ISU spring graduate named to USA Today's All-USA College Academic First Team

AMES, Iowa -- Nora Tobin, a May 2010 graduate of Iowa State University, has been named to USA Today's 2010 All-USA College Academic First Team. Tobin is one of 20 winners chosen from among hundreds of juniors and seniors nominated by colleges nationwide. The team was announced in today's June 9 issue of the newspaper.

USA Today honors students who excel academically while also extending "their reach beyond the classroom to benefit society." Winners receive a $2,500 award. The newspaper also names second and third teams, and honorable mentions.

Tobin graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in political science and international studies. She is the Africa Programs associate for International Student Exchange Programs, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that coordinates study abroad exchange programs for students from more than 300 universities in 42 countries. She coordinates exchanges among universities in the United States, Africa and Asia.

While at Iowa State, Tobin interned with the World Food Prize and National Religious Campaign Against Torture, was president of the ONE Campaign, and conducted research with ISU's Center for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods. In addition, she co-chaired the Committee on World Affairs, worked as a global ambassador for the Study Abroad Center and served in several leadership positions with St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Ames. Tobin was named a Wallace E. Barron All-University senior. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa national honor society for liberal arts and sciences, and Cardinal Key, ISU's senior honor society for leadership and service.

Tobin's knowledge of Africa and human rights was enriched by work with the Uganda Women Concern Ministry, and by study at Leiden University, Netherlands, and Stellenbosch University, South Africa. At Stellenbosch's Office for Institutional HIV Coordination, she completed a certificate program in community engagement while conducting an HIV awareness and prevention workshop for after-school life skills programs. Tobin's work there was the topic of her essay for the USA Today competition.

"Far from being a 'resume builder,' much of Nora's work is done without fanfare - but, more importantly, is done with lasting impact," said Dana Schumacher, University Honors Program assistant director for research and scholarship. "She is a leader who inspires others by example, and is sure to become one of Iowa State's most distinguished graduates."

Tobin is from Clive, and graduated from West Des Moines Valley High School in 2006.