First-Year Lafayette Scholar Wins Rising Star Award

Valerie Melson, a first-year Scholar at Lafayette College, received the Rising Star Award for her demonstrated commitment to intercultural campus engagement. The award, presented at the college’s annual intercultural awards celebration, is given to a student nominated by faculty members and voted on by the Intercultural Committee.

Valerie’s excellent academic record, dedicated work ethic, and involvement with campus organizations made her a clear choice for this recognition. At Lafayette, she co-hosted the 2014 celebration of Black Heritage Month, focused on the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. She is also involved with FACE AIDS, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to health equity and social justice, and a member of the Precision Step Team. In the fall, she will be a resident advisor.

“This award reminds me of the reasons why I am at Lafayette and the sacrifices made so that I can be here,\" says Valerie. \"It also reminds me of the people that I have met while on campus and the amazing things that I hope to accomplish with them.”  

This past year, Valerie participated in Lafayette’s competitive Science Horizons program, which provides significant mentoring for 20 first-year students interested in research and offers the opportunity to present at a scientific conference. Planning to major in neuroscience, Valerie is performing research at the Washington Hospital Center with Dr. Cheryl Iglesia, an internationally recognized specialist in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.