A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor, a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

VIRGINIA TECH 1998 OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARDS
NAME: J. Michael Schmidt
COLLEGE: Agriculture and Life Sciences
MAJOR: Environmental science
HOMETOWN: Herndon
"Over the past two years, Mike has worked on an hourly basis for my soil-characterization laboratory and has effortlessly mastered any task that I have thrown at him including soil chemistry, scientific computing and graphics, hand-drafting of scientific figures, and various physical analyses of soils."
Lee Daniels, crop soil and environmental science professor
NAME: Holly A. MacDonald
COLLEGE: Architecture and Urban Studies
MAJOR(s): Architecture and French
HOMETOWN: Hudson, OH
"Holly is fully committed to her education. She is currently working on a thesis that brings together her professional study of architecture and the discipline of the French language. A quiet and determined young woman, she is active in a number of programs including Habitat for Humanity, French Club, New Virginians, Skydiving Club, as well as helping other students through the Academic Enrichment Tutoring Program. She is a model citizen as well as a fine student."
A.J. Davis, chair of the Architecture Professional Program
NAME: Jody Geoghegan Davidson
COLLEGE: Arts and Sciences
MAJOR: Biology
HOMETOWN: Blacksburg
"The underlying themes of her work have been to help the disadvantaged, to prod students and faculty members into engaging themselves, and to live life to its fullest. Because she has demostrated excellence in the pursuit of all these themes, Jody became Virginia Tech's sole nominee for the Rhodes Scholarship in 1997-1998."
Robert Jones, Biology Student Awards Committee chair
NAME: Gregory D. Elam
COLLEGE: Pamplin College of Business
MAJOR:Accounting
HOMETOWN: St. Paul
"I have known Gregory ever since his sophomore year and he has consistently maintained an superior academic record while still remaining involved with various activities across campus. He served as president of our Student Business Council and was also resident advisor. During summer orientation session he's volunteered to speak to the incoming students, exemplifying the university's motto, `Ut Prosim.'"
Norrine Bailey Spencer, associate dean for undergraduate programs
NAME: Krista Johnston
COLLEGE: College of Engineering
MAJOR: Chemical engineering
HOMETOWN: Richmond
"Krista is an exceptional young woman who has a strong sense of fairness and a drive to be of service to other people. She understands the necessity of encouraging young students to love math and enjoy competition."
Charles Dudley, director of the University Honors Program
NAME: Aaron Elaine Blacka
COLLEGE: Forestry and Wildlife Resources
MAJOR: Forestry/natural-resource recreation
HOMETOWN: Stuarts Draft
"Her quick grasp of concepts and perceptiveness is readily apparent, and she often asks questions that cause me to pause or think in a different way. This quality is rare to find among graduate students, much less undergraduates. Her thesis findings will make a genuine contribution to our field. She was the first undergraduate to present a paper at our conference, and one faculty member said it was one of the top papers presented."
Troy Hall, Forestry professor
NAME: Kathleen Ollendick
COLLEGE: Human Resources and Education
MAJOR: Human nutrition, foods and exercise
HOMETOWN: Blacksburg
"Katie has been a wonderful student in addition to her accomplishments as an athlete. I think it's important that Virginia Tech recognize young people who have excelled in athletics as well as academic programs."
Eleanor Schlenker, head of the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise
NAME: Andrew Walter Holloway
COLLEGE: Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine
MAJOR: Doctor of veterinary medicine candidate
HOMETOWN: Darlington, MD
"Andy Holloway is one of those rare individuals who combines academic achievement with a spirit of teamwork and service. He has achieved academically, and he has also made many contributions to the college community and its programs. I have no doubt that he will reflect well upon this college as he makes significant contributions to the profession, American agriculture, and the community in which he resides."
D. Phillip Sponenberg, acting associate dean for academic affairs