First-semester freshmen awarded for attaining 4.0 GPA
By Kelly Contreras | Published by Feb. 28, 2019
Kean University held its first awards ceremony on Thursday, January 31 for five freshman who were able to attain a 4.0 GPA after their first semester.
This event took place in the Center for Academic Success where Dean Jonathan Mercantini presented Kyjahn Taylor, Dayna Dobkowski, Joelle Francisco, Gianna Leonen, and Gianna Lepanto with a certificate of achievement.
“I never got a 4.0 which means you are already more qualified to be dean than I am,” said Mercantini.
The five students to receive the 4.0 GPA award, along with small “swag” gifts such as a water bottle, phone attachment, and a hundred kean bucks, were all also residents. Two of whom were roommates.
The award itself would not have been possible had it not been for the idea provided by President Dawood Farahi.
According to Mercantini, Farahi wanted to present this opportunity at the convocation but had forgotten to.
Regardless of President Farahi thinking it was “too late,” Mercantini told him, “Why is it too late? We can still do it.”
They then worked with the GE faculty and the GE staff in terms of promoting the event to all of the GE1000 classes.
Mercantini went on to highlight that the award was for students with a “4.0 GPA. Not 3.9! Not 3.95! A 4.0.” and he also said “Our students that are successful early are the kinds of students that are going to continue to make the progress that we need.”
Psychology major, Joelle Francisco said, “I’m actually pretty proud of myself. It was difficult to achieve but satisfying.”
The students had similar opinions in regards to their achievement.
“There were some days where it was a little overwhelming but I found that taking things one assignment at a time really helps … being recognized for this definitely makes you feel like all your hard work paid off.” said History major, Gianna Leonen.
Mercantini also announced that more opportunities will be made available and how the president is “happy to give money away.”
He also wanted to address that this award was not meant to discourage any students who have not received a 4.0 because “it doesn’t mean that your semester was a failure.”
Mercantini went on to say, “[Don’t] be too hard on yourself. The things that stand out is time management and maximizing use of time management but then also take advantage of the resources on campus.”
“I was not expecting a 4.0. I think it’s sometimes better just to go out and give it your all and then come out with whatever you have.” said History major Dayna Dobkowski.