Emily Labedz earns Outstanding Student in Interdisciplinary Studies Award

Emily Labedz ’15, daughter of Frank and Karyn Labedz, of Naperville, was awarded the Outstanding Student in Interdisciplinary Studies Award during Honors Day in May at North Central College in Naperville.

A senior, Emily majored in sociology and German with additional studies in gender and women’s studies and history of ideas at North Central College. She is a graduate of Naperville North High School.

The Interdisciplinary Studies Award recognizes the importance of interdisciplinary achievement at North Central College and its place in the advancement of scholarship and professional activity beyond the campus. The award honors a student who has produced a body of outstanding work that integrates different fields of study.

A College Scholar, Emily’s honors thesis was titled “Redefining Lines: Feminist Parodies and Countering the Normalization of Rape Culture in Pop Music.” Her name consistently appeared on the Dean’s List, she has presented her research at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research and at North Central’s Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research.

She was a finalist for the prestigious Congress Bundestag Young Professional Exchange Fellowship in Germany that aims to strengthen relations between governments. Emily plans to integrate her graduate studies with social work, an international internship, and civic program development in ways that have long-term impacts for resolving systemic problems.