University News

Jamie Lee Hunzinger (Fox River Grove, IL) - Academic Convocation Speaker
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Carla M. Webb (Carthage, IL) - College of Arts and Sciences Scholar...
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Diane E. Wagenbach (Burlington, IA) - College of Business and Technology Scholar...
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Mason Blacker (Saint Joseph, IL) - College of Education and Human Services...
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Adam "AJ" Busard (Colchester, IL) - College of Fine Arts and Communication Scholar...
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Mallorie J. Clark (Geneseo, IL) - Centennial Honors College Scholar...
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Joseph A. Boyle (Davenport, IA) - School of Extended Studies Scholar...
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WIU 2009 Spring College, Departmental, Honors Scholars; Convocation Speaker Named

May 14, 2009

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - Seven students participating in Western Illinois University's Spring 2009 Commencement Weekend Ceremonies May 15-16 in Macomb and May 17 at the i wireless Center in Moline have received the highest recognition from their college faculty for their overall academic excellence by being named a Cecile A. Christison Sterrett College Scholar and the Academic Honors Convocation Speaker.

The 2 p.m. Friday, May 15 Academic Honors Convocation in Western Hall will honor College Scholars, Departmental Scholars, Honors Scholars and graduate candidates who have earned academic distinction throughout their Western Illinois undergraduate career. Students receive a medallion for each honor, which they wear at Commencement ceremonies. In addition, College Scholars receive a $150 cash award from the WIU Foundation.

Departmental scholars are the outstanding degree candidates 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 in the general education curriculum, a major, or both, and has achieved a grade point average of at least 3.4.

Academic Convocation Speaker
Jamie Lee Hunzinger (Fox River Grove, IL), an Honors Scholar with a double major in philosophy and communication, with a concentration in persuasion and rhetoric, and a pre-law honors minor, was selected as the Academic Honors Convocation student speaker. She will present "Fare Thee Well" to her fellow graduates.

"I will share with them a story I ask that they remember when times get tough or when the stress of everyday life blurs their vision of what is most important to them," Hunzinger said. "The story is about choices we make that create the people we are. We did not come to college to find ourselves; we came to create ourselves and we will continue to do so after leaving Western. We will continue to direct our lives through the choices we make and the priorities we set. Only we can decide how we will live our lives and the best way to decide our direction is to pay attention to the things critical to our happiness."

Hunzinger said her collegiate experience has been "a balance between a dedication to myself and a compassion for others. I have done what I can to leave this University better than I found it, while in the process improving myself as well."

She said her next step is to attend law school to pursue her juris doctor. Hunzinger hopes to be selected for "Law Review," be elected justice of the law chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International and to participate in Moot Court competitions. She said she plans to volunteer as a victims' advocate, graduate in the top 10 percent of her class and pass the Bar Exam on her first try.

Hunzinger then wants to pursue a Ph.D. in philosophy. She plans to practice law several years and then teach law and philosophy.

She received numerous Foundation scholarships; was inducted into honor societies including Mortar Board, Phi Kappa Phi, Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges; and placed second in the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society 2008-2009 Research Paper Competition. Hunzinger also served on the University's First Year Experience Steering Committee, was a peer mentor representative and trainer and was the founder of Western Illinois University's Pre-Law Chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International.

Hunzinger, who graduated in three years from Barrington (IL) High School, is the daughter of Bill and Debbie Hunzinger of Fox River Grove.

College of Arts and Sciences Scholar
Carla M. Webb (Carthage, IL) is the College of Arts and Sciences Scholar, an Honors Scholar, the Mathematics Departmental Scholar and the Computer Science Departmental Scholar. Webb is also one of 24 Commencement Marshals. She graduates with highest academic honors, Summa Cum Laude.

Webb had experience with undergraduate research; and in Fall 2007 she looked into the area of natural language processing, determining the meaning in written texts through mathematical analysis. She presented the results of her research at the 2008 Illinois Section of the Mathematical Association of America annual meeting, the 2008 Honors Council in the Illinois Region Conference and Western's 2008 Undergraduate Research Day. Webb also presented her latest research, "Satisfiability of Horn Sentences," at the 2009 Undergraduate Research Day.

She has also researched the discipline of logic, advanced mathematical logic and proofs and applications of the material to computer science problems. Webb has worked in the mathematics department as a tutor, teaching assistant and grader. She is on the executive board of Kappa M Epsilon Math Club and the undergraduate representative for the Math Department Grade Appeal Committee. She has presented programs to fellow students as well as "Taking the Mystery Out of Math" to students in grades K-12.

Webb has been a four-year member of the Student Honors Association (SHA), serving as secretary one year and as president the past two years; and she has served two years on the Honors Council.

A third-generation WIU student, Webb said "my academic life at WIU has been fantastic.

"I have had the opportunity to learn from some excellent professors who have given me some wonderful guidance. In particular, I was able to work one-on-one with several faculty members for Honors experiences and undergraduate research," she added.

Webb, who interned Summer 2008 as a systems analyst at State Farm Insurance in Bloomington (IL), will begin working there as a Java programmer for the systems department June 15.

A 2005 graduate of Carthage High School, who ranked No. 1 in her class of 66 students, Webb is the daughter of Elder Robert and Linda Webb of Carthage.

College of Business and Technology Scholar
Diana E. Wagenbach (Burlington, IA) is the College of Business and Technology Scholar, an Honors Scholar, the Management Departmental Scholar and the Spanish Departmental Scholar. Wagenbach, who completed a minor in International Business, is also one of 24 Commencement Marshals. She graduates with highest academic honors, Summa Cum Laude.

She joined Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity her first semester, which, she said, "helped me form a network of friends within my major. I participated in many professional and community service activities and learned a lot about different aspects of the business world."

Wagenbach said the highlight of her college experience was the semester she spent in Spain through the Western Illinois Spanish Experience (WISE) Spain study abroad program.

"Not only was I able to improve my conversation skills and complete my Spanish major, but I made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime," Wagenbach said. "This experience has inspired me to pursue an international MBA and a career in international business."

Wagenbach serves as president of Golden Key International Honour Society and vice president of Sigma Iota Epsilon honorary management fraternity. She is also a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society and Blue Key. She has been awarded numerous scholarships, including the WIU Foundation four-year Presidential Scholarship.

Her short-term plans include working in the Chicago area for a few years before pursuing an international MBA.

"I very much enjoy working with diverse groups of people and experiencing many different cultures," she said.

Wagenbach, a 2005 graduate of Mediapolis (IA) High School, who ranked No. 1 of 57 in her graduating class, is the daughter of David and Charlene Wagenbach of Burlington (IA).

College of Education and Human Services Scholar
Mason Blacker (St. Joseph, IL) is the College of Education and Human Services Scholar, an Honors Scholar and the Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Departmental Scholar. Blacker, who completed minors in Spanish and Fire Science, is also one of 24 Commencement Marshals. He is scheduled to graduate this summer, in three years, with highest academic honors, Summa Cum Laude.

He serves as Special Projects Officer and is also a Lt. EMT-B in Western Emergency Medical Services (WEMS), a professional, volunteer Basic Life Support (BLS) service on campus, with secondary response in Macomb. As Special Projects Officer, Blacker, with assistance from Western's Office of Public Safety and area law enforcement and medical units, coordinates the annual spring Mock DUI. He is also in charge of recruiting and hiring new personnel for WEMS. He has completed pre-hospital trauma life support classes.

Blacker is a member of Alpha Phi Sigma, the only national criminal justice honors society. He has received several scholarships, including a WIU Foundation four-year scholarship; and he served on the University's Student Judicial Board. He has also worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters and volunteered at Wesley Village senior living and nursing center in Macomb.

"I really appreciate how nationally competitive Western's School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration is and the number of successful individuals who come from this program," Blacker said. "I love the challenge of learning something that is completely new; and I like how the foreign language department at Western engages the students and requires them to take and active role in their education."

Blacker is an active member of the United States Navy in the delayed entry program.

Blacker, a 2006 graduate of Saint Joseph Ogdon High School, is the son of John and Lori Blacker of Saint Joseph.

College of Fine Arts and Communication Scholar
Adam "AJ" Busard (Colchester, IL) is the College of Fine Arts and Communication Scholar, an Honors Scholar and the Bachelor of Music degree Music Departmental Scholar. Busard, who completed the music business option, is also one of 24 Commencement Marshals. He graduates with highest academic honors, Summa Cum Laude.

Busard, a former musician and administrative clerk with the United States Marine Corps (2000-2004), came to Western Illinois University in 2005 as a single father, "with supportive family that lived nearby."

"While at Western I discover that I had a talent and desire to work in a dynamic environment within student affairs," Busard said. "I applied to graduate school at Western in College Student Personnel, so I will be able to continue academic study while serving young people as they chase their dreams in a collegiate atmosphere."

It wasn't easy for Busard, who had to learn to juggle academic responsibilities with those of a parent, and more.

"My time as an undergraduate student has been a constant struggle, because I wasn't simply hitting the books and taking exams. I was changing diapers, working on a new marriage, investing in a new home and organizing extracurricular events," he said. "Considering I'm now pursuing a career in student affairs, I must have enjoyed myself along the way."

Since Summer 2006, Busard has worked as an administrative clerk in the Provost's Office; and since September 2008, he has served as a peer mentor of the Western's First Year Experience (FYE) program as well as a student assistant to the FYE peer mentor coordinator.

He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi and has served Golden Key International Honour Society as the community service director, scheduling service activities within the communities.

"By May 2011, my wife, Kari, will have her bachelor's degree in instructional design and technology; I will have my master's degree in college student personnel and our daughter will complete second grade. We will then possibly relocate with the interest of securing employment at the university level," Busard said.

A 2000 graduate of Sherrard (IL) High School, Busard is the son of Bobbie Collis of Weaver (IA) and Tim Busard of Ft. Madison (IA).

Centennial Honors College Scholar
Mallorie J. Clark (Geneseo, IL) is the Centennial Honors College Scholar, an Honors Scholar and the History Departmental Scholar. Clark also completed a minor in Spanish. She graduates with highest academic honors, Summa Cum Laude.

She completed her student teaching at nearby Bushnell-Prairie City Junior High School, where she taught four U.S. history courses, a presidential history class and a speech class. This summer, Clark will marry her "high school sweetheart, Andy Ward." Then beginning in fall, she has been hired by Bushnell-Prairie City High School to teach Spanish and history.

"Western's reputation as a top school for education was one of the major reasons I decided to come here," Clark said. "I know of many teachers who had graduated from Western and had become successful and effective teachers. Western also has a great scholarship program available, which make college more affordable and allowed me to focus more on academics."

Clark was one of the history department's four Emily Leonard Scholars and is a member of several honor societies, including Phi Alpha Theta (history); Alpha Mu Gamma (foreign languages); Pi Sigma Alpha (political science); and Phi Kapa Phi (Universitywide). She has served as secretary and vice president of the Associated Students of History, and has been a member of the history student advisory board. Clark has been a student assistant and Spanish tutor in the foreign languages department and twice served as a First Year Experience peer mentor for history classes.

"Western's faculty have been helpful and support in everything I've done, and they have always encouraged me to go above and beyond," Clark said. "I appreciate how the Honors College has taught me to extend myself and that I can do anything I work hard at and set my mind to."

Clark, a 2005 graduate of Geneseo High School, is the daughter of Hal and Tammy Clark of Geneseo.

School of Extended Studies Scholar
Joseph A. Boyle (Davenport, IA) is the School of Extended Studies Scholar. He is a graduate of the Board of Trustees/Bachelor of Arts (BOT/BA) degree program with a minor in English.

Boyle transferred credit hours from Scott Community College (Bettendorf, IA) to Western and received a Doris and Victor Day Scholarship and a WIU Foundation Scholarship.

His interests are in fiction - - literary and otherwise - - and how it relates to and enlightens non-fiction, Boyle said. Other areas of interests include ethics and theology. He is involved in his local church activities; X-Stream Mississippi River Cleanup; regional film festival screenings; local film writer, director and producer; and Rock Island District Art Gallery Hop. Boyle often visits nursing homes, assists with local medical advertisement production and local independent film production.

"In the next few years, I plan to teach English abroad with my wife," Boyle said. "I will, of course, continue to learn all of my life and plan to continue to pursue a career in filmmaking."

Departmental Scholars and Honors Scholars are listed by county and city in Illinois, followed by other states and countries.

ADAMS COUNTY
Quincy (62301) – Kristin Terwelp, Finance Department Scholar

BUREAU COUNTY
Depue (61322) – Gregory J. Heredia, Construction Management Departmental Scholar
Wyanet (61379) – Amber Michlig, Honors Scholar, Political Science major and Pre-Law Honors minor

CALHOUN COUNTY
Hamburg (62045) – Alicia Weishaupt, Honors Scholar, Forensic Chemistry major

CARROLL COUNTY
Mount Carroll (61053) – Wesley James Green, Supply Chain Management Departmental Scholar

COOK COUNTY
Chicago (60620) – Jessica Ball, 6900 block of W. Fletcher St., Honors Scholar, Forensic Chemistry major; Alisha Cowan, 9400 block of S. Bishop St., Journalism Departmental Scholar and Honors Scholar

Hanover Park (60133) – Nina Police, Honors Scholar, Broadcasting major

Homewood (60430) – Katherine Habben, Honors Scholar, Philosophy major
Lemont (60439) – Keith Leiting, Honors Scholar,

Kinesiology major
Mount Prospect (60056) – Agnieszka Tyl, Clinical Laboratory Science Departmental Scholar

Oak Forest (60452) – Brian Lyons, Honors Scholar, Graphic Communication major

River Forest (60305) – John-Franklin Dzuryak, Geology Departmental Scholar and Honors Scholar

Schaumburg (60194) – Jayne Wadsworth, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration major

Tinley Park (60477) – Taylor Anderson, Honors Scholar, Communication Sciences and Disorders major

DUPAGE COUNTY
Flossmoor (60422) – Ryan Amos, Honors Scholar, Social Work major
Naperville (60565) – Kelsey Bohn, Chemistry Departmental Scholar and Honors Scholar; Matthew Davis, Honors Scholar, Construction Management major
Westmont (60559) – Karen Blatchley, Honors Scholar, Communication major
Woodridge (60517) – Connor Cavanagh, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration major

FULTON COUNTY
Astoria (61501) – Matthew Westlake, Manufacturing Engineering Technology Departmental Scholar
Cuba (61427) – Ryan Deushane, Honors Scholar, Biology major

HANCOCK COUNTY
Carthage (62321) – Kaylee Menn, Agriculture Departmental Scholar
Hamilton (62341) – Jennifer Ford, Psychology Departmental Scholar and Honors Scholar; Amanda Morehouse, Graphic Communication Departmental Scholar

IROQUOIS COUNTY
Watseka (60970) – Jacob Brown, Physic Departmental Scholar and Honors Scholar

JO DAVIESS COUNTY
Elizabeth (61028) – Stacey Deneen, Health Services Management Departmental Scholar and Honors Scholar; Patricia Wiley, Honors Scholar, Forensic Chemistry major

KANE COUNTY
Aurora (60506) – Zachary Meyer, Honors Scholar, Theatre major; Sara Smeltzer, Honors Scholar, Psychology major
Elburn (60119) – Sean Kozak, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration
Geneva (60134) – Megan Mills, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration

KANKAKEE COUNTY
Bonfield (60913) – Amber Schafer, Special Education Departmental Scholar

KENDALL COUNTY
Oswego (60543) – Josh Huppert, Musical Theatre (Bachelor of Fine Arts) Departmental Scholar

KNOX COUNTY
Galesburg (61401) – Nikki Gray, Religious Studies Departmental Scholar

LA SALLE COUNTY
Earlville (60518) – Brian Eller, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration major and Pre-Law Honors minor
McHenry (60051) – Remi Farina, Honors Scholar, Agriculture major
Mendota (61342) – Kristen Olson, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration major and Pre-Law Honors minor

LAKE COUNTY
Gurnee (60031) – Andrew Ray, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration Departmental Scholar
Lake Barrington (60010) – Chapman Waters, Philosophy Departmental Scholar
Lake Zurich (60047) – Jennifer Chmielowski, Forensic Chemistry Departmental Scholar
Wauconda (60084) – Alison Dorsey, Elementary Education Departmental Scholar

MACOUPIN COUNTY
Virden (62690) – Melissa Miller, Honors Scholar, Family and Consumer Sciences

MADISON COUNTY
Edwardsville (62025) – Emily Wehling, Art (Bachelor of Arts) Departmental Scholar and Honors Scholar

MASON COUNTY
Manito (61546) – Megan Goeden, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration major and Pre-Law Honors minor
Mason City (62664) – Devin Buswell, Honors Scholar, Accountancy major

MCDONOUGH COUNTY
Bardolph (61416) – Rory Mannion, Honors Scholar, Geography major
Blandinsville (61475) – Drake Brewster, Honors Scholar, Physics major
Bushnell (61422) – Lindsey Hornbaker, Sociology Departmental Scholar
Colchester (62326) – Ashley Fentem, Women's Studies Departmental Scholar and Honors Scholar

Mscomb (61455) - Wardatou Boukari, French Departmental Scholar and Honors Scholar; Lenora Greenwaldt, Honors Scholar, Social Work major; Reilly Hendricks, Interdisciplinary Studies Departmental Scholar; Brandon McGrew, Telecommunications Management Departmental Scholar; Rebekah Parmer, Honors Scholar, English major; Bradly Rigdon, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration major; Jessica Ruebush, Instructional Design and Technology Departmental Scholar; John Stout, Broadcasting Departmental Scholar; Theresa Sullivan, Family and Consumer Sciences Departmental Scholar

MCHENRY COUNTY
Algonquin (60102) – Toni Mueller, Biology Departmental Scholar and Honors Scholar
Cary (60013) – Steven Fletcher, Economics (Bachelor of Business) Departmental Scholar
Crystal Lake (60014) – Tiffany Pearl, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and Sociology majors
Johnsburg (60051) – Lisa Dawson, Honors Scholar, Family and Consumer Sciences major
Woodstock (60098) – Rachel Drizner, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration major

MCLEAN COUNTY
Bloomington (61704) – Mallory McGraw, Honors Scholar, Marketing major
Normal (61761) – Zane Brown, Meteorology Departmental Scholar

MORGAN COUNTY
Jacksonville (62650) – Amanda Knott, Honors Scholar, Art major

PEORIA COUNTY
Bartonville (61607) – Kirk Hayworth, Economics (Bachelor of Arts) Departmental Scholar
Mapleton (61547) – Rachel Waters, English Departmental Scholar

PIKE COUNTY
Griggsville (62340) – Tessa Flint, Honors Scholar, Biology major; Butch Pool, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration major
Pittsfield (62363) – Abby Lagemann, Honors Scholar, History major

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY
East Moline (61244) – Magdalena Kozicka, Accountancy Departmental Scholar; Kimberly Slutz, Social Work Departmental Scholar and Honors Scholar
Milan (61264) – Kristin Pauley, Honors Scholar, Music major
Moline (61265) – Peter Suss, Information Systems Departmental Scholar
Rock Island (61201) – Sarah Walker, Honors Scholar, Music major

SANGAMON COUNTY
Chatham (62629) – Beverly Thompson, Honors Scholar, Biology major
Rochester (62563) – Shawn Wilber, Human Resource Management Departmental Scholar
Sherman (62684) – David Kapp, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration major
Springfield (62702) – Joshua Meyer, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration major; Matthew PreFountain, Honors Scholar, Finance major

TAZEWELL COUNTY
Delavan (61734) – Ashley Snider, Honors Scholar, Biology major
Pekin (61554) – Jordan Berger, Honors Scholar, Finance major

WHITESIDE COUNTY
Morrison (61270) – Amanda Smith, Honors Scholar, Biology major
Sterling (61081) – Rachel Bloom, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration major

WILL COUNTY
Plainfield (60586) – Blake Antonides, Political Science Departmental Scholar; Benjamin Koepke, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration major; Allison Peters, Music (Bachelor of Arts) Departmental Scholar

WINNEBAGO COUNTY
Rockton (61072) – Jacob Schenk, Theatre Departmental Scholar and Honors Scholar
Roscoe (61073) – Casey Kinson, Honors Scholar, English and Women's Studies majors

IOWA
Argyle (52619) – Cody Keefe, Marketing Departmental Scholar
Bettendorf (52722) – Joan Frank, Honors Scholar, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration major;
Erika Lowe, Communication Departmental Scholar
Clinton (52732) – Lucas Miller, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and Political Science majors
Keokuk (52632) – Edward Love, Emergency Management Departmental Scholar


OUT OF STATE
CALIFORNIA
Mountain View (94040) – Scott Robidoux, Geography Departmental Scholar

IOWA
Argyle (52619) – Cody Keefe, Marketing Departmental Scholar
Bettendorf (52722) – Joan Frank, Honors Scholar, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration major;
Erika Lowe, Communication Departmental Scholar
Clinton (52732) – Lucas Miller, Honors Scholar, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and Political Science majors
Keokuk (52632) – Edward Love, Emergency Management Departmental Scholar

KANSAS
Leawood (66224) – Elaine Bruhn, Communication Sciences and Disorders Departmental Scholar

WISCONSIN
Elm Grove (53122) – Kimberly Schuneman, Honors Scholar, Biology major

OUT OF COUNTRY
BARBADOS
Christ Church, Bridgetown - Stefan King, Kinesiology Departmental Scholar

INDIA
Kerala - Raaj Remesh, Honors Scholar, Computer Science major

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