University College students honored at reception

University College students honored at receptionMarch 05, 2009Eileen Jevisejevis@uc.syr.edu

University College students were recognized for obtaining dean’s list status during the spring and fall 2008 semesters at a reception held on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Goldstein Alumni and Faculty Center. Students must earn a minimum grade point average of 3.4 for the last 12 credit hours completed to make the dean’s list. Students were joined by University College donors, faculty and staff. In addition to achieving dean’s list status, seven scholarships were awarded to part-time students during the fall and spring ’08 semesters. One hundred and fifty-four part-time students, representing nine schools/colleges at Syracuse University, received certificates of achievement.

Dean Bea Gonzalez quoted from Chancellor Nancy Cantor’s speech given at the University of California at Davis on Feb. 17, saying that as adult students who are “learning and doing” all the time, they are uniquely positioned as both students and contributing members of society to change the communities in which they live. “Our scholars are crossing boundaries, working on the frontiers of their disciplines and collaborating with partners outside the University in pursuit of new opportunities, seeking ‘solutions’ that will carry weight as alternatives to the untapped potential, the violence and the crushing of hope that we see all around us at home and around the globe,” Gonzalez quoted from Cantor’s speech. “I encourage all of you to recognize that you are not only scholars, but community members who can serve, strengthen and support the community in which you live,” said Gonzalez. “I congratulate you on your achievements and urge you to cross boundaries in order to achieve a common good.”

Youlonda Copeland-Morgan, associate vice president for enrollment management and director of scholarships and student aid, was the keynote speaker. She praised the students for achieving a level of academic excellence while juggling the many responsibilities of an adult learner-jobs, families and finances. “You have earned the right to be tired,” Copeland-Morgan joked. “So take a brief rest, but continue to move toward your goal.”

The evening also included the induction of seven students into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society. Alpha Sigma Lambda is a national honor society whose aim is to recognize the special achievements of adult students in higher education.