UHV Interim President Don Smith presented Spirit of the Jaguar Awards to students, from left, Yancey Moreno, Stacie Garcia, Juan Andrade, Lauren Clark and Moses Olukoya at the first-ever UHV Freshman Awards Banquet. Not pictured were recipients Brandon Bohanon, Amber Hermes and Tara Williams.

University of Houston-Victoria held its first Freshman Awards Banquet on Monday and honored students with a new award for achievements in academics, leadership and citizenship.

The banquet marked a culmination of the first year for freshmen and sophomores at the university since underclassmen were added in the fall.

�There is much significance in being first as there will never be another,� UHV Interim President Don Smith said during the event. �This was a challenging year for everyone, and you are to be commended for keeping your focus on academics throughout this time.�

Eight students received the new Spirit of the Jaguar Award, which recognizes integrity, respect, citizenship and academics. Students were nominated by faculty and staff and asked to write a letter of interest, in which they provided examples of their first-year activities that showed their commitment to personal and intellectual growth, their families, the university and the community. The Spirit of the Jaguar Award, which includes a plaque and a $500 scholarship, was awarded to:

• Juan Andrade, Sinton, School of Arts & Sciences
• Brandon Bohanon, Houston, School of Education & Human Development
• Lauren Clark, Missouri City, School of Arts & Sciences
• Stacie Garcia, Victoria, School of Education & Human Development
• Amber Lynn Hermes, Hallettsville, School of Education & Human Development
• Yancey Moreno, Houston, School of Arts & Sciences
• Oluseun Moses Olukoya, Victoria, School of Arts & Sciences
• Tara Williams, Victoria, School of Arts & Sciences

Sandra Heinold, director of UHV Academic and Career Services, recognized freshmen who made the fall Dean�s List by earning a 3.5 grade-point average or better.

Smith presented the President�s List awards for students who earned a 4.0 GPA in the fall. They were:

• Brandy Aguilar, San Antonio, School of Business Administration
• Chelsea Deleon, Houston, School of Arts & Sciences
• Jill Greve, Sugar Land, School of Business Administration
• Kelly Tough, Katy, School of Business Administration
• Tara Williams, Victoria, School of Arts & Sciences

Suzanne LaBrecque, UHV provost and vice president for academic affairs, remembered the first graduation ceremony she attended while in high school.

�I saw a sign that read �The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,� and that applies to you students who have taken your first step in higher education,� she said.

LaBrecque reminded students not to take short cuts and to �aim high, work hard, serve well and love much.�

Lindsey Koch, director of UHV Student Life and Services, said the university will start a Sophomore Leadership Academy in the fall. Students will study leadership styles, models and how they can apply the lessons to their own lives. The Sophomore Leadership Academy also will offer $1,000 scholarships to those who successfully complete the training.