OXFORD,
Miss. – Robert Derivaux of Jackson expressed surprise this spring when
he learned he was among the 10 University of Mississippi seniors named
to the school’s 2008-09 Hall of Fame.
“I was the last student
they announced, so it was especially exciting,” Derivaux said. “It is
a big honor and a bit humbling to be part of such a distinguished group
of Ole Miss alumni who have accomplished what they have at the
university and beyond.”
As Derivaux prepares to receive his
bachelor’s degree in accountancy at commencement Saturday (May 9), his
record of achievement – including a 4.0 grade-point average – reflects
much more than merely meeting academic requirements.
As the outgoing president of the Patterson School of Accountancy Associated Student Body and a former treasurer and senator of the Ole Miss Associated Student Body, Derivaux offers advice to those who will follow.
“I encourage students to pursue all their interests while undergraduates,” he said. “Ole Miss has a lot to offer, and you do not want to let those opportunities pass you by.”
A 2005 graduate of Jackson Academy, Derivaux was a National Merit Scholar. He enrolled at Ole Miss as a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and was chosen for the Chancellor’s Leadership Class. He received a Taylor Medal, the university’s highest academic award, and was accepted into Phi Kappa Phi, the highest interdisciplinary honorary on campus.
He won the Modern Language Achievement Award for the study of Spanish, which is his minor; the International Friendship Award for Outreach to International Students; and Order of Omega 2006-07 Sophomore Achievement Award.
Listed on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll, he belongs to the Student Alumni Council and Beta Gamma Sigma business and accounting honor society. His volunteer work includes serving as an English tutor.
A member of Sigma Nu fraternity, he was chosen one of five male Campus Favorites during 2008 Homecoming elections.
“We in the Patterson School of Accountancy are extremely proud of Rob and his accomplishments, because he is an extraordinary academic talent as well as an outstanding person,” said Dean Mark Wilder. “He sets a great example for all students. He is extremely conscientious and is proof that there is time to be well-rounded but still excel in academic endeavors.”
Beginning this fall, Derivaux plans to attend Harvard Law School, where he will explore various areas of law to decide which field interests him. He said he expects to find many resources and opportunities at Harvard and in the Boston community.
“I feel very prepared after my time at Ole Miss, and I have learned a great deal both inside and outside the classroom,” Derivaux said. “The university offers many resources that provide a complete college experience to its students and I feel I will be as prepared as any other incoming student at Harvard Law School this fall.”
While he is uncertain about his career after law school, Derivaux said, “Whatever my decision may be for the future, I hope I can make a meaningful contribution.”