Scholars were recognized for making the President's or Dean's List, for being honored at the Black Excellence Awards program in April, for completing internships, for studying abroad and for participating in the Spring Undergraduate Research Forum.
Watson and Odyssey Scholars celebrated student achievement May 10, 2014, in the program’s inaugural legacy brunch. The event recognized participant achievements during the 2013-2014 academic year.
In his opening remarks, Elon University President Leo M. Lambert celebrated the scholars’ accomplishments and the program’s growth.
Nikki Morillo ’12 gave a keynote address in which she encouraged scholars to take advantage of every opportunity Elon offers. Morillo is currently working with Teach for America and told her personal story of growth and triumph throughout her Elon career.
The event recognized graduating scholars who are moving on to opportunities that include a doctoral program in physics at NC State University, a Leadership Development Program with Citigroup, a financial analyst position with Lincoln Financial, Teach for America, Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program, teaching ESL in Spain, iSchool Inclusion Institute program at the University of Pittsburgh, E & J Gallo Winery sales department, AmeriCorps Vista Program, and the cast of “Memphis.”
Scholars were recognized for making the President’s or Dean’s List, for being honored at the Black Excellence Awards program in April, for completing internships, for studying abroad and for participating in the Spring Undergraduate Research Forum.
These awards included but are not limited to:
- Caley Mikesell ’16, Lumen Prize, Summer 2014 SEEKHO Innovations Fellowship
- Chann Little ’17, Elon Black Alumni Network Scholarship & Black Excellence Award for a GPA of 3.2 or higher
- Colby Halligan ’15, Udall Scholarship, Ward Family Learning In Action Grant, and 2014 Spannocchia Internship, Iris Holt McEwen Community Service Award
- Kimberly Nicole Beale ’16, Zint Family Scholarship for Excellence in Human Services
- Lindsey Lou Langdon ’14, LGBTQIA Student of the Year and Outstanding Student in Peace & Conflict Studies
- Raven Bennett ’14, Wilhelmina Boyd Scholar Award, Black Excellence Award for a GPA of 3.2 or higher, & Greek Life Member of the Year Award
- Natalie Cuzmenco ’14, Samuel L. Burke Scholarship
- Iris Sullivan ’17, James Michael Elzar Foreman Scholarship
- Immanuel Bryant ’14, Truitt Center Reconciliation Award and Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award
- Patrick Merrill ’15, W.L. Monroe Christian Education and Personality Award
Associate Professor Jean Rattigan Rohr used her closing remarks to congratulate the scholars and recognize their contributions and involvement in the Center fore Access and Success through their participation in Collegiate Start, the Elon Academy, and the Village Project.
The Watson and Odyssey Scholars Program, which is part of the Center for Access and Success, is a highly selective merit-based program consisting of talented individuals who are academically strong, civically engaged, action-oriented leaders in their communities, who will benefit from an Elon education and who demonstrate financial need.
– Story submitted by Esther Freeman, director of the Watson and Odyssey Scholars Program