University News
Fall 2012 College, Departmental, Honors Scholars
December 13, 2012

MACOMB, IL – Six students participating in Western Illinois University's 2012 Fall Commencement Ceremonies Dec.14-15 in Macomb have received the highest recognition from their colleges for their overall academic excellence by being named a Cecile A. Christison Sterrett College Scholar.
The 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14 Academic Honors Convocation in Western Hall will honor College Scholars, Departmental Scholars and Honors Scholars who have earned academic distinction throughout their Western Illinois University careers. Students receive a medallion for each honor, which they wear at Commencement ceremonies. College Scholars also receive a cash award from the WIU Foundation.
College Scholars are determined by their outstanding academic excellence and service through the dean's offices, upon recommendation by faculty. 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 designed 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
Maya J. Stainback (Bellwood, IL), an Honors Scholar and the Departmental Scholar for Political Science and Departmental Scholar for African American Studies, is the Academic Convocation Speaker. Stainback will speak to her classmates about "The Western Evolution." She is the recipient of the Illinois General Assembly Scholarship and the Roland P. Burke Scholarship in Political Science. She was on the dean's list every semester while at Western, and she has been inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and the Golden Key Honorary Society.
Centennial Honors College Scholar
Thomas J. Reeder (Bolingbrook, IL), Music Education, is the Centennial Honors College Scholar, and he will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. In 2012, Reeder was accepted to give the podium presentation at WIU's annual Thomas E. Helm Undergraduate Research Day, where he gave the presentation, "Sell Out! With Me Tonight: Audience-Artist Relations in the Commercial Electronic Music Industry." As a member of various performing ensembles through the University and outside of it, Reeder has given more than 200 performances during his undergraduate career at a variety of venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, Orchestra Hall in Chicago, as well as at several venues and events in the Macomb community. Reeder is a member of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society and Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Society. He said he plans to begin graduate school in Fall 2013 to pursue an advanced degree in musicology and intends to take German-language classes in the spring to better prepare himself for his graduate studies.
College of Arts and Sciences Scholar
Alyse Marie Thompson (West Chicago, IL), Journalism and Spanish, is the College of Arts and Sciences Scholar, the Journalism Departmental Scholar and an Honors Scholar and will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. In Fall 2012, Thompson served as the managing editor of Western's student newspaper, the Western Courier. She also served as the president of Western's Society for Professional Journalists and served as a staff writer/photographer for Western Illinois Magazine, a student-produced publication published twice a year. During her undergraduate career, Thompson has completed two editorial internships with Reflejos Bilingual Journal (Arlington Heights, IL) and with Candy Industry Magazine (Deerfield, IL). Her goals include pursuing a position at a newspaper or magazine, and she said she is considering applying for journalism graduate programs.
College of Business and Technology Scholar
Brittany Marie Pieper (Bushnell, IL), Agricultural Business, is the College of Business and Technology Scholar, the Agriculture Departmental Scholar and an Honors Scholar and will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude. She has been actively involved in the Collegiate FFA, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Alpha Zeta, as well as in intramural softball and volleyball. During her undergraduate career, Pieper completed an internship with the Cook County Farm Bureau. She has also served as a volunteer for the Bushnell Horse Show and the Canton (IL) to Peoria (IL) St. Jude Run. Pieper's professional goals include pursuing a career in agricultural finance.
College of Education and Human Services Scholar
Victoria Ann Wilkin (Hampshire, IL), Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, is the College of Education and Human Services Scholar and will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude. During her undergraduate career, she completed a study abroad program in Spain during which she studied Spanish sports, recreation and leisure. Wilkin also was involved with the University Union Board (UUB) and served on the Family Weekend Committee, as well as the After Hours Committee. Extracurricular activities in her field of study include her membership in the Student Commercial Recreation and Tourism Society (SCRTS). Through her involvement in the SCRTS, she volunteered at the Governor's Conference on Tourism. She also has served as a volunteer for many organizations during her college career, including at the Countryview Care Center in Macomb in order "to gain a better understanding of therapeutic recreation." She also worked as an annual fund phonathon caller while at Western. After graduation, Wilkin intends to "seek opportunities to gain experience, and she said she would like to go back to school to earn a master's degree.
College of Fine Arts and Communication Scholar
Steven Solomon (Chicago, IL) is the College of Fine Arts and Communication Scholar, the Music Departmental Scholar (Bachelor of Music) and an Honors Scholar and will graduate with highest academic honors (Summa Cum Laude). During his time at Western, Solomon served as the vice president for the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and was actively involved in WIU Hillel, WIU Marching Band, Jazz Studio Orchestra, Jazz Combo One, and he served as a student section leader in the WIU Vocal Jazz program. He is also a member of the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the Jewish Community Hillel Group of Chicago and the Alliance of Midwest India Association. Solomon as taught piano to students taking classes in the WIU Community Music School and has logged more than 400 paid piano professional performances from age 10 through the present, including at an event featuring former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley. In 2011, his Steven Solomon Trio was hired as the opening act for the annual Al Sears Jazz Festival in Macomb. Solomon's future plans include teaching at a Chicago Public School or other secondary school in Illinois, and he said he looks forward to continue to perform jazz, classical and rock music in Chicago and around the Chicago area while he is teaching.
School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach Scholar
Angela Jo Veith (Rushville, IL) is the School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach Scholar. Currently a full-time employee in WIU's Center for International Studies, Veith has worked at Western for the past 13 years. On campus, she has participated in Employee Wellness events, Heart Smart for Women, Leathernecks in Training and the Western Walks-a-Thon. Off campus, she has taken part in various fundraisers, including benefits for St. Jude's Children's Hospital and CrossFit for Hope in Rushville. She also coached participants in the CrossFit for Hope fundraiser, and she maintains that organization's website. In her community, she serves as a volunteer to help clean her church every month, teaches in her church's toddler room and helps with the annual school-supply giveaway. Upon graduation, Veith plans to pursue an advanced degree at WIU.
Departmental and Honors Scholars, Academic Distinction
By Illinois counties and out of state:
Adams County
Quincy (62301) — Nathaniel J. Bruns, Network Technologies Departmental Scholar
Cook County
Bellwood (60104) — Maya J. Stainback, Political Science Departmental Scholar and African American Studies Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar
Crestwood (60445) — Dylan W. O'Meara, Construction Management, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Des Plaines (60018) — Richard J. Sloma, Physical Education K-12, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Palos Heights (60463) — Joseph A. Illichman, Mathematics, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Palos Hills (60465) — Joshua Gentile, Philosophy, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Chicago
60613 — Daniela Medina Elizondo, Theatre, will graduate with high academic distinction Magna Cum Laude
60629 — Jasmine N. Scott, Music, Honors Scholar
60660 — Steven R. Solomon, Music Departmental Scholar (Bachelor of Music), Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Bureau County
Depue (61322) — Rosa E. Sandoval, Spanish Departmental Scholar
La Moille (61330) — Andrew R. Davis, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Carroll County
Lanark (61046) — Paige Gordon, Family Consumer Sciences (Hotel and Restaurant Management) Departmental Scholar
Mount Carroll (61053) — Christopher D. Foltz, Special Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Dekalb County
Somonauk (60552) — Greg L. Myers, Music, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
DuPage County
Downers Grove (60515) — Jared A. Wissmiller, Mathematics Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Glen Ellyn (60137) — Shannon L. Redini, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Glendale Heights (60139) — Atif Bukhari, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar
Naperville
60564 — Caitlin R. Edwards, Music Departmental Scholar (Bachelor of Arts)
60565 — Carter C. Stirtz, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
West Chicago (60185) — Alyse M. Thompson, Journalism Departmental Scholar, Spanish, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Clinton County
Breese (62230) — Amy A. Huelsmann, Meteorology, Honors Scholar
Fulton County
Canton (61520) — Lindsay N. Bockoven, Psychology, Honors Scholar; Robert A. Culbertson, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Lauren N. Simmons, Music, Honors Scholar will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Lewiston (61542) — Emily J. Valencia, Art Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Table Grove (61482) — Brennan P. Parks, Computer Science Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Seth D. Windsor, History, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Hancock County
Bowen (62316) — Amy K. Bell, Music, Honors Scholar
Dallas City (62330) — Derek J. VanFleet, Construction Management, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
La Harpe (61450) — Breanne R. Helmers, Psychology Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Henry County
Coal Valley (61240) — Sarah L. Helderman, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Colona (61421) — Brittany A. Cothron, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Galva (61434) — Dawn S. Gale, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Anna M. Olson, Elementary Education, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Geneseo (61254) — Amanda E. Hoste, Management, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Mary E. Pearl, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Kristen S. Stradt, English Departmental Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Orion (61273) — Natalie B. Crose, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Kane County
Aurora (60506) — Chelsey A. Moore, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration and Spanish, Honors Scholar
Elgin (60123) — Allison S. Christopoulos, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Hampshire (60140) — Victoria A. Wilkin, Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration, College of Education and Human Services Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
North Aurora (60542) — Melissa A. Viksne, Finance Departmental Scholar
Kendall County
Oswego (60543) — Gregory J. Wooley, English, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Knox County
East Galesburg (61430) — Samantha J. Rice, Sociology Departmental Scholar
Logan County
Atlanta (61723) — Shelby J. Hawkins, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Madison County
Troy (62294) — Kyle G. Fenimore, Construction Management, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Trent A. Ross, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, Honors Scholar; Assanatou Sow, Journalism and French, Honors Scholar
Mason County
Easton (62633) — Katelyn Wurth, Accountancy and Finance, Honors Scholar
Mason City (62664) — Kortnie B. Klassen, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Kilbourne (62655) — Jennie M. Miller, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Mercer County
North Henderson (61466) — Celicia J. Thomas, Nursing Departmental (Bachelor of Nursing) Scholar
Morgan County
Meredosia (62665) — Rachel E. Presley, Instructional Design and Technology Departmental Scholar
McHenry County
Crystal Lake (60012) — Peter J. Shimp, History, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Lake in the Hills (60156) — Brandon M. Stroh, Special Education Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Woodstock (60098) — Sherry L. Tietjen, Special Education, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
McDonough County
Bushnell (61422) — Brittany M. Pieper Agriculture Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Colchester (62326) — Hannah S. Chapin, Communication Sciences and Disorders Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Macomb (61455) — Diesel A. Baldwin, Anthropology Departmental Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; Andrew S. Brophy, Engineering Technology, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Tara M. Brownlow, Accountancy, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Henry T. Cantleberry, Philosophy Departmental Scholar; Lorree J. Kerr, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Michael R. Wilkinson, Computer Science, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Caitlin M. Wood, Computer Science, Honors Scholar, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Ogle County
Chana (61015) — Austin L. Anderson, Agriculture, Honors Scholar
Oregon (61061) — Kelsey M. Wolfe, Journalism, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Peoria County
Glasford (61533) — Courtney R. Cluney, Biological Sciences, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Rock Island County
Cordova (61242) — Maureen J. Robinson, Accountancy Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
East Moline (61244) — Robert E. Barajas, Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Weston L. Wassell, Elementary Education, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Moline (61265) — Kyle J. Ambrozi, Liberal Arts and Sciences Departmental Scholar
Rock Island (61201) — Lindsey M. Havens, Special Education, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; Kara J. McNall, Elementary Education, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude; Meghan R. Miers, Special Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude; Michael D. Taylor, Communication Departmental Scholar, French Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Silvis (61282) — Corey C. Whitcomb, Management Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Sangamon County
Auburn (62615) — Lauren N. Armstead, History Departmental Scholar, Lincoln Academy of Illinois Student Laureate, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Springfield (62711) — Brian P. Sneath, Biological Sciences Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Stephenson County
Davis (61019) — Erika A. Lawson, Mathematics, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Whiteside County
Erie (61250) — Taylor A. Froeliger, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Prophetstown (61277) — Dennis R. Behrens, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Will County
Bolingbrook (60440) — Thomas J. Reeder, Centennial Honors College Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Channahon (60410) — Elizabeth M. Jones, Physical Education K-12 Departmental Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Homer Glen (60491) — Robert J. Carroll, Hotel and Restaurant Management, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Winnebago County
Bolingbrook (61108) — Traci Hart, Women's Studies Departmental Scholar
Out of State
Arizona
Phoenix (85008) — Victoria A. Borne, Graphic Communication Departmental Scholar
Iowa
Bettendorf (52722) — Stacia L. Moyes, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude; Elizabeth M. Preston, Elementary Education, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Clinton (52732) — Alana S. Johnson, Construction Management Departmental Scholar
Davenport (52803) — Vanessa A. Haberman, Engineering Departmental Scholar
Davenport (52804) — Terry L. Williams, Engineering Technology Departmental Scholar
Davenport (52806) — Sarah A. Myer, Elementary Education, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Fort Madison (52627) — Elizabeth S. Helling, Elementary Education Departmental Scholar, Honors Scholar, will graduate with academic distinction, Cum Laude
Keokuk (52632) — Lindsey J. Roe, Anthropology, Honors Scholar; Kacey L. Swainey, Accountancy, will graduate with high academic distinction, Magna Cum Laude
Mount Pleasant (52641) — Erik V. Brawner, Geology Departmental Scholar
Muscatine (52761) — Sarah K. Anderson, Agriculture, will graduate with highest academic distinction, Summa Cum Laude
Kansas
Manhattan (66503) — Aaron G. Appel, Supply Chain Management Departmental Scholar
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