Meet the 2014-15 Furman Fellows

This year’s Furman Fellows are (from left to right) Emily Vontsolos, Cassie Chee, Kris Hajny, Orlin Sergev and Luke Christie.

Furman Fellows

Class of 2015

Cassie Chee is a Spanish and Political Science major from Clarksburg, New Jersey. Respected for her strong academic talents, contributions to course discussions and her ability to be a team player, Cassie’s dedication to volunteerism and community service have allowed her to serve as a strong liaison between the University and the Hispanic community. Her dedication to others manifests itself in her commitment to campus activities as well as volunteerism in the Greenville community, her home town, and abroad. She is a member of the Riley Institute Advanced Team, Student Alumni Council, Sigma Delta Pi Spanish honor society, Chi Omega sorority, and is secretary for the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. She is also a liaison for incoming international students and serves as co-division head of the language learners division of the Heller Service Corps.

Luke Christie hails from Due West, South Carolina, and is majoring in Communication Studies. Planning a Master of Fine Arts degree, Luke has been lauded for his writing, public speaking, presentation, and analytical talents. His work has been featured in an undergraduate journal and has also won an award at the Southern Literary Festival. He has made strong contributions to the Furman Advantage program as well as an all-faculty seminar, where he was the first student member. Luke is the National Youth Chairman for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, participates in the Shucker Leadership Institute, is a member of the Presbyterian Student Association, and serves as the executive producer for Furman’s television network. In addition, he has been a member of the President’s Task Force on Civil Discourse and has given a TEDx talk at the University.

Kris Hajny a Chemistry and Sustainability Science double major from Mooresville, North Carolina, is a gifted student and researcher. He has presented in front of the American Chemical Society and the Association of American Geographers. He also has an article under review for publication in the Development and Change journal. Kris has a strong commitment to sustainability, which is evidenced by his role as a Student Fellow at the Shi Center for Sustainability and his residency in the Environmental Community of Students and Greenbelt Engaged Living Programs. Kris is a member of the Sustainability Club, Bartram Society, Environmental Action Group, Furman Farm, Furman in the Garden, Habitat for Humanity, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and the Poinsett Highway Project.

Orlin Sergev of Charleston, South Carolina, is a natural leader who is highly regarded for his friendly personality, dedication, and genuine care and concern for others. A Chemistry major, Orlin’s commitment to service is highlighted by his work as a Peer Advisor. In addition, he holds officer roles in a variety of student organizations ranging from science and pre-health honor societies to the Political Thought Club. Orlin’s innate ability to improve organizations is evidenced through his successful tenure as president of Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-health honor society and Furman’s student chapter of the American Chemical Society. Orlin’s strong research ability is highlighted by his physical chemistry work on the interaction of DNA with silver clusters as well his selection to present at an American Chemical Society meeting, where his work was lauded.

Emily Vontsolos, an Economics and Spanish double major, is from Winston Salem, North Carolina. Praised for her strong contributions in the classroom, Emily is known for her ability to understand not just theory and assumptions, but how material relates to the bigger picture. A strong representative of Furman and the United States, Emily is respected for her dedication to the Chile study abroad program as well as her efforts as part of the U.S. delegation at the APEC Voices of the Future Conference. Winner of the Adam Smith prize for best economics paper, the Arthur Magill Award for a rising senior with exceptional promise, and the Engaged Living Academic Excellence Award, Emily is a member of the Riley Institute Advance Team, active in Reformed University Fellowship and Religious Council as well as the International Justice Mission, the Pre-Orientation Staff for Student Life, and Delta Delta Delta sorority.