The six students vying for this year’s titles of Mr. and Ms. Nicholls recently reflected on their accomplishments at the University and their hopes for the future of the institution.
University students first nominated the finalists and a committee of students, faculty and staff selected the top contenders. All nominees must have earned at least a 2.5 grade point average and must be active in student organizations.
Stephanie Graebert, nominated by Delta Zeta Sorority, is a senior working towards a bachelor of science in biology with a concentration in pre-medicine degree with a minor in chemistry and humanities. She is president of the Honors Student Council and a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, National Panhellenic Council, Biology Society, Pre-Professional Medical Association and Residence Hall Association. She has previously served in Student Programming Association and as a Microbiology and Career Services student worker. Graebert was recently inducted into the University Hall of Fame and named Outstanding Senior of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Maegan Parra, nominated by Student Educators And Leaders, is working towards a bachelor of science degree in human performance education. She is president of the Human Performance Education Student Association, secretary for SEALS, a member of Delta Zeta Sorority and has served on the National Panhellenic Council in various aspects. She is also a member of the Order of Omega Honor Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and the Residence Hall Association. Parra is currently a student worker for Student Services.
When asked about her hopes for the future of the University, Parra said she wants to see the institution survive the current budget cut crisis and grow.
“I’m hoping we can reinstate the majors that have been cut and keep the ones that are still here.”
Brittany Taraba, nominated by Student Government Association, obtained her bachelor of science degree in marketing in 2010 and is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Business Administration. She currently serves as SGA president, is an alumna of Delta Zeta Sorority and was National Panhellenic Council president in 2009. She is involved in numerous University committees such as the Student Leadership Council and is a graduate assistant for the vice president of Student Affairs. She was also chosen for the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for 2010 and 2011, served on the Orientation team and was Tau Kappa Epsilon Sweetheart.
Taraba said in the future, she hopes the University administration continues to do a great job at “doing a lot with a little,” and hopes the students continue to do the same.
“I see the University going great places. I just hope the students keep caring about the University like they do now so it can continue to become a better place.”
Johnathan Lynch, nominated by Phi Mu Fraternity, is a senior working towards his bachelor of science in culinary arts. He is vice president of Student Programming Association, president of the Junior American Culinary Federation, serves as a Residential Assistant for Housing and Residence Life and was chosen for the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for 2011. He worked as a teacher’s assistant for student-run restaurant Le Bistro and competed on the national level in the San Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Competition, where he was voted “Online Fan Favorite.”
Lynch said his biggest accomplishment as a Nicholls student came with his participation in the San Pellegrino competition.
“It really kick-started by culinary future and put me in contact with leaders in the industry.”
Madison Martin, nominated by Theta Xi Fraternity, obtained a bachelor of science degree in accounting in fall 2010 and is currently working on his master’s degree in business administration. He was president and secretary for Theta Xi Fraternity and vice president and secretary for NSU Student Educators and Leaders. He is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, NSU MBA Association, Concert Choir and Chamber Singers.
Over the summer, Martin said he worked with the College of Business Strategic Planning Committee to help shape the strategic plan for the University for the next five years.
“That was a real big honor and a cool accomplishment.”
Martin also said he wants the University to survive the current budget crisis.
“I want it to come out a stronger, more unified University. I also want to see the University get more recognition on a state and national level for its individual programs that are above average.”
Louis Raiford, nominated by SGA, obtained a bachelor of general studies in interdisciplinary studies and a bachelor of science in culinary arts and is currently working towards a master’s of arts degree in teaching. He serves as the SGA director of student rights and grievances and serves on several SGA and University committees such as the Campus Improvement Committee and Courses and Curricula Committee. He worked in the Office of Residence Life until 2009, was a member of Chamber Singers, Pride of NSU Marching Band, Percussion and Symphonic Winds Ensemble and is presently part of the Concert Choir. He has been inducted into the University Hall of Fame, is part of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges for 2011, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. Raiford currently works as an Inter-Library Loan graduate assistant for Ellender Memorial Library.
Raiford said he hopes to see the expansion of the University in the future.
“I hope the University can continue to grow and thrive into a well balanced University providing education for the students of the region.”
Students recently voted online for their favorite and the results of this year’s competition will be revealed at SPA-sponsored Crawfish Day to be held April 14 at 3 p.m.
The Mr. Nicholls finalists are Johnathan Lynch, Madison Martin and Louis Raiford.
