Emory University News Release

Release date: May 16, 2003
Contact: Deb Hammacher, Associate Director, University Media Relations,
at 404-727-0644 or dhammac@emory.edu

Emory’s Brittain Award Winner Balances Scholarship, Athletics

Melissa Roberts received her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience and behavioral biology from Emory University today, but she also deserves a Ph.D. in time management. In the classroom, the Phi Beta Kappa scholar excelled in a demanding major. On the field, she led the Emory women’s softball team to a first-place finish in its conference. And in her residence hall, she provided guidance and service to her fellow students as an advisor.

Roberts’ accomplishments earned her the university’s highest student honor, the Marion Luther Brittain Award, given to a member of the graduating class in recognition of his or her service to the university. A native of Billings, Mont. (59106), Roberts received the award during commencement exercises May 12. The Brittain Award is an expression of gratitude on behalf of the university for service performed without expectation of reward or recognition. The award was established at Emory in 1942 through a bequest from Emory alumnus M.L. Brittain, a former president of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

"I used my time as best I could to get the most in, and enjoyed it all," says Roberts, an Emory Scholar. "I was shocked to be honored with such an award. I feel very lucky to have found a school that was such a good match for me. The people I’ve met here and the friendships I’ve made are a huge part of what made my experience at Emory so incredible. I’m proud to have been part of such an outstanding community."

Among her many academic honors at Emory was her selection as a Bobby Jones Scholar, which involves a full scholarship for a post-graduate year abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, Emory’s sister institution. During her year at St. Andrews Roberts plans to study and conduct research in comparative health care and neuroscience, as well as play sports and teach softball at a town youth center. When she returns from her year abroad, Roberts plans to attend medical school.

When Roberts joined the Emory Women’s softball team her freshman year as part of the first recruited class, the women’s softball program was just a year old. As co-captain, Roberts has helped lead the team to three consecutive appearances in the NCAA Division III National Championship tournament, and most recently the team was ranked second in the nation among Division III schools by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. She has been named to the All-Region Softball Team for the past three years and also served as president of the Varsity Athletic Council this past year.

Roberts also distinguished herself as a staff member in residence life for three years, serving as a senior resident advisor this past year. One of her nominators described her as a team player who is "assertive, calm under pressure, friendly, service-centered and time-focused."

Roberts is the daughter of Don and Carol Roberts of Billings, Mont.