Chosen for outstanding academic and service involvement
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management has selected 4 seniors graduating at mid-year as 2009 Honor Award recipients. They are Robin Carroll-Dolci, J. Michael Hardin, Maria Iliakova and Jeong Hee Jeong. The students were commended for both scholarship and participation in programs outside the classroom.
Jeong received a degree from the Conservatory of Music and Dance, and plans to expand her musical and teaching skills. While in school, she played piano at no cost for several choral music and dance groups.
A dual degree-holder (College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Biological Sciences), Iliakova is awaiting word on a Fulbright application that would take her to Barcelona, Spain, to conduct genetics research. In the meantime, she will attend Georgetown University next semester for a degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology ̶ Bioinformatics Track.
After graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences, Hardin will pursue a Master’s in Higher Education Administration and a career in municipal law enforcement. He spent the summer interning with the Kansas City police department.
Carroll-Dolci is a graduate of the School of Computing and Engineering. He wants to teach, do additional study and research toward a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and volunteer with the Peace Corps. He hopes to join “Engineers Without Borders” and fund an Engineering scholarship at UMKC.
The Student Affairs Honors program was established in 1975 to recognize seniors who excelled in academic achievement, involvement in university programs and service to the campus and surrounding community.
The recognized students participated in a variety of volunteer activities on campus and in the community: UMKC’s competitive robotics team; student council; mock trial team; Good Samaritan project; Powerhouse Theater of Independence, Mo.; tutoring in math and physics; Jackson County free health clinic; mission trips abroad; and statewide and campus political groups. Several students received multiple academic awards and recognition from groups including the Sue Shear Institute, Truman Undergraduate Scholarship, Bright Flight Award, Lucerna Undergraduate Research Journal, Women’s Committee Scholarship and the Chancellor’s Non-Resident Award.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), one of four University of Missouri campuses, is a public university serving more than 14,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students. UMKC engages with the community and economy based on a four-part mission: life and health sciences; visual and performing arts; urban issues and education; and a vibrant learning and campus life experience.