Academic Honors - VCU Business - Virginia Commonwealth University

2024-2025 Departmental Awards

Departmental Awards are selected by each academic department in the School of Business. Award recipients are honored at an annual School of Business award ceremony.

Student of the Year

Awarded to a senior or graduate student from each academic department who has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in scholarship and leadership.

Arthur (AJ) Etienne
Department of Accounting

AJ exemplifies accounting student excellence. As the 2024–2025 president of VCU’s Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, he demonstrates strong leadership skills and a talent for building connections among his peers, accounting professionals and the community. In recognition of his academic excellence and leadership, AJ was named a Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) Scholar and awarded the Stewart Family Scholarship for 2024–2025. He completed an assurance internship at BDO in 2024 and has been selected for an audit internship at Deloitte in the summer of 2025. After graduation, AJ plans to pursue CPA licensure and a career in public accounting.

Sebine Scaria
Department of Economics, School of Business

Sebine is an outstanding and hard-working student who continuously seeks new challenges to enrich her academic experience. She previously worked as a tutor at the VCU Campus Learning Center and as a research assistant for Dr. Peter Savelyev. She is currently contributing to a research project on COVID-related schooling disruptions with Dr. Minchul Yum and Dr. Christopher Herrington through the underrepresented minority (URM) pipeline project. Sebine maintains a 3.89 GPA and is taking graduate-level econometrics courses to strengthen her quantitative skills. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a business analyst or data scientist.

Adam Funge
Department of Economics, College of Humanities and Sciences

Adam is an exceptional student, maintaining a 3.96 GPA while pursuing a degree in economics with minors in information systems and sociology. He contributed to a project with the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, implementing differential privacy to protect individual health data. Adam has also volunteered with Clean Virginia Waterways and the DC Central Kitchen, as well as helping distribute essential supplies during the Richmond water crisis. He is considering a master’s degree in cybersecurity and plans to pursue a career in AI, cybersecurity, information systems or economics. He also hopes to study abroad and travel the world.

Elizabeth Lees
Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

“She is one of the hardest-working students I have ever encountered. She rarely missed an office hour and was never satisfied until she had complete mastery of the material. She applied lessons from class to what was going on in the economy with amazing clarity,” said a faculty member. Her defining qualities are an unbridled intellectual curiosity and a strong work ethic. She is a valuable member of the Student Managed Investment Portfolio (SMIP) team and consistently makes positive contributions to investment discussions. She has been a Presidential Scholar and a Bank of America Merit Scholarship recipient.

Aleena Milburn
Department of Information Systems

Aleena began in nursing, driven by a passion for helping others. While working as an audiovisual assistant for the Decision Analytics program, she recognized technology’s power to change lives. Inspired, she changed her major to information systems and committed herself to bridging technology and service. As TechConnect’s founding president, she built a community focused on technical consulting projects for nonprofits, exemplifying “inspirational leadership, leading by example”. She has served as an officer in multiple student organizations and on the Infomation Systems Advisory Board, engaging with industry leaders. After graduation, she will be a systems engineer at Lockheed Martin Space.

Diana Hatoum
Department of Management and Entrepreneurship

Majoring in business management, Diana has delivered outstanding academic performances during her time at VCU, earning a 4.00 GPA. Beyond her classroom performance, she has been the co-owner and secretary of Speedy Pops Concessions—a family-owned Richmond food vending business—for more than nine years, demonstrating her entrepreneurial and managerial spirit. She has also earned professional certifications in big data and cloud management from Cognitive Class. Diana exemplifies excellence, tenacity, entrepreneurship and a commitment to VCU.

Martina Demory
Department of Marketing

Martina is a senior majoring in marketing with a concentration in product and brand management and will graduate in May 2025 with a 3.9 GPA. A transfer student and Dean’s Scholar, she is also earning a certificate in product innovation. An active leader in multiple business school organizations and a Business Student Ambassador, Martina uplifts peers through mentorship and LinkedIn content that inspires and connects. Recognized by marketing faculty for her creativity and infectious energy, she is determined to climb the technology and marketing ladder, eventually starting her own business. She lives by the mantra, "Be comfortable with being uncomfortable," constantly pushing her limits—whether in the classroom, in leadership or by jumping out of a plane at 15,000 feet.

Dylan Newby
Department of Supply Chain Management and Analytics

Dylan is a remarkable student and a Provost Scholarship recipient as well as a Dean’s Scholar Award recipient in 2023 and 2024. He has maintained a 4.00 GPA while participating in the accelerated master’s program in supply chain management. One professor remarked, "I thought Dylan was my smartest graduate student until I discovered he is an undergraduate.” Dylan is the treasurer for Kappa Kappa Psi and plans to continue in the Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) program at VCU upon completing his undergraduate degree. After graduating from the MSCM program, he plans to pursue a career in global procurement.

Distinguished Service Award

Awarded to a student from each academic department who has provided distinguished service to the department, university and community.

Christopher Limm
Department of Accounting

Christopher is an enthusiastic and outgoing student who brings joy to those around him. As the vice president of VCU’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter, he has been an engaged and dedicated member of the organization for several years. Christopher has completed tax internships at RSM and Keiter. After graduating in December 2025, he plans to pursue CPA licensure and a career in public accounting.

Christopher Limm portrait “Distinguished Service” gold banner

Emma Laurent
Department of Accounting

Emma serves as the director of retention for VCU’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter. In this role, she supports and promotes the chapter with energy and dedication as it engages in professional networking events and community outreach. Emma also served as the secretary of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) in fall 2023 and as treasurer of Le Velvet, VCU's K-pop club, in 2023–2024. She has completed internships at the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts, RSM and Brown Edwards. After graduation, Emma plans to pursue CPA licensure and a career in public accounting.

Emma Ryder
Department of Economics, School of Business

Emma is a standout business student pursuing double majors in economics and accounting. She attended VCU on a Provost Scholarship and has also been honored with the Markel Scholarship and the 2023-2024 School of Business Dean’s Scholar Award. Even as a VCU cheerleader competing at the national level, she has found time to serve as a teaching assistant for Microeconomic Theory and volunteer with the Richmond SPCA. This summer, Emma has secured an internship at The Roseline Group, a Richmond-based tax firm. After graduation, she plans to earn CPA licensure and pursue a career in auditing.

Emma Ryder portrait “Distinguished Service” gold banner

Jason Dresen
Department of Economics, College of Humanities and Sciences

Jason is a stellar student pursuing dual degrees in economics and political science with a concentration in international relations while maintaining a 3.92 GPA. He has served as a teaching assistant for Macroeconomic Theory and as a peer tutor for economics, political science and Spanish courses at the VCU Campus Learning Center. Additionally, he co-leads a weekly Spanish conversation group, serves as treasurer for the VCU Men's Ultimate Frisbee Club and is a member of the Student Economics Association. After graduation, Jason hopes to serve in the Peace Corps as a prelude to joining the U.S. Foreign Service.

Jason Dresen portrait “Distinguished Service” gold banner

Sonia Kanchan
Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

Sonia has served as a coach for the VCU Financial Success Center by Virginia Credit Union for the past four semesters, going above and beyond to support individuals. She took the initiative to plan and organize a full month of events for Financial Literacy Month. In addition to her service, she excels in the classroom and has demonstrated remarkable growth, transforming into an inspiring and confident leader. She has been offered a prestigious position in the Capital One Rotational Analyst Program and will begin her work after graduation in the Washington, D.C. area. Sonia is a highly qualified candidate who demonstrates ambition, resilience and passion for her studies, service to the center and professional goals.

Stephen Kouevi
Department of Information Systems

Stephen is a past president of the Information Systems Organization (ISO), where he organized networking nights, field trips and workshops to support student growth. He also joined the Information Systems Advisory Board as a student member. Board members describe him a someone who “everyone knows and follows on social media,” with an “endless curiosity,” and a talent for engaging “his fellow students with the sole goal of helping everyone move forward.” Beyond ISO, Stephen served as historian for the VCU chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, membership director for Developing Men of Color and supported Open Houses and Preview Days.

Stephen Kouevi portrait “Distinguished Service” gold banner

Vivek Vangala
Department of Information Systems

Vivek is a hard-working student majoring in information systems and minoring in computer science. He has held several roles within the Information Systems Department, most notably serving as president of the Information Systems Organization. Additionally, he has worked as a teaching assistant for the course Introduction to Information Systems Development Technologies and helped develop a mobile app for the VCU Children's Hospital through the independent study program. Vivek also volunteers at Preview Days and open houses for prospective information systems students. Graduating a year early, he will begin working full time as a cybersecurity analyst at Synergy Technical.

Vivek Vangala portrait “Distinguished Service” gold banner

Ellie Phung
Department of Management and Entrepreneurship

Ellie is a highly accomplished student at VCU, maintaining a 4.00 GPA while completing dual degrees in business with a concentration in international management and information systems. Outside her standout performance in the classroom, she works as a tutor for VCU athletes, helping them understand and retain course work in business statistics, economics and accounting. She is also the captain of a dance team, where she choreographs and teaches dance routines for various events.

Ellie Phung portrait “Distinguished Service” gold banner

Olivia Ojeda
Department of Marketing

Olivia is a marketing major with a minor in sales and serves as president of the Professional Selling Team. As a founding member, she spearheaded the team’s official recognition and built a thriving community of young professionals across disciplines. Under her leadership, the team has impacted more than 50 students, helping them connect, grow and compete nationally. As she prepares to graduate, Olivia takes pride in the legacy of collaboration and excellence she has built—one shaped by the mentorship of faculty and the support of her peers at the VCU School of Business.

Olivia Ojeda portrait “Distinguished Service” gold banner

Sydney Kaeser
Department of Supply Chain Management and Analytics

If the Supply Chain Management and Analytics Department is hosting an event, you can count on Sydney to be there. She is the president of the Sustainable Supply Chain Society and has helped organize expos, conferences and company visits. Sydney has partnered with the Association of Supply Chain Management and worked as an undergraduate project manager for Project Ram Re-X, focusing on e-waste solutions–all while maintaining a 3.75 GPA. Upon graduation, she plans to pursue a Master of Applied Science in supply chain management.

Sydney Kaeser portrait “Distinguished Service” gold banner

Ann G. and Barney Roland Freasier, Sr. Tax Award

Awarded from the Department of Accounting to an outstanding student who has taken at least six hours of taxation courses at VCU and has demonstrated the most promise in the field of taxation.

Ahmad Hussain
Department of Accounting

An accounting and finance double major, Ahmad has demonstrated academic excellence across both disciplines, including earning top grades in taxation. He currently holds a tax internship with The Roseline Group and previously completed an audit/tax internship at Harris, Hardy & Johnstone. Ahmad is also a student leader, serving as the director of community service for VCU’s Beta Alpha Psi chapter. After graduation, he plans to pursue CPA licensure.

Ahmad Hussain portrait “Ann G. and Barney Roland Freasier, Sr. Tax Award” gold banner

Davis Ratcliffe Insurance Award

Awarded by the Risk Management and Insurance Program in the Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate, this honor recognizes a full-time undergraduate business student who has completed two or more insurance courses offered by the School of Business, excluding summer and evening classes. Selection is based on academic achievement, character and initiative, with preference given to a student pursuing a career in property and casualty insurance. The award is named in memory of Davis Ratcliffe, a former insurance executive who established VCU’s insurance program in 1969.

Kyle Tye
Risk Management and Insurance Program,
Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

Kyle is a risk management and insurance student, recognized for his academic excellence through multiple scholarships. As a VCU Lester Fellow at Marsh McLennan Agency, he has gained valuable hands-on experience in risk analysis and insurance underwriting. In his role as president of Gamma Iota Sigma, Kyle leads industry engagement initiatives and professional development programs, helping students build meaningful connections with industry professionals. With expertise in financial modeling, data analysis and insurance solutions, he is committed to leveraging his skills to drive strategic decision-making in the financial and insurance sectors.

Kyle Tye portrait “Davis Ratcliffe Insurance Award” gold banner

Snead Scholars

Snead Scholars are distinguished seniors selected by each academic department in the School of Business for their exceptional scholarship, leadership and service. One student from each department is honored annually with this recognition.

Arthur (AJ) Etienne
Accounting

Jay Patel
Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

Byron Aguirre-Zelaya
Information Systems

Jaeden Tearne
Management and Entrepreneurship

Mayuri Samala
Marketing

Lavonne Cooke
Supply Chain Management and Analytics

Dean's Scholars

Dean’s Scholars are recognized for achieving academic excellence by maintaining a 4.0 GPA through their junior or senior year. Honorees are celebrated annually at the VCU School of Business award ceremony for their exceptional academic achievement.

Class of 2024 (December) Dean's Scholars:

Connor Cahill
Margaret Foy
Valini Gildharry
Kendrick Nguyen

Dean's List

This honor is awarded to students each semester in which a minimum of 12 semester credits are earned, and a GPA of at least 3.5 is attained with no grade below a “C.” This designation appears on students’ academic transcripts.

Honor Societies

Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS)

BGS has honored academic achievement in the study of business since 1913. Membership in BGS is the highest academic recognition a business student can achieve. Each year only 10% of the juniors and 10% of the seniors may be admitted into Beta Gamma Sigma.

To learn more about Beta Gamma Sigma, visit their website. Only business schools accredited by AACSB International may have local BGS chapters and may induct students into Beta Gamma Sigma.

Pi Kappa Phi

Pi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective multidisciplinary collegiate honor society. Membership is offered to students, faculty and others who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.

Visit VCU's chapter of Pi Kappa Phi's website to learn about membership and scholarship opportunities.

Past Departmental Award Recipients

2024-2025 Departmental Awards

Student of the Year

Arthur (AJ) EtienneDepartment of Accounting

Sebine ScariaDepartment of Economics, School of Business

Adam FungeDepartment of Economics, College of Humanities and Sciences

Elizabeth LeesDepartment of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

Aleena MilburnDepartment of Information Systems

Diana HatoumDepartment of Management and Entrepreneurship

Martina DemoryDepartment of Marketing

Dylan NewbyDepartment of Supply Chain Management and Analytics