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    Undergraduate Departmental Awards 2023-2024

    Department of Accounting

    Student of the Year

    Michelle Chen

    Michelle Chen is an outstanding student and future accounting professional, who is a double major in Accounting and Finance. She exhibits an incredible work ethic, which is demonstrated in her role as Vice President of Beta Alpha Psi. During her studies at VCU, she has held internships with KPMG, Keiter CPAs, the SCC, and Harris Hardy & Johnston PC. In recognition of her academic achievements, she was awarded Controllers Executive Roundtable, Walter Lessing, and John Sperry scholarships. Following graduation, Michelle will join KPMG as a tax associate.

    Department of Accounting

    Distinguished Service Award

    Joana Muller

    Joana Muller deserves recognition for the tremendous effort she has put forth as a President of Beta Alpha Psi (BAP). She has been the driving force behind numerous events that connect VCU students with accounting professionals. BAP’s visibility and student membership has grown markedly under Joana’s leadership. She also served as the Treasurer for the Model United Nations at VCU where she was instrumental in raising and managing the organization’s funds. Joana held a tax internship with BDO’s Richmond office and is currently in the process of deciding between competing offers for her full-time accounting role following graduation.

    Department of Accounting

    Ann G. and Barney Roland Freasier Sr. Tax Award

    Marcos Saeed

    Marcos Saeed’s high performance in taxation and his overall academic excellence makes him truly deserving of the Freasier Tax Award. While pursuing his accounting degree, Marcos has held internships with Keiter CPAs, the Virginia Auditor of Public Accounts, Brown Edwards, and Northwestern Mutual. Upon graduation, he plans to pursue a Master of Accountancy degree. Marcos has also been a highly active member of Beta Alpha Psi, where he holds the role of Treasurer. Marcos’ hobbies include basketball, and he has completed coursework in the National Basketball Association’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.

    Department of Economics

    School of Business, Student of the Year

    Nathan Thomas

    Nathan is an exceptional student! He is currently in the Economics Accelerated M.A. program, which means that he is completing graduate economics courses during his senior year in the undergraduate program. Despite the added challenge, he has skillfully upheld a flawless 4.0 GPA! He is also working as a research assistant under the mentorship of Dr. Herrington, who praises his capabilities and contributions. Additionally, Nathan is a member of the VCU Student Managed Investment Portfolio, has participated in the Federal Reserve Challenge team, and placed first in the 2023 Altria Data Analytics Competition.

    Department of Economics

    Humanities and Sciences, Student of the Year

    Mattias Varjun

    Mattias is an outstanding student and athlete at VCU. He has managed to achieve an almost perfect GPA along with strong performances for the VCU golf team. His unwavering commitment and exemplary scholarly performance have garnered widespread admiration from faculty members across a spectrum of courses, who unanimously consider him a brilliant student. Mattias has also been named an All-America Scholar by the Golf Coaches Association of America. After graduation, he aspires to be a top 50 golfer in the world.

    Department of Economics

    School of Business, Distinguished Service Award

    James Melton

    James has played many important roles in serving the Economics Department and VCU. He is currently the teaching assistant for Principles of Macroeconomics, one of our largest courses, and has been a member of the Federal Reserve Challenge team at VCU. He also works at the Campus Learning Center as a tutor for mathematics and economics. Additionally, he is the President of the Student Economic Association, which organizes several events, networking sessions, and tutoring services. After graduation, he hopes to become a research assistant at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.

    Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

    Student of the Year

    Benny Brack

    Benny’s academic performance is outstanding and he is rated as a top student by his professors. He has consistently produced thorough and accurate work. At the Virginia Farm Bureau, Benny worked as a Claims Intern and acquired hands-on exposure to critical finance skills, including risk assessment, data analysis, and financial modeling. He is planning on pursuing a Masters in Finance at VCU and is also exploring opportunities of pursuing a doctorate in the future.

    Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

    Distinguished Service Award

    Breanna Machado

    As the President of the VCU Actuarial Club, Breanna has shown exceptional leadership and dedication. Under her guidance, the club gained recognition as a registered organization within the School of Business. She meticulously drafted the club's constitution and delivered engaging presentations, significantly raising interest in actuarial science among students. Beyond her leadership roles, Breanna has excelled academically, showcasing remarkable growth in her analytical abilities and knowledge. Her proactive engagement and academic excellence make her a deserving candidate for this honor.

    Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate

    Davis Ratcliffe Insurance Award

    Maggie Gill

    Maggie has excelled at VCU both academically and with her participation in the extracurricular activities. Maggie has attended and spoken at local industry events, and has traveled to the GIS National Conference in Baltimore, MD and the WSIA Extreme Risk Takers Symposium in Chicago, IL. Notably, she was also selected to attend the 2024 RIMS Conference in San Diego as part of the Anita Benedetti Student Involvement Program. Maggie has already secured a full-time job with IAT Insurance Group in Chicago, IL for post-graduation.

    Department of Information Systems

    Student of the Year

    Ben Massie

    Ben Massie has consistently excelled in both the classroom and undergraduate research. Professors commend his exceptional intelligence, dedication, and problem-solving skills. He fearlessly tackles challenging research tasks, dives into programming and user experience challenges, and constantly seeks to learn and improve. His persistence and work ethic inspire others. In Dr. Elizabeth Baker’s undergraduate research lab, he led by example, embracing uncertainty and pushing his skill set. His dedication and persistence is an inspiration to the lab.

    Department of Information Systems

    Distinguished Service Award

    Thomas Chatman

    Thomas Chatman, a dedicated leader, excels both in the classroom and beyond. As the past president & secretary, and current advisor for the Developing Men of Color (DMC) organization at VCU, he organized numerous events and secured grants totaling over $40k. DMC, with over 550 members, provides guidance and support to men of color. Thomas graduated from VCU LEAD, believes in leading by example, and continues to grow in all aspects of life. He founded Catalyst Gallery, empowering artists globally. Additionally, he volunteered with Pre Collegiate Initiatives, delivering STEM workshops to middle school students. His core principles of discipline, accountability, and open-mindedness drive his path in education, work, and life.

    Department of Management and Entrepreneurship

    Student of the Year

    Natasha Romero Moskala

    Natasha currently holds a 4.0 GPA while double majoring in Management/Business Administration and Political Science with a concentration in International Relations. She is actively involved in leadership roles across campus including serving as a Senator in the VCU Student Government Association, a mentor in the VCU Honors College, and a founder of multiple student clubs. She is also a judicial intern for the Richmond Circuit Court, peer consultant in Studio BE, and works at the YMCA of Greater Richmond. After graduation, she plans to pursue a law degree so that she can combine her two undergraduate degrees.

    Department of Management and Entrepreneurship

    Distinguished Service Award

    Serena Loomba

    Serena graduates in May 2025 with a major in Management and Entrepreneurship and a minor in Psychology and currently has a GPA of 3.9. She is an active participant in clubs such as Women in Business. Beyond VCU, Serena's impact extends to her role at the Metropolitan Business League (MBL) where she is a Lead Mentor in the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, where she mentors disadvantaged youth. Serena aims to continue her impactful work post-graduation, aspiring to ascend to a leadership position within the MBL to further serve entrepreneurs and facilitate equitable access to support and resources.

    Department of Marketing

    Student of the Year

    Evan C. Torpy

    Evan Torpy will graduate with a Marketing major (Product and Brand Management concentration) in May 2024 with a 3.9 GPA. He is very involved in the VCU School of Business and represents the School and the department at many events. His social media presence, especially on LinkedIn, highlights his empathy and knack for connecting with others while giving credit to the accomplishments and influence of his peers and the faculty at VCU. He did mission work in Colombia and applied his experience from that work to several of his projects in his International Marketing class. The faculty in the Department of Marketing have been impressed with his diligence and hard work as well as the superb quality of his work. He will be in the ministry following graduation while continuing to work in merchandise at the Flying Squirrels.

    Department of Marketing

    Distinguished Service Award

    Samhita Bollineni

    Samhita Bollineni will graduate with a Marketing major (Marketing Communication and Analytics concentration) and a minor in Sales in May 2024 with a 3.9 GPA. She is looking to pursue a career in financial or technical selling where her ability to harness analytical insights and relational selling tactics should position her for success. She is an integral part of the River City Rainmakers sales team. At the “Selling with the Bulls” sales competition in Tampa, Samhita received Winner’s Circle recognition for finishing in the Top 9 among 126 individual competitors and her team finished in third place. Samhita is also involved in other several notable organizations, including Women In Business where she is the Chair of Marketing, Business Student Ambassadors and Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity. The faculty in the Department of Marketing have been impressed with her collaborative spirit and her creativity.

    Department of Marketing

    Distinguished Service Award

    Mynda Gentry

    Mynda Gentry will graduate in May 2024 with a degree in International Management and a minor in Marketing Insights (GPA 3.9). Mynda is the President of the VCU Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) where she oversaw the development of a strategic plan, membership growth, and successful outreach on social media. In Spring 2024, she represented VCU at the AMA International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans. She is also the Treasurer of VCU Club Field Hockey Team and volunteers at the VCU Learning Garden. Previously, she served in the Transfer Leadership Program and as Vice President of Professional Development for the VCU chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon. In Summer 2023, Mynda studied abroad in Athens, Greece. The Department of Marketing appreciates Mynda's service and involvement in many activities at VCU.

    Department of Supply Chain Management and Analytics

    Student of the Year

    Kendrick Nguyen

    It is easy to see why Kendrick Nguyen was selected for the Student of the Year Award. One professor remarked that Kendrick is “super professional and participative. He really showed mastery of the material.” Another stated that Kendrick is “probably the best and brightest student I had in a few years”. And a third noted that his work was “sensational”. All high praise! Kendrick has been on the Dean’s List every semester and received the Dean’s Scholar award in 2022-23. Kendrick is currently working to obtain a Six Sigma certification and following graduation has plans to work for the Federal Government in a procurement or logistics position.

    Department of Supply Chain Management and Analytics

    Distinguished Service Award

    Natalie Hampton

    Natalie Hampton is an outstanding contributor, not just to the SCMA department, but to the School of Business. She is the founder and current President of the Sustainable Supply Chain Society as well as the Member Engagement Chair for Women in Business. Natalie has served the School as a Business Student Ambassador and has been an intern at Target as an Operations Manager. Following graduation, Natalie plans to participate in the RTX Operations and Supply Chain Leadership Development Program. Congratulations Natalie!