We make just as much, if not more, of an impact on this school than it does on us. Don’t take that responsibility lightly, Jaguars. Leave the university better than you found it.” nursing major who hails from Daphne, Ala. The current president of the Student Nursing Association, Hornberger has served three terms as a co-op student nurse in the emergency room at the USA Medical Center and has been a JagPal advisor to freshman nursing students; this success follows 10 years of active duty in the United States Navy. Hornberger is interested in working in a Veterans’ Affairs hospital to provide assistance for those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder before obtaining a Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner. Hornberger spends free time flying airplanes, boating and vacationing with his family. Rachael Cooley, a Waynesboro, Miss. native, is a senior majoring in civil engineering. With a degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, Cooley taught secondary education before returning to college. She is a member of the Society of American Military Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Associated General Contractors, the engineering honor society Tau Beta Pi, and president of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Whether soaking up sun at Dauphin Island or exploring the Glenn Sebastian Nature Trail, Cooley is fond of spending time with others outdoors, but her heart remains in one place. “My number one priority and ultimate motivation is my 2-year-old daughter, Eden,” Cooley said.
Christopher Thomas hails from Dothan, Ala., is a sophomore studying political science and criminal justice. He is currently the financial director for Jaguar Productions, vice president of Phi Kappa Sigma, vice president for the College Republicans and treasurer for the Debate Society. He even served as campus coordinator for Quinn Hillyer’s bid for Congress. Jaguar Productions awarded Thomas a Board Member of the Year award and Committee Member of the Year. Thomas loves to go downtown with friends and eat at MugShots. “I also like to read mystery books; they are my escape from required readings,” Thomas said. Clarissa Hernandez, whose hometown is Pensacola, Fla., is a senior studying chemical and biomolecular engineering. “I was really impressed with the chemical engineering program South had to offer,” Hernandez said. Hernandez competes on USA’s varsity soccer team. She is currently a member of the Whiddon Honors College, Mortar Board, Tau Beta Pi, and president of the American Institute for Chemical Engineers. Hernandez was selected for the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates summer 2012 Fellowship program, Tau Beta Pi Outstanding Sophomore Scholarship and the Dr. Ted Huddleston Scholarship. Hernandez will pursue a Ph. D. in biomedical engineering. She loves { 24
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art, reading, team spirit and visiting antique stores. Arslan Arshad is from Gulfport, Miss., and a junior majoring in chemical and biomolecular engineering. Arshad is currently president of the Biomedical Engineering Society and the chemical engineering honor society Omega Chi Epsilon. He is a member of Tau Beta Pi, Alpha Epsilon Delta, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Honors Program Organization. Arshad is a Barry Goldwater Scholar, a Tau Beta Pi Scholar, and a Mobile Oilmen’s Association Scholar. He has participated in research with faculty at the University of South Alabama, Mississippi State University and Weill Cornell Medical College. Arshad enjoys playing indoor soccer, running, stargazing and hanging out at Satori Coffee. Much is expected of students at the University of South Alabama. The institution is constantly being refined and it is our responsibility to mold it into the school we need it to be. There is a certain honor and privilege given to each and every Jaguar: the opportunity to grow with this institution, to give something to it and to take something away. We make just as much, if not more, of an impact on this school as it does on us. Don’t take that responsibility lightly, Jaguars. Leave the university a better place than you found it.