Two Poole College Seniors Receive Mathews Medal
Marycobb Randall and Jeffrey Johnson, both seniors in business administration, were among four students receiving the award this spring. The Mathews Medal recognizes seniors who have shown leadership and service to NC State. Its recipients are encouraged to continue their involvement with the university as alumni. Recipients were honored at a reception on March 27 at NC State’s Dorothy and Roy Park Alumni Center.
WolfWheels, Talley Center, Chancellor’s Aide
During her undergraduate student years, Randall focused her commitment to service on the university level. In March 2010, she, along with other students, organized WolfWheels, an affordable and economical transportation alternative available to the NC State University community. It allows students to check bikes out from Outdoor Adventures in the university’s Carmichael Recreation Center for one day up to a semester.
“This program provides a unique amenity to our campus that demonstrates the university’s commitment to sustainable initiatives and service to those who live, work, and play at NC State,” she said.
Randall also is president of the Student Center, Chancellor’s aide, and vice president of Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary organization for financial information.
“Through my various commitments I have had the opportunity to serve on various search committees, university-wide committees, help shape the vision for the Talley Student Center renovation and expansion, help define NC State’s commitment to undergraduate student success, and to advocate for improved service to students,” said Randall. “These commitments have helped to develop my leadership and team-building skills, while also emphasizing the importance of time management and communication.”
Through her involvement with Beta Alpha Psi, she has been able to network with other professionals, but she also has gained leadership experience. “One of my past summer internships was a result of building a professional relationship with a contact made during one of our meetings,” said Randall. “Having the opportunity to gain a better understanding of life as a financial information professional has strengthened my desire to pursue a career in this field.”
“(These) projects were my way of serving NC State using my talents, ability, and knowledge in a way that would benefit the university and, ultimately, the state of North Carolina. The recognition that comes with this award is certainly humbling.”
Speaking at a meeting of the university’s development and communications staff on March 28, 2011, she commended the university for encouraging students “to make a difference. I’ve been involved since my first semester, and have had the opportunity to shape the space for the students of the future.”
After her graduation in May 2011, Randall, who also majored in accounting, will intern with Deloitte’s Raleigh Audit and Enterprise Risk practice. She plans to attend the Masters of Accounting program in Poole College’s Jenkins Graduate School in fall 2011.
Kay Yow Memorial – a Service Highlight
Johnson’s service to the university included fundraising, planning, negotiating, and developing. He has held multiple positions on campus, including student athletic director, co-chair of the Student Ticketing Advising Committee, member of the University Athletics Council, and a member of the athletics department’s strategic planning committee. In summer 2010, Johnson was an intern for the university’s Office of Annual Giving.
In 2010, he took on the position of director for the Coaches’ Corner Kay Yow Memorial, coordinating marketing and communication, along with raising more than $50,000. The Kay Yow Memorial project includes a memorial garden to be located near Reynolds Coliseum, to memorialize previous coaches’ outstanding contributions to NC State and the community, on and off the court. The first coach to be honored will be Kay Yow.
Working on the Kay Yow Memorial and serving as student athletic director for the last two years were his most memorable activities, Johnson told a gathering of the university’s development and communications staff members.
“While growing up, my family always taught me to humbly work hard to give to those in need and to give back to those who gave to me. I can say without doubt that NC State University has given me more than I could have ever imagined,” said Johnson. “It is my hope that I have been able to give back but a portion of what has been given to me.”
About the Mathews Medal
The Mathews Medal, modeled after the university’s Watauga Medal, is named for Walter J. Mathews, the first student enrolled at the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts in 1889. Mathews was an active alumnus and the award encourages graduating seniors to go on to become alumni leaders. The award program is founded and administered by the Alumni Association Student Ambassadors program.
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