation.

As president her job entails, “A lot of bookings, meetings, scheduling activities, and looking out for the well being of the organization (at Eastern),” said Wayer.

Not only does Wayer believe that this organization is a good cause as well as non-discriminatory, but it also has a personal affect on her. “My dad has cancer, so I really wanted to make a difference,” said Wayer, and through this organization she is able to.

“I was very impressed with her work as president of Colleges Against Cancer,” said Dr. Kathleen O’Rourke, Associate Professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Dr. O’Rourke believes that due to Wayer’s work ethic and contagious enthusiasm, she can be looked at as a role model or mentor for younger students on campus. An example of this work ethic and enthusiasm is how well the “Relay for Life” fund raiser did. Through this event that Wayer helped to organize, just over $40,000 was raised for the American Cancer Society.

As if the work she puts into the Colleges Against Cancer was not enough, Wayer is also a part of numerous other organizations. She is also in charge of media, marketing, and web design for the Organization of Peer Education of Nutrition, which is a group that plans health and wellness programs for local communities.

Wayer is the president of Dietitis for the Student Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, an on campus organization that raises money to send students to conferences and helps to get scholarships for less fortunate students.

On top of all of this, she is a member of the honorary fraternity Omicron Delta Kappa which recognizes students for leadership ability, she helps fund raise for the Charleston High School Athletic Department, and she helps with a food drive in Charleston for Thanksgiving.

It is due to all of this volunteer work that Jennifer Wayer deserves to be recognized. The amazing thing about all of this is the fact that she still has time to go to school.