Four West Virginia University students have been named Daniel B. Purinton Scholars by the Department of Philosophy, housed within the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

Daniel B. Purinton Scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding philosophy majors who are in their junior or senior year.

This years scholars are: John Morgan of Gauley Bridge, Jason Thomas of Fairmont, Emily Lilly of Charleston and Kristina Matyskiela of Wheeling.

Morgan transferred to WVU as a sophomore and is currently a senior majoring in philosophy. Morgans philosophical interests include freedom and determinism, phenomenology, Nietzsche and aesthetics. His paperA Critique of Frankfurtwas presented and recognized at the Department of Philosophys 2004 In-House Conference.

Morgan is considering the possibility of attending graduate school and perhaps becoming a philosophy professor.

Thomas is currently a senior majoring in philosophy. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from George Mason University and a Master of Arts in criminal justice from Virginia Commonwealth University. Prior to beginning academic work at WVU , Thomas had a successful career in intelligence analysis, working his way up through the National White Collar Crime Center in Richmond, Va.

While pursuing his degree, Thomas is also teaching an Intelligence Analysis course for the Department of Political Science. Upon completing his undergraduate degree in philosophy, he plans to get a doctorate in philosophy, with a specialization in the history and philosophy of science. His career goal is to become a philosophy professor.

Lilly, a senior philosophy major, was inspired to pursue philosophy after taking a critical reasoning course taught by Professor Andy Pintus and a current moral problems course taught by Professor Mark Wicclair. She enjoys participating in the WVU Philosophy Club because engaging in heated, yet rational, debates is one of her many hobbies. Lillys future plans include attending law school. Her current legal interest is medical malpractice reform.

Matyskiela was a recipient of the 2004-2005 Daniel B. Purinton Scholarship during the fall semester and graduated in December with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy. She also has a surgical technician certificate and an associates degree, both from the West Virginia Northern Community College.

Matyskielas philosophical interests include logic and ancient philosophy. She is beginning her graduate work at the Reformed Theology Seminary in North Carolina, where she plans to earn a doctorate in philosophy specializing in logic, medieval philosophy and ancient philosophy. Her career goal is to become a philosophy professor.

For more information about the Department of Philosophy or the scholarship recipients, call 293-3641 or visit the departments Web site at /www.wvu.edu/~philosophy/index.html .