Chemistry & Psychology Major Stephanie Grice
Named Salutatorian of C.W. Post Class of 2006

Brookville, N.Y. – Having completed a rigorous dual-major degree, won half a dozen academic awards and been accepted to medical school, Stephanie Grice of Batavia, N.Y. will conclude the undergraduate stage of her education as the salutatorian of the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University Class of 2006.

Grice earned a grade point average of 3.97 in dual majors of chemistry and psychology while volunteering as a reading tutor for students at Glenwood Landing Elementary School  and as an organizer for the American Diabetes Association. She also worked in a local physician’s office.

“I like to work hard and challenge myself and see what I can achieve,” the 22-year-old Honors Program student said.

Grice will attend SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse in the fall to study neuroscience. While conducting neuroscience research at C.W. Post under the direction of Professor Grace Rossi, Grice developed an interest in the detective work that leads to medical breakthroughs. Her thesis was on the effect of pain relievers such as morphine on the brain.

“There is a lot that has yet to be discovered,” Grice said. “It is such a huge field that there’s a great deal of research going on. I had a chance to do research at C.W. Post and that’s inspired me to take it further.”

Dr. Rossi described Grice as “the student I respect most in my professional circle.” Dr. Joan Shields, chair of the Chemistry Department at C.W. Post, described Grice as “one of the most dynamic and intellectually motivated students I have ever taught.”

Grice has won the C.W. Post Award for Academic Excellence in Psychology, the Provost's Award for Excellence in Cooperative Education, the Cooperative Education Student of the Year award, the Richard P. Runyon Award in Psychology for Research Potential, the Rosemarie Ungarelli Memorial Award in Psychology and the Coblentz Award for Spectroscopy (Chemistry).

Grice will be one of more than 2,300 students who will graduate on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 14, 2006 at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University’s 48th commencement exercises. The Campus has awarded more than 92,000 degrees in its 51-year history, through a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The Class of 2006 includes 949 baccalaureate degree candidates, 1,376 master's degree candidates, 16 graduates receiving the Psy.D. in clinical psychology and three receiving the Ph.D. in information studies. This year, C.W. Post’s commencement ceremonies also include graduates from Southampton College and the Southampton Graduate Campus of Long Island University.

Posted: May 5, 2006