Whether you call it a pep rally to offer encouragement for the long academic year ahead or recognition for a job well done, Friday’s Faculty of Science Dean’s reception to honour the academic achievements of its brightest students was packed to the rafters with outstanding scholars and their proud families and friends.

More than 350 science students with a grade point average of 90 per cent or greater took their place on the Dean’s Honour Roll and were welcomed by dean of science Marlys Koschinsky.

“It really is important for students to be recognized for all they put into their studies,” Dr. Koschinsky says. “This event is a chance for us to showcase the core values of our faculty. We attract top quality students and it’s very encouraging for faculty and staff to see all of these success stories—we just keep getting better and better.”

Koschinsky says the number of students holding a place on the Dean’s honour roll has increased by 31 per cent over the past year, while first-year students entering science with 90 per cent or greater has increased by 30 per cent over the past year.

Third-year chemistry student Anthony Sundre says he appreciates being acknowledged for his hard work and the event gives him a chance to see that he’s not alone in his efforts.

“It’s comforting to see that other people are going through what I’m going through as far as studying—we all put in a lot of work, especially in science,” Sundre says. “It’s pretty cool that they do this for students and it’s definitely a motivation to keep working hard.”

Touba Warsi, who will graduate in October from Behaviour, Cognition and Neuroscience, was accompanied by her family on Friday. She has been a regular attendee at the annual event.

“Even though I’m finished my courses I still came back because I really like that they do this for the students and I definitely feel proud,” she says. “Knowing that I’m being acknowledged has helped me work harder to keep my grades up.”

Koschinsky says that holding the event in September gives student the incentive to work hard from the beginning of the year and is a reminder that the entire faculty supports both their efforts and their successes.

“We want them to know that we’re behind them all the way,” she says. “Students make our world go round.”

See a full list of honorees on the Faculty of Science Web site.