2020 freshman class defined by COVID-19 embodies passion, determination

OXFORD, Miss. – The Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarship money to an incoming freshman class that its leaders said have been more prepared to face adversity in their lifetimes than any other previous class.

This sense of challenge is primarily due to challenges brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“One thing I saw was a real sense of urgency, amongst our scholarship students especially,” said William Teer, coordinator of enrollment and engagement for the Honors College. “Sometimes people can assume that because you’re 17 or 18 years old, that means you don’t understand real life yet, and I don’t think that’s the case with our student body, especially these scholarship recipients.

“Some have faced significant challenges and overcome significant adversity. Others are very determined to see how they can solve problems they’re passionate about.”

The scholarships range from $6,250 to $8,000 per year over four years as long as the students remain in good standing with the award requirements.

The 2020 freshman receiving scholarships through the Honors College are:

• Kasia Dione Hosey, a biochemistry major from Laurel, received the McDonnell-Barksdale scholarship.
• Lorne Turner, an international studies major from Rienzi, received the McDonnell-Barksdale scholarship.
• Yalanis Isabel Wences, a pharmaceutical sciences major from Forest, received the McDonnell-Barksdale scholarship.
• Jeremy Wright, a computer science major from Gulfport, received the McDonnell-Barksdale scholarship.
• Alexandra Nicole Childers, a biological science major from Hurricane, West Virginia, received the Doris Raymond scholarship.
• Sarah Caroline Crall, an integrated marketing communications major from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, received the Doris Raymond scholarship.
• George William Lamb, an international studies major from Memphis, Tennessee, received the Doris Raymond scholarship.
• Porter Bolton May, an accountancy major from Shreveport, Louisiana, received the Doris Raymond scholarship.
• Molly Christine O’Connor, an accountancy major from Collierville, Tennessee, received the Doris Raymond scholarship.
• Jacquelyn Fae Stewart-Kuhn, an international studies major from Mobile, Alabama, received the Doris Raymond scholarship.
• Davis William Bunn, a public policy leadership major from Birmingham, Alabama, received the Harold Parker Memorial scholarship.
• Andrea Lee Udziela, a biochemistry major from La Grange, Illinois, received the Harold Parker Memorial scholarship.
• Ethan Hebert, a pharmaceutical sciences major from Jayess, received the Annexstad Family Foundation Leaders for Tomorrow scholarship.
• Jada C. Kelly, a pharmaceutical sciences major from Jackson, received the Annexstad Family Foundation Leaders for Tomorrow scholarship.
• Angeline Marie Morgan, an art major from Southaven, received the Annexstad Family Foundation Leaders for Tomorrow scholarship.
• Elsi Gabriela Munoz Ramos, an international studies major from Pelahatchie, received the Annexstad Family Foundation Leaders for Tomorrow scholarship.
• Grace Caroline Patterson, a nursing major from Gulfport, received the Everett-Williams scholarship.

“Looking at these applications, we’re really excited to be able to support the students in fulfilling their dreams,” said John Samonds, Honors College associate dean. “Every year, looking at Honors College applications gives you hope for the future. These are great students, and we’re proud of them.”

The college’s scholarship selection process includes all students who submit the special programs portion of the UM application, with scholarship finalists identified by a selection committee composed of faculty and staff. About 700 students a year are accepted to the Honors College.

“I would say these students’ records demonstrate their ability to adjust to the challenges of the day, and we choose high-performers, students who have a demonstrable resume as both citizen and scholar,” said Douglas Sullivan-González, Honors College dean. “They are more prepared to handle the adversity they are facing than many of us old-timers.”

The college is able to offer such invaluable opportunities to these students thanks to the generous support of the individuals and foundations who fund these scholarships, Sullivan-González said.