Milestones: Academic, business honors received

MU Professor Awarded Medal for Innovation in Nuclear Science and Engineering. Mark A. Prelas, professor of nuclear engineering and director of research at MU’s Nuclear Science and Engineering Institute, was recently awarded the Frederic Joliot-Curie Medal for his scientific innovation and leadership in nuclear and engineering research. He will receive the award during a ceremony in Moscow in 2008.

The following students have earned a spot on the University of Central Missouri Dean’s List. Each semester, the Dean’s List is divided into two parts. The first list of names are the students who have achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average, and the second list of names are the students who attained a grade point average of 3.5-3.99.

4.0 Dean’s list: Megan Tara Hudnell, Columbia; Stephanie G. Days, Columbia; Heidi A. Hodges, Boonville; Elizabeth Sue Ward, Fulton. 3.5-3.99 Dean’s list: Benjamin James, Boonville; Richard J. Patci, Columbia; Ashley N. Hicklin, Boonville; Jennifer B. Newberry, Moberly.

Catherine Marie Pepmiller, a senior at Hickman High School, has been selected to receive a $20,000 college scholarship through the Samsung-American Legion program. Pepmiller’s selection is based on her class standing, academic and civic achievements and financial need. Ten students earned the scholarship from a finalist group of nearly 100.

Jeremy Hess and Olga Kuzmina, seniors at Rock Bridge High School, have been selected as recipients of the National Council of Teachers of English 2007 Achievement Award in Writing. The award recognizes writing excellence based on students’ examples of their best work and on impromptu themes written under timed supervision.

Marvin E. “Bunky” Wright, longtime general counsel for the University of Missouri System was honored by The Missouri Bar during its 128th annual meeting in Springfield. Wright has served as general counsel for the UM System since March 1, 1998. He has announced plans to retire effective Dec. 31.

University Hospital received the 2007 Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Successful Practice Award at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach. The award was presented to University Hospital in recognition of the work of numerous departments including cardiology, emergency services and ambulance services that are involved in the treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction, better known as a heart attack.