Caitlin Shanahan has been chosen for our AICP Outstanding Student of the Year award.

Caitlin’s concentration is Land Use and Environmental Planning. Her high GPA is a clear indication that she excelled in her coursework.  She is an excellent writer and outstanding leader. Her leadership and communication skills have been prominently displayed in our capstone Field Problems class where she has led a group of five students to produce an outstanding plan for improving the Riverfront Park and important park bordering the Mississippi River in Muscatine, Iowa. Caitlin is very hard working and was the person that made sure that all aspects of her group’s project came together. Our Muscatine project partner is very pleased with the quality of work done by Caitlin’s group and expects to begin implementing ideas emerging from her group’s plan.

Caitlin also worked as a research assistant for the Iowa Superfund Research Program where she provided research and analytical assistance to a team of engineers and scientist. The fact that she succeeded in this internship demonstrates Caitlin’s commitment and hard work and excellence and willingness to apply herself in situations where she has to be a quick study in order to succeed. 

Caitlin also served the School in the important but unglamorous role as recycling coordinator. She additionally served the University as a member of the University’s Campus Planning Committee. Furthermore, Caitlin was a co-recipient of the 2013 Iowa Chapter APA Student Poster Contest Award.

The award was presented to Caitlin by Chuck Connerly at our graduation reception on May 16th. Congratulations Caitlin!