On Saturday, more than 150 undergraduate students were recognized for their academic, athletic and artistic achievements throughout the 2011-2012 academic year in Mabee Gym as part of the annual Scholar’s Symposium.

Forty students also presented papers and works of art at the symposium for faculty, staff, Board of Trustees members and fellow students.

“It’s a way for students to show their family and friends the work they’ve been doing all year,” honors coordinator Erin Joyce said. “Students want to show off their hard work.”

Many of the presentations were ones that the students had already done at conferences or other events, while some were senior capstone projects. All students had to do was apply and they were welcome to present at the event.

About 200 people attended the symposium in support of their family and friends. Junior Chelsea Pennock was recognized for her induction into Cardinal Key, but she then stayed to watch her friends’ presentations.

Pennock’s favorite presenter was senior Will Duncan.

“With Will, you could tell that he loved what he did as a music major and throughout his senior year,” Pennock said. “He’s one of my best friends and I came to support him and to get a different insight on him.”

Duncan presented to the public twice at the symposium. The first was a senior thesis for International Studies, one of his three majors, entitled “Ubuntu and the End of Apartheid” and the second was a recap of his senior year in the music department called “Piano: The Secret Life of a Performance Addict.”

“It was a celebration of what music meant to me,” Duncan said. “Even though music has been a major for me, it’s what I turn to for comfort and celebration.”

Duncan was also one of three seniors named as Baker’s outstanding seniors. More than 70 seniors were nominated, but Duncan, John Babb and Caleb Watts were the ones chosen to receive the award. This honor was given to nominated students who then had to provide a resume, write an essay and list education and community service.

“The theme of my essay was of other people that have changed me over BU,” Duncan said. “I wanted people to know that I don’t do the things I do alone.”

Other notable awards given to students were the Elliot S. Berkeley Prize in International Studies, which went to junior Jose Baquerizo and the Milan-Harris Award for Promoting Diversity, which junior Rachel Lusk received.

“I think (the symposium) is evidence that we have a very high-quality student body. The fact that so many were recognized shows that our students get involved, work hard and achieve great things. “ Joyce said.

A full list of awards can be found on the Baker University website.