Vermont Tech Student Named Vermont’s New Century Scholar

A Vermont Technical College student has earned a coveted spot on the All-USA Academic Team and been named as Vermont’s New Century Scholar for 2010. Awarded to one student only in each of the 50 states, the New Century Scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement and community service among students in two-year programs at colleges and universities throughout the country.

This year’s Vermont recipient, Monique Van Leuven, is a nursing student at Vermont Tech’s St. Albans extended campus. She is a 1995 graduate of Colebrook Academy in Colebrook, New Hampshire.

Awarded by Phi Theta Kappa, an International Honor Society, the New Century Scholars Program is an extension of the All-USA Academic Team. Under the rules of the program, the highest scoring student from each state is named a New Century Scholar and awarded a $2,000 stipend. She then represents her state at the American Association of Community Colleges Convention in Seattle, Washington.

Van Leuven was nominated for this year’s honor by the faculty and staff of Vermont Tech’s Nursing program based on her outstanding academic achievement and many other contributions to both the school and community.

“Monique is an outstanding student and she demonstrates all the qualities of a nursing student at the highest levels of practice,” said Kristin Husher, Site Director of the college’s St. Albans program. “In addition to working as an LPN at Fletcher Allen Health Care and its Family Practice/Internal Medicine and OB/GYN outpatient clinics, she assists at a number of immunization clinics, and she is a volunteer with VERV, (Vermont Emergency Readiness Volunteers) in St. Albans. She also carries a 4.0 GPA, and is a superb role model for the other students.”

According to its mission statement, the purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and encourage scholarship; and to provide opportunities for the development of leadership and service and an intellectual climate for the exchange of ideas and ideals. The organization also seeks to provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service, and fellowship programs.