LSU University College’s Summer Scholars Honors 24th Cohort

Program Aids Minority Students in Transitioning to College Life

08/10/2015
BATON ROUGE – LSU University College’s Summer Scholars presented its annual “Celebration of Excellence” closing ceremony and banquet on Friday, July 31, at The Club at LSU Union Square. University College awarded 15 book awards and two special recognition honors to the Class of 2015.

The closing ceremony and banquet enables students to share highlights from the summer program, as well as to reward the scholars’ on their academic achievements.

“Summer Scholars Class of 2015 has been another engaging experience for the 37 participants,” said Paul Ivey, executive director of LSU University College. “This 24th cohort has embraced the concepts of this program, and we expect to see each of them flourish in their academic careers at LSU.”

Administered by University College, Summer Scholars is an eight-week summer bridge program that prepares selected high-achieving, minority students to make a successful transition from high school to the university. This experience offers students the opportunity during the summer semester prior to their college freshman year to become adjusted to the academic, personal and social challenges that they may encounter at LSU.

“In Summer Scholars, we have a saying – ‘Once a Scholar, Always a Scholar,’” said Annette L. Yancy, coordinator of Summer Scholars and academic counselor with University College’s Center for Freshman Year. “Students develop friendships here that can last for the rest of their lives.”

“It is gratifying to see former Summer Scholars and invested community leaders committed to our program. The philanthropic concept of ‘paying it forward’ with these generous book awards is a testimony to the impact that the Summer Scholars program makes in our LSU students’ lives,” said Ivey.

“One of the most amazing aspects of this program is the ability to observe the transformation from an insecure high school graduate to a self-confident college freshman,” Yancy said. “This transformation is made possible because of the many LSU resources made available to our students during the eight-week Summer Scholars program.”

University College salutes these deserving LSU students in succeeding in their academic achievements, and expresses our gratitude to parents and friends for their continued support.

 

Benson, Gilbert, Smith, Walker Book Award
Maria Heitman, Franklinton, La.   
Calvyonna Houston, New Orleans, La.

Antonio Cousin Book Award
Victoria Cleveland, Baton Rouge, La.

Melissa Dillon-Dotson Book Award
JerKalynn Lawrence, Prairieville, La.
Jaycie Macdonald, New Orleans, La.
Patrick Tapalla, Denham Springs, La.
Osman Torres, Kenner, La.

Nona Mack-Haynes Book Award
Deranae Broussard, Lafayette, La.

Robin D. McMillan Book Award
Robert Gaulden, Alexandria, La.

Levar K. James Book Award
Bilqis Williams, Shreveport, La.

Leonard Johnson Book Award
Rekeya Blackmore, Morganza, La.

Saundra Yancy McGuire Book Award
Taylor Sigur, New Orleans, La.

Beauford D. & Nicole Pines Book Award
Dominique Bernard, Lafayette, La.

Philip Micah Thomas Book Award
John Le, Zachary, La.

Samantha C. White Book Award
Kendall Harrison, Westlake, La.

Special Presentation by Campus Federal Credit Union
Richard Ross III, Baton Rouge, La.  
Justin Evans, Kenner, La.

Summer Scholars Class of 2015
Noah Anthony, Madisonville, La.
Natalie Bailey, Baton Rouge, La.
Dominique Bernard, Baton Rouge, La.
Rekeya Blackmore, Morganza, La.
Adrienne Boutte, Lake Charles, La.
Dustin Boutté, New Iberia, La.
Rhashan Brazelton, Zachary, La.
Deranae Broussard, Lafayette, La.
Andrew Brown, Lafayette, La.
Stephanie Casnave, Hephzibah, Ga.
Victoria Cleveland, Baton Rouge, La.
Angelica Dix, New Orleans, La.
Justin Evans, Kenner, La.
Robert Gaulden, Alexandria, La.
Diego Gregory, Baton Rouge, La.
Kendall Harrison, Westlake, La.
Maria Heitman, Franklinton, La.
Calvyonna Houston, New Orleans, La.
Lauren Jackson, Gonzales, La.
Blair Jason, Monroe, La.
Wesley Johnson, Lake Charles, La.
Kendall Langs, Houston, Texas
JerKalynn Lawrence, Prairieville, La.
John Le, Zachary, La.
Brandon Lewis, Baton Rouge, La.
Jaycie Macdonald, New Orleans, La.
Madison Miner, Lacombe, La.
Jacob Parker, Avon, Ind.
Jordan Perry, Baton Rouge, La.
Symphony Phillips, Monroe, La.
Richard Ross III, Baton Rouge, La.
Jennifer Saulny, New Orleans, La.
Taylor Sigur, New Orleans, La.
Patrick Tapalla, Denham Springs, La.
Osman Torres, Kenner, La.
Bilqis Williams, Shreveport, La.
John Wilson, Lafayette, La.

Since 1933, LSU University College has served as the portal of entry for students enrolled at LSU.  Academic and personal success is the hallmark of a well-rounded student, and University College provides a foundation of support services for students beginning their academic careers at LSU. University College has two enrollment divisions: The Center for Freshman Year and The Center for Advising and Counseling. Additionally, University College offers retention-specific programs: Student Support Services, Ronald E. McNair Research Scholars and Summer Scholars. These academic support programs focus on particular student populations and are a significant part of the role and mission of University College.

For more information on LSU University College, visit www.uc.lsu.edu.

MEDIA NOTE:

A group photo of the 2015 Summer Scholars class is available by request. Please contact Ernie Ballard, LSU Media Relations director, at eballa1@lsu.edu.

 

Contact Jacquelyn Schulz Craddock
University College
225-578-5342
jcraddock@lsu.edu

or

Ernie Ballard
LSU Media Relations
225-578-5685
eballa1@lsu.edu