Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University A land-grant institution
2008 Outstanding Senior
Phillip Chong, agricultural and applied economics graduate (center), is recognized by Mary Marchant, associate dean and director of Academic Programs (left) and Sharron Quisenberry, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (right), as the 2008 Outstanding Senior.
Phillip Chong Named 2008 Outstanding Senior for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Phillip Chong, the Outstanding Senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, truly exemplifies what it means to be a Hokie. He lives by Virginia Tech’s motto, Ut Prosim (that I may serve), through his actions inside and outside the classroom.
Chong, a double major in agricultural and applied economics and political science, has not only excelled in the classroom with an overall GPA of 3.83, but has achieved this while devoting significant time to helping others.
Kurt Stephenson, associate professor of agricultural and applied economics, noticed Chong’s intellectual curiosity with political science and economics. “These were not just two interesting majors for him,” says Stephenson. “He could see the interrelationships between the two very early in his studies when many students were simply struggling to understand the fundamentals of supply and demand.”
“He has the ability to synthesis law, economics, and political theory quickly and with insight,” says Leon Geyer, professor of agricultural and applied economics. This competency has helped Chong succeed as a teaching and research assistant, a job that allows him to grade quizzes, homework assignments, and exams for Geyer’s environmental and agricultural law classes and develop model answers and student response analysis for assignments. He has also co-authored a law review article recently published in the Drake Journal of Agricultural Law.
A dedicated learner, Chong actively sought out positions with the U.S. Department of State and with U.S. Sen. Jim Webb of Virginia. “He not only seeks knowledge and experience, but he revels in these gains as he puts together a broad portfolio to serve humankind,” says Geyer.
Chong is involved in his community beyond Virginia Tech and shares his time and talents generously with others. Through the Crossing the Borders Service Learning Program, he has been a role model and big brother to a young Mexican boy whose parents are first-generation immigrants. To prepare for this role, Chong researched and studied immigrant identity issues, basic education theory, and basic teaching methodology. He also volunteers as an English as a Second Language tutor at a local elementary school where he assists students with English and math.
Chong is a member of the University Honors Program, Phi Kappa Phi academic honor society, Gamma Beta Phi honor and service society, and Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society.
“Phillip’s decisions as an undergraduate student have shown a high and appropriate level of judgment. He has learned to balance school and work, creating time to serve,” says Geyer. “Phillip Chong has brought a lot more knowledge, reason, and compassion to Virginia Tech, the college, and the department.”