The Outstanding Undergraduate Student for 2008 in The College of Human Environmental Sciences is Melissa Grace Oliver.  She is majoring in Human Development and Family Science with an option in Child and Family Services and a minor in psychology.  Melissa is currently president of the CHES Ambassadors student recruit team where she has also served as secretary. She has been a member of the executive officer team of the OSU Residential Hall Senate.  She is a member of the OSU Foundation’s student stewardship committee and a charter member of Sigma Phi Lambda where she has served as rush captain, alumni representative and communication chair.  Melissa believes the CHES Outstanding Student must represent to the community, the College’s commitment to develop dynamic leaders, engaged citizens, and effective professionals.
Working as an intern at the Tulsa Ministry Center, she and another intern created and operated a day camp for at-risk children. The Summer Program about Reaching Kids or S.P.A.R.K. was developed to equip abused and neglected children with tools to increase their self esteem and expand their worlds beyond their west Tulsa neighborhoods. Applying concepts learned in infant and child development, nutrition, and parenting classes, Melissa and her fellow intern created programs that effectively reached out to over 75 children.  Melissa will continue her work as a leader in S.P.A.R.K. this summer.
Melissa works in the Center for Family Services on the OSU campus and is responsible for the daytime clinic management and evening waiting room assistance.  Listed on the President’s and Dean’s Honor Rolls, Melissa maintains a 3.9 grade point average as an honors student. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Iota Kappa honor societies. Her parents are Patrick and Sandra Ryan of Tulsa and Tony Oliver from Atlanta, Georgia.

Click here for the full Information of award recipients on the Celebration of Excellence 2008

For pictures of the event go to Genesee Photo here