By Katrina Dix
Before each commencement ceremony at 鶹, the Alumni Association recognizes the undergraduate student with the highest academic average in each college and school and offers these students the honor of serving as a banner carrier at graduation.
From these recipients, the Alumni Association then selects one student who exemplifies academic excellence and achievement during their time at 鶹 as the overall Outstanding Scholar.
This year’s Outstanding University Scholar, Gustaf Lars Hansson, is a Civil Engineering major from the Batten College of Engineering and Technology. In addition to academic distinction, Hansson competed on the 鶹 swim team for four years and was twice named to the ASUN All-Academic Team for demonstrating excellence as a scholar-athlete.
He named Shahin Nayyeri Amiri, Ph.D., as the most inspiring professor he studied with at 鶹, saying, “He strikes a perfect balance between teaching fundamental concepts and challenging his students to think critically.” After graduation, Hansson plans to pursue his master’s at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, Sweden. He aspires to create safe, environmentally friendly infrastructure.
Below are the outstanding scholars for each college and school.
Strome College of Business
Outstanding Scholar: Logan Collins
Major: Information Systems & Technology
Minor: Cybersecurity
Most inspirational faculty member: Charlie Kirkpatrick
“Professor Kirkpatrick was an inspiration to me as he had a storied career in IT before moving on to be a professor. Not only that, but he took his experience to the classroom by giving us practical assignments that translate well to an IT career. Outside of his experience, his character shined bright. He truly cared about his students and their learning.”
College of Sciences
Outstanding Scholar: Jasper Davis
Major: Psychology
Minor: Human Services
Most inspirational faculty member: Jamie Hartsfield
“She was the first professor I encountered while completing my minor in Human Services, and it was under her instruction that I realized I was meant to enter this field. Her assignments were challenging at times, but never unfair, and it allowed me to think and feel deeply as I worked.”
Ellmer College of Health Sciences
Outstanding Scholar: Madison Hastain
Major: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Minor: Special Education
Most inspirational faculty member: Stacie Raymer, Ph.D.
“Throughout my undergraduate career, I have seen Dr. Raymer work tirelessly to provide students with the tools they need to succeed, and she is always willing to lend a hand when possible. Her passion for helping those with communication disorders is infectious, and she’s always coming to class with a smile on her face and fun stories to tell her students.”
Ellmer School of Nursing
Outstanding Scholar: Olivia Hryniewich
Major: Nursing
Most inspirational faculty member: Vince Falco
“Mr. Falco has helped me grow as a nurse, making me feel more competent. I was challenged in ways that helped develop how I will practice my nursing skills in the future. He always advocated for us in the hospital setting and provided many skill opportunities. His passion for teaching helped me take a different perspective on patient care to make me a more critical-thinking, holistic, well-rounded nurse.”
The Interdisciplinary Schools - Cybersecurity
Outstanding Scholar: Connor Humphreys
Major: Cybersecurity
Most inspirational faculty member: Roderick Graham, Ph.D.
“While there have been many inspirational faculty members at 鶹 during my time here, the person that sticks out the most to me is Professor Roderick Graham, who teaches sociology and criminal justice. In my courses with him, it was abundantly clear he cares about what he teaches, is highly knowledgeable, and puts forth a great effort to ensure his courses enable success.”
Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
Outstanding Scholar: Catherine Hurt
Major: Human Services
Minor: Criminal Justice
Most inspirational faculty member: Na-Twand Anderson
“My previous advisor, Student Success Director Na-Twand Anderson, was a listening ear whenever I needed one and always encouraged me to do what was best for me. When I just needed someone to validate my feelings, she was there letting me know it was perfectly fine to feel the way that I did. She is one of the reasons why I have decided to get my master’s in social work.”
College of Arts & Letters
Outstanding Scholar: Angela Willson
Major: Philosophy/Religious Studies
Most inspirational faculty member: Jim Van Dore, Ph.D.
“There are so many inspirational faculty members here, and it's hard to pick a favorite. However, my advisor, Dr. Van Dore, was great at helping me plan out my degree. He also inspired me to pursue a path of learning that I didn't even realize I wanted to go down, and I plan on continuing that path even after I graduate. He has a wonderful teaching style and I always enjoyed being in his classes and learning from him.”