Fifty students were awarded as University Scholars Thursday morning in Chapel on the Hill. University Scholars are required to have a G.P.A. of at least 3.5, but also must be extremely motivated in and out of the classroom.

Faculty members nominate students they believe deserve this honor. After that, a group of elected faculty members reviews the nominations and chooses 50 students to receive this honor.

These students come from majors ranging from Biology to Theatre. Each student was chosen for their research and hard work throughout their college careers. Dr. Andrew Little, Assistant Profess of Business Law, described these students as having an attitude of persistence and willingness to delve deep into areas that others have abandoned.

“I will go down that trail, and I will recreate it. I will redeem that fallen trail. I will bring new research into the world in an area that people previously thought all of the questions had been answered,” Little said.

David Gasvoda, a senior English major from Houston, believes this recognition will help him grow academically in the future.

“After graduation, being recognized for research in this manner will help me as I apply for grad school,” Gasvoda said.

The students are not the only ones who benefit from this recognition. Professors are also blessed by the University Scholars.

“Seeing them leave as seniors many of them with lives transformed by the work we do brings meaning to our lives,” Dr. Vic McCracken, professor in the Department of Bible, Missions and Ministry, said.

Little encouraged these students to look to more than their knowledge for worth. He stated that love is more important than knowledge, and when forced to choose, one must choose love. “We often know so much about love that we fail to love. Our embodiment of love must exceed our knowledge of love,” Little said.