By Joe Garvey
Jubilee Benedict, a biochemistry major in Old Dominion University's College of Sciences, was named the Outstanding University Scholar at Thursday night's Alumni Association Student Honors and Awards Dinner at the Webb University Center.
The Outstanding University Scholar award honors "a student who exemplifies academic excellence as well as overall achievement during his or her time at the University."
In addition to volunteering with the Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services, Benedict worked for as a chemistry tutor at the Math & Science Resource Center, performed her own research and has been recognized by a number of chemistry and science organizations during her time at ODU.
Benedict, who was born in Japan and lived in Taiwan and New York before her family moved to Virginia Beach, plans to take a gap semester after graduation and return to Taiwan before beginning medical school. She has been accepted into Eastern Virginia Medical School through ODU's Bachelor of Science Doctor of Medicine program.
She cited Silvina Pagola as her most inspirational faculty member.
"Dr. Pagola helped guide me through my first research project here at ODU and solidified my interest in chemistry," Benedict said. "Throughout the project, her hardworking, patient and kind spirit always shone through. She is not only an excellent scientist but also an excellent mentor, and I will always appreciate the effort and time she took to make my time at ODU enjoyable!"
To learn more about Benedict, go to this link.
Each semester, the Alumni Association recognizes the graduating undergraduate in each college with the highest academic average who will have completed at least 60 hours at the University. ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., and Andre Wells, president of the Alumni Association board of directors, presented the awards.
Here are the honorees from the other colleges:
College of Arts and Letters: David Ramsey
Major: Criminal justice
Inspirational faculty member: Philip Mann. "He encouraged me and was available to discuss material outside of class and the encouragement I received transferred over from academics into my professional life," Ramsey said. "I am truly thankful I had him as a professor."
Strome College of Business: Taoufik El Adel
Major: Information systems and technology with a minor in cybersecurity
Inspirational faculty member: Mohamed Rahoui. "I aspire to be more like him as I mature as a business professional," El Adel said. "Aside from his knowledge on economic and financial concepts he teaches, Dr. Rahoui is empathetic and has demonstrated the most effective pedagogical approaches I have ever witnessed in a classroom."
Darden College of Education and Professional Studies: Skylar Old
Major: Elementary education
Inspirational faculty member: C.J. Butler. "His material was relatable and informative," Old said. "He taught the class in a way that not only helped you stay engaged but also made you excited about the challenges that came with being an educator. As I pushed forward with my student teaching, he has continued to check in with those around me to make sure I have all the support and help I need. He also advocated during the placement process."
Batten College of Engineering and Technology: Savannah Moretz
Major: Civil engineering
Inspirational faculty member: Kathleen Boone. "Ms. Boone goes above and beyond to craft an effective lecture; she even managed to make statistics sound fun," Moretz said. "Her dedication to her students, her job, her research, and last but not least, her family - that's inspirational."
College of Health Sciences: Lannah Earles
Major: Health services administration with minors in management and psychology
Inspirational faculty member: Megan McKittrick.
