Eleven students honored for freshman year achievements
Anne Marie McLaughlin, News Editor
Issue date: 11/6/01 Section: News
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November 6, 2001 - Rebecca Boxx, a University of Rhode Island sophomore from Newport, is majoring in Spanish and education and aspires to be a teacher. While Boxx's schedule may not seem feasible to other students, her grade point average proves otherwise. She is a full-time student who also works full-time in an elementary school as a family service coordinator, while still achieving one of the 30 highest grade point averages in last year's freshman class.
"School is fun to me," Boxx said. "If you like what you are doing then it is fine."
Every year University College honors students who earned the 10 highest academic records in their class for their freshman year. According to Jayne Richmond, dean of University College, last year's freshman class was so outstanding that she was compelled to "cheat" a little in the selection of this elite group by choosing 11 students instead of the usual 10.
The students were honored at a brunch on Sunday morning for their academic and co-academic achievements during their freshman year. All of the students earned either a 4.0 or 3.97 grade point average and were active in extra-curricular activities during their freshman year.
In addition to Boxx, the honorees were Jason Clough, Chirstopher Gosselin, Jenna Halilovic, Kelly Hanks, Heidi Hetzler, Jacqueline Kelly, James Laing, Kathleen O'Donnell, Robert Pontious, and Derek Walters.
Richmond said that the selection process was handled differently this year so as to recognize students for their extra-curricular activities instead of solely their academics. The top 30 academic achieving freshmen were nominated for the award and then asked to complete an application stating why they should be selected. From that 30, the 11 students honored on Sunday were selected.
The students were awarded a certificate from University College and a $500 scholarship from the Alumni Association, presented by President Robert L. Carothers and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Beverly Swan. In addition, representatives from each college or department in which the students will enroll were also present at the awards ceremony.
"School is fun to me," Boxx said. "If you like what you are doing then it is fine."
Every year University College honors students who earned the 10 highest academic records in their class for their freshman year. According to Jayne Richmond, dean of University College, last year's freshman class was so outstanding that she was compelled to "cheat" a little in the selection of this elite group by choosing 11 students instead of the usual 10.
The students were honored at a brunch on Sunday morning for their academic and co-academic achievements during their freshman year. All of the students earned either a 4.0 or 3.97 grade point average and were active in extra-curricular activities during their freshman year.
In addition to Boxx, the honorees were Jason Clough, Chirstopher Gosselin, Jenna Halilovic, Kelly Hanks, Heidi Hetzler, Jacqueline Kelly, James Laing, Kathleen O'Donnell, Robert Pontious, and Derek Walters.
Richmond said that the selection process was handled differently this year so as to recognize students for their extra-curricular activities instead of solely their academics. The top 30 academic achieving freshmen were nominated for the award and then asked to complete an application stating why they should be selected. From that 30, the 11 students honored on Sunday were selected.
The students were awarded a certificate from University College and a $500 scholarship from the Alumni Association, presented by President Robert L. Carothers and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Beverly Swan. In addition, representatives from each college or department in which the students will enroll were also present at the awards ceremony.
