May 25, 2004

Phi Kappa Phi honors Troy University student

Troy University student Sheena Richards of Rehobeth has been awarded one of only 40 Awards of Excellence for 2004-2005 from Phi Kappa Phi. Richards will receive $2,000 to help her in earning a Master's of Science degree in Mathematics.

Phi Kappa Phi, headquartered on the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge , is the oldest national honor society in the United States .

Dr. Patrick Rossi, Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics, praised Richards for her achievements. “Ms. Richards is without a doubt, one of the best math majors that Troy University has had in the last 10 years and is, quite likely, the best math major it has ever had.”

Selection for the award is based on the student's undergraduate academic performance, leadership and service on campus and in the community, evidence of potential success in graduate study, personal statement of educational perspective, purpose and objectives and three letters of recommendation from three individuals who can attest to the student's performance, citizenship and character.

Richards was also selected to attend the 2004 Summer Program for Women in Mathematics at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton University .

Richards will also attend a summer program at Spellman College in Atlanta . She has been awarded Graduate Teaching Fellowships and tuition waivers at Florida State University and the University of Houston and will attend the University of Houston this fall.