UNCP Honors Braves for Academic Success
To kick off Family Weekend, students and guests gathered in the Givens Performing Arts Center for the first annual Braves Scholar Awards Ceremony hosted by the Center for Student Success. The event was put together to recognize the academic accomplishments of current UNCP students.
Of the 1300 scholars receiving recognition, about 300 attended the event Friday evening.
Awards were given in three categories: bronze, silver, and gold based upon Grade Point Average. Students with cumulative GPAs from 3.0-3.499 received a Bronze Scholar Award, students with 3.5-3.999 GPAs were acknowledged as Silver Scholars, and students with a 4.0 GPA received the Gold Scholar Award.
Students in the Bronze and Silver Categories recieved a certificate, pen and card holder while the students in the gold category received a trophy.
Students names were called by Jonathan Drahos, the Director of Theatre in the Department of English, Theatre and Foreign Languages, one by one to walk across the GPAC stage and receive recognition for academic achievements.
Many audience members thought the ceremony was a great way to display the success of the students and commended the department for their efforts.
“It’s always good to receive recognition for your achievements,” said Clayton Moe, an alumnus and graduate student at the university.
Dr. Derek Oxendine, key note speaker and Director of the Center for Student Success, spoke highly about the scholars to family and friends. “Integrity, perseverance, and intelligence” were three characteristics of the accomplished students said Dr. Oxendine.
The parents and relatives of the honorees were acknowledged as well for their support at the event and throughout the scholar’s collegiate career.
Tutoring Program Coordinator Jennifer McNeill greeted students and families as they arrived to the ceremony and opened and closed the event as well.
A choice of lemonade and water were served following the event, along with a variety of cookies. Guests were invited to the James B. Chavis University Center for Family Palooza afterward.
More events happened throughout the week as a part of the Family Weekend celebration.
