CCU convocation honors students, faculty
Jennifer Kleinfelter, a senior marine science major (with minors in biology and chemistry) of Orrville, Ohio, received the 2009-2010 Faculty’s Distinguished Student Excellence Award. Candidates for this award, selected by a faculty committee, must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of at least 3.75, the endorsement of a faculty adviser and a record of academic honors. Kleinfelter, who has a 3.94 grade point average, plans to become a veterinarian and has been accepted at Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
During her collegiate career she has had internships with two veterinary hospitals and with the Cleveland Zoo. Active in campus activities, Kleinfelter has been an ECO-rep for three semesters, which has involved her in organizing and promoting campus recycling programs. She has worked with many student groups such as Students Taking Active Responsibility (STAR), Students for Environmental Action and Habitat for Humanity.
Jessica Emig, a psychology major from Glenmoor, Pa., was presented the 2009-2010 Ronald D. Lackey Service Award. Named in honor of the late University professor and chaplain, the award is given annually to a senior who has served the University through involvement and leadership in campus organizations. Emig has achieved an extraordinary record as a student volunteer in a wide range of service activities. She has been involved with the Student Government Association as secretary of policy; helped found Alpha Delta Pi sorority and was a leader in campus Greek life; volunteered for Relay for Life duty annually; worked as an admissions tour guide and a student assistant in the Office of Student Affairs; served as a peer leader in the First Year Experience program; and was one of the first “Chantipeers,” mentoring freshman students in their adjustment to college life.
Paul Olsen, professor of art and chair of the Department of Visual Art, was presented the Student Affairs Division Award, which honors faculty who make significant contributions to the quality of student life through participation and leadership in the co-curricular activities of the University. Olsen joined the Coastal Carolina University faculty in 1989. He was instrumental in establishing the photography and graphic arts programs. He has served as adviser to Archarios, the student literary/art publication, for many years, in addition to his long service on the Student Media Committee. Throughout his years at CCU, he has been a steadfast advocate for student interests.
Denise Lewis, a teaching associate in health promotion, was named Professor of the Year, an annual honor presented by the Student Government Association. Lewis teaches courses in personal and community health and is active in community and campus life. She was cited for her “true passion for what she teaches” and her attention to student success. Lewis joined the CCU faculty in 2006.
The Distinguished First-Year Adviser award went to Ken Small, assistant professor of finance in the Wall College of Business. Also, Kerry Spitze was named First Year Experience (FYE) Advisor of the Year.
Departmental awards were presented to 37 students in recognition of outstanding academic accomplishments and contributions to the academic quality of their respective departments.
E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration:
- Accounting – Patricia Trombly of Pawleys Island
- Economics – Tim Kahn of Myrtle Beach
- Finance – Kaitlin Wilkes of Charleston
- Management – Plamen Tzvetkov of Hatfield, Herfordshire, UK
- Marketing – Alysha Cellini of Colchester, Conn.
- Master of Business Administration – Lisa Dent of Myrtle Beach
- Resort Tourism Management – Cissy Altman of Johnsonville
Spadoni College of Education:
- Early Childhood Education – Jodie Vachovetz of Danbury, Conn.
- Elementary Education – Emalee Bryant of Cheraw
- Master of Education – Kerri Boudreau of Murrells Inlet
- Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - Casey Janowski of Ann Arbor, Mich.
- Middle Level Education – Justin Mortlock of Myrtle Beach
- Special Education – Lindsay Hecklinger of Wallingford, Conn.
Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts:
- Communication – Tiffany Kasarjian of Glenmount, N.Y.
- Dramatic Arts – Amanda Hall of Myrtle Beach
- English – Yelena Ninichuk of Myrtle Beach
- Foreign Language – Mikaela Terry of Menomonie, Wis.
- History – Lara Blake of Myrtle Beach
- Music – Carey Barwick of Conway
- Musical Theatre – Meghan McCormick of Myrtle Beach
- Philosophy and Religious Studies – Edward Sloan of Myrtle Beach
- Politics and Geography – Amy Raffaldt of Columbia
- Visual Arts – Braden Pate of Cheraw
College of Natural and Applied Sciences:
- Biology – Rachel Bonertz of Veradale, Wash.
- Chemistry – Bryce Kidd of Little River
- Computer Science – Brandon Mayo of Myrtle Beach
- Computer Science Information Systems – Greg Galuppi of Westville
- Exercise and Sport Science – Tyler Gebauer of Eighty Four, Pa.
- Health Promotion – Brittany Birnbaum of Chino Hills, Calif.
- Marine Science – Stephanie Miller of Meadville, Pa.
- Mathematics – Melanie Vining of Canterbury, Conn.
- Physical Education – Shannon Speight of Laurel Springs, N.J.
- Physics – Donald West of Myrtle Beach
- Psychology – Michelle Thackray of Churchville, Pa.
- Recreation and Sport Management – Alysa Reardon of Newburgh, N.J.
- Sociology – Jenna Hess of Belchertown, Mass.
Interdisciplinary Studies
- Carter Weaver of Georgetown
Medallions were presented to the following students who have successfully completed the requirements of the University’s Honors Program:
- Erin Burnette of Lynchburg, Va. – Marine Science
- Desiree Leach of Irmo – Biology
- Barry Long of Varnville – Accounting - Stephanie McLeod of Chesapeake, Va. – Biology
- Lauren Mouse of Cumberland, Md. – Accounting
- Briana Patton of Fairless, Pa. – Health Promotion
- Mary Purvis of Conway – Accounting
- Brett Robertson of Saylorsburg, Pa. – Accounting
- Katrina Smith of Birdsboro, Pa. – Marine Science
- Amanda Stull of Rushville, Ind. – Biology
- Sherri Tomlinson of Myrtle Beach – Chemistry
- Frances Totten of Cincinnati, Ohio – Marine Science
- Matthew Vincent of Rochester, N.Y. – Biology
- Cari Zourdos of Caledonia, Mich. – Marine Science