KINGSTON, R.I. — December 27, 2007 — The top University of Rhode Island students gathered with friends, family, and URI staff last month to celebrate their achievement as freshman during the 2007-2008 school year. The ten students were formally inducted as University College Scholars—the top students in their entire freshman class.

Each student received a certificate of achievement and a $500 check from the URI Alumni Association in recognition of their success.

To be considered and possibly named a University College Scholar, students must earn at least a 3.99 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 4.0 in their freshman year. Then, of about 30 candidates, the students compete for the award based on the contributions that they have made outside of the classroom to the community or to their future professions. Four of the 10 scholars are from Rhode Island.

This year’s University College Scholars are:

Brian Bonk of Westerly, R.I., who is majoring in a chemical engineering, Mandarin Chinese and mathematics

Shayla Cacchiotti of Cranston, R.I., who is majoring in Biological Science and German

Jennifer Halleran of Towaco, N.J., who is majoring in Animal Science, Microbiology and Chemistry

Casuarina Echo Hart of Wakefield, R.I., who is majoring in chemistry and biology (Pre Med)

Samuel Matus of Enfield, Conn., who is majoring in chemical engineering and Spanish

Kevin McMurray of Ashby, Mass., who is majoring in Pharmacy with a minor in Leadership Studies

Christine Schiemer of Maywood, N.J., who is majoring in communicative disorders

Mae Shen of Kingston, R.I., who is majoring in pharmacy and chemistry

Ashley Stoehr of Cranston, R.I., who is majoring in marine biology and political science

Matthew Zrada of Harlesyville, Penn., who is majoring in pharmacy

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SIMPLY THE BEST! URI’s University College Scholars: Front row: Kevin McMurray of Ashby, Mass., Christine Schiemer of Maywood, N.J., Casuarina Echo Hart of Wakefield, R.I., Brian Bonk of Westerly, R.I. Second Row: Ashley Stoehr and Shayla Cacchiotti of Cranston, R.I., Jennifer Halleran of Towaco, N.J., Matthew Zrada of Harlesyville, Penn., Samuel Matus of Enfield, Conn., and Mae Shen of Kingston, R.I.