Student Applicants and Faculty Mentors Celebrate CFSA Successes

On Thursday, April 21, dozens of students and their mentors met to celebrate their work in applying for nationally competitive scholarships at the 2016 CFSA Recognition Reception. Dr. Chen hosted the students and faculty at the Chancellor’s House. CFSA Director Jolynn Parker and student speakers Terry Jones (’16), Jessica Toothaker (’17), Lily Fein (’16), and Kait Hobson (’16) discussed the benefits of the application process. Aside from the tangible rewards of scholarships, students noted that the application process encouraged them to refine their goals, articulate their interests, and sharpen their interviewing and writing skills.

At the event, CFSA presented the first Mentor of the Year award to biology professor Kari Segraves, who has demonstrated exemplary dedication to her students. Professor Segraves is committed to providing research opportunities for undergraduates and encouraging excellent students to pursue nationally competitive scholarships. As the director of the Biology Distinction program, as a Capstone advisor to many Honors students, as a mentor to scholarship applicants, and as a participant in numerous mock interviews, Segraves was recognized as a model of faculty support for CFSA’s mission. Segraves’s name will be engraved in the Mentor of the Year plaque that will hang in the Honors Program, 306 Bowne Hall.

CFSA Mentor of the Year Professor Kari Segraves holds up her award with Goldwater winner Jessica Toothaker, CFSA Director Jolynn Parker, and Fulbright recipient Kait Hobson.

Terry Jones, a Udall and Gilman recipient, talks with Native Student Program Assistant Director Regina Jones, Udall honorable mention Gabrielle Hill, and Pamela Heintz, Associate Vice President and Director of the Mary Ann Shaw Center.

Dr. Ruth Chen speaks with Luce finalist Lily Fein.

Student applicants at the CFSA Recognition Event at the Chancellor’s House 2016.