More than 300 guests attended Fairfield University's annual academic awards ceremony last night at the Barone Campus Center to recognize the best and brightest students in the College of Arts and Sciences .

Robbin Crabtree, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences welcomed the students, and described the event as inspiring. "This is one event when we see not only the high quality of students who go to Fairfield, but the ways their time at Fairfield has been transformative for them," she said.

By the end of the evening over 60 students were walking around with big smiles on their faces after being honored for their scholarly achievements, research, and community service. "It's incredible to see what our students have done. You come here tonight, and you witness their accomplishments, and it really is mind boggling," said Crabtree.

University officials said the yearly event, which began more than 30 years ago, is the highlight of the year for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Notable winners included Aaron Brown from Seymour, Conn.; Sarah Lander of Narrowsburg, N.Y., and Lauren Keilich from South Windsor, Conn.

Brown, an economics major, was presented with the Lieutenant William Koscher Award in Arts for academic excellence. He was one of three students recognized for earning the highest overall grade point average in four years at Fairfield. "It's an honor, and a testament to my mother. She instilled in me the drive to work hard, and take nothing for granted," he said. After graduation, Brown won't have to look for a job; his accomplishments at Fairfield have landed him a position as an analyst with Goldman Sachs in New York.

Lander, a senior, was so successful in the classroom that it took her only three years to complete a degree in biology. For her efforts, she was presented with the science and mathematics award from the College of Arts and Sciences. Lander earned a perfect grade point average while at Fairfield. "I didn't do it alone. I had such great teachers, and support from everyone here at Fairfield. I thought I would never be coming out of college with a 4.0," she said. Lander will be starting medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y.

Keilich, a graduating senior, also credits the faculty, and staff for her success in the classroom. "It wasn't easy, and you definitely have to make sacrifices, but I had a lot of support. The professors are really great for helping you out," she said. Keilich also received the science and mathematics award from the College of Arts and Sciences for earning the highest overall grade point average in four years at Fairfield. Upon graduation, Keilich will attend Yale University where she hopes to earn a Ph.D. in chemical biology. "I'm really excited about the opportunity that I have been given coming out of Fairfield," said Keilich.

In addition, 46 students were singled out for their induction into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. The nation's oldest academic honor society, Phi Beta Kappa recognizes academic excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.

Posted On: 04-29-2011 11:04 AM

Volume: 43 Number: 290