Top Scholars From Each ODU College Receive Academic Awards

Students from each of Old Dominion University's six colleges were recognized as Outstanding College Scholars Thursday, May 7, at the Student Honors and Awards Reception and Dinner. The awards, presented by the Alumni Association, are given to the student with the highest grade point average in each college.

Amy Wilkinson, the top scholar from the College of Arts and Letters, was named the overall Outstanding University Scholar. Wilkinson, from Chesapeake, is graduating with a 4.0 GPA in interdisciplinary studies - teacher preparation, with a pre-kindergarten to sixth grade emphasis. She named Cleteus Smith, instructor of early childhood education, as her most inspirational faculty member.

The following students were named as Outstanding College Scholars from the other five colleges:

• Business and Public Administration - Nelson Pimentel, who is originally from Portugal but now lives in Virginia Beach, is graduating with a 3.94 GPA in information systems technology. He named Vijay Kalburgi, senior lecturer of information technology, as his most inspirational faculty member.
• Darden College of Education - Sherri Norman, from Virginia Beach, is graduating with a 4.0 GPA in human services, with a minor in communications. She named Vaughan Frederick, adjunct instructor of women's studies, as her most inspirational faculty member.
• Frank Batten College of Engineering and Technology - Matthew Davis, from Chesapeake, is graduating with a 3.98 GPA in mechanical engineering. He selected Abdelmageed Elmustafa, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, as his most inspirational faculty member.
• College of Health Sciences - Brittany Washko, from Edgewater, Md., is graduating with a 3.96 GPA in dental hygiene. She named Lynn Tolle, professor of dental hygiene, as her most inspirational faculty member.
• Sciences - Laura Armstrong, from Virginia Beach, is graduating with a 4.0 GPA in biology. She named Jennifer Poutsma, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, as her most inspirational faculty member.

Amy Daugherty of the College of Sciences was presented the Presidential Merit Scholar award. Daughtery, from Roanoke, is graduating with a 3.99 grade point average in Chemistry. As her inspirational faculty, she chose Jennifer Adamski, Senior Lecturer and Chief Departmental Adviser in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

Daugherty was also one of four finalists for the Kaufman Student Award for academics and leadership.