BIOLOGY MAJOR WINS KAUFMAN PRIZE

Noelle Gabriel of Norfolk, who graduated May 11 with an honors degree in biological sciences, was named two days earlier as recipient of Old Dominion's highest student honor, the Kaufman Prize.

She plans to attend Eastern Virginia Medical School in the fall.

Created through an endowment from Landmark Communications Inc., the $7,500 prize is named in honor of the late Charles L. Kaufman, a prominent Norfolk attorney and civic leader. The award is presented to a student who has
"exerted an exceptional and constructive influence on the university, its students or the community by demonstrating the highest qualities of leadership and service."

Gabriel was a member of the forensics team and served as captain for one year. She also served as vice president of Pi Kappa Delta and the Pre-health Club. She was a member of the Academic Honors Association, Golden Key National Honor Society and the Speech Chorus.

Her community service included: volunteer at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters; spokesperson and teacher for Learning Bridge; Sunday school teacher at the Annunciation Greek Church Cathedral; judge for the Tidewater Forensics and Debate League; and coach of the Lafayette Winona Middle School Debate and Forensics Team. Gabriel also was a volunteer researcher for EVMS.

Gabriel said she was"very surprised" when the award was announced at the Student Honors and Awards Banquet. "I'm a pretty seasoned speaker, very good at handling things off the cuff. But my body didn't expect it; I was shivering."

Gabriel, who posted a 3.75 grade point average, cited Nancy Wade, associate professor of biology, and Sandra Joe-Washington, senior lecturer of communication and theatre arts, as her most inspirational faculty members.