Commencement Report — Last Saturday the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences held its winter commencement ceremony, and for 86 of our students, this ceremony marked their transition from current students to graduates. A total of 12 of our graduate students are listed in the commencement program, and 74 undergraduate students are listed.I was especially impressed with how many of our BA students fall under the heading of “Graduation with Distinction.” Of the 74 students, 11 earned the distinction of Cum Laude (GPA between 3.4-3.7), 4 earned the distinction of Magna Cum Laude (GPA between 3.7-3.9), and 6 earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude (GPA between 3.9-4.0). This total comes to 21 students. I am very proud of all of our graduating students, but I want to mention by name the 6 students who earned the distinction of Summa Cum Laude. Their names are Brittney Elder, Samantha Ashley Holt, Jordan Thomas Kearney, Shelby Lauren LeClair, Alicia Nicole Mullis, and Brianna Nicole Thurman.
English Martin Scholars — The first two Martin Scholars to graduate from UNC Charlotte are English majors Chelsea Moore and Nephdarlie Saint Cyr. Both earned Honors in English. Their achievements were celebrated December 13th at a dinner at Macaroni Grill hosted by the Honors College and made possible through the generosity of the Martin family. Pictured with them are English honors director Kirk Melnikoff and two English faculty who supported them, Aaron Toscano and Balaka Basu.
Martin Scholars enjoy funding up to the full cost of attendance at UNC Charlotte. As merit scholarship recipients, they are supported by a faculty fellow, Jeffrey Leak, and the Honors College Associate Director for Scholar Advising, Karen James. The program’s chief administrator is Malin Pereira, Executive Director of the Honors College.
Kirk Melnikoff, Nephdarlie Saint Cyr, Jeffrey Leak, Chelsea Moore, Aaron Toscano, Balaka Basu
Kudos — As you know, I like to use my Monday Missives to share news about recent accomplishments by members of the English Department. Here is the latest news:
Sarah Minslow was recently awarded a Certificate of Merit for Excellence in Advising in the “New Advisor” category from the National Academic Advisors Association (NACADA). She will be acknowledged formally at the NACADA South Regional Conference in Charleston, SC, in May.
Upcoming Events and Deadlines — Here is information about upcoming events and deadlines:
December 19 — The CLAS Faculty Achievement Celebration will take place in the Harris Alumni Center from 3:30 to 5:30.
January 8 — The first day of classes for the Spring 2018 semester is January 8.
Quirky Quiz Question — Dr. Seuss is the author of one of the most popular books given to recent graduates. What is the title of this book?
Last week’s answer: John Ronald Reuel
Tolkien used his first three initials when he published his creative works. Does anybody know what J.R.R. stand for?