Last Thursday, Feb. 7, Housing and Residential Life put on an exclusive dinner at the California State University, Stanislaus Event Center, paying tribute to students who made the Dean’s List.
In a night of well-deserved reverence, CSU Stanislaus students receiving a GPA of 3.5 and above were honored for their academic achievement during the fall semester. Students arrived in their professional attire for an hour of games, speeches and elegant dining.
In addition to a catered dinner, each Dean’s List recipient was presented with a Dean’s List Certificate with his or her name, as well as a book of inspirational quotes and short stories.
But these students were receiving more than just a gold paper. The Housing and Residential Life staff acknowledged that the college student is in many ways the unsung hero.
“On very small levels, every single day we have triumphs,” said Rebekah Gregory, Academic and Career Support Coordinator.
“We step up and we perform better than people expect, and a lot of times our stories don’t get told.”
“This, tonight, is the best we can offer you,” Gregory said. “But we’re well aware that there were many nights that people decided to party and you didn’t. All of the times you stayed in the library and studied until you got something while others gave up, and we want to congratulate you for that.”
Students who attended also received a word of praise from Interim President Joe Sheley.
“You are succeeding in exemplary fashion. You make me very proud.”
Sheley also took a moment to applaud not only the students with high GPA, but also the success of CSU Stanislaus’s Residential Life.
“You’re developing networks here that I promise will last the rest of your life,” Sheley said. “Very little else accomplishes that as well in the University setting, and here you are.”
He also proposed a challenge to those who fell short.
“Pick somebody that you know that hit about a 2.9 or a 3.0. And get [them] where you are, so that next year we have to find a different venue because this one wouldn’t hold enough of you.”
For many students here, preparation is key.
“Actually showing up to classes, [studying] and rewriting notes help a lot,” Sarah Miranda (freshman, Pre-Nursing) said.
Gilbert Ojeda, a junior majoring in Criminal Justice and a Sergeant of Arms for Alpha Phi Omega, advises students not to get overwhelmed.
“Always plan ahead with your schedule and don’t procrastinate! “ Ojeda said.
“Ask questions in class if you don’t understand something. Don’t stress out too much and take breaks when needed. Take it day by day and give it all you got.”
Taylor Brown, a junior in Business Administration, also had some advice for fellow students.
“Take the extra time to get to know your professors and they’ll take the time to get to know you.”