“Where Students Are the Stars,” a banquet held by Gamma Beta Phi honors society, recognized and awarded several of Southeastern’s own on Wednesday, April 20, in the Twelve Oaks Hall.
The Division for Student Affairs declined to host the event as it did in past years so Gamma Beta Phi took it into their own hands in order to keep the annual event alive, according to GBP Advisor Jackie Dale Thomas and the President of GBP, Christy Hutchison.
“It took a lot of preparation getting everyone together and everyone here,” said Tim Reiling, GBP Treasurer and sophomore honors psychology/criminal justice major. “I think it went really well though.”
A buffet including 7 items was available to attendees while speeches and certificates were handed out.
A Homecoming Sweepstakes Award was handed out along with the David “Woflie” Philippe Memorial Scholarship to three GPB members and the Anne M. Ferguson Endowed Scholarship was awarded to one student, Evan Gautier. Gautier found success in the Junior ROTC program and is a criminal justice major who received his scholarship from Dr. Pasty Causey, former vice president of Student Affairs. According to Causey, a criteria exists in order to keep the scholarship.
“There’s not a question in my mind that he’ll meet those requirements,” said Causey, on Gautier.
The David “Wolfie” Philippe Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Colisha Holmes, Camilo Martinez, and Victoria Odom by Kaylee Philippe, daughter of David Philippe. “I didn’t have the opportunity to know my dad,” said Philippe. “He died when I was very young.” Philippe said she does know her dad though from the legacy he left in college. The scholarship is in his memory, rewarding students who excel in the face of hardship.
“I feel really good about it. I just don’t want anyone to think I won it because I work for the office or because I am in Gamma Beta Phi; I have faced some hardships in life,” said Holmes. Odom is another true story when it comes to physical hardships, suffering from a brain tumor at a young age but has made several contributions to her groups at Southeastern.
The Homecoming Sweepstakes Award was presented to Alpha Omicron Pi sorority for the third time in a row. Amanda Rivault received the trophy from the Secretary of Treasury of the Dream Team, John Goudeau.
“It’s an honor for us to receive this award three years in a row. It took teamwork, sisterhood, and motivation to exceed the expectations,” said Rivault.
Another award was given to Microbiology Lab Coordinator, Mary Miller, for Outstanding Teacher by sophomore Nursing major, Emily Bergeron.
A group including David Cavell, former SGA president, Jared Atwood, Clifton and Dianne Speed, Janae Dillion, Katherine Quinn, Janee Ratelle, Fatima Weston and Majorie Parker all received Certified Leader Awards.
“I think it’s an excellent honor and I just have been very involved with campus since I was a freshman,” said Ratelle. “I haven’t stopped; you know just put my foot in every door possible and I am obsessed with the Lions. I love to give back to the university, and I think that is what got me to this point.”
To conclude the evening Tim Reiling, GBP Treasurer, thanked attendees for their support and wished them a good spring break.