University of Akron Wayne College student Michael McCullough presented his paper “The Communal Importance of the Roman Collegia” at the Association of University Regional Campuses of Ohio (AURCO) earlier this month. Only nine students from regional campuses across Ohio were selected to present papers.
            McCullough’s paper was voted the best by a panel of AURCO judges. He also received an award for this paper at The University of Akron’s Conference on Undergraduate and Graduate Student Research on March 27.
            McCullough is a history major who plans to earn his master’s and doctorate degrees from The University of Akron to achieve his goal of becoming a professor of Roman history. He originally wrote his award-winning paper as part of an independent study for the Distinguished Student Program. McCullough’s independent study adviser, history Professor Paul Weinstein, recommended that he submit his work to both conferences.
            “Receiving the awards at both conferences was surreal to say the least. I am very passionate about history, but was surprised to have been awarded with these honors on my first outing to conferences. These experiences have opened my eyes to a whole new world in academia that I am excited to be a part of,” says McCullough. “A great deal of thanks goes to Professor Weinstein for showing me how to find my inner strength and apply it to my work, and even though this journey down the path of college life may be difficult at times, he generously reminded me to take it one step at a time and one day I will have reached the top.”
            As a 33-year-old father of two young children, McCullough takes his studies seriously. “I hope that my children will see the importance of hard work and the rewards that come with it, and will apply themselves to whatever future endeavors they may want to pursue.
           “My wife has been my salvation. She has sacrificed a great deal to ensure that I continue forward with my studies, and for this I am eternally grateful. Without her, none of this could have been done, and so to her I say with great devotion, thank you, Amy.”