Kaufman Prize Finalists for 2008 Announced

Five distinguished Old Dominion University students were named finalists for the 2008 Kaufman Prize, which will be announced at the Student Honors and Awards Banquet on May 8. The finalists are:

Kojo Asamoa-Caesar, communications major from Annandale, Va. He is the current ODU student body president, TRUST founder and president, an intramural flag football co-captain and an intramural basketball co-captain. He received the Stihl Inc. Hometown Hero Award (January 2007) and Emerging Leader Award (April 2006). Asamoa-Caesar plans to attend William and Mary Law School and study international human rights law.

Michelle Barbetta, human services major from Manlius, N.Y. She is a member of the following organizations: Habitat for Humanity, Delta Zeta, Panhellenic Council, Human Services Association, Order of Omega and Operation Christmas Child. She has applied to the ODU master's program in counseling and to the College of William and Mary. She plans to earn a master's degree in counseling become a licensed practicing counselor in Virginia, specifically counseling youth and teenagers.

James R. Lin, biological sciences major from Virginia Beach. He is a member of the following organizations: Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Medical Honorary Society and the Dogwood Alliance. Lin is a volunteer for the MCAT tutoring program and a medical school application mentor, as well as a volunteer with the Hampton Roads Free Clinic. He will begin his medical doctorate program next fall, and has already been accepted to several medical schools, including the Medical College of Virginia and Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Bailey S. Mosier, communications major from Las Vegas. She is a co-captain of the women's golf team, staff writer for the Mace and Crown, and a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Dean of Students Leadership Council, ODU Captain's Council, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Society, Golden Key International Honor Society and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. She was selected as an ODU representative in USA Today's "Best and Brightest" competition both 2007 and 2008. Mosier plans to attend Arizona State University and pursue a master's degree in broadcast journalism.

Curtis M. Walton, political science major from Portsmouth. He is the vice president for internal affairs with the Student Government Association, a member of the Baptist Student Union and the Students in Free Enterprise, and was accepted into the Sorensen Institute's College Leaders Program. Walton's postgraduate plans are to work in the Iraq Transition Assistance Office for a year as a city management adviser with the U.S. State Department. As a part of the Provisional Reconstruction Team, he will help support the development of local municipality governments and the development of infrastructure and governmental services. Upon returning, he plans to pursue a joint degree program in law and public policy and continue a career in public service.

Landmark Communications established the Kaufman Prize to honor Charles L. Kaufman. The prize will be awarded to a graduating senior "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."

Up to 10 students will be selected for Kaufman Honors. The recipient of the Kaufman Prize will be selected from this group and receive $10,000. The runner-up also will receive a monetary award. Basic eligibility criteria are (1) graduating senior; (2) minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; and (3) exceptional record of service to Old Dominion University or the greater Hampton Roads community.