CSC honors outstanding freshmen
Outstanding CSC freshmen were recognized at the Rising Sophomore Recognition Ceremony 6 p.m. Monday in the Student Center Ballroom.
The Sophomore Retention Committee, consisting of seven members that represent student services, academics, and administration, were responsible for the event, according to Jim Powell, dean of curriculum and accreditation and the school of education, human performance, counseling, psychology, and social work.
During a fall discussion, the committee decided upon a spring awards ceremony to recognize the freshmen and improve sophomore retention.
They sent out an email to all faculty and staff to nominate deserving freshmen for 15 different award categories, some including subcategories.
“We wanted to celebrate our rising sophomores and let them know we want to see them coming back in the fall,” Tutorial Services Counselor Frances Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez said the committee reviewed the details of each nomination and then collectively decided on a winner. Some categories were so close that two students were chosen.
The banquet was open to all students, faculty, and staff to attend. The cafeteria catered a loaded potato bar for dinner. As the crowd finished the meal, Vice President of Academic Affairs Charles Snare gave the opening speech, followed by Powell as emcee.
Shaunda French, social and communication arts assistant professor, was the featured speaker. She presented a speech about “The things I wish I would’ve known at 18, 19, or even 20.”
The speech was focused on self-worth, being proud to be an Eagle, the importance of professionalism and ended with a call-to action for the students to make the campus and community a better place.
“I think the banquet was a great idea,” French said, “As a freshman, you grow so much from August to May, and these young individuals deserve to be recognized for their achievements.”
After French’s speech, Powell gave out the awards and Deena Kennell, internships and career services director, gave a closing speech. According to Powell, the banquet will be an annual event at CSC.
