July 28, 2005
Four students earn Pulliam Scholarships
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Ryan Anne Cheperka of Carbondale, Djamilatou Saidou Hangadoumbo of Niger, West Africa, Cecilia Mayberry of Carbondale, and Fahran K.J. Robb of Pinckneyville are the recipients of the Roscoe Pulliam Scholarship.
The Roscoe Pulliam Scholarship Fund awards four scholarships valued at $1,000 each. Recipients must be closely related to an SIUC alumnus or alumna who is a current member of the SIU Alumni Association.
Cheperka is a senior majoring in psychology with a minor in mathematics at Southern. A two-time recipient of the Pulliam Scholarship, Cheperka's numerous academic honors include being on the University and National Dean's List. She is a member of the Gamma Beta Phi Honors Society and received Honors Day Recognition at Southern. The Carbondale native received the Robert C. Radtke Leadership Award, Freshman Engineering Scholarship, and Academic Scholarship.
A high honor roll student at Carbondale Community High School, Cheperka was a scholar athlete. She received CCHS' "Red Rose" Recognition and graduated with a grade-point average above 4.0.
Saidou is a junior majoring in microbiology/pre-med. A Dean's List student, Saidou transferred to Southern from John A. Logan College. She was named to the President's and Vice President's List for academic prowess, and is a student achievement award recipient.
A Collegiate All-American Scholar Award winner, Saidou has served as president of the Black Students Association, and been active in the International Students Club, Student Senate, and Biology Club. She is also a Phi Theta Kappa honoree. She was also a high honor student in high school.
Mayberry is a senior majoring in health care management with a minor in general business at Southern. She was an SIUC Honor's Day participant last spring. She began her career at John A. Logan College, where she earned President's List Honors twice for academic achievement. The Carbondale native was also named to the Vice President's List three times.
In high school, Mayberry was a high honor roll student all four years and earned National Honor Society accolades in 2001-2002.
Robb is a junior majoring in agricultural information and political science, with minors in speech communication and environmental studies. She is a two-time recipient of the Pulliam Scholarship, Dean's List student and Provost Scholar. Her academic accolades also include Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society, Gamma Beta Phi National Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, Outstanding Student Honor Society, and Dean's Certificate of Distinction.
A University Honors Program participant, Robb has excelled in several student organizations. She was named Outstanding "Agbassador," a student recruitment organization in SIUC's College of Agricultural Sciences. She has served as president of the Kellogg Hall Executive Council, public relations chairperson of the Ag Council, and senator of SIUC's Undergraduate Student Government. She has also been a member of Student Alumni Council, the student chapter of the SIU Alumni Association.
In high school, Robb was a recipient of the President's Award for Educational Excellence. An Illinois State Scholar and class valedictorian, she was also recognized by the National Honor Society, National Honor Roll Society, Who's Who Among American High School Students, United States Achievement Academy and Southern Illinois Society for Achievement. She received the Prairie State Achievement Award, Outstanding Student of America Award, International Foreign Language Award, and Presidential Physical Fitness Award. A PCHS Merit Scholar, Robb served as an officer in FFA.