Surprise, elation and a look of 'Me!?' were all on her face when Kaitlynn Strahl heard her name being called from the podium during Lander University's May 15 commencement.
She had just won something called the Thayer Award - the university's highest academic honor, reserved for the graduating senior with the highest cumulative GPA of the class.
"I didn't even know I was a finalist for the Thayer until they announced it that day," said Strahl, a native of Elgin, S.C., who several times nearly jumped for joy on her way to the stage to receive it. "I didn't even know the award existed until I saw it listed in the booklet they handed out at graduation."
Strahl maintained a 4.0 GPA all four years at Lander and was one of eight finalists for the Thayer. Professor Linda Carson said it was refreshing to see her pure euphoria at winning it.
"Kaitlynn is one of those rare students that faculty have the honor of teaching and working with during their academic journey," said Carson, assistant professor of Criminology and Sociology. "I taught her in numerous classes from her sophomore to her final year, and had the pleasure of having her volunteer with me for three semesters at two institutions for incarcerated males."
Strahl, who double majored in sociology and criminology, added that "if it hadn't been for those experiences, I wouldn't be as sure about my occupational goals as I am."
Her plans are to go to the University of South Carolina in Columbia to pursue a Masters in Social Work and a USC Drug and Addiction certificate.
"I also accepted a graduate assistantship for the Social Work program," she said.
But for now, Strahl just wants to feel the elation of the Thayer Award a little longer.
"I owe a big part of my success as a student to my professors," she said. "They were more than willing to help me explore my academic potential and provide me with multiple opportunities for success."