VanBlarcum, Tremain Honored as 2023 Charno Award Winners at UCM

Hard work has paid off with recognition for UCM's 2023 Charno Award recipients Paige VanBlarcum, left,  and Cade Tremain.

WARRENSBURG, MO – After already compiling an impressive list of accomplishments as students at the University of Central Missouri, Paige VanBlarcum and Cade Tremain have been named recipients of Charno Awards, the most prestigious honor given to new university graduates.

The Charno Award is presented annually to the top male and female citizens at UCM. It honors George Charno, Sr., a Kansas City attorney who established the award in 1940 to recognize the two outstanding members of the senior class. Selection is based on a combination of criteria, which include: leadership, scholarship, character, involvement in campus organizations and extracurricular activities, service to the university, and involvement in one’s academic department.

The 2023 recipients are students from Missouri pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees, Paige VanBlarcum, Warrensburg, and Cade Tremain, Moberly. They were honored in presentations that took place on campus on April 13 when the Office of Student Experience and Engagement conducted the 83rd annual Who’s Who at UCM program. This year, 19 students were recognized in this group based on nominations submitted by students, faculty and staff to the Awards Selection Committee. The Charno Award winners were chosen from this pool of students. They are individuals who set an example for other students through their well-rounded education and the many contributions they have made to UCM. In addition to the award presentations that took place at Who’s Who, these students will be recognized during Spring Commencement exercises planned the weekend of May 5-6 at the Multipurpose Building.

A Mathematics major with a minor in Computer Science, VanBlarcum has excelled inside and outsidethe classroom and on the playing field. Contributing to her successful collegiate experience, she has participated in multiple leadership roles as president of the Honors College Student Association, vice president and treasurer of Kappa Mu Epsilon (KME), mathematics honor society; secretary of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars; and chair of the Internal Issues Committee for the Student Government Association.

VanBlarcum was not only a student athlete, having participated on the Jennies Track and Field team, she also gained valuable experience in team work through KME, Para Medico, Math Team, and National Society of Leadership and Success. She has demonstrated service to both the university and local community through a number of other activities and organizations, including her recent involvement with a medical mission trip.

VanBlarcum also has been a member of The Honors College all four years at UCM, and has maintained an exemplary GPA throughout her collegiate career while being employed both on and off campus.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Tremain has set an example for others through his leadership and service. He majored in Political Science and had a minor in Business Administration. His service to the campus and community includes participation on multiple committees and holding many leadership positions that have had an impact on students.

During the 2022-2023 academic year alone, Tremain served as a member of the Muleskinner Publication Board, member of MO’s Activity Council, Alumni Ambassadors, Student Government Association, Mock Trial Team, Homecoming Leadership Committee, Campus Community Health Committee, UCM Facilities and Grounds Master Plan Steering Committee, and the Unity Week Planning Committee.

Throughout his collegiate career, Tremain has immersed himself in several organizations that have allowed him to engage with students on many different fronts. This includes previous service as the president of the College Republicans, Orientation Team Leader, and serving as the recruitment chair for Alpha Tau Omega. He currently serves on the Admissions Ambassador Leadership team and the Homecoming Leadership Committee, where he is Pep Rally chair. Tremain is well known on campus for his role in student governance. He has been a leader in the Student Government Association for four years, serving as Public Relations Committee chair, secretary, and currently as president for the second consecutive year.