News Release

Note: Winners are listed by N.C. hometown,
by state and by country after the story.

UNC honors outstanding students
in academics, leadership, public service

CHAPEL HILL - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill today (April 17) honored 66 students for outstanding achievement in the classroom, extracurricular activities, campus leadership and public service.

Chancellor James Moeser presided at the 2006 Chancellor's Awards ceremony. Dr. Robert Shelton, executive vice chancellor and provost, and Dr. Margaret Jablonski, vice chancellor for student affairs, presented the winners with medals, plaques and prizes that accompany the awards, all made possible by donors.

"These students have made the very best of their years here at Carolina," Moeser said. "They are our shining stars in academics, in service and in leadership of our student organizations. They have earned our applause and our gratitude, and they have made this campus a better place."

Winning any one of these awards is a superlative achievement, but two seniors won two awards apiece. Theodore H. M. Gellar of Raleigh received the Eben Alexander Prize in Greek, to the undergraduate who, in the opinion of the classics faculty, presents the best rendering into English of selected passages of Greek not previously read; and the Albert Suskin Prize in Latin, to the undergraduate who shows the best ability to understand Latin poetry and translate selected passages at sight.

Steven T. Piantadosi of Reisterstown, Md., received the Marc Adam Eisdorfer Award in Linguistics, for the senior judged most outstanding in academic achievement in linguistics; and the Archibald Henderson Prize in Mathematics, to the undergraduate judged by the math department to have demonstrated a high degree of mathematical ability and the greatest promise of originality in the field.

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Award recipients are listed alphabetically below, with North Carolina winners first by hometown, then out-of-state and international winners. Students listed in more than one place are noted with asterisks.

IN-STATE WINNERS

Asheville

Sarah Ellen Carter, daughter of Tom and Janet Carter: the McNally Award for Excellence in Geography, to a senior selected by the geography faculty for superior academic performance.

Burlington

*Daniel J. Miller, son of Leigh Miller of Burlington and Patricia Miller of Eagle River, Ark.: the Paul Debreczeny Prize in Slavic Languages and Literatures, to the senior whose work in Russian language and literature or Slavic linguistics is judged most outstanding by a faculty committee.

Carrboro

Nadav Ariel, son of Yaakov and Rachel Ariel: the L. Richardson Preyer Award for Excellence in Political Science, to a senior judged by a faculty committee to have established the most distinguished record of scholarship in political science and community service.

Alec Durrell, son of Carol Durrell and the late Charles Durrell: the Venable Medal, to the two most outstanding seniors majoring in chemistry.

Cary

Kaushal K. Gandhi, daughter of Kiran and Alpana Gandhi : the Edward McGowan Hedgpeth Award, to the undergraduate in Alpha Epsilon Delta voted most outstanding in service to campus and community through the society.

Kevin Henderson, son of Patti and David Henderson: the Venable Medal, to the two most outstanding seniors majoring in chemistry.

Chapel Hill

Joyce Celeste Chapman, daughter of John Chapman: the Ria Stambaugh Undergraduate Award for Excellence in German, to the graduating senior judged to have achieved the most distinguished academic record in German language and literature.

Garrett Hall, son of Bob and Dede Hall: the Hampton Shuping Prize, to a senior who excels in academics, integrity and leadership; shows concern for ethical management; and respects individual commitment to the success of free enterprise.

Anh Q. Ly, daughter of Ba Tran and Chi Ly: the Ernest H. Abernethy Prize in Student Publication Work, to the student judged by a special committee to have done the most distinctive work in student publications during the current year.

Katherine G. MacLean, daughter of Douglas MacLean and Susan Wolf: the Panhellenic Council Award, to the undergraduate who has made the most significant contributions in leadership, scholarship, service to her chapter and the Greek and university communities.

Kunal Nandy, son of Kailas and Indrani Nandy: the Cornelius O. Cathey Award, to the student who has made the greatest contribution to the quality of campus life through sustained, constructive participation in student programs, or through creative, persistent effort in development of new student programs.

Gregory P. Richmond, son of Jim and Olga Richmond: the James O. Cansler Service Award, presented annually to a student whose faith has inspired outstanding service to the needs of humanity.

Charlotte

Neepa K. Mehta, daughter of Varsha and Kurang Mehta: the Irene F. Lee Award, to the senior woman judged most outstanding in leadership, character and scholarship.

Davidson

Jennifer C. Mullins, daughter of Nancy and Jim Mullins: the Willie P. Mangum Medal in Oratory, to the senior who, in the opinion of judges, gives the best oration at an annual contest.

Durham

Pierce Freelon, son of Nnenna and Phil Freelon: the Chi Omega Award for Scholarship and Leadership, to the senior student in the School of Education chosen as most outstanding in scholastic achievement and exemplary leadership.

Garner

Bobby L. Whisnant Jr., son of Bobby L. Whisnant Sr. and Connie Whisnant: the E. Eugene Jackson Award, to the senior whose leadership and selfless dedication have strengthened class pride and university loyalty, enriched the lives of seniors and made the most significant contribution to the university.

Greensboro

Morgan Diamond, daughter of Barbara and Michael Diamond: the Mary Turner Lane Award in Women's Studies, to the senior judged to have made an outstanding contribution to research on women's issues.

Stephen Coleman Lassiter, son of Tom and Nancy Lassiter: the Ernest L. Mackie Award, to the junior man judged most outstanding in character, scholarship and leadership.

High Point

Allison Paige Money, daughter of Dr. Craig Money and Dr. Mary Ellen Henderson: the Mary Turner Lane Award in Women's Studies, to the senior judged to have made an outstanding contribution to research on women's issues.

Hillsborough

Lonnie David Bell, son of Irene and Lonnie Bell: the Bernard Boyd Memorial Prize, to the senior majoring in religious studies who has been selected by a faculty committee as most outstanding in academic achievement.

Holden Beach

Jody E. Cedzidlo, daughter of Barbara Cedzidlo and Gary Cedzidlo and Patricia Paulson: the Alexander Julian Fellowship in Design, to an undergraduate exhibiting an outstanding sense of design that the faculty interprets as a mature integration of formal issues and content.

Jacksonville

Tyrone Harvey, son of Anthony and Deborah Harvey: the National Pan-Hellenic Council Award, to the undergraduate who has made the most significant contributions in leadership, scholarship and service to her individual chapter and the Greek and university communities.

Lewisville

Matthew Hart Ward, son of Jeff and Martha Ward: the Howard W. Odum Undergraduate Sociology Award, to the senior judged by the department faculty as the most outstanding in academic performance.

Matthews

Jason Anthony Ingrao, son of Mary and Anthony Ingrao: the Robert White Linker Award, to the most outstanding undergraduate residence hall officer.

North Topsail Beach

Luke J. Farley, son of Richard and Marguerite Farley: the Albert and Gladys Hall Coates Award, to the Student Congress member whose service there is judged most outstanding in statesmanship, commitment and constructive involvement in issues affecting the quality of the university community.

Oxford

Chasity L. Wilson, daughter of Delores and Barry Hawley: the Roger A. Davis Memorial Award, to the undergraduate judged to have given outstanding service to the university, especially in residence hall programs.

Pikeville

April Susan Herndon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Herndon III: the George H. Cocolas Pharmacy Student Body Award, to the senior who has demonstrated the highest qualities of character, deportment, scholarship, professionalism and participation in co-curricular activities.

Raleigh

Sumeet L. Banker, son of Lalit and Rekha Banker: the Walter S. Spearman Award, to the senior man judged most outstanding in academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership qualities and strength of character.

Justin Harrison Blank, son of Deborah and Gary Blank: the Worth Award, for sustained excellence in undergraduate study of philosophy, based on course performance and faculty recommendation.

Patricia Keeton Crowder, daughter of Pat Crowder: the George Livas Award, to the most outstanding senior in the School of Nursing.

Andrew M. Fuller, son of Mr. and Mrs. Larry Fuller: the Paul E. Shearin Outstanding Senior Award in Physics, to the senior physics major judged most outstanding in scholarship, scientific insight and professional seriousness.

Theodore H. M. Gellar, son of Richard Gellar: the Eben Alexander Prize in Greek, to the undergraduate who, in the opinion of the classics faculty, presents the best rendering into English of selected passages of Greek not previously read; and the Albert Suskin Prize in Latin, to the undergraduate who shows the best ability to understand Latin poetry and translate selected passages at sight.

Jeanne B. Morris, daughter of Tom and Debby Morris: the Ferebee Taylor Award, to the senior who has made the greatest contribution to the continued vitality and strength of the honor code.

Hannah Elizabeth Sink, daughter of Myra and Jim Sink: the Mary Turner Lane Award in Women's Studies, to the senior judged to have made an outstanding contribution to research on women's issues.

William L. Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smith: the Peter C. Baxter Memorial Prize in American Studies, to the undergraduate in that discipline who best exemplifies Baxter's intellectual excellence, personal warmth and creativity.

Timothy M. Stallmann, son of Martha Stallman: the Archibald Henderson Prize in Mathematics, to the undergraduate judged by the mathematics department to have demonstrated a high degree of mathematical ability and the greatest promise of originality in the field.

Mathilde M. Verdier, daughter of Monique Granger and Marc Verdier and stepfather Alain Granger: the Class of 1938 Joseph F. Patterson Jr. and Alice M. Patterson International Leadership Award, to the undergraduate who has made the most significant contribution to increasing international awareness and understanding.

Blake A. Wynia, son of Joyce and Virgil Wynia: the Earl Slocum Band Award, to the senior in the University Bands who has demonstrated meritorious achievement in musicianship, leadership and academic excellence, and who also has made a significant contribution to the growth and success of the band program.

Snow Hill

Quinton A. Harper, son of Debra A. Yancey and Junior Harper Jr.: the Wallace Ray Peppers Award in Performance of African and African-American Literature, to the junior or senior in that department who is judged by a faculty committee to be most outstanding in performance of African and African-American literature.

Stanfield

Luke Michael Russ, son of Gary and Penny Russ: the Sport Club Council Achievement Award, to the student who has made the greatest contribution to the vitality and strength of club sports.

Tryon

Cristina N. Pace, daughter of Pilar Pace: the James M. Johnston Distinguished Senior Award in Nursing, to a senior in the Johnston Nursing Awards Program for outstanding academic achievement and leadership contributions in the School of Nursing and the Johnston program.

Wilmington

Jasmin Juanita Hines: the Robert B. House Distinguished Service Medal, to the undergraduate student who best exemplifies the spirit of unselfish commitment through service to the university and the surrounding community.

OUT-OF-STATE WINNERS

Alabama

Derwin L. Dubose of York, son of Bobbie Pope-Dubose: the Frank Porter Graham Award, to the senior who has made the most outstanding contribution to realization of the human ideals of equality, dignity and community.

Arkansas

*Daniel J. Miller, son of Leigh Miller of Burlington and Patricia Miller of Eagle River, Ark.: the Paul Debreczeny Prize in Slavic Languages and Literatures, to the senior whose work in Russian language and literature or Slavic linguistics is judged most outstanding by a faculty committee.

Florida

Cara A. Perinetti, daughter of Robert and Cynthia Perinetti of Holmes Beach: the James M. Johnston Distinguished Senior Award, to a senior in the Johnston Undergraduate Awards Program for outstanding academic achievement and leadership contributions to the university and the program.

Georgia

Ada Katherine Wilson, daughter of Carol Annette Wilson and Zaphon Robert Wilson of Savannah: the George Moses Horton Award for Multicultural Leadership, to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, initiative and creativity in multicultural education programs.

Maryland

Alexander Peter Creticos, son of Ruth Creticos of Crownsville: the Jacques Hardré Undergraduate Award for Excellence in French, to an undergraduate whose work in French language and literature has been judged most outstanding by a faculty committee.

Steven T. Piantadosi, son of Bonnie Piantadosi of Reisterstown: the Marc Adam Eisdorfer Award in Linguistics, to the senior judged most outstanding in academic achievement in linguistics; and the Archibald Henderson Prize in Mathematics, to the undergraduate judged by the mathematics department to have demonstrated a high degree of mathematical ability and the greatest promise of originality in the field.

Michigan

Jessica E. Clemens, daughter of Susan and Gary Clark of Rochester Hills: the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, to one man and one woman in the graduating class who have best demonstrated unselfish interest in human welfare.

Jourdan E. Stuart, son of Janet and William Stuart of East Grand Rapids: the Sterling A. Stoudemire Award for Excellence in Spanish.

Missouri

*Amy E. Armstrong, daughter of Gail Armstrong of Chesterfield and Frederic G. Armstrong Jr. of Helena, Mont.: the Patrick F. Earey Award, to a senior who has exhibited outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and leadership.

Mississippi

Jocelyn Oshrin, daughter of Joanne and Steve Oshrin of Hattiesburg: the Op White Prize in Geology, to the outstanding senior in geology.

Montana

*Amy E. Armstrong, daughter of Gail Armstrong of Chesterfield, Mo. and Frederic G. Armstrong Jr. of Helena: the Patrick F. Earey Award, to a senior who has exhibited outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and leadership.

New York

Thomas Merrihew, son of Peggy and Don Merrihew of Queensbury: the Interfraternity Council Award, to the undergraduate who has made the most significant contributions in leadership, scholarship and service to his chapter and the Greek and university communities.

Ohio

Jonathan David Saas, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Saas of Oxford: the Kenneth C. Royall Award, to the senior Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet who demonstrates excellence in scholarship, leadership and officership.

Laurel Kate Wamsley, daughter of Jay and Donna Wamsley of Athens: the Louis D. Rubin Jr. Prize in Creative Writing, to the outstanding fiction writer in the senior class.

Pennsylvania

Lisa S. Bevevino, daughter of Joseph and Cynthia Bevevino of Beaver: the Robert B. House Memorial Prize in Poetry, to a senior for distinguished work in poetry.

Scott Cassata, nephew of Dawn Betts of Phoenixville: the Camões Prize in Portuguese, to the outstanding undergraduate in Portuguese.

Jessica K. Polka, daughter of Dan and Trudy Polka of Lumberville: the Jane Craige Gray Memorial Award, to the junior woman judged most outstanding in character, scholarship and leadership.

Joel W. Thomas, son of Mary and Harold Thomas of Allentown: the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, to one man and one woman in the graduating class who have best demonstrated unselfish interest in human welfare.

South Carolina

Shayla Freeman, daughter of Allen and Diane Freeman of Greenville: the Mary Turner Lane Award in Women's Studies, to the senior judged to have made an outstanding contribution to research on women's issues.

Jonelle S. Grant, daughter of Harvin and Gladys Grant of Rembert: the Boka W. Hadzija Graduate Award, to a graduate or professional student judged as outstanding in character, scholarship and leadership, won by two students this year.

Tennessee

Samuel D. Kennedy III, son of Mary Susan Kennedy and Delk Kennedy of Columbia: the Josephus Daniels Scholarship Medal, to the senior midshipman in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps with the highest average in academic courses.

Charlotte Jordan Robbins, daughter of Charlotte Robbins of Memphis: the Undergraduate Prize in Art History, to the undergraduate who, in the opinion of a faculty committee, has done the most outstanding work in art history.

Virginia

Susan R. Fisk, daughter of Carolyn and Brad Fisk of Falls Church: the Undergraduate Prize in Economics, to the economics major judged most outstanding, based on performance in major and related courses.

Alexander M. Freeman, son of Jane and Allen Freeman of Crozet: the J. Maryon Saunders Award, to the senior who has contributed most to the preservation and enhancement of loyalty and goodwill between the university and its students, alumni and friends.

Matthew P. McDowell, son of Janet and John McDowell of Roanoke: the John Johnston Parker Jr. Medal for Unique Leadership in Student Government, to the senior who has demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership in perpetuating the spirit and honor of student self-government.

Canada

Pablo Durana, son of Juanita and Roberto Durana of Montreal: the Jim Tatum Memorial Award, to the varsity intercollegiate athlete who has performed with distinction in his or her sport and contributed to the university community through constructive participation in extracurricular activities.

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