Each year, Southern Methodist University (SMU) gives out awards to noteworthy students, faculty, staff and administrators. Of all the awards, the M Award is the most highly prized. This award goes to individuals who have continuously given back to the SMU community during their time at the university, putting others’ needs ahead of their own and striving to make the school – as well as the world – a better place.
This year, one of Plano’s own, Logan Judkins, was a recipient of the M Award. After Logan graduated from Plano West Senior High in 2016, he spent one year at the University of Arkansas before transferring to SMU. This month, he graduated from SMU with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, minoring in advertising and history.
“[Logan] consistently embodies the characteristics of a passionate student, and goes above and beyond in his duties to give back to the community,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner in an online video announcing honorees. “Since stepping foot on the hilltop, this Mustang has provided contributions to the campus community.”
Logan grew up in Plano, raised by his mother, Suzanne Judkins, who teaches special education at Mitchell Elementary, a Plano ISD school. After his year in Arkansas, Logan transferred to SMU because he felt it’d be a better fit. To save on expenses, he commuted to campus from his mom’s home in Plano during his first year at SMU.
“As a commuter, I knew I needed to find a way to get involved on campus. I joined the Commons Council. I knew I wanted to be an RA, so I started out on the council so I could stay involved with on-campus life, even as a commuter,” Logan shared. After serving on the council as a commuter, Logan did become an RA, or resident assistant, to Ware Commons for his junior and senior year.
“Meeting Logan and learning about his involvement and service to SMU, you’d never know he’s a transfer student. He’s accomplished so much during his time at SMU that you’d be sure he’d been a student for at least four years,” said Dawn Norris, executive director for student involvement. “He embraced his new university with a true sense of alma mater, joining a fraternity, Program Council and finding campus employment.”
Program Council is an organization on campus that puts on large-scale events. Logan moved his way up through the organization and served as president from spring of his junior year through fall of his senior year. With Logan in leadership, the council was able to bring award-winning music artist Khalid to perform on campus spring of his junior year.
“Logan is a true servant leader who is there from set-up to take-down, never leaving the menial tasks for someone else to handle,” said Lauren Chapman, associate director for student center and activities at SMU.
On top of serving on two councils, Logan also enjoyed membership in Beta Upsilon Chi, a Christian fraternity. In addition, by working throughout the school year and summers, Logan was able to pay his own way through SMU with the assistance of scholarship and financial aid.
This fall, Logan will be continuing his education at SMU. He plans to graduate with a Master of Science in business analytics in the spring of 2021.
