WSU Honors College Presents Awards to McElroy, Van Schinjndel, Hammett, Shier and Berthiuame at Its Fall 2013 Commencement Ceremonies
PULLMAN, Wash.—The Washington State University Honors College celebrated the accomplishments of 17 graduating seniors and presented top awards to three students and two faculty members at its ceremonies for fall 2013 commencement.
“We are privileged to fete our outstanding Honors graduates as they complete their baccalaureate degrees, ready for the next exciting chapters in their lives,” says Honors Dean M. Grant Norton. “Our traditional commencement program also provides a venue for us to tip our hat to faculty members who have mentored Honors students in valued and meaningful ways.”
The Honors College Dean’s Award was presented to Eric McElroy, music composition major and WSU Regents Scholar. The Dean’s Award, funded by the Judy Roberts Honors Student Enrichment Fund, is intended for those who have challenged themselves to lead and serve their communities, demonstrated a love of learning, and exhibited critical thinking and public presentation skills.
An award-winning pianist and composer, McElroy studied at Austria’s Vienna Conservatory with scholarship support from the Honors College and others. He will return to Vienna to pursue a master’s degree from a conservatory, and plans to build a career as a music educator.
Recipients of Honors’ S. Town Stephenson Award are Corri Van Schinjndel and Thomas Hammett. Selected by the Honors Council, these graduating seniors have demonstrated academic excellence, and distinguished themselves through extracurricular activities, demonstrated a diversity of interests, talents, and commitments, and shown growth and accomplishments in and beyond their fields of study. It is the highest award presented by the council.
Van Schinjndel, a sociology major and French minor, plans to pursue a graduate degree in education.
Hammett, a kinesiology major, will continue his studies to earn a doctor of physical therapy degree.
The Honors Faculty Award went to David Shier, associate professor in the School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs and former chair of the Department of Philosophy. Shier teaches in the Honors College, has been a thesis advisor to many students, and has served four years as chair of the Honors Council.
The Thesis Advisor Award was presented to Gerald Berthiaume, WSU professor of music. Students nominate faculty for this award for their helpfulness, knowledge, and support throughout the rigorous thesis process in the Honors College. Berthiaume was nominated by his piano student Eric McElroy.
Guest speaker for the evening was Fredrick E. Peterson, professor of leadership and professional studies, and Chinese and European Civilizations professor for the Honors College since 1997.
Musical compositions by Honors senior Sonja Larson were featured; Autorickshaw and Atna were performed by Honors student Meredith Heinzmann, clarinet; Sky Sengnaryvong, flute; Anna Samudovsky, oboe; Kyndra Sisayaket, horn; and Larson, bassoon.
MEDIA: M. Grant Norton, Dean, WSU Honors College, 509-335-4505, honors@wsu.edu
Jared Brickman, Communications Assistant, WSU Honors College, 509-335-8070, uchccommmar.4@wsu.edu