LU student Tiffany Tran named TSUS Scholar
August 13, 2020 | by Shelly Vitanza
Lamar University proudly announces Tiffany Tran has been awarded the Texas State University System Scholar Award.
Each year, the Board of Regents of the TSUS distinguishes at least one outstanding student from TSUS member institutions with the Regents' Student Scholar Award. The chancellor selects the student scholars based on their outstanding academic achievement and scholarship, leadership abilities and contributions to the institution and their community.
“When reading through the application and qualifications for the award, I thought ‘I fit into that mold,’” said Tran, who is from Beaumont and graduated from West Brook High School. I thought I should give it a shot
and if I won, it would be good for Lamar University, too.”
Tran is a junior on a pre-dental track, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. She serves LU as an ambassador and Student Government Association representative for the College of Arts and Sciences. She works on campus in admissions providing tours and making phone calls to prospective students. She is also active in Cardinals for Life and Pre-Dental Society.
“Tiffany is a woman with a strong sense of her place in the world,” said Randall Terry, chair of the Biology Department. “She is well liked, works productively in collaborative settings, is professional and approachable and is viewed as a respected leader among her peers. Her positive perspective not only brightens the room but contributes to a world view that leads to success. She is ambitious but kind, having a strong sense of empathy and concern for others.”
As a freshman, Tran entered the Reaud Honors College and was the recipient of LU’s prestigious Mirabeau Scholarship. She has remained active in the Honors College throughout her college career. She was a founding member of the Reaud Honors College Model United Nations Team, and received the award for Outstanding Position Paper at the Texas Model United Nations Conference at the University of Houston this past February. She is also the recipient of the National Model U.N. Conference Honorable mention. In just three semesters, Tran earned the credit hours required for Reaud Honors College Graduate status.
“One of my favorite aspects of Lamar University is the Honors College,” said Tran. “Being a part of the Honors College has allowed me to experience a lot of new opportunities. I also love the community that we have at LU. I have felt welcomed and have met a lot of great students and faculty who are all very supportive.”
Tran has also initiated some programs as LU. She hosted a mock MCAT exam for pre-med students, built a “suggestion box” for students who were unable to attend Student Government Association meetings or who had urgent concerns, implemented transitional framework for incoming elected SGA officials and collaborated with the SGA president to promote the donation of unused student meal swipes to students in need.
“I knew being a part of organizations would add to my college experience and I can attest that it has,” said Tran. “I’ve been able to meet students and hear their concerns and see what I can do to address concerns.”
Off campus, Tran has shadowed local dentist, Dr. Nina Leifeste, and has volunteered at Baptist Hospital. Through the Reaud Honors College, Tran is a board member of the Seafarer’s Center and has dedicated 40 hours to the organization.
In addition to a commemorative medallion and board resolution, Regents' Student Scholars receive $5,000 credited toward their educational expenses.
Each year, the Board of Regents of the TSUS distinguishes at least one outstanding student from TSUS member institutions with the Regents' Student Scholar Award. The chancellor selects the student scholars based on their outstanding academic achievement and scholarship, leadership abilities and contributions to the institution and their community.
“When reading through the application and qualifications for the award, I thought ‘I fit into that mold,’” said Tran, who is from Beaumont and graduated from West Brook High School. I thought I should give it a shot
and if I won, it would be good for Lamar University, too.” Tran is a junior on a pre-dental track, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. She serves LU as an ambassador and Student Government Association representative for the College of Arts and Sciences. She works on campus in admissions providing tours and making phone calls to prospective students. She is also active in Cardinals for Life and Pre-Dental Society.
“Tiffany is a woman with a strong sense of her place in the world,” said Randall Terry, chair of the Biology Department. “She is well liked, works productively in collaborative settings, is professional and approachable and is viewed as a respected leader among her peers. Her positive perspective not only brightens the room but contributes to a world view that leads to success. She is ambitious but kind, having a strong sense of empathy and concern for others.”
As a freshman, Tran entered the Reaud Honors College and was the recipient of LU’s prestigious Mirabeau Scholarship. She has remained active in the Honors College throughout her college career. She was a founding member of the Reaud Honors College Model United Nations Team, and received the award for Outstanding Position Paper at the Texas Model United Nations Conference at the University of Houston this past February. She is also the recipient of the National Model U.N. Conference Honorable mention. In just three semesters, Tran earned the credit hours required for Reaud Honors College Graduate status.
“One of my favorite aspects of Lamar University is the Honors College,” said Tran. “Being a part of the Honors College has allowed me to experience a lot of new opportunities. I also love the community that we have at LU. I have felt welcomed and have met a lot of great students and faculty who are all very supportive.”
Tran has also initiated some programs as LU. She hosted a mock MCAT exam for pre-med students, built a “suggestion box” for students who were unable to attend Student Government Association meetings or who had urgent concerns, implemented transitional framework for incoming elected SGA officials and collaborated with the SGA president to promote the donation of unused student meal swipes to students in need.
“I knew being a part of organizations would add to my college experience and I can attest that it has,” said Tran. “I’ve been able to meet students and hear their concerns and see what I can do to address concerns.”
Off campus, Tran has shadowed local dentist, Dr. Nina Leifeste, and has volunteered at Baptist Hospital. Through the Reaud Honors College, Tran is a board member of the Seafarer’s Center and has dedicated 40 hours to the organization.
In addition to a commemorative medallion and board resolution, Regents' Student Scholars receive $5,000 credited toward their educational expenses.