Reaud Honors College recognizes graduates, faculty at spring reception

The Reaud Honors College at Lamar University recognized graduating honors students and distinguished faculty during its annual Spring Reception on April 23 celebrating academic achievement, research, leadership and community engagement across the program.

The event honored 27 students scheduled to graduate in May with Reaud Honors distinction. The reception highlights student accomplishment as well as the mentorship and collaboration that define the honors experience.

Dean Tilisa Thibodeaux recognized award recipients during the ceremony, noting excellence across leadership, scholarship, community impact and teaching.

Michael Vu was named Honors Student of the Year for Leadership for his collaborative approach to leadership and emphasis on empowering peers. As Honors Student Association president, he focused on building inclusive spaces and supporting student growth.

“Being a leader is not about the title, nor about the ‘fame’ that one gets from it,” Vu said. “To be an effective leader is to invest in others and build connections that make the goal possible. The biggest takeaway of my leadership experience at Lamar is to always put others first.”

Sergio Mendez received Honors Student of the Year for Research and Scholarship in recognition of his undergraduate research accomplishments, including three peer-reviewed publications in chemistry journals. He conducted research under Dr. Zhifeng Guo and Dr. Ashwini Kucknoor.

“The essence of research is working toward something greater than yourself,” Mendez said. “Knowing that our work could one day improve how clinicians understand cellular health gives me hope that I can leave my future patients healthier than when they first walk into a hospital.”

Jenny Tu was named Honors Student of the Year for Community for her extensive civic engagement across Southeast Texas, including work as a Reaud Fellow on service initiatives focused on health awareness and support for vulnerable populations.

“My involvement as a Reaud Fellow and honors student in leadership programs expanded my role in community-building,” Tu said.

She participated in the Stepping Up initiative, served on the executive board of Golden Triangle RSVP, contributed to Youth Leadership Southeast Texas and Gift of Life’s Youth Council, and assisted with student recruitment at honors events.

“My understanding of community has been shaped by change and by the connections I’ve built along the way,” she said. “Community became more personal. I realized it’s not about how big a place is, but how connected the people are within it.”

Campbell Fuller was named Honors Distinguished Senior for his academic achievement, leadership and service across campus and the Texas State University System. A Southeast Texas Legends Scholar, he was recognized for professionalism and collaboration in academic, research and leadership roles.

“My time in the Reaud Honors College has pushed me to grow in ways I did not expect,” Fuller said. “It has given me opportunities to lead, but more importantly, it has given me the perspective to understand why leadership matters.”

Fuller served as Student Government Association vice president and junior class senator and represented students on the Texas State University System Student Advisory Board, advising on issues affecting more than 100,000 students statewide. He also conducted undergraduate research in synthetic organic chemistry and contributed to a peer-reviewed publication under faculty mentorship.

Faculty awards were also presented during the reception.

Professor of Mathematics Dr. Robert Vallin was named Honors Faculty of Distinction. Known for emphasizing critical thinking, he encourages students to connect ideas across topics and disciplines.

“You don’t really know something until you can create with it,” Vallin said. “There is a language, a culture, and a history here, and it is vital to see it all if students are to get the big picture of what they’re learning.”

A student praised his creative teaching approach in his Honors Topics course “Beginning Social Magic,” which explored the mathematics behind illusion and performance.

Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Martha Rinker was named Honors Professor of the Year for her engaging teaching style and strong connection with students.

She teaches Honors Introduction to Statistical Methods and Honors General Psychology and is known for incorporating humor and interactive learning into her courses. Students praised her classroom presence, with one calling her the “GOAT—Greatest of All Time.”

Beyond the classroom, Rinker is active in community wellness efforts through her work as a Master Gardener and president of the Beaumont Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas.

To learn more about the Reaud Honors College, visit https://www.lamar.edu/honors-college/.