Three faculty members and four graduate teaching assistants also received awards at the event, which recognized University members for their academic, leadership and teaching achievements.
Chancellor James Moeser, who gave the ceremony's welcoming remarks, said the awards acknowledge students for their "learning and discovery."
"The goal of this University is to turn ordinary people into exceptional ones," he said. "That is perhaps our strongest attribute toward the future. These recipients are our difference-makers."
The introduction was followed by the presentation of 31 academic awards in various fields, such as mathematics and nursing, as well as 29 awards in leadership and service. The seven undergraduate teaching awards were presented last.
Senior Jennifer Gray, one of three student members of the Chancellor's Awards Committee, helped determine which awards would be handed out at the event. Gray said the committee, which organized the presentation and the following reception, is composed of students, staff and faculty members.
Celia Quinn, who won the McNally Award for Excellence in Geography, said she first developed her passion for geography in a first-year seminar taught by Department of Geography Chairman Leo Zonn. She later conducted an independent study project on the representation of a Pennsylvania city in the movie "Groundhog Day." Quinn, who is in her third year at UNC, said she is expecting to write an honors thesis next year.
Senior Sterling Edwards received the Rob Park Memorial Award for his involvement in the pre-law chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International.
As treasurer, Edwards saw the fraternity's membership increase by 300 percent. He also participated in "Goldilocks on Trial," a community service project that taught elementary school students the basics of court proceedings.
Edwards also said he met the sister of Rob Park, the deceased student for whom the award was named, at the ceremony's reception. He said the special opportunity put the magnitude of the award into perspective. "This award isn't just to honor my achievements," he said. "It's intended to keep his memory alive."
