The University College hosted a recognition banquet Tuesday, Jan. 25, to honor freshmen who earned a 3.5-4.0 GPA for the fall semester of 2010. Success by the Books” was the theme of the event. The advisors wanted to personally congratulate the freshmen who worked hard during their first semester.
The program was the sixth honors banquet for the University College. Previously it was held banquet to coincide with the spring honors convention, but this semester the advisors decided to hold two banquets for the freshmen. Tiara Fulton, academics advisor, said, “The advisors are there for the freshmen to have a direct professional to guide them during their first year. How do I join an organization? How do I get involved? These are the questions the advisors answer for the freshmen who are new to campus. Also the freshman center provides computers and other technology appliances for the freshman to use free of charge.”
The freshmen received certificates for their accomplishments. Following the banquet a photo session was held. Students posed for pictures with their building members who also obtained a 3.5-4.0 GPA. Some first year students who reside in the University Village were also honored during the banquet.
Ila Schauer, professional advisor, said, “Most of the time freshmen do better if they have a relationship with a faculty member. The advisors at the University College give one-on-one sit downs to discuss grades, attendance, and extra curricular activities so that if the student has any questions or concerns such as the process involved to join an organization. This gives the student a direct source to tell them exactly what to do.” Guest speaker Phyllis Spates gave words of encouragement to the honor students, reminding them that this is not the end. Explaining that she had been in the same position that they were in, reminiscing how her peers tried to negatively influence her to focus on things other than her studies, overcoming difficult times and coming out on top.
Spates stated, “These students have rejected the statistical polynomial hypothesis of mediocrity.” Freshmen have more obstacles in their way because they have to adjust to not being around their guardian all the time, balance class work and social life, and prioritizing tasks.
Senior architecture major Chris Shelton, was honored at the banquet his freshman year, said ” When I was a freshman I had to sacrifice partying, and hanging out in order to receive the good grades I got to be an honor student as a freshman, Shelton said, that he tells freshmen all the time to not get trapped in college, move in and move out as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The advisors are looking forward to congratulating the freshmen who make the honors list at the end of the spring semester.