Welcome
Brandy Cox Jackson Associate Vice Chancellor Executive Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association
Recognition of the 2020 Razorback Classics Announcement of the 2020 Senior Honor Citation Winners Chancellor Joseph E. Steinmetz
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Nicholas Drake Broadbent Honors College College of Engineering J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Mechanical Engineering, German Bentonville, Arkansas Parents: Dawn and Eric Broadbent Mentor: James Leylek
• Founder and President, Society of Automotive Engineers at the University of Arkansas • Catalyst and Mentor, Projekt Future at the University of Arkansas • Konstrukteur, carbon fiber monocoque chassis for the Technische Universität Darmstadt Formula Student Electric Racing Team • Teaching Assistant, Computer Methods for Mechanical Engineers • Co-author, ten technical publications and conference presentations • Sole inventor, a suspension-derived kinetic energy recovery system; university-funded provisional patent awarded • Six-month engineering internship, Mercedes-Benz world headquarters (StuttgartUntertürkheim, Germany) in powertrain technology and business development • Attending Stanford University Mechanical Engineering M.S./Ph.D. program with a full-ride fellowship in Autumn 2020 During his time at the University of Arkansas, Nicholas Broadbent has been an intern, an author, an entrepreneur and a leader. “In response to the many tremendous opportunities I have had in my undergraduate career, I have taken great interest in drawing upon these experiences in a way that will assist future students in achieving their own professional aspirations—in and beyond the classroom,” said Broadbent. He helped re-establish the student chapter of the Society of Automotive Engineers at the University of Arkansas and has served as its president. He has worked with engineering faculty to develop a program known as Projekt Future, a program designed to engage students in research relevant to the automotive industry in order to give them an edge in achieving their own dreams. “Over the course of my undergraduate career, I have become part of something that I believe has no conceivable equal in this world; I chose to be a Razorback,” said Broadbent. “The memories I will leave with in May 2020—of the faculty, staff, postdocs, graduate students, and fellow undergraduates I have connected with along the way—will continue to serve in aide-mémoire that my heart and home will always belong in Fayetteville.”
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Bailey Janae Corwine Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology Communications Lyndon, Kansas Parents: Kathie & Matt Corwine Heather and Charles Sharp Mentor: Cassandra K. Cox
• Team member, University of Arkansas Livestock Evaluation • Team member, Allen Community College Livestock Evaluation • University of Arkansas Graduating Student Leader Award • AFA Leaders’ Conference Track 4 Delegate, Kansas City, MO • Communications Intern, American Farm Bureau Federation, Washington, D.C. • AFA Policy Institute Delegate, Washington, D.C. • President, Allen Community College Student Government Association • Kansas Farm Bureau Collegiate Discussion Meet Champion “Bailey Corwine is often referred to by the faculty in her program by a her full name because her name is as distinguished as her actions. Bailey’s campus involvement and her contributions to her local community began the moment she arrived. She volunteered over 100 hours with Northwest Arkansas non-profits, participated in Collegiate Farm Bureau and Agriculture Future of America, and served as co-captain of the Livestock Evaluation team. She has worked to combat the rural mental health crisis locally and in Washington, D.C. Bailey completed the prestigious American Farm Bureau Federation communications internship during the summer of 2019. She had eight published pieces, and her op-ed was the most popular web content and received the highest social media interaction. She faced great challenges as a firstgeneration college student, and per her own words has set an example for her nieces and nephews as the first member of her family to receive a bachelor’s degree. Bailey was offered a full-time position with American Farm Bureau but chose to serve as the Legislative Director for the President Pro Tempore of the Kansas Senate. While Bailey worked jobs, volunteered and succeeded academically at the University of Arkansas, most importantly she made time to build relationships with her faculty and her peers. For these reasons, her Razorback family is forever blessed, and I have nothing but pride and respect for Bailey Corwine.” -Cassandra K. Cox
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Ashley Paige Cox Honors College College of Engineering Chemical Engineering Prairie Grove, Arkansas Parents: Leslie and Barry Cox Mentor: Heather Walker
• Facilities Engineering Intern, Texas Instruments • ChemE Car Chair, American Institute of Chemical Engineers • President, Engineering Safety • Undergraduate Representative, Toxic Substance Committee • Teaching Assistant, ChemE Car • Safety Intern, Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering • Assistant Director, Engineering Student Council • Member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society “Ashley Cox is the kind of student that rarely comes along. She is one of the hardest working students I have known. From the time she entered our department, she has looked for ways to contribute and lead. Ashley has been involved in many organizations on campus, but her most notable effort was in establishing our departmental team for a national design competition, the ChemE Car. We had wanted to have a presence in this competition for years but did not have a student with the right combination of technical skills and passion to lead the effort - and then came Ashley. With her persistence, she recruited other students, raised funds, developed the prototype, and managed all of the team meetings. This program has been successful and is now an established class in our department. Ashley has left a lasting legacy. We are so proud of Ashley and all that she has accomplished. As she moves on to Texas Instruments, we know that she will do great things and represent the university well. Thank you, Ashley, for being an incredible role model for the students who hope to follow in your footsteps!” -Heather Walker
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Nicholas "Nick" Foster Honors College Sam M. Walton College of Business Supply Chain Management, Information Systems Edmond, Oklahoma Parents: Julie and Glenn Foster Mentor: John Norwood
• Intern, Phillips 66 Procurement • Nestle Supply Chain Co-Op • Team lead, McMillon Innovation Studio Project • CLASS+ SI Leader, Accounting I • Supply Chain Honors Society • Co-President, Beta Gamma Sigma • Co-President, J.W. McAllister Fellow Ozment • Outstanding Supply Chain Junior of the Year Award “Nick Foster is majoring in Supply Chain and Information Systems and is minoring in history and political science. He is in the WCOB honors program and is carrying a 4.0 cumulative gpa. He is one of two copresidents of the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society. He is a Walton Ambassador and a board member of the office of financial affairs. Nick is a supply chain project team leader for the Doug McMillon Innovation Studio. Last summer he interned for Phillips 66 as a procurement intern, and currently he is working for as an intern for the Nestle Corporation. This summer he will be working for Ernst and Young as an incoming staff consultant. In the summer of 2018, he participated in a Panama Study Abroad program in which he participated in an international logistics case for Payless Shoes, and in March of 2018 his team finished in first place in a Wal-Mart case competition and happily accepted a $500 first place prize.” -John Norwood
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Andrew Greek Honors College College of Engineering Biomedical Engineering Joplin, Missouri Parents: Tish and Doug Greek Mentor: Christopher Nelson
• Honors thesis, Applicability of Genome Editing in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy • Vice President, Medical Humanities Registered Student Organization • Tutor, University of Arkansas Upward Bound • Four-time Dean's Signature Scholar • Peer mentor, Premedical Honor Society • Team member, Bilingual Breathing Bear design and development • Inductee, Biomedical Engineering Honor Society, Alpha Eta Mu Beta • Volunteer, Welcome Health Clinic "I first met Andrew as a top student in biomedical transport phenomena. His interest in genetic diseases, specifically Muscular Dystrophy led him to plan an Honor’s Thesis demonstrating feasibility of new cutting-edge gene therapies to treat rare diseases like muscular dystrophy. I was immediately impressed with Andrew’s commitment to ethical issues in medicine. A student of philosophy, Andrew takes seriously a physician’s responsibility in treating patients. I enjoyed our discussions on ethical issues of drug development for rare diseases. Andrew is an excellent representative of this university. To illustrate, he is a clinical volunteer, he is a mentor to younger students including Upward Bound, a Peer mentor for Honor Societies, and has served in leadership roles in multiple societies. We need more students who think like Andrew to pursue medicine and it has been my pleasure to serve as a mentor to him.” -Christopher Nelson
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Gillian Gullett Honors College J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences International Studies, Latin American Studies Little Rock, Arkansas Parents: Hope Warren, Grady Randall Gullett and Joe Massery Mentor: Kathryn Sloan
• Student activist and founder, Don’t Keep It Under Cover, an on-campus sexual assault awareness campaign • Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholar • Recipient, Honors College grant to study abroad in Madrid, Spain • English Teaching Assistantship, Puebla, Mexico • Development Intern, NWA Center for Sexual Assault • Member, University of Arkansas Young Democrats • Attorney and Witness, University of Arkansas Mock Trial • Barista, Puritan Coffee and Beer “Some people move through life making easy choices. They don’t rock the boat or challenge the status quo. Life gives them few hiccups and fewer opportunities to feel passion. Not Gillian Gullett. Anyone who spends five seconds with Gillian senses the inner fire that fuels her pursuit of knowledge and fight for social justice. She connects with every human being she meets. She fights for what is right and true in this crazy world. Gillian is an Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholar and Senior of Significance. She earned a coveted Tyson community internship and worked for the Northwest Arkansas Sexual Assault Center. Her honors thesis examines how a community can challenge the legitimacy of its government when it fails to take care of its own. Gillian examines the pathetic response to the 1985 Mexico City earthquake and highlights the promise of human agency in effecting change. Author and social activist, Naomi Klein states, ‘Hope has never trickled down, it has always sprung up.’ Gillian is the hope and the spring. Hear her roar.” -Kathryn Sloan
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John Nolen Hedgecock Sam M. Walton College of Business Business Management – Organizational Leadership Bentonville, Arkansas Parents: Jennifer and Dr. John Hedgecock Mentor: Vikas Anand
• Future Merchandising Operations Analyst, Walmart • Freshman Leadership Forum Coordinator, Associated Student Government • Summer Intern, Office of U.S. Senator John Boozman • Vice President, Razorback Foundation Collegiate Board • Sam M. Walton Study Abroad, India • Church Group Leader, Fellowship Bible Church • Director of Athletics, Associated Student Government • Member, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity • Additional Special Advisor to the President, Associated Student Government “Sometime ago John applied for the India Study Abroad Program. He had received reminders to get his paperwork in and we were about to close applications when his application came in ‘just in time’. And ‘just in time’ is a phrase that accurately describes him. Just when you are about to give up on receiving something from John it comes in a few minutes before the deadline. But it is usually of such high quality that you excuse his almost late submissions. And when you meet him in person it takes only a few minutes to recognize that John Hedgecock is special. John has some singular achievements during his university career. In the Associated Student Government, he has had multiple roles including Director of Athletic Relations and Freshman Leadership Forum Coordinator. He interned with the Office of US Senator John Boozman. He has been the Vice President of the Razorback Foundation Executive Board. He has also been a Cell Group leader in the Fellowship Bible Church. He has been a member of the Lambda Chi Fraternity.
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While those are singular achievements in themselves, John stands out for a variety of other reasons. In his interactions with other students, John is that person who can get people on opposite sides of the most controversial decisions to have civil and informed conversations. He is the consummate diplomat who can bring people mired in conflict to the table. And even as I was writing this description, I saw a message that John sent out to a group reminding them to vote. John is going to be a proud graduate of the University with a strong curricular and co-curricular record. But in addition, he will graduate as someone who always tried to make a difference to his friends, fellow students, and his community. His future journey will be one to watch.” -Vikas Anand
Eleanor "Elle" Henson Honors College College of Engineering Biological Engineering - Environmental Engineering Hot Springs, Arkansas Parents: Marti Kinyon and Clint Henson Mentor: Benjamin Runkle
• Semi-Finalist, Fulbright U.S. Student Program • Chair, Razorback Food Recovery • Department of Energy Research Intern, Oak Ridge National Laboratory • Published First-Author, Journal of Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment • Student Undergraduate Research Fellow, Arkansas Department of Higher Education • Service Chair, Tau Beta Pi the Engineering Honors Society • Research Assistant and Laboratory Technician, Arkansas Water Resources Center • Study Abroad Programs, Community Development in Vietnam and Sustainability in Belgium “Like the story of the Arkansas Traveler, Elle Henson is an ambassador of goodwill – both an extraordinarily generous person and a well-rounded scholar. Rare for undergraduates, she has published results in the peer-reviewed literature – this research was on methods to study the phosphorus that can pollute our natural waterways and helped verify that less expensive methods of study are sufficient for this challenge. In addition, Elle has chaired the Razorback Food Recovery Team and is active in the Volunteer Action Center on campus. She has also performed many service duties for her department, college, honors society and has twice studied abroad – once with her mentor Dr. Runkle! Elle is quick to smile and laugh and is careful to create an inclusive environment around her. She’ll make an extraordinary ambassador for good works, environmental research, and international relevance. Our campus has benefited so much from her presence here!” -Benjamin Runkle
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Samia Almas Ismail Honors College College of Engineering Biomedical Engineering Fort Smith, Arkansas Parents: Dr. Samina Zareen Nadvi and Mr. Irfan Ismail Mentor: Raj Raghavendra Rao
• 2019 Harry S. Truman Scholar • Chair, Distinguished Lectures Committee • Honors College Research Grant Recipient & Research Assistant, Stem Cell Bioengineering Lab • Co-Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Associated Student Government • Student Representative, Chancellor's Commission on Women • Peer Mentor, College of Engineering • Arabic Language Immersion Study Abroad, Morocco • Campaign Fellow, Representative Denise Garner & Representative Nicole Clowney “Over the past four years, I have had the pleasure of watching Samia Ismail grow both in her capacity as an engineer as well as her understanding of the responsibilities for scientifically literate people today. Instead of running through the various accolades she’s received and the leadership positions that she holds both on campus and in the community, I’d rather recall an observation she shared with our lab after attending the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering’s annual Public Policy Institute in Washington D.C. Following a weekend learning about the duties that scientists have to the public and to lawmakers by advocating for their results beyond publications and conference panels, she remarked that “It seems as though creating public policy to reflect research findings is the final step of the scientific method.” To me this insightful quote represents her ambition to find and implement interdisciplinary, research-based solutions to some of the largest policy issues Americans face today. In doing so she has gained national recognition and has been an ambassador to the potential of the University of Arkansas’ academic talent and civic responsibility.” -Raj Raghavendra Rao
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Amrit Kannan Honors College J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Biochemistry Fort Smith, Arkansas Parents: Ragupathy and Porkodi Kannan Mentor: Suresh Kumar Thallapuranam
• President, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Medical Society • Volunteer, 7Hills Homeless Shelter • Student Mentor, EMPOWER Program • Professional Aviation Photographer • Teaching Assistant, Human and Animal Interactions Study Abroad Program, New Zealand • 4-year Undergraduate Researcher, Dr. Suresh Kumar's Biochemistry Research Lab • Study Abroad, Coastal Caribbean Biology Intercession Course, Belize • First-round admission to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine “Amrit joined my research group as a freshman. I’m usually a little reluctant to recruit freshmen into my research group. However, seeing Amrit’s motivation and extraordinary enthusiasm to engage in scientific research, I did not have the heart to say ‘no’ to him. After four years of working with Amrit, I’m glad to say that it has been my real privilege to have served as his research adviser. Amrit is one of the most accomplished students at the University of Arkansas. One of Amrit’s strengths is his focus and confidence in approaching a task/problem. I challenged him with an honors research project which, honestly, even my senior graduate students will not enthusiastically undertake. Amrit not only readily accepted my challenge but also successfully accomplished the goals of his honors research project. In this context, I’m glad to announce that Amrit's honors undergraduate research has formed the basis for an invention disclosure that will be submitted shortly. Amrit’s motivation, independence and desire to succeed are qualities which are rare to find in an undergraduate student. Amrit also has clearly demonstrated his leadership skills through his involvement with several service organizations. Despite all his success as an outstanding student, the most notable feature of Amrit’s personality is his humility. Given these exemplary qualities, I’m confident that Amrit will make our University of Arkansas family proud by all his future accomplishments! I wish him the best in all his future endeavors!” -Suresh Kumar Thallapuranam
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Gabriel A. Kupovics Honors College J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Chemistry, Biochemistry Dallas, Texas Parents: Peggy Garmon and Ference Kupovics Mentor: Suresh Kumar Thallapuranam
• Study abroad, community public health in Thailand • Independent researcher, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases • Research mentor for an undergraduate in pursuit of an Honors Thesis • Supplemental Instruction Leader, University Chemistry, Class+ • Student Medical Volunteer, Welcome Health Medical Clinic for the uninsured and underinsured • Kitchen Manager and Bartender, Nomad's Music Lounge • Orthopedic Clinical Summer Intern, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children • Clinical Shadow/Volunteer, Children's Medical Center in Dallas, TX “I have known Gabriel for the past two years both as an Honors Biochemistry teacher and as his research adviser. ‘Patience, Perseverance, and Perfection’, are qualities which aptly epitomize Gabriel’s personality. Gabriel is an extremely hard working and intelligent student with excellent problem-solving skills. Most importantly, he is a team player and is very receptive to suggestions both from his peers and seniors. Gabriel is a highly motivated student and has the unique ability to take failed experiments in research in his stride with a smile but is relentless in trouble-shooting challenging experiments – the hallmarks of a successful scientist. Given these stellar qualities, it is not hard to predict that Gabriel will be a superstar in science and medicine in the future. Without any doubt, Gabriel represents the best in the long list of gifted students in the Kumar family!” -Suresh Kumar Thallapuranam
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Chimdera Nzelu Honors College College of Education and Health Professions Nursing Plano, Texas Parents: Justina and Geoff Nzelu Mentor: Jeffrey Murdock
• President, Treasurer, and 2019 Founders Award Winner for the Inspirational Chorale • University of Arkansas 2019 Homecoming Queen • Resident Assistant & Conference Ambassador, University Housing • College Ministry Leader and Worship Leader, New Life Church • Silas Hunt & MLK Jr. Council Scholar • Tiny Tusks Breastfeeding Support, Volunteer • Music recruitment and tours in Memphis, Jamaica, Spain, Portugal, and Italy • Cardiology Student Nurse Intern, Washington Regional
“Chimdera Nzelu is the type of student that comes along only once in a very long while. One of the most driven young women I have ever encountered, Chim has been an absolute pleasure to teach and to learn from. I have been honored to watch her grow from a naïve freshman to the strong Black woman she has become. She has excelled beyond my very high expectations and is destined to make tremendous strides in the field of nursing. As a professor and mentor, we endeavor to effect change in students’ lives each and every day. I thought Chim would be another student whose life I hoped to positively impact. Little did I know that she would make me a better teacher and a better human, and for that, I am grateful. I can think of no student more deserving of this honor than Chimdera Onyekachukwu Chelsea Nzelu.” -Jeffrey Murdock
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Jared A. Pinkerton Honors College J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Sam M. Walton College of Business Business Management – Organizational Leadership, Political Science Farmington, Arkansas Parents: Stephanie and Ricky Pinkerton Mentor: PJ Martinez • President, Associated Student Government • Founder and President, Theta Chi Fraternity • Senior Conference Ambassador, University Housing • Distinguished Delegate, Model United Nations in Xi'an, China • Brandon Burlsworth Scholar • Assistant Coordinator, Freshman Leadership Forum • Student Lobbyist, Fraternal Government Relations Coalition Corporate Sales • Intern, YETI Coolers “Your 2019 – 2020 Student Body President is…Jared Pinkerton.’ Even though I already knew he won, hearing Jared’s name got me excited for the year to come. Serving as Jared’s advisor and mentor during his time in the Associated Student Government has truly been one for the books. In my short 5 years of being in higher education, I have never met a student as dedicated, determined and enthusiastic as Jared. He truly embodies the characteristics of a leader. He serves well, listens closely and advocates for those around him. He sought to unite all organizations across campus, and he successfully created innovative initiatives that boosted the university’s morale. I have been impressed with the way he creates relationships with students and administrators. He knows what it’s like to be a student affairs practitioner – he gets it. I could not have thought of a better way to end my time here than to celebrate with you, Mr. Pinkerton. I am excited to see you do great things!” -PJ Martinez
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Ryan L. Pohlkamp Honors College J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Biology Little Rock, Arkansas Parents: Michelle and Mike Pohlkamp Mentor: Timothy Kral
• Early Acceptance to UAMS College of Medicine • Summer Science Program Research Intern, ACRI/UAMS Department of Pediatrics Pediatric Surgery • Study Abroad, Universidad de Alicante in Alicante, Spain • Astrobiology Research Assistant, Dr. Timothy Kral • Grandmaster of Ceremonies, Scribe, and Awards Chairman, Kappa Sigma Fraternity • Fayetteville VA Medical Center Volunteer, Emergency Department • Junior Inductee, Phi Beta Kappa • Fellow, Honors College “In the spring of 2018, Ryan Pohlkamp came to see me about doing his Honor’s research in my lab. Due to his humble personality, I did not realize how outstanding he really was. He was valedictorian of his high school graduating class and currently has a perfect GPA in college. In my lab, we study methanogens, microorganisms in the domain Archaea, as possible life forms in the subsurface of Mars. Ryan’s project had to do with growth of methanogens on a clay found on Mars called montmorillonite. In the summer of 2018, Ryan learned the basic techniques in my lab so that he could hit the floor running in the fall of 2018. Indeed, that’s exactly what he did. Ryan was very efficient and meticulous in his work and his Honor’s thesis is extremely well written. Ryan is a premed who scored the highest MCAT score I have ever seen, and I’ve been working with and evaluating premeds since 1985. He was accepted into UAMS School of Medicine back in December, one of the first students accepted for the 2020 incoming class. Ryan is one of the most polite, unassuming and caring students that I have ever met. It was an honor to work with him. He is simply outstanding and will make a superb physician.” -Timothy Kral
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Mersady C. Redding Honors College Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences Animal Science, Human Nutrition & Hospitality Innovation, Pre-Medical Marshall, Arkansas Parents: Chris and Jamey Redding Mentor: Mechelle Bailey
• Honors Lead Mentor, Bumpers College Honors • Mentor Liaison and Secretary, Bumpers College Honors Student Board • Faculty-Led Community Development in Mozambique, Africa • Honors Thesis Research in Belize, Neotropical Mammal Survey of Billy Barquedier National Park • Research Assistant, University of Arkansas Nutrigenomics Lab: Author/Co-Author of Four Published Journal Articles • Public Relations Officer, Vice President and President, Pre-Veterinary Club • Traveling Assistant of Recruitment, Bumpers College • Keynote Speaker, Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee Meeting “Graduating from the University of Arkansas in December of 2019 with Bachelor of Science degrees in both Animal Science, majoring in pre-professional sciences, and in Human Environmental Sciences, majoring in Human Nutrition and Hospitality Innovation, with a concentration in Dietetics, Mersady was a very busy undergraduate student. In each class, she was a confident and resourceful student who was passionate about learning. Her work ethic was always, always outstanding, which certainly supported her perfect 4.0 GPA. Mersady participated in two study abroad opportunities (Mozambique and Belize) and conducted her honors thesis research in Belize. She worked in nutrigenomics research at the University of Arkansas and has three research articles either published or accepted for publication. Mersady served as an Honors College Ambassador and as the lead mentor in the Bumpers College Honors Student Mentor Program. Additionally, she was a member of the Animal Science Department REPS Team and the Pre-Vet Club. Involved, productive, excellent performance in the classroom… all of these are wonderful qualities, but most importantly, Mersady is just a kind and positive person. Wherever her next steps propel her, I know she will be the same brilliant, accomplished, and a phenomenal human- a true Razorback Classic!” -Mechelle Bailey
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Hudson M. Surber Honors College J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences Biology, Political Science Owasso, Oklahoma Parents: Scott and Jaqueline Surber Mentor: Hanna Jensen
• Reporter/Director of Communications, Alpha Epsilon Delta Pre-Medical Society Executive Board • 2018 & 2019 Summer Research Intern, Cardiovascular Biomechanics Laboratory (CBLab) • Co-Founder & Vice President, University of Arkansas Running Club • Director of Philanthropy, Kappa Alpha Order fraternity • Resident Assistant, Humphreys Hall • Director of Communications for Student Engagement, Volunteer Action Center Board • Study Abroad, Sweden and Rome • Co-Author, published research article in Experimental Mechanics “All the students honored tonight are intelligent, ambitious, and accomplished, and so is Hudson – evident in all of the accolades he has collected. What sets Hudson apart in my mind are his buoyant optimism, his all-encompassing kindness, and his bright smile that doesn’t ever diminish, even in the face of adversity. Hudson joined our biomedical engineering lab as a biology and political science student, with zero engineering background or skills. He has become one of the greatest assets we have, mastering complex techniques such as computer modeling and 3D-printing, microCT image-processing, as well as mitral valve dissection and suturing. Beyond his obvious and effortless ability to do and learn pretty much anything, Hudson always brings a sense of lightheartedness to every situation, that allows everyone around him to feel comfortable, yet without ever compromising professionalism. Beyond being his research mentor, I have had the pleasure of working with Hudson in the premedical student honor society where he served as an officer, tirelessly working to keep his fellow premeds informed, and in a good mood I might add! He also represented the University of Arkansas in a stellar fashion on a study abroad trip to Sweden to learn about different healthcare systems around the world. Hudson exudes genuine empathy, and everyone loves working with him. Simply put, the world is just so much better with Hudson in it. Wherever he goes from here is lucky to have him!” -Hanna Jensen
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Pranav Suri Honors College College of Engineering Biomedical Engineering Joplin, Missouri Parent: Sonu and Sanjeev Suri Mentor: Christopher Nelson
• President and Founding Member, Alpha Eta Mu Beta • Physician-Scientist Research Fellow, Upstate Medical University • Provided basic medical care to underserved communities in around San Carlos, Panama • Secretary, Global Medical and Dental Brigades • Co-founded Fayetteville Public Compost Program • Mentored a team of high school students in Springdale and built a walking assistant for their classmate with cerebral palsy • TA, Intro to Biomedical Engineering • Biomechanical Engineering Tutor, Student-Athlete Success Center “Pranav embodies the role of a medical scholar. While at the U of A, he has conducted research in Alzheimer’s disease, DNA nanopore technologies, and biomedical education. This is in addition to the hundreds of hours of service he has accumulated in medical work abroad and locally. I also have known Pranav as a leader and a mentor. He is a founding member and president of our Biomedical Engineering Honor society. Pranav has always sought to mentor younger students including mentoring local high school students with a design project, tutoring MCAT lessons, and developing new educational modules for future students. Finally, Pranav is a leader in our local community. Pranav is headed to medical school and I know he will become a talented physician. It has been a pleasure to serve as a mentor for Pranav and I am looking forward to hearing of his accomplishments in the future!” -Christopher Nelson
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Kate Truitt Honors College Sam M. Walton College of Business Accounting Fort Smith, Arkansas Parents: Ann and Brad Truitt Mentor: Molly Rapert
• President, Gamma Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma • Outstanding RSO Member of the Year, 2018 • Director of Homecoming 2018, Student Alumni Association • Vice President of Board Development, Student Alumni Association • Walton Honors College Student Executive Board and Peer Mentor • Director of Greek Life Relations, Associated Student Government • Member, Order of Omega • Internships, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Walmart Accounting & Finance Development Program “In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, that great philosopher, Dumbledore, says ‘It is not our abilities that show what we truly are...it is our choices.’ Now to be clear, Kate Truitt has an abundance of ability. That is evident in the scholarships she has accrued as well as her achievements. But what is much more impressive is how Kate has intentionally chosen to invest her time, the choices she has made during her four years here. Kate has served as President of Kappa Kappa Gamma as well as Chairman of their Executive Council, Treasurer, and Assistant House Manager. But she didn’t choose to stay safely in the lane of that one context. Rather, she served her college as a peer mentor then on the Honors Executive Board. Kate served the university through the Arkansas Alumni Association as the VP of Board Development and Director of Homecoming. She jumped into campus governance as ASG Greek Life Coordinator and VP of programming for New Greek Council. Like the Energizer Bunny, she interned for PWC, Walmart Accounting & Finance, Congressman Steve Womack, and studied abroad in Ireland. I think it is safe to say that Kate intentionally chose to leave our university better than she found it, giving more than she took. And I know this is also how she will intentionally choose to navigate her future journeys. I am so proud of you, Kate.” -Molly Rapert
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Maya Ungar Honors College J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences International Studies, Political Science, French Fayetteville, Arkansas Parents: Diane Serenson-Ungar and Peter Ungar Mentor: Laurence Hare
• Sturgis Fellow • Intern, U.S. Department of State • Intern, Peace Corps • Presidential Fellow, the Center for the Study of Congress and the Presidency in Washington D.C. • Founder and President, CoExist • Director of Fundraising, The Institute for Civic Organizing • Peer Mentor, Fulbright Honors College • Recipient, Fulbright Prize for Distinction in the Literary Arts “Maya’s appearance this list tonight is something I predicted in the spring of 2016, when I first met her as an outstanding senior at Fayetteville High School. I recall working very hard to recruit Maya to the U of A, and I was convinced that our International Studies program could do a lot for her academic and career plans. What I soon came to learn, however, was just how much Maya had to offer us. Even before setting foot on campus, she landed an internship with the Peace Corps in Washington, and then she followed that success with a highly-competitive position at the U.S. State Department and with international experiences in Europe and Asia, studying European integration policy, conducting research on post-conflict NGOs, and teaching English to monks in Thailand. She founded our institution’s first interfaith dialogue RSO and took the lead in organizations promoting violence prevention and Holocaust education. Through her work, Maya became a familiar face in our program, but most of our students came to know her as the peer mentor who helped them apply for opportunities or as a friendly voice helping recruit prospective students. For her academic success and intellectual engagement, but also for her leadership, her mentorship, and her friendship, Maya Ungar’s recognition as a Razorback Classic is richly deserved.” -Laurence Hare
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Darci Walton Honors College J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences History Highland Village, Texas Parents: Maureen and John Walton Mentor: Lynda Coon
• Dean’s Intern, Honors College • Teaching Assistant, History of Architecture I and II • Study Abroad, Honors Passport: Pilgrimage and Madrid, Spain • Academic Excellence Chair, Kappa Delta • Honors College Dean’s Advisory Committee • Student Ambassador • Vice President of Administration, Order of Omega • New Student Orientation Mentor “Darci Walton participated in a study abroad trip along the medieval pilgrimage trail, the Camino de Santiago. There, she presented the royal monastery of Santa María le Real in Burgos, Spain, dazzling on-site by narrating the stories of the cardinal abbesses and touring students and faculty around the medieval fabric of the cloister. Her presentation was showcased in an award-winning documentary on the Camino. Darci subsequently published a piece about undergraduate research in the Honors College magazine, A+. Another instance of her interdisciplinary acumen can be found in her decision to take an Honors College Signature Seminar: ‘Engineering Antiquity’. In ‘Engineering Antiquity,’ Darci made concrete using ancient Roman recipes, studied the civic infrastructure of global ancient societies, and delved into pre-modern hydraulics and road building. Darci is off to earn a doctorate in medieval history. She will excel in that endeavor as she has here at the U of A.” -Lynda Coon
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History of the
Senior Awards Program
The Arkansas Alumni Association established the Senior Honor Citation in 1965. This award honors the top undergraduate senior man and woman based on academic achievements, leadership skills and co-curricular activities. To connect more students to the Arkansas Alumni Association, the association began expanding the awards program in the 2013/2014 academic year with the goal to develop a three-tier awards progression. The first step in the expansion was the reestablishment of the Razorback Classic awards. The Razorback Classic awards dates back to 1916, originally a beauty contest called the Razorback Belles. The Razorback yearbook staff transformed this award in 1994 to recognize outstanding achievement by male and female students. This program continued until 2003 when the editor decided to disband the awards program due to lack of applicants and campus participation. Working with the yearbook staff in the fall of 2013, the Arkansas Alumni Association reestablished the Razorback Classics. Each year, the association names 10 male and 10 female Razorback Classics. Senior Honor Citation recipients are selected from this group. During the 2014/2015 academic year, the final expansion of the Senior Awards program began with the announcement of the Seniors of Significance program. Each year, applications are reviewed, and the top 71 seniors are selected, honoring the year 1871 when the university was founded. The next two tiers of the Alumni Association's Senior Awards program, the Razorback Classics and Senior Honor Citation, are selected from these Seniors of Significance. The senior awards program engages hundreds of students nominated by faculty, staff and fellow students and is growing in reputation. The Senior Honor Citation is now the pinnacle of a yearlong process to select the most well-rounded member of each graduating class of Razorbacks. The Senior Honor Citation recipients were previously awarded cash prizes; the winners now receive a Life Membership in the Association to emphasize the importance of a life-long connection to the University. Additionally, all past and future awardees receive permanent recognition on a plaque on the north side of the Janelle Y. Hembree Alumni House. The Senior Honor Citation winners are invited back to represent their class at events, including speaking at their Senior Walk Dedication.
Past Winners 1994 Tim Cullen Courtney Hudson Sunny Malone Amy Martin Jason Moore Bo Morrison Jeremy Smith Jennifer Wood 1995 Lisy Brown Karen Curtis Nikki Davis Brian Hitt Vince Jones Warwick Sabin Carl Vogelpohl Chuck Welch 1996 Shontarius Aikens Hugh Brown Sonia Gutierrez Tammye Hall Joseph Ham Chris Kiesling Elizabeth Lilly Paul Morris Anne Taunton Angie Webber 1997 Laura Jane Glover Chase Harding Dave Hein Courtney Hill Dejan Krunic Joseph Lease Rodney Momon Anna Prince Ashley Rodgers Berkli Wooldridge
Razorback Classics 1998 James Conklin Erica Edwards Jeff Flanigan Steven Gray Shannon James Sarah Mazer Hughey Newsome Christy Rose Jenny Runkles Warwick Sabin 1999 Eddie Armstrong Stacy Bingham Charles Davis Carlos Moreno Sonia Santos Erron Smith Erin Stone Molly Twist Shanik Woods Andy York 2000 John Forrest Ales Korienne Barnes Kari Bratvold Barry Denton Scott Gatlin Zachary Hagins Ben Hood Angie Maxwell Autumn Parker Lydia Plunkett Gaven Smith Keri York 2001 Nekilea Biven Lindsay Bourns Shelly Echols Stephanie Freeman
Devan Guillory Daniel Hazman Crystal Hendricks Lisa Ishida Rey Krisanits Stephanie Wetzel 2002 Susan Cannon Jennifer David Cliff Haynes Jared Henderson Paige Mackay Melodi Moydell Vandana Ramachandran Sommer Steifer Nici Voss Nick Westfahl 2003 Kerry Allen Matt Francis April Grossman Thad Hardin Meredith Mayes David Nelson Melissa Nguyen Barrett Petty Kevin Shipp Ramon Washington 2014 Ashleigh Alecusan Mathias Bellaiche Tera Bradham Austin Campbell Wesley Clawson Austin Cole Claire Crews Alejandra Gonzalez Fuad (Kikko) Haydar Courtney Hill Holly Hilliard
Samantha Jolly Autumn Lewis Frederick McCollum Keaton Piper Tyler Priest Maggie Jo Pruitt Bo Renner Addison Scott Will Simpson Katie Streepey Chris Young 2015 Brooke Atwell John Carradini Nicole Daniels William French Kyle “Ranger� Guillory William Hanson Kelly Hudnall Julia Kucherich Thanh Le Robert Lee Padma Mana Daniel McFarland Philip Meek Monica Miller Amy Moorehead Cicely Shannon Mohammad Siddiqui Jordan Sooter Sean Stewart Matthew Watters Amy West Kelly Williams 2016 John Grant Addison Joshua Anderson Flavia Araujo Haley Birch Hannah Birch Tanner Bone Teni Butler
Andrew Dixon Ryan DuChanois Michael Franzetti Daniel Fritsche Ailon Haileyesus Toni Jankovski Stephanie Long Hannah Pavey Andrew Pisechko Elizabeth Pittman Rachel Reece John Mark Vaughan Seth Washispack Margaret Watermann Kelsey Wheelhouse 2017 Kimberly Changose Madison Cole Alexander Crawford Lionel Davis ll Emily Degner Molly Evans Taylor Farr Connor Flocks Ashleigh Hegwood Antonio Igbokidi Andrea Kathol Victoria Maloch Justin McVeigh William Pohlman ll Thomas Selig Jake Smith Nancy Smith Jacob Stansell Nick Stauffer Kathryn Theriot Madeline Wagnon Britney Washington 2018 Ryann Alonso Macarena Arce Garrett Bethel
Jack Casey Grace Davis Sarah-Beth DeLay Breyanna Dulaney Paolo Garcia Kendrick Hardaway Sam Harris Daley Harvey Stephen Komar Karli Lipinski Tristan Locke Pooja Lukhi Landri McGregor Naseer Naseem Gray Orman Trent Scaccia Raygan Sylvester Olivia Tzeng William Watkins 2019 Nikki Nicole Anderson Anthony Azzun Spencer Bone Emma Buckner Skyler Caldwell Mattison "Matty" Cato Theodore Christian Emily Daniels Erin Farmer Lydia Fielder J.P. Gairhan Nate Garcia Brayley Gattis Madelaine Giebler Laura Gray Larry Hill Grant Hylton Emily King Madison Lester Colt Malloy Manny Mejia Kathryn Christine Rhomberg
Past Recipients 1965 Linda J. Thompson James Lance
Senior Honor Citation 1974 Debbie Wernet Graham Catlett
1983 Lee Antoinette Miller C. Lane Keeter
1966 Judy A. Baldridge Clifton C. Stewart, Jr.
1975 Carol Volk Randall G. Oxford
1984 Karen M. Cunningham Brian M. Rosenthal
1967 Rosemary Hoag Stephen M. Rousseau
1976 Roberta Boyd Kenneth L. Stewart
1985 Lisa M. Bocquet Eric O. Wear
1968 Carol Jan Harris Mack McLarty
1977 Cheryl L. Harris Carl Gessler, Jr.
1986 Lisa Renee Pruitt Mark Middleton
1969 Linda Faulkner John Michael Condit
1978 Jean Hopkins Jefferey W. Roblee
1987 Lori Genene Aylett Brett Avery Peters
1970 Christine Lee Henry Edwin S. Barton
1979 Jeanette L. Fetzer Timothy E. Perry
1988 Donna J. Loeschner Andrew A. Cole
1971 Nancy Lou Nelson William R. Meeks III
1980 Susan M. Searcy Walker M. “Skip” Ebel
1989 Lesley C. Dinwiddie Frank V. Broadstreet
1972 Judy Lukas Taylor d. Wilkes
1981 Elizabeth Wellborn John S. McDaniel
1990 Joanna Long Charles E. King
1973 Margie Ann Chapman Jeffrey Alan Bell
1982 Anne E. Baxley John M. James
1991 Amy L. Boast John P. Hogan
1992 Kimbra A. Bell Robert E. Adair
2002 Jennifer David Ben Hood
2012 Kayln Williams Ryan Harris
1993 Mary A. Nies Michael E. Newcity
2003 Stephanie Gosnell Andrew King
2013 Katie McGehee Clint Shoemake
1994 Rachel Olivia Cripps Todd A. Williams
2004 Shrieen Yvette Husain Benjamin D. Austrin- Willis
2014 Autumn Lewis Austin Cole
1995 Tonya Threlkeld Lawless Andrew Lavery
2005 Rebecca Lynn Stubbs N. Wesley Hunt
2015 Kelly Hudnall Kyle “Ranger” Guillory
1996 Celisa A. Steele Nam H. Le
2006 Catherine St. Clair David Deitz
2016 Ailon Haileyesus Tanner Bone
1997 Michele S. Cronkhite Christopher L. Turner
2007 Megan Harris Dwayne Bensing
2017 Victoria Maloch Connor Flocks
1998 Ashley Rodgers Jeremy Smith
2008 Jessica Fay Zach Donnell
2018 Raygan Sylvester Sam Harris
1999 Amy C. Drake James J. Carney
2009 Erin Gray Nate Looney
2019
2000 Angela Maxwell Robert Jason Reed
2010 Mattie Bookhout David Haynie
2001 Erin Stone Rey Krisantis
2011 Kristin A. Watson William (Billy) J. Fleming
Erin Farmer Grant Hylton
to Our Reviewers:
Thank You
Each year, the Arkansas Alumni Association invites U of A and Advancement staff, members of the Association Board of Directors and alumni who won one of the Senior Awards during their time on campus to review applications as part of the selection committee. Thank you to members of the selection committee who have helped select the Class of 2020 Senior Award winners. Eunice Alberson Kristen Allbritton Laurie Apple Lisa Ault Catherine Baltz Tim Barker Shanedra Barnes Linda Y Bedford Jackson John Berrey Debbie Blume Jen Boyer Sheri Boyer Melissa Brawner Karmen Brehmer Sean Bryant Margaret Butcher Marguerite Chapman Hoyte Cole Amy Cosgrove Judy Covert John Dailey David Deitz Audie Dennis Ashley Doucet Terri Dover Carolyn Eiler Matt Francis Carly Franklin Tory Dee Freeman LaTonia George Ronald Gillis Crystal Green
Teena Gunter Brock Haegele Will Hanson Ashley Harris Mary Kate Harrison Ashleigh Hegwood Evan Hinchliffe Steven Hinds Courtney Hudson Brandy Jackson Toni Jankovski Jeffrey Johnson Donna Jones Stacy Keenan Lane Keeter Susan Kemp Tammy Knowles Robert Koenig Deborah Korth Autumn Lewis Andrea Love Carla Martin Lisy McKinnon Rebecca Moix Rachel Moore Samantha Nutter Rocio Paez Necia Parker-Gibson Emily Piper Beth Prescott Harold Prescott Tyler Priest
Ron Rainey Molly Rapert Erin Rongers Benjamin Runkle Katie Sabo Patti Sanders Amy Shell Lee Shoultz Michele Shroyer Julie Simpson Myrlinda Soedjede Nicole Soulsby Gore Jill Starr Kimberly Stauss Bill Stovall Amanda Sullivan Kristin Swann Elaine Terrell Kevin Trainor Christopher Turner Anthony Vajda Adel Vaughn Don Walker Amy Warren M.L. Weber Devanee Williams Timothy Williams Alyssa Willis Erin Wos Kristen Wright Anna Zajicek
Pride of our hearts that are loyal and true... University of Arkansas graduates have treasured our unique traditions since the establishment of Senior Walk in 1905. Did you know that the first class of Razorbacks graduated in 1876 and that the alumni association was formed in 1878? Today and always, we continue to share our rich history and preserve our legacy for future generations. We invite you to share your pride and join the Arkansas Alumni Association.
JOIN.ARKANSASALUMNI.ORG
Beyond the Hill is the space carved out by the Arkansas Alumni Association especially for new graduates as you transition into active alumni engagement. BTH programming is the gateway to expanding your Razorback connections through fun and impactful events, professional networking opportunities, and career and job development. Be on the lookout for a monthly young alumni newsletter beginning this summer.
Stay Connected @arkalumbeyondthehill @arkalumbeyondthehill arkansasalumni.org/beyondthehill
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