Annual Scholarship Convocation Honors Students for Academic Excellence

October 18, 2024

Contact: Kawana McGough, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing
   

Today, 抖阴短视频 celebrated the achievements of approximately 900 students during its Annual Scholarship Convocation, held at the Gen. Daniel "Chappie" James Arena. This event recognizes academic excellence for the 2023-24 academic year.

Dr. Mark A. Brown '86, the university's first alumnus to serve as president, remarked, "Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students who embody the spirit of academic excellence. Their hard work and dedication reflect their individual talents and strengthen the legacy of 抖阴短视频. As we honor these scholars, let us remember that each of them has the potential to lead and inspire future generations." It is also important to remember that the academic achievement of scholars is not without sacrifice. In the words of the noted poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night." Today is a celebration of the victory that often finds itself on the other side of sacrifice." 

The keynote address was delivered by Melonie D. Parker, Global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Google, Inc. Her message highlighted pivotal moments in her life and career that shaped who she is today and keep her grounded as she looks toward the future. She shared a personal story from her childhood about being invited to a pool party by a white neighborhood friend. When they were playing in the pool, she noticed everyone else getting out鈥攕he later realized it was because the pool was for members only. She asked the students, "Have you ever felt like you didn't belong?"

She then offered three key lessons to help them navigate the defining moments in their own lives:

1. Seek mentors whose experiences differ from your own.
2. Focus on adding value rather than just fitting in. Embrace your identity and think of your unique superpower.
3. Let people get to know the real you. Don't miss opportunities to network鈥攂uilding genuine connections is invaluable for growth in the workplace.

Parker closed by telling the students, "The world is waiting for your superpower鈥攏ot just for you to fit in," she said. "The world needs you to show up authentically, allowing people to truly know you."

Following Parker's address, the deans of each college and school announced this year's University Scholars. To qualify, students must be eligible for the annual Honor Roll, rank among the top students who have completed between 90 and 110 credit hours, and demonstrate exemplary personal qualities as attested by their dean. This year's University Scholars include:

• Olivia Holliman, College of Agriculture, Environment and Nutrition Sciences, majoring in Animal Poultry and Veterinary Sciences
• Kiana Wilcher, Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science, majoring in Architecture
• Kerri Barnes, College of Arts and Sciences, majoring in Biology
• Lemuel Mutah, Andrew F. Brimmer College of Business and Information Science, majoring in Computer Science
• Alexie Smith, School of Education, majoring in Elementary Education
• Camille White, College of Engineering, majoring in Mechanical Engineering
• Megan Henry, School of Nursing and Allied Health, majoring in Health Science
• Shalinda Queen McMahon, College of Veterinary Medicine, majoring in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

The convocation also honored 63 students who qualified as Eminent Scholars during the 2023-24 academic year. Students must maintain a 4.0 CGPA and meet the Honor Roll criteria to receive this recognition.

Additionally, 820 students were also named to the university's annual Honor Roll for the 2023-24 academic year. This list, released in the fall, includes students from all programs who achieved an average GPA between the Fall and Spring of no less than 3.250 and completed at least 12 semester hours each Fall and Spring semester during the preceding academic year.

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