By Kelsey Kendall
The highest-achieving undergraduate students in each Old Dominion University college and school are recognized with the Outstanding Scholar Award every commencement. This spring, the top scholars excelled beyond the classroom —competing internationally, participating in student groups and pursuing their best work under the guidance of mentors who challenged them.
This year’s top scholars for undergraduate academic programs are:
- Daniel Letter — Batten College of Engineering and Technology;
- Jessica Bruendermann — Darden College of Education and Professional Studies;
- Jodee Pugh — Ellmer College of Health Sciences;
- Alyssa Maria Dajero — Ellmer School of Nursing;
- Jackson Cleary — Strome College of Business;
- Natalie Hillinger — College of Arts and Letters;
- Panagiotis Taoulas — College of Sciences;
- John Denn Alcantara — Joint School of Public Health;
- Cylina Williams — School of Cybersecurity; and
- Aliyah Benson — School of Data Science.
Among these scholars, Natalie Hillinger was selected as the Outstanding University Scholar.
Daniel Letter — Batten College of Engineering and Technology
Major: Mechanical engineering with a minor in aerospace engineering and uncrewed systems design and development
Daniel Letter took advantage of engineering clubs and hands-on learning opportunities by earning industry certifications and competing in international competitions with the Old Dominion Rocketry Club and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. He named Drew Landman, Ph.D. (Ph.D. ’98), professor and graduate program director in mechanical and aerospace engineering, as his most inspirational faculty member for his unwavering commitment to students. Daniel’s favorite part of his Monarch experience was bonding with classmates. “In retrospect, spending 12 hours on a homework assignment with a few of your best friends is a strange, fulfilling type of enjoyment,” said Daniel. After graduating, Daniel will continue his internship at Jefferson Lab and start work on his master’s in aerospace engineering at the University in the fall.
Jessica Bruendermann — Darden College of Education and Professional Studies
Major: Elementary education with a certificate in teaching English as a second language
Jessica Bruendermann was an active member of the Monarch community. She was named an employee of the month for the University's Department of Recreation and Wellness and was a member of the Student Virginia Education Association. She received the Strong Scholars Program Scholarship, established by the Hattie B. Strong Foundation, which supports students enrolled in teacher-training programs. She named Seongryeong Yu, Ph.D., assistant professor of early childhood and elementary education, as her most inspirational faculty member. About her experience at the University, Jessica said, “Whether it was attending sports games, joining campus activities in the Webb Student Center or spending long hours studying in the library — those moments shaped my overall college experience.” Jessica plans to return to the University for her master’s in English.
Jodee Pugh — Ellmer College of Health Sciences
Major: Nuclear medicine technology
As Jodee Pugh prepares to enter the workforce as a nuclear medicine technologist, she reflected on connections she made as a part of the Monarch Nation. She said, “In every class I took, I formed new friendships and connections that helped me through times when school got tough.” She identified Sara McLaren, program director of nuclear medicine technology, as her most inspirational faculty member for sharing a passion for a growing field and making learning fun even when it was academically challenging.
Alyssa Maria Dajero — Ellmer School of Nursing
Major: Nursing with a minor in psychology
A recipient of the University’s Presidential Merit Scholarship and a perennial dean’s list student, Alyssa Maria Dajero named Jordan Dail, M.S.N., an adjunct professor, as her most inspirational mentor for pushing her to learn and act like a professional nurse. She said, “Mrs. Dail encouraged me to think critically, collaborate with the interprofessional team, perform new skills and more.” Alyssa’s favorite part of her experience as a Monarch was the "eye-opening" clinical rotations, which allowed her to explore diverse specialties like pediatrics and labor and delivery. Following commencement, Alyssa plans to pursue a career in pediatric nursing.
Jackson Cleary — Strome College of Business
Major: Information systems and technology
Jackson Cleary enjoyed the flexibility of the University’s multiple campuses and online options, which he said helped him balance his responsibilities as a commuting Monarch. Jackson identified Jay O'Toole, Ph.D., associate professor of management, as his most inspirational faculty member, citing Dr. O'Toole’s high energy and approachable nature. Jackson said, “His energy in the classroom and his obvious passion for teaching made lectures fly by and made the challenging content of the course easy to engage with and enjoy.” Jackson participated in professional growth activities, such as the business etiquette dinner and meetings of the finance and real estate club. Following graduation, he plans to enter the IT workforce, while pursuing industry certifications.
Natalie Hillinger — College of Arts and Letters
Major: Asian studies and applied language studies with a minor in Japanese
While maintaining a busy schedule as a student leader in Global Student Friendship, a teaching assistant and a Monarch International Newcomer Transition volunteer, Natalie Hillinger said her favorite experience at the University was her internship with the Office of Intercultural Relations. "Especially when I was able to use the tools and knowledge I had acquired in my classes,” Natalie said. She was inspired by Rina Okada, an adjunct instructional faculty member in world languages and cultures, who encouraged her to explore new opportunities. Overall, she said her experience as a Monarch offered more social opportunities than she expected. "I’m grateful because it was eye-opening. It was more focused on the student as a person rather than a grade." Following graduation, Natalie hopes to continue her studies abroad.
Panagiotis Taoulas — College of Sciences
Major: Physics
Panagiotis Taoulas conducted extensive research at the Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy, the Grau Lab and the High Bay Lab under the guidance of Matt Grau, Ph.D., an assistant professor in physics, whom he credited as an outstanding supporter and research adviser. As an international student, he found a place in the Monarch community, saying his favorite part of his University experience was “the people who have become a part of my life and the friendships I expect to last for the rest of my life.” Panagiotis plans to continue his education and earn a doctorate in nuclear engineering.
John Denn Alcantara — Joint School of Public Health
Major: Public health
John Denn Alcantara was a founding member of the PRJCT 12:21 Christian Leadership Club and a frequent member of the dean’s list. He was greatly inspired by Elizabeth Brown, Ph.D., M.P.A., assistant professor in health behavior, policy and management, who provided consistent guidance for his academic path. John’s favorite part of being a member of the Monarch Nation was meeting people from all walks of life and gaining diverse perspectives that changed his life for the better. Johnsaid, “These connections made my experience more meaningful and contributed greatly to my personal and academic growth.” After graduation, he plans to serve the community through public health education and eventually start his own home health business.
Cylina Williams — School of Cybersecurity
Major: Cybersecurity and psychology
Cylina Williams completed a Bachelor of Science through the School of Cybersecurity, while simultaneously double majoring in psychology. She credits Charles Kirkpatrick, senior lecturer in cybersecurity, as her most inspirational faculty member,because his organization and support helped her master new concepts. Cylina’s favorite part of her Monarch experience was the unique challenge of double majoring and the opportunity to learn new things in two distinct fields. Following graduation, she plans to move to Wisconsin to be closer to her family.
Aliyah Benson — School of Data Science
Major: Data science
Aliyah Benson was highly involved on campus in the Data Science/Database Club, the Tau Sigma honor society and the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, which allowed her to make meaningful connections with others in her field and explore her academic interests. She credits Katie Rafferty, senior lecturer in mathematics and statistics, as her most inspirational faculty member for making statistics feel approachable and building her confidence in the major. She aspires to pursue a career as a data scientist, data analyst or AI engineer following graduation. Aliyah said, “I am passionate about using data and technology to solve real-world problems, uncover insights and support informed decision-making.”