Rising senior Holly Anderson receives Alpha Chi scholarship
Alpha Chi National College Honor Society has chosen rising junior Holly Anderson of Henderson, N.C., as an Alfred H. Nolle Scholarship recipient for 2013-14.
Anderson, who was inducted into the Erskine chapter of Alpha Chi in October, is working on a double major in mathematics and psychology.
A member of Garnet Circle, which honors the 25 currently enrolled students who made the highest scholastic average during the previous academic year, Anderson served as president of the mathematics honor society Kappa Mu Epsilon and vice president of the Erskine Society of Psychology; was active in Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM); worked at Cherokee Trail Elementary School as a tutor with the America Reads America Counts (ARAC) program; and sang in the Erskine Gospel Choir.
“If I do anything else, I can’t remember it right now!” Anderson said, when asked about her activities.
Young Professor of Mathematics Dr. Kokou Abalo, who is one of Anderson’s academic advisors, described her as “self-motivated and outstanding in pursuit of knowledge in mathematics.” He also spoke about her efforts outside the classroom.
“She played a major role in the reinstallation of the KME Math Club at Erskine College this year,” Abalo said.
“She was the driving force behind the organization of ‘Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader’ that brought a group of children from Cherokee Trail Elementary School to Erskine in February.”
Professor of Psychology Dr. Robert Elsner also serves as an academic advisor to Anderson. He praised her performance as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader, and noted that she has served as an SI leader for both psychology and math.
“She has shown tremendous personal and professional growth over the past three years,” he said.
As a student in research classes, Anderson continued her research even after the class was completed, Elsner observed.
“She bubbles over with enthusiasm, and puts more effort into her work than any but the smallest handful of students,” he added.
Anderson plans to do a semester of study abroad during the coming academic year.
“She has made plans to do independent research next year, even while in Scotland at St. Andrews,” Elsner said.
“Holly shows more concern for other students than is often seen, and her love for God comes through in all she does,” Elsner said. “To me, she is a shining example of what this academic village is all about.”
“She certainly epitomizes an ideal Erskine student,” Abalo agreed. “The Mathematics Department wishes her the very best during her study abroad at St Andrews next fall.”
The Alfred H. Nolle Scholarships are awarded for the senior year of undergraduate study. Ten Nolle Scholarships worth $1,500 each are awarded each year. The scholarship is named for one of Alpha Chi’s pioneers, Dr. Alfred Nolle, who served as secretary-treasurer for 41 years.
