Awards:

The Erika Woodleif Student Leadership award

Erika Woodleif was a senior at Meredith College in 1997, majoring in Sociology and planning to be a K-6 elementary teacher. She was a funny, warm and enthusiastic young woman who was excited about her future and about the field of sociology. Erika was a resident assistant for 3 years and she was a member of the Silver Shield Honor society. She had just begun interning in the Fall of 1997 at Wake County Juvenile Court where she was well liked and respected. In November 1997, Erika died in a tragic car accident.

In fond memory of this wonderful young woman, the Erika Woodleif Social Leadership award was established in the Sociology program. This award is given annually to a senior majoring in sociology who best exemplfies the character traits of Erika. The student should show enthusiasm for the field of sociology and encourage her fellow sociology students while in the program.

Erika Woodleif Student Leadership Award, 2012: Ashley Hancock

"When I came to Meredith I didn’t really know exactly what I wanted to major in. I was reading about some different majors in the catalogue after I was accepted and stumbled upon Sociology. I had always enjoyed studying people so I decided to take SOC 230 as one of my Gen Ed courses. Immediately I knew this was what I wanted to major in. I didn’t quite know what I would do with sociology major yet but I started to explore different fields after I took a few classes. Now that I’m a senior I want to apply the topics I’ve spent four years studying to meaningful career. Currently I am perusing a job with the Raleigh Police Department as a general patrol officer. I also recently had the opportunity to present research on Drug use at the Southern Sociology Society conference in New Orleans. My sociology classes have always been my favorite and I know I wouldn't have been as happy with any other major."

Recent past winners were: Lindsey Cox (2011), Shameka Lane (2010), Nichole Eury & Cha'veya Watkins (2009), Amanda Mills (2008), Jerethia 'Recey' Blake (2007), Courtney Price (2006), Telecia Hartsfield (2005), and Randi Byrd (2004)

 

The Criminology Community Engagement Award

In 2013 the new Criminology Community Engagement Award will be given to a major in Criminology who has displayed professional growth and responsibility in the Community through for example her internship or community service. This student will show enthusiasm for the field of Criminology, made an impact in the community and encourage her fellow Criminology students while in the program.  

                                                                      

The Dr. Rhonda Zingraff Academic Excellence in Sociology/Criminology award
The Dr. Rhonda Zingraff Academic Excellence in Sociology and/or Criminology Award was established in the name of a faculty member who taught for over 20 years in the program. She was famous among students and alumni for her rigorous Social Theory and Criminology courses.

This award is given to an exceptional senior majoring in Sociology or Criminiology who has a GPA of at least 3.5 in both the major and overall, has displayed consistent excellence in her academic work in Sociology or Criminology, is engaged in the field of Sociology or Criminology and has shown evidence of her personal intergrity while a student at Meredith College. This award is not necessarily given each year.

The Zingraff Academic Excellence Award 2011: Hilary Towle.

"I am a senior Sociology major and a Women’s Studies and Crime and Justice minor. Around campus I am involved as the president of the Sociology/Criminology Club as well as involved in the Sophie Lanneau Leadership Development program. After graduating in May I hope to take the steps necessary to pursue a career in advancing and improving the education of women worldwide so that their lives may also improve in result. This may take shape in the form of going into public policy work or international human rights law—I haven’t yet decided the exact path I want to take. Right now I am trying to find a job to gain some experience in the field before heading to graduate school. My Sociology major coursework has helped me learn so much about the world we live in and the social interactions that take place on a daily basis. Everything we do is sociology and that’s what makes it so interesting! Several of the classes I have taken for my major as well as my women’s studies minor have helped me form the decisions I have made about my future life’s work."

Last Recipient: Robin Gary (2008)