University News

College of Arts and Sciences Scholar Benjamin Grober
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Business and Technology Scholar Amanda Marie Rockhold
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Education and Human Services Scholar Patrick J. Puckett
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Fine Arts and Communication Scholar Hollyn Gayle Beans
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach Scholar Brenda L. Wamsley
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Centennial Honors College Scholar Mary Beth Marie Lane
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU Fall 2017 College, Departmental, Honors Scholars

December 4, 2017

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - Six students participating in Western Illinois University's Fall 2017 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies, Dec. 16 in Macomb and in Moline, have received the highest recognition from their colleges for their overall academic excellence by being named College Scholars.

The 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 Academic Honors Convocation in Western Hall will honor College, Departmental and Honors scholars and students who have earned academic distinction throughout their Western Illinois University careers. Students will receive a medallion for each honor, which they will wear at Commencement ceremonies.

Faculty in each of Western Illinois University's four academic colleges; the School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach and the Centennial Honors College select a graduating senior as the college's outstanding student. Students graduating as College Scholars have satisfied the criteria of excellence established by their individual academic college's faculty members. A Departmental Scholar is an outstanding degree candidate in an academic major as determined by the faculty in the major department. An Honors Scholar is a student in the Centennial Honors College who has completed a set of honors requirements and has achieved a grade point average of at least 3.4 on a 4.0 scale.

Approximately 10 percent of graduating seniors achieve academic distinction, which is designated as Summa Cum Laude, highest academic distinction, with a minimum grade point average of 3.90; Magna Cum Laude, high academic distinction, with a GPA of 3.75-3.89; and Cum Laude, academic distinction, with a GPA between 3.60-3.74.


Convocation Speaker

Maureen A. Doran (Odell, IL) is the convocation speaker and will deliver "The Purple and Gold Brick Road." She will graduate with a bachelor's degree in music with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude, and is also the Music Departmental Scholar and an Honors Scholar.


College of Arts and Sciences Scholar

Benjamin Grober (Peoria, IL) graduates with a bachelor's degree in physics and geology, with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. He is also the Geology Departmental Scholar, Physics Departmental Scholar and an Honors Scholar. While at Western, Grober has conducted multiple research projects with several professors in both geology and physics, and the results have been presented at the Physics Research Day, Undergraduate Research Day and the Illinois State Academy of Science. Grober participated in the National Association of Geoscience Teachers internship program over the summer. He was active in the earth science honor society Sigma Gamma Epsilon and the Blue Key national honor and service society. After graduation, Grober plans to seek a doctoral degree in geophysics. He is the son of John and Lisa Grober.


Business and Technology Scholar

Amanda Marie Rockhold (Rock Island, IL) graduates with a bachelor's degree in accountancy, with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. She is also the Accountancy Departmental Scholar. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Alpha Psi and a student member of the ACFE and IMA. After graduation, she plans to continue into a graduate program and hopes to take her CPA exam when finished. She is the daughter of Darren Gates and Kelly Bowser.



Education and Human Services Scholar

Patrick J. Puckett (Elgin, IL) graduates with a B.S. degree in law enforcement and justice administration, with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. Puckett received the College of Business and Technology School of Computer Sciences Director's Award in April 2017 and was a member of the University's Investigator's Club and participated in many intermural events. Puckett is a commissioned officer in the Illinois National Guard. After graduation, he will continue his National Guard Training and undertake a career search. He is the son of Dennis and Christine Puckett.



Fine Arts and Communication Scholar

Hollyn Gayle Beans (Greenville, IL) graduates with a bachelor's degree in musical theatre, with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. She is also the Musical Theatre Departmental Scholar and an Honors Scholar. At Western, Beans was a Presidential Scholar and participated in University Dance Theatre, University Theatre, the Surgin' Generals Improv Troupe and performed in four WIU Department of Theatre and Dance shows. After graduation, Beans will move to New York and focus on auditions. She also hopes to pursue her MFA in acting within the next five-seven years. She is the daughter of Rich and Marty Beans.



Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach Scholar 

Brenda L. Wamsley (Fort Madison, IA) graduates with a bachelor's degree in general studies. She is also the General Studies Departmental Scholar. After graduation, Wamsley hopes to pursue a master's degree in cyber security and continue teaching at Southeastern Community College.



Centennial Honors College Scholar

Mary Beth Marie Lane (Maryville, TN) graduates with a bachelor's degree in history, with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. She is also the History Departmental Scholar and an Honors Scholar. At WIU, Lane was the Richard D. and Janet L. Boynton History Honors Thesis Award winner. She was also a 2016 nominee for the Lincoln Laureate Award and is a member of the Associated Students of History, the Student Education Association and the Golden Key International Honor Society. After graduation, Lane hopes to obtain a job teaching history at the secondary level. She is the daughter of Beth Vazquez and Jimmy Lane.


Illinois
Adams
Quincy (62301)--Andrew J. Carlson, Public Health, Public Health Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Quincy (62305)--Tyler R. Lentz, Agriculture, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Ursa (62376)--Douglas J Swanson, Biology, Biology Departmental Scholar

Bond
Greenville (62246)--Hollyn Gayle Beans, Musical Theatre, College of Fine Arts and Communication Scholar, Musical Theatre Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Boone
Belvidere (61008)--Kyle Vincent Carbone, Mathematics, Mathematics Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar

Bureau
Princeton (61356)--Emily Rose Olson, Human Resource Management, Human Resource Management Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar
Princeton (61356)--Mariah Smith, Anthropology, Anthropology Departmental Scholar

Cook
Calumet City (60409)--Devin Demetrius-Jovan Staples, Family and Consumer Sciences, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Chicago (60623)--Ambria Williams, Social Work, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Chicago (60630)--Carlos Javier Delgrado, Jr., Fire Protection Services, Fire Protection Services Departmental Scholar
Chicago Heights (60411)--Princess Khaleya Yameini, Psychology, Psychology Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Elk Grove Village (60007)--Michael J. Bishoff, Jr., Supply Chain Management, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Evergreen Park (60805)--Annie Saba Gortowski, English, English Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Flossmoor (60422)--Quadrea Allen, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Lemont (60439)--Rachel Papiernik, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Mt. Prospect (60056)--Alexis Nicole Kalish, Psychology, Honors Scholar
Oak Forest (60452)--Allison Michelle Anson, Physical Education, Kinesiology Departmental Scholar

DuPage
Downers Grove (60516)--Caitlyn Michelle Fahey, Social Work, Social Work Departmental Scholar
Lombard (60148)--William Chase Kjeldsen, Music, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Westmont (60559)--Greg K. Pietrzak, Family and Consumer Sciences, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Wheaton (60187)--Alexander Thomas Wiederkehr, Foreign Languages and Cultures, Honors Scholar

Fulton
Canton (61520)--Emily A. Henderson, Biology, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Ellisville (61431)--Carolyn J. Chambers, Special Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Lewistown (61542)--April Dawn Christensen, General Studies, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Marietta (61459)--Alex Keith Marlow, Computer Science, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Hancock
Carthage (62321)--Levi James Kirby, Engineering Technology, Engineering Technology Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Carthage (62321)--Alexxus Roberts, Apparel and Textile Merchandising, Apparel and Textile Merchandising Departmental Scholar
Dallas City (62330)--Kagney Renae Nudd, Agriculture, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Henry
Cleveland (61241)--Jessica M. Tucker, Elementary Education, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Orion (61273)--Linell Vasey Ferguson, Theatre, Theatre Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Jo Daviess
Galena (61036)--Caroline Antarctica Sipiera, Communication, Communication Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar

Kane
Aurora (60505)--Cassandra A Camis, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Aurora (60506)--Emma Jane Hazel, Foreign Languages and Literatures, Foreign Languages and Literatures Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Elgin (60123)--Patrick J. Puckett, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, College Education and Human Services Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Geneva (60134)--Patrick John Kanarowski, Political Science, Political Science Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Saint Charles (60174)--Joshua Michael Samuels, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
South Elgin (60177)--Laura Jesus Avelar, Elementary Education, Honors Scholar

Kankakee
Manteno (60950)--Morgan Wulff, Special Education, Special Education Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Kendall
Yorkville (60560)--Nicole M. Fulco, Elementary Education, Elementary Education Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Yorkville (60560)--Elizabeth Francis Vick, Biology, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Knox
Galesburg (61401)--Madeline A. Olejnik, History, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Lake
Island Lake (60042)--Matthew Thomas Sherman, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Waukegan (60085)--Odalis Parra, Family and Consumer Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences Departmental Scholar

Lee
Amboy (61310)--Amanda Rose Mary Pankhurst, Graphic Communication, Honors Scholar

Livingston
Odell (60460)--Maureen Alveda Doran, Music, Music Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Macon
Mt. Zion (62549)--Devon Haag, Information Systems, Information Systems Departmental Scholar

Mason
Havana (62644)--Kristin Campbell, General Studies, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

McDonough
Adair (61411)--Jenna Kaye Dean, Special Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
landinsville (61420)--Jennifer Ann Schwerer, Agriculture, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Bushnell (61422)--Cora English, Broadcasting-Production, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Macomb (61455)--Danielle Dawn Barnes, Social Work, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Macomb (61455)--Emily A. Bozard, Social Work, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Macomb (61455)--Tata Diawara, French, French Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Macomb (61455)--Olivia Laura Kellogg, Art, Art Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar
Macomb (61455)--Michael Lee Mueller, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Macomb (61455)--Justin Theo Rossmiller, Physics, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

McHenry
Fox River Grove (60021)--Adena Christine Ruckoldt, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

McLean
Bloomington (61704)--Roman Angelo Visintine, Exercise Science, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Menard
Petersburg (62675)--Rachael Ann Sampson, Agriculture, Agriculture Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Monroe
Waterloo (62298)--Malone Wall, Computer Science, Computer Sciences Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Ogle
Rochelle (61068)--Thomas Allen Sprowl, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Peoria
Elmwood (61529)--Kaselyn Danielle Hart, Music Education-Choral/General, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Elmwood (61529)--Ryan Herridge, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Glasford (61533)--Christy Quigley, Art, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Peoria (61615)--Benjamin Grober, Geology major and Physics major, College of Arts and Sciences Scholar, Geology Departmental Scholar, Physics Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Rock Island
East Moline (61244)--Julie Ann McLaughlin, Accounting, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Illinois City (61259)--Becky Lauren Taylor, Accounting, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Moline (61265)--Sean Blackmer, Supply Chain Management, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Moline (61265)--Alexa K. Carroll, Elementary Education, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Moline (61265)--Erika L. Laugeson, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration Departmental Scholar
Moline (61265)--Taylor Elizabeth Morland, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Moline (61265)--Jacob Michael Neill, Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Management Departmental Scholar
Moline (61265)--Hayley Rose Reid, Supply Chain Management, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Reynolds (61279)--Jason Robert Dunnett, Engineering, Engineering Departmental Scholar
Rock Island (61201)--Paul William Carlson, Accounting, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Rock Island (61201)--Amanda Marie Rockhold, Accountancy, College of Business and Technology Scholar, Accounting Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Silvis (61282)--Paul A. Tomkins, Accounting, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Sangamon
Cantrall (62625)--Elizabeth Ann Brown, Dietetics, Dietetics Departmental Scholar
Pawnee (62558)--Mason Oliver Bourne, Economics and Decision Sciences, Economics and Decision Sciences Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar
Rochester (62563)--Emanuela I. Bruce, Spanish Education, Spanish Teacher Education Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Springfield (62712)--Daniel Davidson Frey, Broadcasting, Broadcasting Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Schuyler
Huntsville (62344)--Cody Brian Meredith, Computer Science, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Rushville (62681)--Dusti Malynn Irwin, Agriculture, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude

Warren
Monmouth (61462)--Amy J. Birditt, General Studies, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Will
Manhattan (60442)--Phillip Bormet, Network Technologies, Network Technologies Departmental Scholar
Mokena (60448)--Tatiana Lynn Garcia, Mathematics, Honors Scholar
New Lenox (60451)--Dominique P. Coleman, Psychology, Honors Scholar
Plainfield (60586)--Forrest Tyler Marcinowski, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Rockford (61107)--Elizabeth Norris Sharp, Chemistry, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Loves Park (61111)--Andrew J. Kulpa, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude


Colorado
Parker (80134)--Patrick Ryan Quinlan, Economics and Decision Sciences, Economics and Decision Sciences Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Colorado Springs (80923)--Mary Anderson, Graphic Communication and Journalism double major, Graphic Communication Departmental Scholar, Journalism Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Iowa
Clive (50325)--Adam Lee Novak, Management, Management Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar
Coralville (52241)--Emma Goldman, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Marion (52302)--Jacob Michael Bjornsen, Finance, Finance Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Danville (52623)--Darren Wolbers, Computer Science, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Fort Madison (52627)--Brenda L. Wamsley, General Studies, School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach Scholar, General Studies Departmental Scholar
Muscatine (52761)--Emily Ann Clemens, Marketing, Marketing Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude,
Muscatine (52761)--Marcus Jordan Schupp, Broadcasting, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Davenport (52804)--Ahlonko Agbofin Kokou, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Departmental Scholar
Davenport (52807)--Eliott Farrell Schaefer, Construction Management, Construction Management Departmental Scholar


Maryland
Glenarden (20706)--Devin J. Johnson, Human Resource Management, Honors Scholar

Missouri
Saint Charles (63301)--Jacob Steven Eppel, Music, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Kirksville (63501)--Caitlin Marie Pennington, Music, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

North Carolina
Jacksonville (28540)--Paul William Rich, Music, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

Tennessee
Maryville (37803)--Mary Beth Marie Lane, History, Centennial Honors College Scholar History Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Wisconsin
Platteville (53818)--Mattea Marie Scanlan, Chemistry, Chemistry Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude


Foreign
Thailand
Chaehom Lampang--Kiattipong Aunmueng, Sociology, Sociology Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude

United Kingdom
Wallington--Catherine L. Andreadis, Biology, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude

Mali
Bamko--Kadidia Samassekou, Chemistry, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude



Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing