Five students at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) College of Graduate and Professional Studies were recognized for outstanding achievements at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 5, at the Stafford campus. The students will receive their degrees at the university’s commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8.
Bonita J. Tompkins of Fredericksburg received the award for Outstanding Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) Student. Tompkins completed the BPS with a concentration in leadership and management. Faculty praised her motivation, work ethic and interpersonal and technical skills applied in class and on teams. Professors said Tompkins went out of her way to help fellow students, mastered balancing academics with other demands and is a role model for other students. Tompkins is married with two children and a grandson.
Paul C. Howerton of Woodbridge was honored with the award for Outstanding Master of Business Administration Student. He completed the degree with a concentration in contracts and procurement management. He works as a deputy program manager at Science Applications International Corporation. The married father of two retired from the U.S. Army in 2005 following a 22-year career. He impressed faculty with his interpersonal and technical skills, willingness to help others, work ethic and motivation. He showed a genuine commitment to UMW and its programs by making various suggestions to improve processes such as registration.
Amanda S. Brown of Fredericksburg received the award for Outstanding Master of Education Student. Brown completed the degree specializing in the grades PreK-12 endorsement area of music education. Faculty described Brown as smart, creative, hard working and enthusiastic. She was praised as a natural teacher and classroom leader whose love of her subject—music—makes her devoted and dedicated to her students and able to engage them and make a difference in their understanding of music. She earned a bachelor of arts in music from UMW. She teaches private percussion lessons and owns M and Y Instruments, which makes xylophones and runs a summer camp for fifth graders interested in building xylophones.
Joseph E. Guthrie of Fredericksburg received the award for Outstanding Master of Science in Management Information Systems Student. Faculty said Guthrie stood out in class as a skillful debater of social and technical matters. Praised for showing an extensive knowledge of his technical field and for constantly studying to stay current,
Guthrie is credited with having the tenacity, intellectual ability and analytic skills needed to excel in academic and professional settings. He currently works as a manager for Science Applications International Corporation and also serves as an adjunct instructor for UMW. He earned a bachelor of professional studies from UMW.
To be eligible for these awards, students must both have a minimum 3.8 grade-point average (GPA) and show academic excellence beyond the GPA. They also must show leadership, enthusiasm, commitment and professional potential.
In addition, Brianne P. Slattery of Spotsylvania received the Delta Kappa Gamma Virginia Scholars Award. Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is a professional honor society for women educators. Slattery completed the master of education with a concentration in secondary English education. She received the scholars award in recognition of outstanding academic performance and community involvement. She was praised for enthusiasm and professionalism she showed during practicum and student teaching experiences, demonstrating a natural rapport with and eagerness to help all students.