Society of Westover Fellows Executive Board
2007-2008
President: Joseph Orenstein
Kernersville, North Carolina
Junior
A double major in business administration and Spanish, Joe chose to jump right in as a Freshtover and travel to Spain with many of his Westover colleagues on a spring break trip that was part of a semester-long International Relations course. This early opportunity to speak the language in day-to-day interactions in Spain as well as to see history and culture first hand has enriched Joe's experience as a Spanish major. A successful student all around, Joe has been made a member of Phi Kappa Phi (Academic Honorary), Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Academic Honorary), and Sigma Beta Delta (Business Honorary). A Dean's List student for every semester that he has been enrolled at Lynchburg College, Joe served last year as treasurer for the Society of Westover Fellows Executive Board. Joe also serves as treasurer for the class of 2009.
He is currently conducting research under the direction of Dr. Sally Selden, associate professor of management. Joe is working closely with Dr. Selden on the Government Performance Project (GPP), which is the nation's premier source for comprehensive and independent information about state management performance. According to Dr. Selden, "Joe is a critical member of a team of scholars, researchers, and journalists from across the United States. Joe's analysis has a direct impact on the grade assigned to a state; the research results will be published in the March 2008 edition of Governing Magazine." Dr. Selden goes on to say that, "Joe's analytical and problem-solving skills are as advanced as any graduate student that I have worked with during my academic career. He represents the very best of Lynchburg College and his future is promising. Without a doubt, Joe will attend a top-tier law school."
Vice President: Sarah PetersHarrisonburg, Virginia
Junior
Sarah is an economics major with minors in political science and math. She too has achieved distinction at Lynchburg College for her successes in academics and leadership: Sarah has been inducted into Phi Kappa Phi (Academic Honorary), Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Academic Honorary), Sigma Beta Delta (Business Honorary), and Omicron Delta Kappa (Leadership Honorary). Sarah serves as a PASS Leader (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) for Economics 201. A musician as well as a budding political economist, Sarah plays clarinet with the Lynchburg College Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. Her commitment to the Methodist Student Fellowship organization has led her to serving as its president.
Economics Professor Michael Schnur says about her, "Sarah Peters is a young woman with an extremely promising future. Her energy is evident in her work ethic and time management. The more work she undertakes, the more superior the results, and the broader is the smile. A Ph.D. is obviously in her future." Sarah and Professor Schnur are collaborating on the development of Transforensic LP, a new division of the accounting firm, Hoffman and White. Working in a supervisory position, Sarah serves as the operations manager for this new initiative. The Steven W. Streep Award recognizes an outstanding female business major each year -- last year, that award went to Sarah Peters.
Treasurer: Jackie FoxChesapeake, Virginia
Junior
Jackie is balancing her accounting major with a minor in English, with an emphasis in writing. Recognized for academic and leadership achievement, she holds membership in Phi Kappa Phi (Academic Honorary), Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Academic Honorary), Sigma Beta Delta (Business Honorary), and the Leadership Society, Sigma Alpha Pi. Jackie serves as a PASS Leader (Peer Assisted Study Session) for Accounting 201. As part of a course exploring contemporary history, politics, and culture of Argentina, Jackie traveled to Argentina in her sophomore year.
Professor Nancy Schneider, Jackie's advisor and teacher in multiple accounting classes, says that "Jackie has been an exemplary student in the accounting classes she's taken with me. She grasps concepts quickly, studies diligently, and freely offers assistance--with endlessly patient explanations--to classmates having difficulty. Accounting majors must be smart, disciplined, ethical, and hard-working; once Jackie graduates, she will be a terrific ambassador for an LC education."
Secretary: Sarah PrenoPrinceton Junction, New Jersey
Junior
Sarah is a marketing major with a minor in English with a literature emphasis. Her academic success has been recognized by membership in Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Academic Honorary) and Sigma Beta Delta (Business Honorary). Interested in understanding other cultures and global issues, she has already participated in two study abroad programs: as a first-year student she traveled to Great Britain, Belgium, France, Austria, and the Czech Republic as part of a special study abroad seminar on the Politics and Economics of the European Union. As a second-year student, she traveled to Argentina as part of a spring semester course that focused on contemporary history, politics, and culture of Argentina. Sarah is also a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.
Dr. Edward DeClair, director of the Westover Honors Program and faculty leader of the seminar on the Politics and Economics of the European Union, was struck by Sarah's quiet leadership and ability to adapt as she traveled through Europe. He describes her participation in this manner, "Sarah was a delight on the trip. I often do not encourage first-year students to undertake such an ambitious program, but I had every confidence in Sarah's ability to glean much from the experience. She was at first somewhat hesitant, but as she gained her footing, she performed exceedingly well."
Publications Chair: Rachel MooreRichmond, Virginia
Senior
Rachel combines her communication studies major (journalism and public relations emphasis) with a sport management minor. Her academic success and leadership abilities have been recognized by her membership in Phi Kappa Phi (Academic Honorary), Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Academic Honorary), and Lambda Pi Eta (Communication Studies Honorary). For four years, Rachel worked as a student assistant helping to edit a series of faculty volumes. She plays on the varsity women's tennis team. Her summer jobs have included a position in the Recreation and Parks programs for the County of Henrico.
Dr. Peggy Pittas, professor of psychology and director of Senior Symposium and the Lynchburg College Symposium Readings Program, who has worked closely with Rachel for nearly four years, says this of Rachel's work ethic, "Working with Rachel Moore for the last four years has been a pleasure. Rachel brings to her assistantship a profound knowledge of technology, excellent writing and editing skills, and a work ethic that is outstanding. Her contributions to the Senior Symposium and LCSR Program have been invaluable." Rachel previously served as president of the Baptist Student Union, and she was the service chair for the Westover Honors Program during her sophomore year. As publications chair for the Society Newsletter, Rachel is the editor-in-chief for this project.