UMO Honors Thomas R. Morris Award Recipients at 2025 Commencement
May 9, 2025
Contact: Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
MOUNT OLIVE—The University of Mount Olive (UMO) celebrated its 71st Spring Commencement on Friday, May 9, in a ceremony filled with pride, reflection, and academic distinction. Held in Kornegay Arena, the event recognized the accomplishments of 273 graduates representing four continents, eight countries, and 20 states.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of the Thomas R. Morris Student Achievement Award for Academic Excellence, one of the University’s highest academic honors. This award is presented annually to one traditional student and one adult online learner who have earned a minimum GPA of 3.7 and demonstrated outstanding leadership in extracurricular activities. Each honoree receives a commemorative plaque and a $1,500 monetary award.
The 2025 traditional student recipient was Catherine Summerlin, a psychology major from Mount Olive, NC. Summerlin stood out for her initiative, academic excellence, and community involvement. She volunteered at hospitals, day treatment centers, and schools, and served as president of PSI CHI, the International Honor Society in Psychology. This fall, she will begin her Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy at Methodist University.
The award for non-traditional students went to Vivian Lindsey of Greensboro, NC, who earned her degree in early childhood education through UMO’s online program. Lindsey enrolled in fall 2023 and successfully completed her coursework while working full-time as a teaching assistant in a NC Pre-K classroom. Her dedication and time management made a lasting impression. She plans to pursue her teaching license following a short, well-earned break.
The Thomas R. Morris Award is made possible through the generosity of the late Dr. Thomas R. Morris, a native of Nahunta in Wayne County. A respected optometrist and lifelong supporter of education, Dr. Morris was raised in the Union Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church and was deeply committed to student achievement.
This spring’s graduating class included 20 associate degree recipients, 228 bachelor’s degree recipients, and 25 master’s degree recipients. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for each graduate and a celebration of their growth, effort, and academic success.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
