Dorrbecker and Fernando recognized as ‘Students of the Block’ for spring semester

Michael Fernando and Ashleigh Dorrbecker, front left and right, have been honored as “Student of the Block” award recipients at Tusculum College. On hand to congratulate the two students were Dr. Michelle Freeman, professor of business administration; Daniel Green, senior student life coordinator in the Office of Student Affairs, and Dr. Antonio Bos, professor of economics, back row from left.

Two student leaders in the classroom and on campus, Ashleigh Dorrbecker and Michael Fernando, have been recognized as “Student of the Block” award recipients at Tusculum College.

Michael Fernando, a native of Sri Lanka, was recognized as “Student of the Block” for Block Six. Ashleigh Dorrbecker of Montgomery, Ala., was honored as “Student of the Block” for Block Seven. Both were presented their awards prior to the Wednesday, April 8, Pioneer baseball game against Lee University.

The “Student of the Block Award” is presented by the Tusculum Office of Student Affairs and was established to recognize individuals who excel in their academic endeavors, campus involvement and/or athletic performance. The award is selected from nominations made by faculty and staff members. Plaques telling about the honorees are displayed in the Niswonger Commons and other campus buildings.

Michael Fernando

A junior majoring in accounting, international business and economics, Fernando has made an impact on the Tusculum campus. He is an active member of the Student Government Association, its Budgets and Organization Committee, the Study Abroad and Global Awareness organization, Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature and Business Club.

Fernando provides mentoring and guidance to his fellow students as a resident assistant in one of the resident halls on campus that predominantly houses freshman students. He is also a student peer tutor.

He is a member of the Honors Program and Leadership Tusculum. He has also been involved in Theatre-at-Tusculum, including a memorable role as “The Ghost of Christmas Past” in the 2013 production of “The Christmas Carol.”
An excellent student, he has been named to the President’s and Dean’s List during his time at Tusculum. He is a recipient of the Marjorie Nelle B. Cardwell Scholarship and the Charles Oliver Gray Scholarship.

His excellence as a freshman in an accounting course typically taken by upperclassmen led to an internship position at Plus Mark. Fernando is now serving an internship at the accounting firm of Blackburn Childers and Steagall.

Ashleigh Dorrbecker

Majoring in business administration with concentrations in international business and economics, Dorrbecker is also pursuing a minor in visual arts.

An excellent student, she has a 3.98 grade point average, but her college experience has not been filled with all lectures and homework assignments. She has taken advantage of the opportunities on Tusculum’s campus to develop her leadership skills and make an impact on the college community.

Dorrbecker is serving as president of the student body, but has also served as a senator and vice president of the Student Government Association. She has been chair of the SGA’s Food Committee, which has worked with the campus food service to bring more options to students. She has also served as chair of the Budget and Organization Committee.

A member of the Center for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship, she has gained valuable experience in putting her business knowledge and skills in practice to assist local small businesses and entrepreneurs.

She is the former president of the Anime Club and has served as an orientation leader. She was also recognized as a junior for having the highest grade point average of her class.