For immediate use
UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Folt honors 73 students for academic, service leadership
(Chapel Hill, N.C. – May 23, 2016) – Seventy-three talented and ambitious students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have been honored with the University’s most prestigious awards for academic achievement and leadership, the Chancellor’s Award.
Chancellor Carol L. Folt presided over the annual Chancellor’s Awards ceremony on April 20, where Executive Vice Provost Ron Strauss, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Winston Crisp and 2015-16 student body president Houston Summers also presented academic, student leadership activities and student-selected undergraduate teaching and staff awards.
“At Carolina we expect our students to innovate, create, compete and excel,” said Folt. “Through extraordinary academic achievement, public service and leadership, our Chancellor’s Awards recipients have exceeded these expectations and set a standard of excellence for future generations.”
Award recipients are listed below alphabetically by North Carolina city, then by state and country. Students noted with an asterisk (*) are listed in more than one location. Some students chose not to be listed.
North Carolina
Apex
Erik Kellomaki, child of Hannu Kellomaki and Jeanne Kellomaki of Apex: The George C. Marshall Award, given to the senior Army cadet who excels in professional excellence, leadership, scholarship, personal integrity and selfless service to the nation.
Salvatore Savarese, child of Salvatore Savarese, Sr. and Colleen Savarese of Apex: The Josephus Daniels Scholarship Medal, given annually to the senior midshipman in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps who has attained the highest average in academic courses of study in the University.
Srishti Dasarathy, child of Dasarathy Raghavan and Hemamalini Dasarathy of Apex: The Irene F. Lee Award, given annually to the woman of the senior class who is judged most outstanding in leadership, character and scholarship.
Mary K. Tsai, child of Jeff Tsai and Beth Tsai of Apex, NC: The Venable Medal, established in 1955 by Rho Chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma and presented annually by members of that professional chemistry fraternity to the two most outstanding seniors majoring in chemistry.
Carrboro
Juliana Ritter*, child of Andre Ritter of Carrboro: The Jane Craige Gray Memorial Award, given annually in memory of Jane Craige Gray by the local chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority. It is given to the woman of the junior class who has been judged most outstanding in character, scholarship and leadership.
Cary
Christine Nam, child of Tai Woo Nam and Chang Mee Nam of Cary: The Edward McGowan Hedgpeth Award, given annually to two undergraduate members of Alpha Epsilon Delta who are voted most outstanding in service to the campus and community through the society.
Lauren Moore, child of Jeffery Moore and Gretchen Moore of Cary: The Robert B. House Memorial Prize in Poetry, given annually to a graduating senior who has done distinguished work in poetry.
Jonathan Minnick, child of Don Minnick and Dana Minnick of Cary: The Earl Slocum Band Award, given annually to the senior member of University Bands who has demonstrated meritorious achievement with regard to musicianship, leadership and academic excellence, and who has also made a significant contribution to the growth and success of the band program.
Chapel Hill
Juliana Ritter*, child of Alessandra Ritter of Chapel Hill: The Jane Craige Gray Memorial Award, established in 1954, is given annually in memory of Jane Craige Gray by the local chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority. It is given to the woman of the junior class who has been judged most outstanding in character, scholarship and leadership.
Kierra Campbell, child of Kendra Campbell of Chapel Hill: The George Moses Horton Award for Multicultural Leadership, recognizing the senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, initiative and creativity in multicultural education programs.
Mildred (Millie) Dasher, child of Steve Breedlove and Sally Breedlove of Chapel Hill: The Class of 1956 Livas Award, given to the senior nursing student selected by faculty in the School of Nursing who best exemplifies scholarship, leadership and nursing excellence.
Neal Siekierski, child of John Siekierski and Coleen Siekierski of Chapel Hill: The Marc Adam Eisdorfer Award in linguistics, given to the senior judged most outstanding in academic achievement in linguistics.
Charlotte
Amelia Wallace*, child of Scott Wallace of Charlotte: The Ria Stambaugh Undergraduate Award for Excellence in German, given by the department of Germanic and Slavic languages and literatures.
Cameron Coughlin, child of Paul Coughlin and Patricia Coughlin of Charlotte: The James O. Cansler Service Award, given annually in Cansler’s memory to a student whose faith has inspired outstanding service to the needs of humanity.
Harish Pudukodu, child of Seshadri Pudukodu and Radha Seshadri of Charlotte: The I. R. Hagadorn Award, given to an outstanding rising senior biology major. The recipient is selected on the basis of academic achievement and excellence in biology research.
Moza Hamud, child of Amina Abubakar of Charlotte: The Roger A. Davis Memorial Award, given by the Residence Hall Association to the undergraduate who has given outstanding service to the University, especially through residence hall leadership.
Nayira Warren*, child of Rosita Vazquez of Charlotte: The Greek Alliance Council Award, given annually to undergraduates who have made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship and service to their individual chapters and Greek and University communities.
Summer Holmes, child of Darrell Holmes and Camille Holmes of Charlotte: The National Pan-Hellenic Council Award, given annually to undergraduates who have made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship and service to their individual chapters and Greek and University communities.
Samuel DeHority, child of Dixon DeHority of Charlotte: The Archibald Henderson Mathematics Medal, given annually to the undergraduate judged by the Department of Mathematics to have demonstrated both a high degree of mathematical ability and the greatest promise of originality in the field.
Sarah Crownshaw, child of Stephen Crownshaw and Linda Crownshaw of Charlotte: The J. Maryon Saunders Award, given to the member of the graduating class who, as an undergraduate student, has contributed most to the preservation and enhancement of loyalty and goodwill between the University and its students, alumni and friends.
Tracie Hayes, child of Eric Hayes and Martha Hayes of Charlotte: The Alexander Julian Prize, given to an undergraduate student exhibiting an outstanding sense of design, which the faculty interprets as a mature integration of formal issues and content.
Cherryville
David Clancy, child of David Clancy, Sr. and Kathleen Clancy of Cherryville: The Chi Omega Award for Scholarship and Leadership, given to a student majoring in mathematics who is chosen as most outstanding on criteria of scholastic achievement and exemplary leadership.
Columbus
Emily Shanahan, child of Peter Shanahan and Alison Shanahan of Columbus: The Eben Alexander Prize in Greek, given annually to the undergraduate who, in the opinion of the faculty of the Classics Department, presents the best rendering into English of selected passages of Greek not previously read.
Concord
Eric Rossitch, child of John Rossitch and Cynthia Rossitch of Concord: The Sport Clubs Council Achievement Award, given annually to the undergraduate who demonstrates leadership and commitment, and makes the greatest positive contribution to the strength and vitality of the sport clubs program.
Tyler Clay, child of Kenneth Clay and Linda Clay of Concord, NC: The Willie P. Mangum Medal in Oratory, this oldest student award was established in 1877 and is awarded to the member of the senior class who, in opinion of a group of judges, gives the best oration at an annual contest.
Cornelius
Amelia Wallace*, child of Anne Wallace of Cornelius: The Ria Stambaugh Undergraduate Award for Excellence in German, given by the Department of Germanic and Slavic Languages and Literatures.
Durham
Jane Jenkins, child of David Jenkins and Marti Jenkins of Durham: The Ferebee Taylor Award, given annually to the member of the senior class who has made the greatest contribution to the continued vitality and strength of the Honor Code in the community.
Elizabeth City
Kamieo Lewis, child of Valerie Lewis of Elizabeth City: The John Johnston Parker, Jr. Medal for Unique Leadership in Student Government, given annually to the member of the senior class who has demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in perpetuating the spirit and honor of student self-government.
Elon
Halie Ellinger, child of Brad Ellinger and Dana Ellinger: The Panhellenic Council Woman of the Year Award, presented annually to undergraduates who have made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service to their individual chapters and Greek and University Communities.
Fayetteville
Reghan Horman, child of Allen Horman and Helen Horman of Fayetteville: The Kenneth C. Royall Award, given annually to the senior Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet at UNC who demonstrates excellence as an officer in scholarship and leadership.
Gastonia
Madison Alexander, child of Scott Alexander and Angie Alexander of Gastonia: The Keith Shawn Smith Award for Community Development and Mentorship, given to a Resident Advisor or Resident Advisor Mentor who has created a strong community, meaningful mentoring relationships and campus connections. The recipient must have made a positive impact on the lives of the residents served, developing his or her community to an exemplary level and providing significant mentorship to members of the community.
Greensboro
Jeremy McKellar, child of James McKellar and Shirley McKellar of Greensboro: The Walter S. Spearman Award, given to a man in the senior class whose academic achievements, co-curricular activities, leadership qualities and strength of character are considered by a panel of judges to be most outstanding.
Sandra Hoyt, child of Stephen Hoyt and Anja Hoyt of Greensboro: The Patrick F. Earey Award, given to a member of the graduating class who has exhibited outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and leadership.
Goldsboro
Elvin James, child of Elvin James and Mary Kay James of Goldsboro: The Wallace Ray Peppers Award in Performance of African and African-American Literature, given annually to the junior or senior in that department who is judged by a faculty committee to be most outstanding in performance of African and African-American literature.
Marques McPhail, child of Edward Coley and Melinda Coley of Goldsboro: The L. Richardson Preyer Award for Excellence in Political Science, given to a senior judged by a committee of the faculty to have established the most distinguished record of scholarship in political science and service to the community.
Haw River
Jessica Cox, child of Timothy Cox and Wendy Cox of Haw River: The Sessoms-Meyer Excellence in Recreation Administration Award, given annually to the most outstanding undergraduate minoring in recreation administration.
Henderson
Matthew Renn, child of Scott Renn and Cathy Renn of Henderson: The Robert White Linker Award, given annually by the Society to the most outstanding undergraduate residence hall officer. This award is based on leadership criteria of initiative, creativity and effectiveness and lasting contributions to residence hall living.
Hendersonville
Sierra Lyda, child of Timothy Lyda and Marcia Lyda of Hendersonville: The James M. Johnston Distinguished Senior Award in the Undergraduate Program, given to the senior student in the Johnston Undergraduate Awards Program who is most deserving of recognition for outstanding academic achievement and for leadership contributions to the University and the Johnston Awards Program.
High Point
Eric Boyers*, child of Patricia Preimats of High Point: The Paul E. Shearin Outstanding Senior Award in Physics, given to the member of the senior class majoring in physics who is judged most outstanding on criteria of scholarship, scientific insight and professional seriousness.
Huntersville
Matthew Coss, child of David Coss and Elizabeth Coss of Huntersville: The Class of 1938 Joseph F. Patterson, Jr. and Alice M. Patterson International Leadership Award, given to the undergraduate who has made the most significan contribution to increasing international awareness and understanding.
Midland
Derek Pace, child of Jeffrey Pace and Kimberly Pace of Midland: The Bernard Boyd Memorial Prize, given annually to the member of the senior class majoring in religious studies who has been selected by a faculty committee as most outstanding in academic achievement.
Mount Olive
David Joyner, child of Willie Ray Joyner, II and Angela L. Joyner of Mount Olive: The Albert and Gladys Hall Coates Award, given annually to the member of Student Congress whose service is judged most outstanding on criteria of statesmanship, commitment and constructive involvement in issues affecting the quality of the University community.
Peachland
Jake Edwards, child of Chris Edwards and Tonda Edwards of Peachland: The James M. Johnston Distinguished Senior Award in the Nursing Program, given to the senior student in the Johnston Nursing Awards Program who is most deserving of recognition for outstanding academic achievement and for leadership contributions in the School of Nursing and the Johnston Awards Program.
Pikeville
Andrew Thompson, child of Walter Thompson and Krista Thompson of Pikeville: The Paul Debreczeny Prize in Slavic Languages and Literatures, given to the graduating senior whose work in Russian or Slavic language, literature and culture is judged most outstanding by the Slavic and East European faculty of the department of Germanic and Slavic languages and literatures.
Plymouth
Renata Barsanti, child of Henry Barsanti and Amy Barsanti of Plymouth: The Jacques Hardré Undergraduate Award for Excellence in French, given annually by the department of romance languages to an undergraduate whose work in French language and literature has been judged most outstanding by a faculty committee.
Raleigh
Julia Stroup, child of Richard Stroup and Amanda Stroup of Raleigh: The Frank Porter Graham Award, given to the graduating senior who has made the most outstanding contribution to a realization of the human ideals of equality, dignity and community.
Keegan McBride, child of Kean McBride and Jennifer McBride of Raleigh: The Ernest L. Mackie Award, given to the man of the junior class who has been judged most outstanding in character, scholarship and leadership.
Wilson Storey, child of Paul Storey and Jeannie Storey of Raleigh: The Sterling A. Stoudemire Award for Excellence in Spanish, given annually to a senior who has excelled in Spanish.
Ramseur
Eric Boyers*, child of Brian Boyers of Ramseur: The Paul E. Shearin Outstanding Senior Award in Physics, given to the member of the senior class majoring in physics who is judged most outstanding on criteria of scholarship, scientific insight and professional seriousness.
Rochester
Nayira Warren*, child of Reginald Warren of Rochester: The Greek Alliance Council Award, given annually to undergraduates who have made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship and service to their individual chapters and Greek and University communities.
Rocky Mount
Tyler Blanton, child of Lee Blanton and Laurel Blanton of Rocky Mount: The Paul E. Shearin Outstanding Senior Award in Physics, given to the member of the senior class majoring in physics who is judged most outstanding on criteria of scholarship, scientific insight and professional seriousness.
Shelby
Jared P. Scruggs, child of Richard Scruggs and Tammy Scruggs: The Cameõs Prize in Portuguese, established in 1975 with a grant from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon and awarded annually to the outstanding undergraduate in Portuguese.
Wilmington
Olivia Bass: The Cornelius O. Cathy Award, given annually to the student who has made the greatest contribution to the quality of campus life through sustained, constructive participation in established student programs, or through creative, persistent effort in the development of new student programs.
Winston Salem
Eric Barefoot, child of James Barefoot and Wendy Miller of Winston Salem: The Op White Prize in Geology, given annually to the outstanding senior in geological sciences.
Alabama
Auburn
Nathan Smith, child of Bret H. Smith Christman and Stephanie A. Christman of Auburn: The Worth Award, given for sustained excellence in undergraduate study of philosophy.
Florida
Winter Park
Corinne Dymond, child of William Dymond and Jennifer Dymond of Winter Park: The Ernest H. Abernethy Prize in Student Publication Work, given annually to the undergraduate judged by a special committee to have done the most distinctive work during the current year in the field of student publications.
Plantation
Sari Freedman, child of Jeffrey Freedman and Beverly Freedman of Plantation: The George H. Cocolas Pharmacy Student Body Award, given to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated the highest qualities of character, deportment, scholarship, professionalism, participation in extracurricular activities and promise of future distinction in the profession of pharmacy.
Deltona
Arianna Ray, child of Keith Ray and Shannon Karl of Deltona: The Undergraduate Prize in Art History, given annually to the undergraduate who, in the opinion of a faculty committee, has done the most outstanding work in art history.
Georgia
Atlanta
Peter Diaz, Peter Diaz and Melissa Diaz: The Interfraternity Council Man of the Year Award, presented annually to undergraduates who have made the most significant contributions in the areas of leadership, scholarship, service to their individual chapters and Greek and University Communities.
Maryland
Silver Spring
Elisa Johnson, child of Nick Johnson and Tina Johnson of Silver Spring: The Mary Turner Lane Award in Women’s and Gender Studies, given to a senior, judged by the faculty in the department of women’s and gender studies to have made an outstanding contribution through original scholarship and/or creative production on gender and feminist issues.
Michigan
Kentwood
Ajene Robinson-Burris, child of Aundrea Robinson of Kentwood: The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, given annually to one man and one woman of the senior class who have best demonstrated unselfish interest in human welfare. The emphasis of the award is on humanitarian contributions.
New Hampshire
Concord
Ian Gallager, child of Ken Gallager and Sharon Gallager of Concord: The McNally Award for Excellence in Geography, given annually to a graduating senior who is selected by the geography faculty based on superior academic performance. The award was established by Andrew McNally IV, Class of 1963.
Newmarket
Heather P. Wilson: The Louis D. Rubin, Jr. Prize in Creative Writing, established in 1987 and presented annually to the outstanding fiction writer in the senior class.
New Jersey
Basking Ridge
Kristina Cheung, child of Wah Cheung and Kwok Mei Cheung of Basking Ridge: The Albert Suskin Prize in Latin, given annually to the undergraduate who shows the best ability to understand Latin poetry and to translate selected passages at sight.
New York
Smithtown
Michael Catalano, child of Anthony Catalano and Lorraine Catalano of Smithtown: The Undergraduate Prize in Economics, given annually to the undergraduate majoring in economics that is judged to be the most outstanding based on performance in major and related courses.
Commack
Lynn-Indora Edmond, child of Jean-Paul Edmond and Elvire Eugene-Edmond of Commack: The E. Eugene Jackson Award, given annually to the member of the graduating class whose leadership and selfless dedication have strengthened class pride and University loyalty, enriched the lives of seniors and made a significant contribution to the University.
Ohio
Highland Heights
Vishal Reddy, child of Sethu Reddy and Lalitha Reddy of Highland Heights: The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, given annually to one man and one woman of the senior class who have best demonstrated unselfish interest in human welfare. The emphasis of the award is on humanitarian contributions.
Oregon
Portland
Merrick Osborne, child of Martin Osborne and Miriam Robinson of Portland: The Edward Kidder Graham Award, given to the graduating senior who has made the most outstanding contribution to the University through his or her work as a member of an officially recognized student organization.
South Carolina
Columbia
Paige Neuenfeldt, child of Joseph Neuenfeldt and Janie Neuenfeldt of Columbia: The Jim Tatum Memorial Award, given under the sponsorship of the UNC-Chapel Hill Athletic Association to the varsity intercollegiate athlete who has performed with distinction in his or her sport and who has contributed to the University community through constructive participation in co-curricular activities.
Newberry
Taylor Livingston, child of Rick Livingston and Kathy Livingston of Newberry: The Boka W. Hadzija Award, given to the graduate or professional student who has been judged most outstanding in character, scholarship, leadership and service.
Virginia
Roanoke
Anne Baldridge, child of Duke Baldridge and Mary Catherine Baldridge of Roanoke: The Hampton Shuping Prize, given to the graduating senior who is the most outstanding undergraduate majoring in business, not only in academic achievement, but in integrity, honor and leadership potential; who shows concern for ethical management of the American business enterprise; and who respects the labor and the commitment of the individual as instrumental to the success of the organization and the free enterprise system.
Joshua Green, child of Barry Green and Ann Green of Roanoke: The Howard W. Odum Undergraduate Sociology Award, presented annually to the senior who is judged most outstanding by the department’s faculty on the basis of academic performance.
Centreville
Borahmie Chon, child of Myong Lee and Chang Chon of Centreville: the The Robert B. House Distinguished Service Award, given to the undergraduate who best exemplifies the spirit of unselfish commitment through service to the University and the surrounding community.
Williamsburg
Jaelyn Coates, child of Shay Coates and Tracy Coates of Williamsburg: The Brenda W. Kirby Award, given annually the student who has most effectively worked to establish a community of cooperation and service between students and constituents of the larger University that might include administrators, faculty, staff, students, trustees and alumni.
Chantilly
Avanti Shirke, child of Vinay Shirke and Jyoti Shirke of Chantilly: The Edward McGowan Hedgpeth Award, established in 1964, is given annually to two undergraduate members of Alpha Epsilon Delta who are voted most outstanding in service to the campus and community through the society.
Canada
St-Pierre-Jolys
Karine Martel, child of Brian Martel and Brian Martel of St-Pierre-Jolys: The Peter C. Baxter Memorial Prize in American Studies, given to the undergraduate in that discipline who best exemplifies Baxter’s intellectual excellence, personal warmth and contribution to the American studies program.
China
Kexuecheng
Hongyu Zhong, child of Zhengkun Zhong and Zhonghua Fu of Kexuecheng: The Venable Medal, given annually by members of that professional chemistry fraternity to the two most outstanding seniors majoring in chemistry.
-Carolina-
Photo Link: http://unc.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/Miscellaneous/G0000_YPXmPhWYxM/I0000iu3UN5HtfcM/C00005plBUJIuM28
About the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is a global higher education leader known for innovative teaching, research and public service. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Carolina regularly ranks as the best value for academic quality in U.S. public higher education. Now in its third century, the University offers 77 bachelor’s, 113 master’s, 68 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. Every day, faculty – including two Nobel laureates – staff and students shape their teaching, research and public service to meet North Carolina’s most pressing needs in every region and all 100 counties. Carolina’s more than 308,000 alumni live in all 50 states and 150 countries. More than 167,000 live in North Carolina.
Carolina Union Student Life and Leadership contact: Kaity McNeill, (919) 962-4408, kaitymc@email.unc.edu
UNC-Chapel Hill Communications and Public Affairs contact: MC VanGraafeiland, (919) 962-7090, mc.vangraafeiland@unc.edu