Top 2003-04 URI Freshman honored as University College Scholars

KINGSTON, R.I. — November 23, 2004 — The top University of Rhode Island students gathered with friends, family, and URI staff earlier this month to celebrate their achievement as freshman during the 2003-2004 school year. The ten students were formally inducted as University College Scholars—the top students in their entire freshman class.


At a breakfast held in their honor, each student received a certificate of achievement and a $500 check from the URI Alumni Association in recognition of their success.


“We have been honoring University College scholars for about nine years now, and have also followed these students as they progressed in their studies,” said Jayne Richmond, dean of University College and Special Academic Programs. “You will not be surprised to know that these students kept up with their excellent beginnings, and continued to make valuable contributions both in and out of the classroom, right up to graduation. These scholars are our future leaders.”


To be considered and possibly named a University College Scholar, students must earn at least a 3.99 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 4.0 in their freshman year. Then, of about 30 candidates, the students compete for the award based on the contributions that they have made outside of the classroom to the community or to their future professions. Four of the 10 scholars are from Rhode Island.


This year’s University College Scholars are:


Jeff Grant, an aquaculture and fisheries technology major from Warwick, R.I.

Nicholas Mandler, a civil engineering, German and French major from Portsmouth, R.I.

Rebecca Harlow, an accounting major and early childhood minor from Exeter, R.I.

David Hathaway who is majoring in business and minoring in pre-med both from Exeter, R.I.

Meghan Skira a Spanish and economics major from Valley Stream, N.Y.

Katherine Guilfoyle a biological sciences and pre-med student from Mt. Sinai, N.Y.

Casey Johnson, a pharmacy major from Bethlehem, Penn.

Lindsey Valentine, who hasn’t yet declared her major, from Yardley, Penn.

Garrett Passarelli, a civil engineering and math major from Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.

Sarah Elizabeth Brescia, a pharmacy major and French minor from Hampton, N.H.