Management Major Romina Samson Named Outstanding University Scholar

December 12, 2013

Romina Samson and ODU President John R. Broderick

Romina Samson, a management major in Old Dominion University's College of Business and Public Administration, was named the Outstanding University Scholar for the December commencement graduating class.

Samson, who is graduating this semester with a 4.0 grade point average, was also named the 2012-13 Outstanding Management Student by the business college. The married mother of two from Virginia Beach was honored, along with top scholars from ODU's other five academic colleges, at the Student Honors and Awards Dinner Thursday, Dec. 12.

Presented by the ODU Alumni Association, the Outstanding College Scholar awards recognize the undergraduate student in each college with the highest academic average above 3.40 who has completed at least 60 hours at the university. The Outstanding University Scholar is selected from among those six winners.

The winners from the six colleges will be recognized again when they receive their undergraduate degrees at ODU's 119th commencement exercises on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Samson cited Barbara Bartkus, associate professor of management in the College of Business and Public Administration, as her most inspirational faculty member. "Dr. Bartkus' enthusiasm for teaching is always evident, both inside and outside the classroom. She engages and challenges her students but always takes time to make sure the class understands the material," Samson said.

Five other students were honored at the dinner.

Daniel Hendrix, an interdisciplinary studies major from Simpsonville, S.C., was named Outstanding College Scholar for the College of Arts and Letters. Hendrix, who graduates with a 3.97 GPA, named Jody Sommerfeldt, senior lecturer in educational leadership, as his most inspirational faculty member.

Naurus Hwig, a biological sciences major from Virginia Beach, was named Outstanding College Scholar for the College of Sciences. Hwig, who graduates with a 3.99 GPA, named Ralph Stevens, associate professor of biological sciences, as his most inspirational faculty member.

For the Darden College of Education, Nicole Gierie, a fashion merchandising major graduating with a 3.98 GPA, is the Outstanding College Scholar. Gierie named Sharon Davis, senior lecturer in STEM education and professional studies, as her most inspirational faculty member.

Ciara Joyner, a health sciences/public health major, was named Outstanding College Scholar for the College of Health Sciences. Joyner, from Chesapeake, is graduating with a 3.86 GPA. She named Bala Ramjee, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, as her most inspirational faculty member.

Amanda Gasparik, a mechanical engineering major from McMurray, Pa., was named Outstanding College Scholar from the Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology. Gasparik, who graduates with a 3.96 GPA, named Onur Bilgen, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, as her most inspirational faculty member.