Outstanding Graduates Named For Virginia Tech's College Of Agriculture And Life Sciences

BLACKSBURG, Va., April 24, 2003 -- Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has named outstanding graduates for its academic programs.

Virginia Tech graduates are scheduled to receive their diplomas May 10. Outstanding graduates were selected in each curriculum within the college based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership, and contributions to the advancement of the university.

Matthew J. Miller, son of Mark and Sherri Miller of New Castle, Pa., was named the college's outstanding graduate and the outstanding graduate for the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. He has been on the academic dean's list every semester he has been at Virginia Tech, participated in undergraduate research, and has been accepted to a school of veterinary medicine.

Miller is an active member of Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Chemistry Fraternity, Gamma Beta Phi Honor and Service Fraternity, the Ag. Econ/NAMA Club, the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and the Hillcrest Presbyterian Church in America. He has also held numerous leadership positions in organizations to which he belongs.

Bart A. Kite, son of Bertram and Leisa Kite of Shenandoah, Va., was named outstanding graduate for animal and poultry sciences. He has been consistently named to the academic dean's list, and is a member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and has been awarded numerous scholarships and awards. He is an active member of the Block and Bridle Club and Poultry Science Club.

Allison Perreault, daughter of Joe and Annette Perreault of Alexandria, Va., was named outstanding graduate for horticulture. She has been named to the academic dean's list and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Pi Alpha Xi, and Gamma Sigma Delta Honorary Societies in addition to receiving several scholarships. She is also active with community service organizations and has volunteered with the American Red Cross.

Andy T. Jones, son of Mike and Pat Jones of Jarratt, Va., was named outstanding graduate for crop and soil environmental sciences. He is ranked at the top of his class in his department, has been named to the academic dean's list and has studied for a semester in South Africa. He participates in Intramural softball, football, and volleyball, is on the soils judging team and is a member of the Agronomy Club. He is also an Eagle Scout and as such has been involved with community service activities such as the Adopt-A-Highway Project.

Christina M Kull, daughter of Lance and Claire Kull of Pfafftown, N.C., was named outstanding graduate for environmental science. She has also been named to Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Fraternity, Kappa Theta Epsilon Cooperative Education Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, Who's Who in American Universities, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, academic dean's list and the university Honors Program.

Nadine Dalrymple of Long Valley, N.J., was named outstanding graduate for biochemistry. She has participated in undergraduate and independent research for the Biochemistry Department and volunteers as a tutor in the Biology Department and also volunteers with the Appalachian Service Project providing ministry and cleaning and repairing homes and buildings for those in need.

Elizabeth W. Townsend, daughter of Fred and Evelyn Townsend of Colonial Heights, Va., was named outstanding graduate for food science and technology. She has been given an Academic Achievement Award in addition to several scholarships. She has also held jobs with PepsiCo. Inc and Coca-Cola Inc. and has been active as the editor of Infusion, the Virginia Food and Beverage Association Newsletter and is involved with the Institute of Food Technologists and the Food Science Club.

Holly Y. Gailey, daughter of Mike and Pam Gaily of Saluda, Va., was named outstanding graduate for agricultural technology. She has been on the academic dean's list for several semesters and is active in the Turf Club and Intramural softball. She has also been involved as a consultant for an irrigation project wit h the Virginia Tech Horticulture Gardens and is an assistant in the Agricultural Technology program.

Catherine A. Peacock of Stephens City, Va., was named outstanding graduate for dairy science. She has been involved extensively with undergraduate research. She is very active in the Dairy Club of Virginia Tech and the National America Dairy Science Association and helped organize a student affiliate division of the organization at Virginia Tech. She is also involved with the Virginia Tech Dairy Cattle Judging Team and was the farm manager of Triple T Farm in Blacksburg, Va., and is active in community service projects such as Adopt-A-Highway, food drives, Habitat for Humanity, Christmas Store and Relay for Life.