John Dekarske Receives Final Convocation Award at Hampden-Sydney College

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John Dekarske, right, with Dr. William Anderson

HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, VA (05/09/2013)(readMedia)-- At Final Convocation on April 25, Hampden-Sydney College junior John Ryan Dekarske received the Topham Chemistry Award, presented by Dr. C. William Anderson, Elliott Professor of Chemistry. This award was established by classmates and friends of Richard W. Topham '65, professor of biochemistry and chairman of the department at the University of Richmond, who is an avid proponent of undergraduate research. The award is granted annually to the oustanding junior who exemplifies the ideals of Professor Topham.

A Venable Scholar, John is an Investigator for the Student Court and is a member of the Chess Club, the Math & Computer Science Club, and the professional scientific fraternity Alpha Chi Sigma. He is a member of the honorary societies Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership) and Chi Beta Phi (sciences) and received the CRC Award for Chemistry. He was recognized for leadership in the 2012 edition of Who's Who Among Students in Universities and Colleges. A chemistry and biology major, John graduated from Southampton Academy and is the son of Bob & Sally Dekarske of Newburgh, IN, previously of Franklin.

A private college for men, Hampden-Sydney is ranked in the top tier of liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report. The College is known for its liberal arts curriculum, the Honor Code which stresses individual and collective responsibility, and a focus on the education of young men.