Olvera Wins Second Place at Honors Symposium

MOUNT OLIVE- University of Mount Olive (UMO) Honors student Gayla Olvera of Lucama, NC recently presented research at the NC Lloyd International Honors Symposium at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Olvera, who attended the symposium with the UMO Honors Program Director, Dr. Brenda Cates, won second place for her presentation.

Olvera’s research topic was “Immigrant Children Separation from Parents: Developmental Effects on Children and Families.” She conducted this research for her senior psychology capstone project. “I chose this topic when I heard about the zero tolerance policy and the devastation it was causing children,” Olvera said. “I also wanted to be a voice for the affected children, in the hopes of spreading awareness about the damage caused by separation.”

Olvera received a $150 cash prize for her second place recognition.

“Presenting at the symposium was such a significant experience as it allowed me to grow as a presenter and a student,” Olvera said.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville, in Smithfield at Johnston Community College, and online.  For more information, visit www.umo.edu.