First-year students were honored at a reception yesterday for their academic achievements. Those honored earned a 3.75 or higher GPA during their first semester at SMU.

Provost Ross Murfin told students before the ceremony began that, “it’s great to have done so well in your first semester. Congratulations and keep studying!”

Matt Bengloff, Carl Dorvill, David Goodman, Ghazzaleh Rezazadeh and Rachael Willis — all Learning Enhancement Advisors for the various residence halls on campus, put the program together.

“People don’t talk about grades too much around campus, so hopefully recognizing these students will get people to realize that they can get these grades too,” said Bengloff, the LEA for Boaz Hall.

Dorvill gave a short introductory speech with advice for the students from Olympic sprinter Michael Johnson.

“He used the ‘Four P’s’ during his training, and they can apply to you to in your academic work,” Dorvill began, “The first P is for push — and all you have pushed through your first semester of college with great results.”

The next ‘P’ is for pace, because college is a long journey. Third is to position oneself to do well in life by beginning a job search before senior year. Fourth is to pray, because in Dorvill’s words, “Your senior year is rough, and praying is what will get you through it.”

He also added a fifth suggestion, that students should have a passion for what they study and what they do in life.

The featured speaker was Dr. Mark Chancey, an assistant professor of religious studies.

He asked the students gathered to remember what they were doing a year ago this time. He mentioned they probably had just finished their college applications, were waiting for answers and wondering what the future held.

“You knew this year would be full of new experiences, and it’s to your credit you took in everything and came out with an impressive first semester,” Chancey said. “We want you to be academic missionaries to your peers, so they can be as successful as you.”