Eleven students honored for freshman year achievements

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.

"While each of the University College recipients are recognized for the work that they did in their first year, we have found over the years that you continue to achieve," Richmond said. "In fact we have followed our scholars over the years and over half of them end up at graduation time becoming President's Excellence Awards winners. You are at the beginning of a very grand tradition."

Swan agreed with Richmond, "It is absolutely correct that this is not the end of the honors you will be receiving," she said to the students. "We are very proud of this group, proud that we get to meet you very early on and that we get to follow you during your career with us."

Richmond said that the scholarship is unique in that "so many scholarships are based on need and this is based on merit in and out of the classroom."

The group of students selected is a varied mix including Rhode Island natives and out-of-state students ranging in their studies from public relations to engineering with interests in everything from radio broadcasting to ballroom dancing to international diplomacy.

Halilovic, who was born in Bosnia and raised in Austria, came to America just before the start of her freshman year. She chose URI because she has family in the area and she wanted to study pharmacy. Someday she hopes to conduct research on hormone therapy for breast cancer patients.

Hanks came to URI from Colorado to study biological sciences. Hanks is involved in many campus organizations, such as the Marine Society Club and S.C.U.B.A. She is a peer mentor to incoming freshman and also works with elementary school children who are interested in math and science. Hanks is planning to spend next semester studying in Australia.

"I am really thankful that they have this honor," Hanks said. "It is a nice motivator for me to continue. It is also a nice honor."

Clough and Gosselin were the two engineering students of the group. Clough is an Eagle Scout from Vermont who is studying civil engineering. Gosselin, of New Hampshire, is studying mechanical engineering and German in the International Engineering Program.

Pontious is majoring in math and computer science and minoring in leadership studies. Among his various involvements, he is president of Phi Eta Sigma, a freshman honor society. Additionally, Pontious is involved with the Eclectic Spirituality Association, the Association for Computing Machinery, and QRI- the URI Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual Student Association. Pontious' career goals include writing novels, owning a restaurant and developing math computer programs.

Hetzler, a Spanish major, O' Donnell, a public relations major and Walters, an education and math major, are all active on the campus community through radio station WRIU. Walters was one of 60 college students nominated for the International Mission in Diplomacy in South Africa and Australia.

Kelly is also an education major, focusing on music education. Kelly plays for the university symphony orchestra, the wind ensemble, and the flute choir. In addition, she is a member of the R.I. Music Educators Association and the music department's student advisory board.

Another entertainer in the group is Laing, who is studying for a double major in psychology and math with a minor in philosophy. He is actively involved with Habitat for Humanity and the Fashion Merchandizing Society as a designer and model. Laing's goal is to be a successful and inspiring entertainer.

"I feel very honored," said Laing. "It is a terrific experience."

At the awards ceremony, Carothers commended the students for their success and their families for their support and commitment. "This is a group that will go on to do many important things in the future," he said.