Flaco Guapo Media
SAN ANGELO – “How proud can we be that these students are going to work with foster children.” “They are going to be with university professors, researchers, medical doctors, psychiatrists, to make the world be better; and then Evelyn is going to work to keep it safe.”
Dr. Brian May, in his concluding remarks as the President of Angelo State University, proudly congratulated 15 recipients at the Academic Excellence Awards ceremony held on Monday, April 29. As for that one person he singled out by first name, Evelyn, was Miss Evelyn Burch, who turned out to be the 2019 Presidential Award recipient. Dr. May presented each of the recipients with a plaque.
Prior to Burch’s award, five other ASU graduating seniors were selected for 2018-19 Distinguished Student Awards from their respective academic colleges.
• Brianna Gabaldon of Lubbock, nursing major, was nominated by the Department of Nursing.
• Talon Shoemake of Deweyville, English major, was nominated by the Department of English and Modern Languages.
• Claire Benschoter of Austin, interdisciplinary studies major, was nominated by the Department of Teacher Education.
• Angela Chen of San Antonio, biology major, was nominated by the Department of Biology.
• Lacey Maurice of Bulverde, accounting major, was nominated by the Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance.
When Dr. Donald Topliff rattled off a plethora of Evelyn’s numerous scholarships in support of her studies, i.e. the Carr Excellence Scholarship, the Honors Program Scholarship, the Alvin New Family Honor Scholarship and the Dr. E. James Holland Scholarship for Political Science, etc. he said with tongue-in-cheek, “I am not really sure what she did in her spare time” the attendees--comprised of family, friends and faculty, laughed at his sense of humor.
In an interview, Evelyn stated that while all the talk was on the proud accomplishments and rightfully so, there was also adversity that she faced along the way. Evelyn doesn't publicize it nor does she allow to get in the way of her success, but she has to wear hearing aids.
And, nine additional awards were also given to the following:
• Janessa Dunbar of Glendale, Ariz., kinesiology major, nominated by the Department of Kinesiology.
• Kalynn Hardegree of Colorado City, agricultural science and leadership major, nominated by the Department of Agriculture.
• Bailey Harvey of San Angelo, biochemistry/mathematics double major, nominated by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
• Emily Maddox of Abilene, management major, nominated by the Department of Management and Marketing.
• Jaimee Morris of Kerrville, psychology major, nominated by the Department of Psychology and Sociology.
• Kaylee Pruitt of San Angelo, health science professions major, nominated by the Department of Health Science Professions.
• Giovanna Scott of Robert Lee, communication major.
• Clay Wegner of San Angelo, physics/mathematics double major, nominated by both the Department of Physics and Geosciences and the Department of Mathematics.
• Kendell Wimberly of Whitney, civil engineering major, nominated by the David L. Hirschfeld Department of Engineering.
Dr. Brian May, ASU President presents Distinguished Student Award to Gigi Scott.
"The day was extra special because I had two of my closest mentors there to support me,. Besides Dr. Cherly T. Sparks, president of Howard College, was my boss Dr. Flores, who is more like a "work dad" to me than a boss." He has rearranged his schedule more than a few times to be there to support me," said Scott.
• Giovanna Scott of Robert Lee, communication major. Flaco Guapo asked Mrs. Scott how she felt to win another award as she has received numerous ones along the way to her senior year.
“This one is really personal to me because I was nominated by the Department of Communication and Mass Media.” Gigi was very appreciative of being supported by her peers and professors. When Gigi graduates on Saturday, May 11, she will have on her mortarboard [an academic cap with a stiff, flat, square top and a tassel] the following quote. “Be a voice, not an echo.” “I felt that represented everything I have gone through these four years to graduate.” “And the leader that I have become is someone who leads with a voice and doesn’t echo.” They bring change with their voice, instead of echoing others” she concluded. Gig plans to enter into the Masters’ program (Communications and Mass Media) in the fall at Angelo State.
Left-to-right: Giovanna "Gigi" Scott, Dr. Cheryl T. Parks, president of Howard College and Kalynn Hardegree. Scott and Hardegree were transfer students from Howard College. Both were SGA presidents and Presidential Students of HC.
ASU’s Academic Excellence Committee hosted the awards ceremony and reception from 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. which was held in C.J. Davidson Conference Center.