University Scholars Program Senior John Coggin was recently honored as the first recipient of the President William Jefferson Clinton Hunger Leadership Award for his work with NCSU's Presbyterian Campus Ministry and Stop Hunger Now.  This award, which is jointly sponsorsed by NC State and Stop Hunger now, was created to honor Clinton for his commitment to humanitarian causes and the eradication of world hunger.  John, a Park Scholar and 4.0 student, received his award at the conclusion of the former president's Millennium lecture on January 26. "Meeting President Clinton was a wonderfully exciting experience," said John, "I was particularly impressed with the expanse of his knowledge as it relates to hunger-related issues, and I was honored to meet and shake the hand of the man who is doing so much to fight hunger and its effects in our world."

In addition to his work with Stop Hunger Now, John has been an active and dedicated member of the University Scholars Program.  He has worked for the program as both a Scholars Village Assistant and Undergraduate Teaching Assistant since his sophomore year.  In these roles he has become known throughout the Scholars community for his outstanding character, hard work, intelligence, and warm and outgoing personality.  In 2007, for his work on behalf of the Scholars Village, he received the Spirit of the Village Award, which recognizes the contribution made by a student to a residential village on campus.

John will truly be missed when he graduates this spring.  Wherever his professional and academic pursuits take him, though, we are excited for the bright future that lies ahead of him.