Rene A. Lewis

Rene A. Lewis was nominated by M.J. Giammaria, president of the Non-Traditional Student Organization (NTSO) and fellow non-trad student, who said that Rene “has the can-do attitude that epitomizes the non-traditional student at UNCW.”

Rene is a geology major who maintains a 3.4 GPA while raising two sons and being very active in the UNCW community. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Geology Club. Rene has received the Association of American University Women Scholarship, UNCW Earth Sciences Department Student Services Award, and the UNCW Earth Sciences Bookstore Scholarship. Rene was also nominated for the Unsung Hero Award during the Student Leadership Recognition Awards Program in May 2004 as well as for the first Non-Traditional Student Leadership Scholarship. She is the secretary of NTSO and serves on the Student Government Association as the non-traditional representative. Rene was a presenter at the Geological Society of America in Washington, DC in 2004.

Before arriving at UNCW, Rene served our country as a Gunner’s Mate Third Class (GMG-3) in the US Navy. While onboard the USS New Jersey, Rene shook President Ronald Regan’s hand. Both of Rene’s sons were born while she was on active duty.

She also works to support herself and her children while attending school. Despite these achievements, Rene lists her greatest accomplishment as raising two fine young men. She says, “it is with their encouragement and support that I have the strength and determination to do so well in school.”

Rene says that the hardest challenge she has faced as a non-traditional student was learning to budget time for studying into her already busy life. She also found that she now has to study twice as hard to obtain the same results as she did when she was younger.

There have been many professors and staff members who have helped Rene along her journey. “The Earth Sciences Department at UNCW has been exceptional. Every professor has been willing to work with me to overcome any obstacles I’ve faced. Dr. Patricia Kelley has been a wonderful professor and advisor for me. Even before my acceptance at UNCW she let me know that she would help with anything she could. She has made me WANT to do better. She has helped me realize so many dreams and helped me reach goals I certainly never thought I’d have reached so early in my career.”

Rene would also like to honor Dr. James Dockal. “He has been wonderful to me. He has been very good at recognizing my strengths and weaknesses and has encouraged me every step of the way. He has always been willing to give me any extra help when I need it.” He deserves some special award for encouraging me when I get frustrated and for answering all of the stupid questions I’ve asked him (and there have been a LOT).”

Rene added that she would also like to thank Cathy Morris, the Administrative Secretary for the Earth Sciences Department. “She is such a friendly person who is always willing to give you her best. Even on Monday mornings when you’re half out of your mind with homework and lack of sleep, she’s got a cheery smile for you and a promise that it will get better.”

Fellow students Erick Bjorkland, Casey Elliot, Patti Mason and Dave Porier, who along with Rene make up what she refers to as “the Fab 5” have supported and encouraged her along the way and she mentions that without them, her journey would have been much tougher and certainly not as much fun.

Rene would also like to thank MJ Giammaria, Susan Lanier, Ernie Kniffen, Travis Austin and Dana McKoy for “truly believing in the NTSO and giving it everything you’ve got.”

Her advice for other non-trads is “never give up! Take one day at a time. Surround yourself with good friends who will challenge you enough to make you want to excel. And study, study, STUDY!”

After graduation in 2005, Rene plans to stay at UNCW and earn her master’s degree in Geology before seeking her Ph.D.

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The Seahawk Perch congratulates Rene Lewis as our August 2004 Non-Trad of the Month!