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Washington State University

Honors College Recognizes Excellence at Fall 2025 Commencement

Honors College Recognizes Excellence at Fall 2025 Commencement

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

The Washington State University Honors College recognized the accomplishments of its Fall 2025 graduates during a commencement ceremony celebrating academic excellence, leadership, and service. A total of 30 students completed their Honors College requirements, with graduates and their families in attendance for the ceremony.

Dean Grant Norton welcomed guests and emphasized the transformative nature of the Honors experience at WSU. He reflected, “These students represent the very best of Washington State University and what it means to be a Coug. In their own unique ways, each of them has left a lasting mark on this campus.”

The ceremony included a special artistic moment as Maia Ottenberg composed and read an original poem that added a reflective and meaningful element to the event, celebrating the students’ accomplishments and the shared experiences of the Honors College community.

The program also featured remarks from commencement speaker Dr. Jennifer Schwartz, Professor of Sociology and holder of the Elma Ryan Bornander Honors Distinguished Chair. Schwartz was also presented with an Honors Medallion in recognition of her long-standing commitment to undergraduate education and mentorship within the Honors College.

Student Award Winners

Several students were recognized with top Honors College awards for their academic excellence, leadership, and service.

Honors Gonfalon Bearer – Emma Hayes

Emma Hayes, a Biology major graduating with a 3.99 GPA, was selected to carry the Honors College gonfalon at the university-wide commencement ceremony. A Glenn Terrell Presidential Scholar and participant in the Research Scholars Program, Hayes completed an Honors thesis examining Helicobacter pylori and gastrointestinal dysbiosis. She plans to pursue a career in diagnostic laboratory science, specializing in microbiology.

S. Town Stephenson Award – Emma Hoerle

The S. Town Stephenson Award, one of the highest honors bestowed by the Honors Council, was awarded to Emma Hoerle. Hoerle graduated with degrees in Criminal Justice, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Philosophy. She studied abroad in Amsterdam, where she conducted interviews for her Honors thesis, and plans to attend law school with a focus on human rights law. The award recognizes exceptional academic achievement, interdisciplinary exploration, and personal growth beyond a student’s primary discipline.

Dean’s Award – Emery Yates

The Dean’s Award was presented to Emery Yates, a Psychology graduate recognized for her academic excellence, service, and dedication to others. Yates was actively involved in the Honors Student Advisory Council and served as an editor for The Palouse Review. She plans to work as a behavior technician before pursuing graduate studies in counseling psychology.

Faculty Excellence Awards

The Honors College also recognized faculty members whose teaching and mentorship have significantly impacted students.

The Thesis Advisor Award was presented to Dr. Michael Skinner, WSU Eastlick Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences. Skinner, a world-renowned expert in reproductive biology and epigenetics, was nominated by Honors student Madison Ramsey for his exceptional mentorship and commitment to undergraduate research.

The Honors College Faculty Excellence Award was awarded to Professor William “Bill” Smith, Clinical Full Professor at the University of Idaho and Director of the Martin Institute. Since 2002, Smith has led more than 200 WSU students to participate in the National Model United Nations conference, providing students with hands-on experience in global diplomacy and international collaboration.

A Community of Scholars

The Fall 2025 commencement ceremony reflected the strength of the Honors College community and its commitment to rigorous academics, interdisciplinary learning, and faculty mentorship. As the ceremony concluded, graduates were applauded for their achievements and welcomed into the growing network of Honors College alumni. Norton added, “We hope the Honors College has been a transformative experience for these graduates. They leave Pullman prepared and energized to assume the mantle of leadership and to make our world better places for everyone.”

He concluded, “These students have worked hard, grown tremendously, and now step forward ready to lead, serve, and make an impact wherever their paths take them.”

Student Perspective: Emma Hayes

Student Perspective: Emma Hayes

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

Name: Emma Hayes

Year: Senior

Hometown: Bellingham, Washington

Major: Biology

How has The Honors College impacted your time at WSU?

The Honors College has challenged me to grow as a student, researcher, and leader during my time at WSU. Through small class sizes combined with unique coursework, I feel that I have truly become a well-rounded individual with much knowledge to apply in my future endeavors. The Honor’s College has also provided a community of both fellow students and faculty mentors that have branched into my STEM courses, supporting academic success beyond the Honor’s curriculum.

Most impactful Involvement/Leadership/Research you have engaged in and what each entail:

During my time at WSU, I worked for the WSU Athletic Department as an Academic tutor. This position strengthened my leadership skills and directly applied my scientific expertise to helping others. I also completed my Honor’s Thesis with the help of Dr. Michael Konkel on the topic of H.pylori and inflammatory disease correlated to microbiome dysbiosis.

Career Goal/ Future education plans:

Following graduation, I plan to attend additional schooling to become a Medical Laboratory Scientist. I hope to specialize in microbiology and work in a diagnostic setting.

Favorite Honors Course and why?

My favorite Honor’s course has been Honor’s 370, Crime in the Making, A Sociological Perspective. This course was unlike any class I had taken at WSU as it involved sociology and criminal justice topics. I found it interesting to have a course that broadened my perspective beyond Biology based instruction.

Advice for an incoming Honors student?

Connect with faculty mentors and ask questions. The growth you experience during your time within WSU Honors is individually driven. Pursue your passions and challenge yourself to grow as both a learner and individual.

Have you ever received financial support from the Honors College? If so, how did that impact your academic journey?

I received an academic scholarship for one year during my time at the Honors College. As a student independently funding my academic journey it helped relieve stress and allowed me to focus my efforts on my academic goals.

Lastly, what are some things outside of your academic journey you enjoy doing?

Outside of academics I enjoy spending time running, being with family and friends, and coaching young athletes in gymnastics/cheer.