Sociology major senior Samantha Cocco was awarded the Al DeGulis Alpha Sigma Nu scholarship for the 2008-09 academic year. Selection to Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society, is based upon outstanding academic achievement, service to community, loyalty, and overall "greatness of spirit" in keeping with the ideals of the Jesuit mission. To read Samantha's profile, reference http://www.jcu.edu/campuslife/getinvolved/profiles1.htm on the JCU Office of Student Activities web page.

Ms. Cocco also finds herself as a finalist for the 2009 Beaudry Award honoring the graduating senior, as elected by the graduates, exemplifying most closely the ideal of Jesuit education, that is one who is a man or woman for others. To read about "Sam", and all other 2009 Beaudry Award finalists, visit http://www.jcu.edu/campuslife/campusministry/beaudry_2009.html

Additionally, Samantha was interviewed by WCPN speaking on career paths after graduation. Sam was the MILLOR ORATOR http://www.jcu.edu/osa/millor_orator.htm at commencement May 17, 2009. To read the text of her speach link to http://www.jcu.edu/osa/docs/millororator/mo2009_address.pdf

Sociology major, Bryan Mauk '08, received the 2008 William E. Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose. This is a national award with one recipient selected annually. Bryan will utilize the $40,000.00 award to fund his recently established Metanoia Project with the goal of helping the homeless and opening a drop-in shelter. Bryan plans to buy homes in foreclosure and enlist the assistance of area homeless people to renovate and sell these homes. This project is the outgrowth of Bryan’s successful homeless outreach efforts at JCU which also include the St. Benedict Joseph Labre Ministry. For more information read the entire JCU article: http://www.jcu.edu/breakingnews/metanoia.htm .

Bryan's work has been chronicled at http://origin.wkyc.com/news/news_links/links_article.aspx?storyid=118496 by WKYC.com. This article offers an interview with a beneficiary of Metanoia Project and a link the web page for Metanoia.

Sociology major, Missy Kocab '08, was awarded the $6,000.00 R. Earl Burrows Memorial Scholarship for exceptional work at an internship by the Center for Career Services office at JCU. Missy's internship was at the Day Report Center at Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court following an internship during spring semester 2008. Mr. Carl Carter, her supervisor, characterized Missy as "...exceptionally worthy of the honor this recognition will bestow upon her.  She is one of the best interns that I have ever worked with at the Juvenile Court." Congratulations to Missy for this recognition of a job well done!