At this year’s Robins Award Ceremony, English Department student Basil Payne, who is a junior majoring English with a Creative Writing emphasis, was honored with the 2022-23 Legacy of Utah State Award.

“Basil Payne,” writes Matthew Sanders, Executive Associate Dean, “is a tremendously successful student who truly embodies the spirit of collaboration and commitment that the Legacy Award seeks to recognize. Basil has been a strength and inspiration to their fellow students and faculty. Their tenacious resolve to learn and succeed is remarkable.”

Basil’s mentor in the Department of English, Professor Christine Cooper-Rompato, notes that “Basil has to balance a lot with family and school. Basil is neurodiverse and is autistic, and they have related to me how rough it was when they first arrived at USU.”

Basil serves as an English Club Captain, and a member of Sigma Tau Delta. As a USU Writing Fellow for undergraduate classes, Basil has spent hours this fall tutoring students in the art and skills of essay revision. Basil is a strong advocate for other LGBTQIA+ students in the department, and they are particularly inviting to other autistic and queer students in the English Club and Sigma Tau Delta. For the Music Department, Basil is a section leader for the bass drums in the Aggie Marching Band and works with the band director and their peers to help the marching band succeed. Basil has also spent time teaching elementary schoolers how to play instruments. Professors note Basil’s “contagious enthusiasm,” and perseverance despite adversity.

The Legacy of Utah State Award is in honor of eight students and one instructor who, in 2005, were tragically killed in a rollover automobile accident while returning from an agricultural trip to Tremonton, Utah. It was a great tragedy for the community and families involved, but the overriding message from the university and community was one of love, support, and hope.

This award goes to a student that has excelled in university learning, discovery, and engagement, and the English Department is thrilled that our very own Basil Payne has been honored for their exceptional contributions to USU.