Nnenna Nwaelugo of Nigeria and Matt Scott of Sioux Falls, S.D., graduating seniors at Northwestern College, received Faculty Honors during the college’s commencement exercises on May 11.
The Faculty Honors award is bestowed upon graduates who excel in academic achievement, Christian influence, general attitude and participation in worthwhile campus activities. The highest honor the faculty gives to graduating seniors, it is determined by a vote of the entire faculty.
When Nwaelugo enrolled at Northwestern in 2015, she was only 15. She completed majors in biology-health professions and chemistry, graduating Summa Cum Laude for compiling a grade point average of 3.90 or above. An Honors Program Scholar, she received the Outstanding Graduating Senior Award from both the biology and chemistry departments.
During her time at Northwestern, Nwaelugo worked with the lab technician and served as a tutor, ambassador, teaching assistant and president of the International Club. Last summer she completed research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she plans to pursue an M.D. degree this fall.
Scott, an actuarial science and economics major, also graduated Summa Cum Laude. He received the Outstanding Graduating Senior Award from the mathematics and physics department. A goalkeeper on the soccer team, he was a two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete and an honorable mention all-conference player.
Scott also wrote for the student newspaper, tutored students, served as an officer in the Actuarial Science Club and participated in a Spring Service Partnership trip to Haiti. He interned two summers with the Sammons Financial Group and has already passed four actuarial exams. Scott has been hired as an actuarial analyst at Optum in Eden Prairie, Minn.