Abby Taylor
Online Content Editor
Students and faculty were recognized for their achievements at the annual Honors Convocation.
The event was held on Monday, April 16, in the Claudia Crosby Theater for honorees and those there to support them.
The event began with the “March and Procession” presented by the Trumpet Ensemble, followed with the presiding given by Earl Ingram, senior vice chancellor for academics.
Gertrude Kumi, a senior psychology major from Accra, Ghana, presented the invocation.
“I think it’s really awesome that the university always has the Honors Convocation to recognize achievements of students, faculty and staff,” Kumi said. “I think it’s a great motivation to encourage good work and excellence in everything that we do.”
The Rev. Glenda Curry, who has served Troy previously as the dean of the School of Nursing and president of the Troy-Montgomery campus, presented the Honors Convocation address.
Curry serves on the clergy at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Homewood and connected her address with having faith in God.
“Almighty God never stops trying to reach us, to bring us through the open door that brings leads to life and love,” she said.
The speech ended with a note from Curry to students and faculty to be proud of their recognition and awards.
“Whatever honor you (students and faculty) have been awarded this night, we are proud of you,” Curry said. “Many people helped you get here, and with your reward, you brought respect and esteem to your own self, to your family and to this great university.”
Professor Michael Orlofsky was presented with the Ingalls Award that recognizes who has “most diligently, effectively and cheerfully conducted his or her classes during the current academic year,” according to troy.edu/ingalls.
Orlofsky said he began his career with Troy in 1988. He was recognized for his hard work in the classroom.
“After a career, virtually a lifetime at Troy, it’s really gratifying to get the award,” he said.
Orlofsky said he is proud for the English department to be recognized through this award.
“It’s amazing how this torch of education and love of the language and love of the literature keeps getting passed on through the academic generations,” he said.
Sarah Grace Stone, a senior social work major from Pike Road, and Sam Moody, a senior risk management major from Montgomery, were presented with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award.
Chancellor Jack Hawkins said the award celebrates “nobility of character by identifying individuals who perpetuate the influence of Algernon Sydney Sullivan. They did so by outstanding spiritual qualities applied to daily living.”
Stone said the two were nominated by fellow students and said she was honored to receive the award.
“It’s very humbling (winning the award) because I never would’ve thought I would get that award,” Stone said.
The event recognized students in honor societies such as Alpha Epsilon Delta, Pi Sigma Alpha and Sigma Delta Pi.
Katelyn Dewrell, a junior multimedia journalism major from Shinbone, received recognition for being Phi Kappa Phi Junior of the Year.
According to their website, Phi Kappa Phi is “the nation’s oldest and most selective multidisciplinary collegiate honor society.”
Dewrell said she is thankful for the award and the opportunities available to her through Troy.
“This experience is one that I am very thankful for and something I’ll remember for the rest of my life,” she said.