Q: What do four young adults from different backgrounds have in common?

A: Two things—outstanding academic records and a deep-rooted desire to make the world a better place.

And so it is only fitting that these four remarkable individuals should be awarded this year’s UUP College Scholarships.

The 2009 recipients are:

• Erica Frerking, a junior at SUNY Cortland majoring in international studies and international political economy and public policy;
• Angela Lambrix, a senior at Buffalo State majoring in English education;
• Benjamin Pomerance, a senior at SUNY Plattsburgh majoring in political science and journalism; and
• Venus Wiggins, a senior at Buffalo State majoring in social work.

The students will receive their $2,000 scholarships this month during the union’s fall policymaking convention in Rochester.

Erica Frerking wasn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer. She wanted SUNY Cortland to recognize the wisdom of having an International Awareness Club—and she was determined to make it happen.

And she did.

Within months, the IAC, with Frerking as elected president, arranged a program on the atrocities in Darfur. The workshop proved so successful, a local school district invited her to make a presentation to its students.

“Erica is truly one of the finest students I have taught in my 10-year career at this institution,” said UUPer Sharon Steadman, an associate professor in anthropology. “Erica plans to focus her career on Africa. I really have no doubt that in a decade or two, Erica Frerking will be known as one of the lead scholar-advocates on African issues.”

Frerking has a grade point average of 3.96.

Angela Lambrix may be studying to become an English teacher, but she is already well versed in trade unionism. As an employee with Top Markets, Lambrix was a member of the UFCW District Local One.

“I feel privileged to be a member of an organization that works for the greater good … and to ensure fair treatment and quality in the workplace,” she said.

That compassion is further accentuated through her desire to promote literacy—a desire that has her campaigning for a chartered college chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. Her goal: to work closely with the Buffalo School District to ensure that all students can read, write and reason.

Lambrix is already well on her way. She is managing editor of Writer’s Compass, a new online journal that encourages students to share their scholarly and creative writing. She also trains new tutors in the college’s Writing Center on how to coach students in all facets of written communication.

Lambrix has a GPA of 3.98.

Benjamin Pomerance doesn’t just think about helping others; he acts.

As an intern with the Legal Aid Society of Northeast New York and currently with the Prisoner’s Legal Service, Pomerance was struck by the injustices that often befall the elderly and prison inmates.

And when he was able to help an octogenarian stave off an unwarranted eviction, Pomerance solidified his desire to defend the rights of individuals who are often overlooked in our society.

“Someday, in the field of law, I hope to ensure the rights … of people desperate of this representation,” he said.

UUP member Jon Gottschall, chair of the political science department, praised Pomerance’s academic achievements and goodwill toward others.

“As an academic, he is in a class by himself,” Gottschall said. “As a concerned citizen, he is ubiquitous on campus and in the community. As a journalist, he is prolific … and as a scholar, he is impeccably prepared.”

Pomerance has a GPA of 3.99.

Venus Wiggins wants to make a difference in the lives of substance abusers.

“Although this is a very difficult and challenging population to work with … I know that I can help individuals with addictions become productive members of society,” Wiggins said.

Her credentials demonstrate that she’s on the right track. Wiggins holds an associate degree in mental health and substance abuse from Erie Community College, and she has volunteered for Gerard Place, a shelter for homeless people and their children.

“Venus hopes to become a professional social worker. Her personal value system of respect, concern for social justice and service coincide well with a person who wishes to have a career in a helping profession,” said UUPer J. Patrick Dexter, chair of the social work department at Buffalo State.

Wiggins has a GPA of 3.86.

— Karen L. Mattison