Grads get research grants, overcome odds: Top commencement stories at University of Richmond
May 8, 2008
Matt Luchansky of Allison Park, Pa., an Ethyl and Albemarle Science Scholar and a senior double-majoring in chemistry and economics, has won a graduate fellowship from the National Science Foundation. He will use the grant to pursue a Ph.D. degree in chemistry at the University of Illinois. At Richmond, he has worked with Jonathan Dattelbaum, associate professor of chemistry, on glucose-sensing research and presented his findings to the American Society for Microbiology. Luchansky's career goals include research and management.
Five seniors have received Fulbright grants for a year of international graduate research or teaching. Tori Foster of Landenburg, Pa., a psychology and combined English-theatre major, will teach English in South Korea. Emily Jenchura of Merion Station, Pa., a cross-cultural psychology major, will research interracial friendships in Trinidad and Tobago. Laurie Knies of Wantage, N.J., a history major, will teach English in China. Katey Reighard of Hollidaysburg, Pa., a chemistry and religion major and Jewish studies minor, will conduct chemistry research in Israel. Kara Schultz of Charlottesville, Va., a history and political science major and Spanish minor, will go to Spain to research ethnic and racial dimensions related to the Spanish Civil War.
For more than 20 years Kate Litton, a captain in the Prince William County sheriff's department, regretted not getting her college degree. But when the mother of two successfully completed an administrative management class in 2005, it was the nudge of encouragement she needed to pursue her degree. "I hadn't been to school in a long time, and it wasn't easy," she said. "But after taking that class, I felt unstoppable." While earning her bachelor's degree in applied studies in human resource management, she was accepted into the FBI Academy, and for half of a semester, she had to juggle training during the day and taking classes at night. "I knew there was an end in sight, that I just had to keep going to reach it," she said. The biggest lesson for Litton as she pursued her degree was discovering the joy of learning. "After enduring what I did to get my bachelor's, I can see myself going for a master's degree, and even continuing to educate myself after that," she said.
Carolyn Kaufman worked in Hopewell Public Schools as an instructional assistant for nearly 20 years before deciding to complete the college education she started in 1974. "I've always wanted to be in education," the grandmother of five said. "It's always been a first love for me." She taught third, fourth and fifth graders remedial reading, math and test-taking strategies. When her principal and the Hopewell superintendent encouraged Kaufman to finish her education, she began to consider it. "Once my children were through school, I decided it was my turn." She completed requirements in December for a bachelor's degree in liberal arts with a concentration in elementary education. She now teaches technology lessons, integrating Standards of Learning objectives for grades K-5.
Paul Atwell of High Point, N.C., was one of seven veterans who received an honorary degree at Richmond's 2007 commencement because he left college for military service in the Korean War before completing his degree.
When researching his transcripts, he learned he was only two courses short of completing the bachelor's degree in business administration he started 50 years ago. "I'm just a really slow learner," the 79 year-old said with a laugh. "I found out I could take the classes to finally get my degree." Atwell successfully completed his last two classes and will participate in the university's commencement on Sunday. He said he plans to continue learning as long as he can, and will take English literature and possibly a philosophy course in the summer.