Four honored at MOC graduation
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on May 21, 2008 1:53 PM
Four awards were presented during the 54th spring commencement at Mount Olive College on May 10.
Ryan Fields, a summa cum laude graduate with a 4.0 grade point average, received the Martin Award, given in honor of Lorelle Martin, professor emerita who taught at the college from 1957 until 1987, to the graduate with the highest academic average, whose entire study has been at MOC.
A graduate of Spring Creek High School, Fields earned his bachelor of arts degree in history with a minor in religion. A $1,000 award accompanies the honor. He plans plans to teach in the public schools through the lateral entry program.
Chief Master Sgt. Kathleen Parrish, stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, received the Lora W. and Maurice H. King award. The $1,000 award is presented to a student who completed a non-traditional program at one of the college's locations.
Ms. Parrish, who has served in the Air Force 18 years, received a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice.
Dr. Kathy Best, a professor of economics and accounting at MOC, was presented the Dr. Thomas Morris Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Presented to a full-time faculty member for outstanding work with students, the academic community and leadership in and around the community, Dr. Best has been at the college since 1981.
The Dr. Thomas Morris Award for Academic Excellence went to Samantha Mitchell of Boyd, Wis., who graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in psychology.
The $3,000 cash award goes to the graduate who exemplifies serious academic pursuit and love and breadth of learning.