The first Murray Scholars will be among the graduating seniors at the College of William and Mary’s commencement exercises Sunday.

Oliver Ehlinger, Tina Ho and Jerilyn Kent were the first students to ever participate in the program, which was established in 2002 as part of the Campaign for William and Mary. The program partners students with distinguished faculty mentors to plan their own courses of study and enjoy access and support that, at many universities, only graduate students would receive.

“To have someone trust you that much when you’re that young – trust your opportunities, trust your potential – it says you’re kind of doing something right,” said Ehlinger. “I think that’s kind of priceless and that’s something I’ll always take with me no matter what.”

The three graduating scholars not only conducted research and achieved academic excellence during their time at the College, but they also were involved in a variety of activities, from sports teams and dance ensembles to student publications and service trips.

“All three of these students were active in student organizations, were recognized by their professors, had extremely high GPA's and brought tremendous leadership to campus,” Dan Cristol, the Marjorie S. Curtis Associate Professor of Biology and director of the Murray Program. “Whether editing the DoG Street Journal, leading multiple service organizations or running for three varsity teams, these seniors have left their mark on William & Mary.”

The scholars will all pursue graduate studies next semester. Ehlinger, a public policy and environmental studies major, will pursue his interest in environmental law at the University of California-Davis Law School. Ho, who majored in neuroscience and international relations, will attend medical school at the University of Virginia. And Kent, a double major in psychology and biology, will study clinical psychology at Indiana University, one of the most competitive programs in the country.

“I think what’s been so great is that the program has taken the initiative I have and really realized it to my full potential,” said Kent. “I’ve had so many opportunities, and I’m so ahead of the game because of this program. It’s enabled us all to do great things next year.”

With graduation approaching, Ho said she is realizing not only how many opportunities the Murray Program has afforded her, but “overall just how wonderful William and Mary is as an institution and the opportunities that this College can provide for the student,” she said.

The scholars said they said they are grateful for their experience with the program and for faculty members like Cristol who put “tireless hours” into them.

Cristol said he hates to see the three original Murray Scholars go, “but there are three impressive classes of Murray Scholars right behind them to fill the large void Tina, Jeri and Ollie will leave when they graduate.”