News from the Hilltop

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2008

Area residents receive math and science awards from

Birmingham-Southern College

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—Birmingham-Southern math and science students were presented awards by the college's departments of biology, chemistry and physics, and math and computer science during the 2008 Honors Day Convocation. Listed by hometown and award, they are:

ATLANTA, GA.:
David G. Posey of Norcross, Ga., a senior computer science major – The Outstanding Senior Award for Achievement in Computer Science, recognized for achieving an overall grade-point average of 3.4 or higher and for achieving the highest grade-point average within related courses.

BIRMINGHAM Area:
Hoover/Vestavia: Jared M. Ballinger of Hoover, a junior math major – Hoyt M. Kaylor Physics Award, named after Kaylor, the late BSC physics professor, to recognize a junior or senior physics major/minor who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in the study of physics.
Hoover/Vestavia: Whitney B. Brackin of Vestavia, a senior biology major – Senior Biology Award, given to student members of the BSC chapter of the science honorary Beta Beta Beta who have acquired the highest overall grade-point averages during their college careers.
Hoover/Vestavia: Erin A. Montgomery of Hoover, a senior biological chemistry major – Analytical Division of the American Chemical Society Award, presented to a senior chemistry major in recognition of outstanding ability and accomplishment in courses undertaken and to recognize demonstration of potential for achievement in graduate study in analytical chemistry.
North/East: Wesley B. McDaniel of Trussville, a junior pre-engineering major – BACHE Scholars in Computer Science and Mathematics, presented by the Birmingham Area Consortium of Higher Education Scholars in Computer Science and Mathematics, which serves as a research experience for undergraduates.
North/East: Serena M. Murphy of Irondale, a sophomore undeclared major – Chemical Rubber Company Chemistry Award, given to students who have shown high aptitude and achievement in introductory chemistry courses with strong promise of future success in the chemical sciences.
West: Xinyan Yan of College Hills, a sophomore accounting major – Louise Hall and Robert W. Echols Mathematics Award, in honor of Louise Hall Echols who was a longtime professor of mathematics at BSC, presented to students who show potential for success in the field of mathematics.

FAIRHOPE: Bryant K. Allen, a senior math major – Acton Award in Mathematics, established as a bequest from late alumnus Sam P. Acton as a memorial for several of his family members and given annually to a student who is deemed to have reached a level of excellence in the field of mathematics.

Stephen L. Strickland, a senior biology major – Swarna P. Sarkar Award in Science, established as a bequest from BSC Masters in Public and Private Management program graduate Ranjit Sarkar as a memorial of his mother to recognize an outstanding senior in a pre-professional science area.

HARTSELLE: Lisa D. Speake, a senior biology major – Beta Beta Beta, presented in recognition for outstanding accomplishment in the field of biology and for contributions to the Kappa Psi chapter of Beta Beta Beta.

HIXSON, TENN.: Megan J. Rybolt, a senior math major – Davis Scholarship in Mathematics, named in memory of Maude Braswell Davis by BSC alumna and daughter, Myrtle Davis, given to a math major planning to teach during his/her career.

HUNTSVILLE: Cameron Hunter Daniel, a senior math major – Mathematics Faculty Outstanding Senior Award, to recognize senior math majors whose interest, curiosity, talent, and diligence lead to outstanding achievement in the study of mathematics.

Paul W. Ward, a senior biological chemistry major – American Institute of Chemists Award, given to an outstanding senior chemistry major.

MEMPHIS, TENN.: David J. Hilgeman, a junior math major – Lola Frances Kiser Scholarship in Mathematics, a tuition reimbursement award given in honor of Kiser, professor emeritus at Birmingham-Southern, to recognize a sophomore or junior math major who has shown significant improvement in academic studies.

MOBILE: Kelsey H. Jordan, a senior math major – Kappa Mu Epsilon Award in Mathematics, based upon achievement in mathematics and service to the Kappa Mu Epsilon honorary.

NORTHPORT: Julia A. Viselli, a senior biology major – Paul Clinton Bailey Biology Award, named after the retired BSC biology professor and given to senior biology majors who have distinguished themselves in one or more areas of research, leadership, service, and academic achievement.

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J.: Michael F. Johnston, a senior math/computer science major formerly of Shorewood, Wis. – Louise Hall and Robert W. Echols Mathematics Award, in honor of Louise Hall Echols who was a longtime professor of mathematics at BSC, presented to students who show potential for success in the field of mathematics.

WETUMPKA: Clark Weber, a junior computer science major – BACHE Scholars in Computer Science and Mathematics, presented by the Birmingham Area Consortium of Higher Education Scholars in Computer Science and Mathematics, which serves as a research experience for undergraduates.