Honors Students Mielke, Silva, and Guillen Highlighted at Spring 2011 WSU Commencement Ceremonies


PULLMAN
, Wash.—Three Honors College students—Karissa Mielke, Luis Silva, and Gregorio “Greg” Guillen—will be featured as “highlight students” at May 7 commencement ceremonies at Washington State University.

“We are very proud of both of these outstanding members of our college, and look forward to seeing them in the spotlight at the university-wide graduation soon,” says Libby Walker, dean of Honors.

WSU President Elson S. Floyd will preside at all three commencement ceremonies in Beasley Coliseum.  Guest speaker at Silva’s ceremony at 8 a.m. will be R. James Cook, emeritus dean and professor in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.  Guest speaker at Mielke and Guillen’s 3 p.m. ceremony will be Admiral John Scott Redd.

Mielke graduates with a B.S. in nursing and her Honors College certificate, and plans to pursue a career in critical care nursing followed by further education to earn a doctoral degree and become a professor in nursing education.  Raised on a family farm in Davenport, she held a Silver Regents Scholar award at WSU.  In addition to several clinical experiences at Spokane hospitals during her nursing education, she engaged in several volunteer activities.

Silva has earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering and a certificate in the Honors College, and will start an engineering job for International Paper in Louisiana following graduation.  Born in Mexico, he came to the United States at age 13, helping his parents with seasonal farm jobs in Wenatchee picking apples and cherries; at school, he worked hard to learn the new language and culture.  He attended Wenatchee Valley College and earned a science transfer degree before coming to WSU to study engineering.  He is the first in his family to graduate from college.  He organized WSU’s first mariachi band, which will provide the musical entertainment at Honors College commencement on May 6.

Guillen graduates with a B.A. in business administration and a certificate from the Honors College, and is considering many opportunities to work for various companies.  A native of Mexico, he recently obtained his U.S. residency and intends to reach his dream of becoming a U.S. citizen.  In addition to involvement with his fraternal brotherhood O eMe Te, he has been an active voice for the multicultural community and has held several service and leadership positions on campus, such as with the Student Book Corporation board of directors, the College of Business ambassador program for two years, and served as vice president of personal relations for Engineers Without Borders.  He chaired a week-long event to raise awareness of the Congressional DREAM Act Bill, and co-sponsored the bill with U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell.


CONTACT: Beverly Makhani, Communications Director, WSU Honors College, 509-335-6679, Makhani@wsu.edu

SOURCE:  Libby Walker, Dean, WSU Honors College, 509-335-4505, walkerl@wsu.edu