Student Affairs at Southern Miss Awards Comcast Scholarships

Each year, University of Southern Mississippi students receive scholarships through funds raised by student affairs during the Southern Miss Comcast Golf Classic. Due to Comcast's support of Southern Miss and the Golf Classic as title sponsor, students are able to receive scholarships and professional development stipends for conferences.

“Without Comcast, students would not have as many opportunities for growth and financial support,” said Dr. Joe Paul, vice-president for Student Affairs at Southern Miss.

Jessica Gunter, marketing specialist, and Cristy Faerber, business development account executive, both from Comcast, were on campus recently to award the following seven Comcast scholarships:

·         Ann Marie Chilcutt of Columbus, Miss., a junior in Communication Studies, was awarded the Southern Miss Comcast Golf Classic Scholarship for her essay on “What Southern Miss Means To Me.”Bridges is employed at the Southern Miss Office of Admissions and Office of First Year Initiative. Chilcutt has been involved in many campus activities including Southern Style, vice president for College PanHellenic Council and vice president of Eagle Connection. She also just began her term as president of the Student Government Association.

·         Carmen Hall of Pace, Fla., a senior in Biological Sciences, was awarded the Dean of Students Scholarship for her essay on “My Future Goals.” Hall has beenemployed at the Office of Student Oriented Services since August of 2010. She has been involved in numerous campus groups including Student Government Association, Southern Style, Campus Civitan, Freshman Associates, Southern Miss Activities Council and served as president of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

• Ben Knaus of Paducah, Ky., a senior in Information Technology, was awarded the Student Affairs Student Service Scholarship for his notable service and involvement on campus and the community. He has served as vice president of Eagle Connection and current serves as president. Knaus has been employed in the Office of Admissions for the last three years where his primary duty is to tour prospective students and their families. Staff nominating him said that Knaus “goes over and beyond of what is listed in his job duties. He loves this university and goes out of his way…to ensure that prospective students will love it too.”

• Kalen Kenney of Mobile, Ala., a junior in Communication Studies, was awarded one of the two Union and Programs Scholarships for exhibiting a strong devotion to Southern Miss and the Union Complex. Kenney began his work in the Union in August of 2012 and because of his leadership and determination, was quickly promoted to crew leader. Staff working with Kenney noted that his professionalism and adaptability makes him a very valuable asset to the department.

• Taylor Villarreal of Hattiesburg, Miss., a junior in Speech Pathology, was awarded one of the two Union and Programs Scholarships for exhibiting a strong devotion to Southern Miss and the Union Complex. Villarreal is finishing her third year as desk assistant in the Union Complex. After two years, she was promoted to head desk assistant because of her attitude, hard work, eagerness to learn and dedication. Staff working with Villarreal said “she is a positive role for all employees.” Villarreal is also involved in many campus groups such as Chi Omega Fraternity, Catholic Student Association, Order of Omega Greek Honor Society and Eagle Ambassador.

• Keriaus McBride of Hattiesburg, Miss., a senior in Kinesiotherapy, was awarded the Physical Plant Scholarship, which is established to assist children of current full-time Physical Plant employees who are enrolled at Southern Miss. Students must be 18-24 years old and seeking their first bachelors degree. McBride has worked with the DuBard School, voter registration, local chapter of the American Red Cross, Hattiesburg High baseball team and Dixie boys' baseball. Outside of the classroom, he is employed at Physical Plant as a student worker.

• Kewin Nielsen of Denmark, a sophomore in Exercise Science, was awarded the Residence Life Scholarship for his essay on “How campus living has shaped my college experience.” Nielsen is a kicker on the Southern Miss football team. As a full-time student living in the Residence Halls, he has been very involved in many of Residence Life and Residence Hall Association's programming activities. One of Nielsen's professors stated that he helps other students as a volunteer tutor. His residence assistant said, “He encourages others to enjoy living on campus.”

For information about Comcast, visit www.comcast.com.