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For the first time in award history, this year's award goes to two families, the family of Crystal Tsang, a junior in the Poole College of Management and the family of Caroline Funkhouser, a junior in the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Crystal’s essay honors her mother, Candy Yung, father, John Tsang, and brother, William Tsang. Caroline’s essay, honors her father, Ed Funkhouser and late mother, Ellen Teague. Crystal’s and Caroline’s essays were chosen from 27 entries. Crystal writes, “My dad was so proud of me when I received my acceptance letter to State. The person who made the decision to move to America and find a better education for me and my brother was speechless upon learning his sacrifices had finally paid off. My dad later told me in Cantonese, ‘Daughter, I know that NC State will definitely take good care of you. I am truly happy knowing that my wish of seeing my daughter going to college has finally come true.’ My mom was in tears and my brother, who is only a year younger than me, would be influenced to join me here in the Wolfpack. My family celebrated again when we found out that my brother was also accepted to NC State the following year. Our entire house was soon filled with NC State memorabilia; last winter, every gift under our Christmas tree proudly bore the block-S.” Caroline writes, “I did not miss one moment of school after my mother’s death; because that’s what she would have wanted. She was not a quitter. This school is not about quitting. Being a member of the Wolfpack is not about quitting. She taught me that even before she became my angel. Her love and dedication to this university resides in me, and she will always be a part of the Wolfpack family.” She adds, “My father helped create an incredibly strong bond between this university and myself; a bond that I still carry with me. He is my living motivation. He embodies the words of the great Jimmy V: “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” Crystal is currently majoring in Accounting. She is a member of National Residence Hall Honorary, University Scholars Program, Asian Students Association, Chinese Undergraduate Student Association, and is currently the head Resident Advisor for Metcalf Hall. She is also Parents’ Orientation Ambassador and enjoys giving back by volunteering her time with program, such as the Chocolate Festival, Service NC State, Service Raleigh, and Shack-a-Thon. Caroline is currently majoring in Communication Media. She has made the Dean’s List every semester of her enrollment and recently studied abroad in Segovia, Spain. Caroline works on video production and editing and has spent 5 summers teaching children how to make movies at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Caroline is also working towards a minor in Spanish. Crystal, Caroline, and their families were recognized with a presentation during the Parents & Families Weekend NC State v. GA Tech football game on Saturday, October 1, 2011. Chancellor Woodson and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Tom Stafford presented Crystal’s family and Caroline’s family with a commemorative plaque and $500 book scholarship.
Read Caroline Funkhouser's Essay Previous "Family of the Year" Award Recipients have included: 2010 - The Family of Danielle Maness 2009 - The Bulfin Family 2008 - The Goodell Family 2007 - The Campos Family 2006 - The Chaplin-Cox-Jones Family 2005 - The Mendys Family 2004 - The Majchrowicz Family 2003 - The Allen/Daniels Family 2002 - The Bowens Family 2001 - The Shepherd Family 2000 - The Killough Family 1999 - The Wagoner Family |
