Student receives national award from scholar society
Carolyn Collier '10
Carolyn was named the national chapter officer of the year by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS).
Photo by Christina Bullock '10
Carolyn Collier '10
She is the president of William & Mary chapter of NSCS and was inducted into the honor society her freshman year.
Photo by Christina Bullock '10
Carolyn was recently named the national chapter officer of the year by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). She is the president of William & Mary chapter of NSCS and was inducted into the honor society her freshman year.
NSCS is an honors organization that recognizes high-achieving college students at over 250 colleges in the United States. NSCS chapters are established and run by student members with the help of a faculty advisor.
Kate Slevin, chancellor professor of sociology, is the chapter's advisor. The William & Mary chapter is a silver star chapter, having won numerous awards over the years for their dedication to scholarship and service.
"Carolyn has distinguished herself by her dedication, innovation, determination and enthusiasm," said Stephen E. Loflin, NSCS' founder and executive director. "She embraced her position and created an engaged chapter that is connected to the mission of the Society in every way. This award is our way of thanking Carolyn for all that she's done and continues to do."
During her time serving NSCS, Collier, a biology major and chemistry minor, has had her hand in a cornucopia of service projects on campus and abroad. She headed the Make-A-Difference Day Initiative to get chapter members excited about volunteering at the Farmer's Market in Colonial Williamsburg. Collier was also a key coordinator in the painting pumpkins project, in which NSCS members brought decorated pumpkins to residents at a senior living home.
Collier has a host of memories of service initiatives during her time here.
"I have organized games and craft projects for residents at senior living homes in Williamsburg; participated in the campus escort service at the College, made meals for low-income families through the Campus Kitchen Project and even led service trips to rebuild homes in New Orleans," she said.
Her pastimes include playing the flute in the William & Mary pep band, giving music lessons, leading Relay for Life teams, and interning with the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. These experiences have been especially rewarding and have motivated her to become very involved as a member of the Tribe.
Coupled with Carolyn's commitment to community engagement is scholastic success. She is a Monroe Scholar, and was inducted into the Mortar Board, Alpha Lamba Delta and Phi Eta Sigma honor societies. She is also a member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and the College's Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa.
Carolyn is graduating in May and will be attending veterinary school in the fall. She remarked, "The veterinary profession will allow me to continue serving the community, helping all species - animal and human."
Though Carolyn is leaving the College, she has high hopes for the future of the NSCS chapter.
"I want the chapter to continue to flourish and win awards, provide resources to students and pre-professionals, and to engage new members and the community," she said.
She leaves a few words of wisdom for underclassmen of the College: "Take the time to explore what William & Mary has to offer. You're experiences shape you. Keep an open mind and take the opportunities that are presented to you."
