WMU News

Seniors receive WMU's highest honor

April 23, 1998

KALAMAZOO -- Forty-six Western Michigan University seniors were named 1998 Presidential Scholars. The award is WMU's highest honor presented to a senior.

Students are nominated for the award by faculty members. They are selected on the basis of their general academic excellence, academic and/or artistic excellence in their major and intellectual and/or artistic promise.

The scholars were presented with certificates by WMU President Diether H. Haenicke at the 18th annual Presidential Scholars Convocation March 26. The event, intended to celebrate the excellence of WMU students, is sponsored by the Faculty Senate and the Office of the President. It included a reception, dinner and program.

Media contact: Ruth Stevens; ruth.stevens@wmich.edu

KEY: City, student's name, hometown address, department(s) in which they were a Presidential Scholar, biographical information and name(s) of parent(s), if available.

 

BATTLE CREEK-- Jordan P. Chase of 7 Pleasant was named a Presidential Scholar in Management. He intends to continue his education by earning a master's degree in industrial and labor relations. He hopes that will lead to a career in human resource management. He has been a member of the Golden Key national honor society and vice president of Alpha Kappa Mu minority honor society. He also co-founded and served as vice president of the Society for Excellence in Human Resources.

CADILLAC-- Brent D. Vanderheide of 6273 Lancaster Lane was named a Presidential Scholar in Finance and Commercial Law. He will receive his bachelor of business administration degree in April and plans to continue a career as a financial analyst. After completing an internship, he was hired full time this past December as a risk management analyst at the First of America Bank Corp. in Kalamazoo. He also would like to complete a master's degree. He began his education at WMU by earning a Board of Trustees Scholarship through the Medallion Competition. He also has received an Old Kent Bank Southwest Scholarship and has been named to "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges." He is a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key national honor societies as well as the National Residence Hall Honorary Association. He has served as a resident adviser and as an assistant director of a residence hall. He was the University's 1995 Homecoming king, the chairperson of the fund-raising committee of this past fall's successful WMU/CMU Blood Challenge and the vice president of WMU's chapter of the Financial Management Association. He is the son of Gerry and Julie Vanderheide of Cadillac.

CALEDONIA-- Julie A. Anderson of 1745 Springview Court was named a Presidential Scholar in Physician Assistant. She will graduate in August and hopes to work with an economically disadvantaged population as a physician assistant. She already holds a bachelor's degree in biology from North Park College in Chicago, where she graduated magna cum laude. She was treasurer of the Tri Beta biological society and a member of the leadership development program. Her other activities have included serving as a "big sister" through a program called One-on-One, working for Habitat for Humanity and volunteering at shelters and soup kitchens. She is the daughter of Arvin and Nancy Anderson of Caledonia.

CANTON-- Ericka L. Mac of 6685 Woonsocket was named a Presidential Scholar in Music Theatre Performance. She graduated this past December after studying drama, music and dance at WMU. Her plans include moving to New York City and auditioning for various productions. She would like to be part of a national touring company and, ultimately, to appear in a Broadway production. She received a number of scholarships during her undergraduate career, including the Hearron/Somerfield Scholarship for Musical Theatre, the Music Theatre Performance Scholarship for Incoming Freshmen, an Academic Scholarship and the Beverly Belson Scholarship for Graduating Seniors. She also has been named to the dean's list and was selected to perform in the 1996-97 American College Dance Festival gala performance. She has been involved in more than 35 productions as a performer and/or choreographer. In addition to participating in productions at WMU, she has served as a choreographer at the Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater and at Portage Central High School.

CHARLEVOIX-- Maxwell J. Goss of 116 McSaven was named a Presidential Scholar in Philosophy. He is a student of both philosophy and history. His ultimate goal is to teach philosophy and law in a university setting. His immediate plans include working as a director of college ministries for a church in Livonia. He then plans to enroll in a graduate program in philosophy and possibly pursue a law degree. The recipient of a Michigan Competitive Scholarship, he is a member of Phi Alpha Theta and Golden Key national honor societies. He has served as president of WMU's InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and was selected to compete this winter in the InterCollegiate Ethics Bowl at the annual meeting of the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics in Dallas. He also enjoys writing and has submitted an article for publication in the Proceedings of the Heraclitean Society. Last summer, he spent six weeks tutoring children in Detroit and working with teenagers in an employment program, and has been asked to serve as director of the project this summer. He is the son of Beverly White of Charlevoix.

CHEBOYGAN-- Melanie J. Robydek of 6517 Richardson Road was named a Presidential Scholar in Paper and Printing Science and Engineering. She has focused her studies in the area of environmental processes. She is interested in working in process engineering or environmental engineering in a paper mill setting. The recipient of a Paper Technology Foundation Scholarship for each semester she has attended WMU, she has been active in Ts'ai Lun, the student chapter of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. She has received funding from the Lee Honors College for her thesis on the effects of borax on drying and strength properties of paper. She already has gained a considerable amount of practical experience in her field. She has worked as an assistant in WMU's Paper Pilot Plant as well as in industry at Fort James and at the Fox River Paper Co. In addition, she has been a student assistant for the National Council of Air and Stream Improvement at WMU. She is the daughter of Jerome and Shelby Robydek of Cheboygan.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP-- Tracy L. Steffes of 15574 Frederick was named a Presidential Scholar in History. Her interests are in teaching, writing and researching in both history and law. She plans to pursue a doctoral degree in U.S. legal and constitutional history and to teach at the university level. A member of the Lee Honors College, she is completing her honors thesis on the adoption of the 14th Amendment. She has received a $25,000 Medallion Scholarship from WMU, a Michigan Competitive Scholarship and a Chateau Community Service Scholarship, and she is a finalist for the prestigious Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Humanistic Studies, which provides support to outstanding scholars for the first year of their doctoral program. She has been on the dean's list every semester and selected for "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges." The recipient of the Margaret McMillan Writing Award and the James Knauss Senior Award from the history department, she also has been awarded the D.C. Shilling Award from the political science department. She has been a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta, Golden Key, Phi Alpha Theta, Mortar Board and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies as well as the Honors Student Association. She also has been active in the Pre-Law Society. She has added to her college experience by interning for a district court judge and studying at Thames Valley University in London, England. She also has volunteered at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, with the Kalamazoo Reading for the Blind program and at the Portage Community Outreach Center as a tutor. She is the daughter of Richard and Mary Jo Steffes of Clinton Township.

FRANKENMUTH-- Amy S. List of 225 Cherry St. was named a Presidential Scholar in Foreign Languages and Literatures. She has a double major in Spanish and general business. She plans to pursue a career in international business. Eventually, she would like to earn an MBA or continue her study of the Spanish language. The recipient of a University Excellence Award through the Medallion Competition, she is a member of the Golden Key and Phi Kappa Phi national honor societies. She has received the Premio Alfonso X el Sabio Award and the Ruth Y. Kirby Award from the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. In addition, she has received the President's Award for Study Abroad and has spend six months participating in WMU's program in Queretaro, Mexico. She also has worked as an intern in the claims department of Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Co. and has been active in Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and the Miller Auditorium Usher Corps. She is the daughter of John and Lois List of Frankenmuth.

FREELAND-- Wendy A. Sieggreen of 498 W. Dawn Drive was named a Presidential Scholar in Communication. She has majored in public relations and hopes to find a position in the nonprofit sector. Eventually, she would like to obtain a graduate degree and teach public relations. The recipient of an Academic Scholarship through the Medallion Competition, she also has earned the George Robeck Prize in Public Relations. She is a member of the Golden Key and Phi Kappa Phi national honor societies as well as the WMU Public Relations Organization. She helped form the University's chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and was elected to the charter position of treasurer. She has served as a public relations intern at the Disability Resource Center in Kalamazoo and has worked as a resident adviser and assistant director in the WMU residence halls. She also has been a volunteer at Saginaw General Hospital's cancer care unit, at a camp for disabled children and their families, with Hospice and as a junior high youth sponsor/leader. She is the daughter of Carol Fitzgerald of Freeland and Gary Sieggreen of 6137 Ashwood Drive N., Saginaw.

FLUSHING-- Trent P. McEntire of 8349 W. Potter Road was named a Presidential Scholar in Dance. He plans to join a professional dance company and then to create his own company. Eventually, he would like to earn his master of fine arts degree and teach at the university level. The recipient of a WMU Academic Scholarship through the Medallion Competition, he also has earned an All American Scholar Award, the Robert Christiansen Male Dance Scholarship, the Outstanding Dance Major Scholarship and an Irving S. Gilmore Emerging Artists Grant. He is a four-time scholarship recipient from the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, through which he is certified to teach ballet, jazz and tap technique. He has been a member of WMU's Children's Repertory Dance Theatre, performing ballet, jazz and modern works in local schools, on campus and at conferences. He also performed in Wiesbaden, Germany, as part of a cast under the direction of dance faculty member Lindsey Thomas that won first prize at the 1997 Jazz Dance World Congress. He has served as a teaching assistant to dance department chairperson Jane Baas. His choreography has been selected for performance during the dance department's winter concerts as well as at the Midwest Regional American College Dance Festival. An Education for the Arts class from Kalamazoo will perform his work at the 1998 Michigan Youth Arts Festival at WMU in May. He is the son of Eugene and Marge Every of 12640 Hayes Road, Cement City.

FOWLER-- Brandon P. Pung of 545 Elm St. was named a Presidential Scholar in Social Work. He will graduate in August and hopes to pursue a career working with children and families. A member of the Lee Honors College, he is writing a thesis on Alternative Spring Break, in which he has participated for the past three years. He is the son of Ralph and Susan Pung of Fowler.

GRAND LEDGE-- Carrie E. Bursch of 11147 Cobblestone Lane was named a Presidential Scholar in Music. She plans to graduate with a degree in piano and vocal performance. Her immediate plans include singing in a quartet this summer at Busch Gardens theme park in Williamsburg, Va. Then she plans to pursue a career in professional music and perhaps attend graduate school. She has received a $25,000 Medallion Scholarship, the Harold and Beulah McKee Music Scholarship, the Voice Area Accompanying Scholarship and the William S. Byrd Scholarship. She has been named to the dean's list for nine consecutive semesters, selected for "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges" and inducted into the Golden Key and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies. Also a member of the Lee Honors College, she is completing her honors thesis on notating pedal indications for piano playing. She has been an accompanist in the School of Music and the assistant musical director of WMU's opera workshop class. She also performs as a solo pianist and last year took first place in the Kalamazoo Bach Society annual Bach Competition. She has performed as a vocalist in opera and musical theatre productions at WMU and at the Bay View Music Festival. She is a member of the University Chorale and Gold Company vocal jazz ensemble. Last summer, she spent six weeks in Austria studying voice at the American Institute for Musical Studies. She also has worked as a freshman orientation leader and as a campus tour guide for WMU. In addition, she directs two choirs at a church near campus. She is the daughter of Robert and Marlyce Bursch of Grand Ledge.

Linda K. Wacyk of 9523 Riverside Drive was named a Presidential Scholar in General University Studies. She began working on her WMU degree in 1974 and, after taking time out to work and raise four children, she will complete her degree in applied liberal studies through the Lansing Regional Center in April. She has chosen to emphasize communications and community concerns, and is in the process of completing an internship that allows her to combine both interests. She has been working for the Grand Ledge Alliance for Quality Education, preparing publications and other promotional materials. Her honors include being named to the dean's list and to the Golden Key national honor society.

GRAND RAPIDS-- Adrianne E. Carr of 3440 Bradford St. N.E. was named a Presidential Scholar in Geology. She graduated this past December with a degree in hydrogeology and minors in mathematics and environmental studies. She's interested in obtaining an Americorps VISTA position studying the watersheds along the coast of California and eventually attending graduate school. Currently, she is working at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California as a research assistant. During summer 1997, she completed a Summer Research Fellowship Program at that laboratory. Her work formed the basis of her thesis for the Lee Honors College. A member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Golden Key national honor societies, she received the Outstanding Senior in Hydrogeology and Outstanding Environmental Service awards at WMU. She was vice president of the Geology Club and president of Students for a Sustainable Earth. For two years, she participated in WMU's Alternative Spring Break program, volunteering at sites focusing on rural poverty.

HOWELL-- Rebecca A. Johnson of 2735 Popple Lane was named a Presidential Scholar in Construction Engineering, Materials Engineering and Industrial Design. She is majoring in industrial design and also studying Chinese. After graduating in April, she plans to go to China to teach English or work as a designer. The recipient of a University Excellence Award through the Medallion Competition, she also has earned a Rotary Club Scholarship and a Castrol Scholarship. She was on the dean's list each semester and is a member of the Lee Honors College. Her honors thesis focused on designing how people will manage their clothing in the year 2050. She also is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, treasurer of the student chapter of the Industrial Designers Society of America and a leader of Chi Alpha Campus Fellowship. She completed an internship with Kal-Aero, working on seat designs and paint schemes for aircraft. She has volunteered as a teacher of high school youth at the Kalamazoo Chinese Christian Fellowship.

Christopher T. Poisson of 263 Norlynn was named a Presidential Scholar in Mathematics and Statistics. He is already well on his way to reaching his goal of becoming a professor of mathematics. He entered WMU as a sophomore because of the number of credits he had earned through advanced placement. He finished the required curriculum for the general mathematics major in five semesters. Although he won't graduate until December, he's already taking graduate-level mathematics courses. He has received a University Excellence Award through the Medallion Competition and was named a National Merit Scholar. He also has received the Grover Bartoo Memorial Scholarship and the Colonel Charles Bayliss Memorial Scholarship through the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. He has worked as a mathematics tutor and as a teaching assistant. A member of the Lee Honors College, he currently serves as vice president of Pi Mu Epsilon mathematics honor society. He also has competed twice in a national math competition and is conducting mathematics research on which he expects to publish a paper. He is the son of Gary and Brenda Poisson of Howell.

KALAMAZOO-- David J. Carpenter of 5466 Holiday Terrace was named a Presidential Scholar in Computer Science. He has focused his studies on the area of database management. He intends to become a computer professional and is already well on his way to establishing a career in that field. Since he was in high school, he has been working for Midwest Educational Group, a company that provides administrative software to schools. Also an aspiring musician, he plays the trumpet in the WMU Jazz Lab Band and other groups. He also plays the drums and is learning to play the guitar. A 1995 graduate of Dowagiac High School, he is the son of John and Peggy Carpenter of 114 N. Centreville, Sturgis, and James and Judy Lindsey of 1125 Vega Drive, Traverse City.

Jaime A. Marsman of 6351 W. H Ave. was named a Presidential Scholar in Business Information Systems. She is working on a degree in computer information systems and hopes to graduate in spring 1999. A graduate of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, she received a Distinguished Community College Scholarship when she transferred to WMU. At KVCC, she was a member of the honors program and Phi Theta Kappa honor society. Through these organizations, she participated in a wide variety of volunteer activities ranging from a Red Cross blood drive to the Borgess "Run for the Health of It." She is a member of WMU's Lee Honors College.

Donald D. Martin of 8433 N. 12th St. was named a Presidential Scholar in Sociology. He is majoring in criminal justice and plans to graduate in June. He hopes to work for a probation/parole agency as well as to continue his education by pursuing graduate studies in public administration. Ultimately, he would like to obtain his master's degree and work in an administrative position in the criminal justice system. He is a nontraditional student and first began taking classes in 1977 through Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Law Enforcement Program. He also completed an emergency medical technician program through Grand Valley State University and a paramedic program through Bronson Methodist Hospital. The father of two children, he has worked full time while taking classes and has volunteered with many public and private institutions. He is the son of Jack and Betty Martin of 301 Washington St., Apt. 100, Otsego.

Laurie A. VanPutten of 1123 Northampton Road was named a Presidential Scholar in Comparative Religion. She is interested in many different fields: comparative religion, interpersonal communication, counseling and social psychology, philosophy, history and others. She also is learning the craft of writing. She intends to continue her education, and her greatest goal is to become a writer. The recipient of an Academic Scholarship through the Medallion Competition, she is a member of the Golden Key national honor society and has been on the dean's list several times. She has worked as an assistant in the reference area at Waldo Library, as a tutor in the WMU Writing Center and as a contributing writer for the Western Herald student newspaper.

Patricia J. Weatherwax of 881 Josiane was named a Presidential Scholar in

(Continued) Nursing. She will receive her bachelor's degree in April after several years of pursuing studies here while working as a professional nurse. The mother of two active teenage daughters, she has met the challenge of juggling family, career and academic responsibilities. She also is involved in establishing a health ministry team at her church and coaching an Odyssey of the Mind team of young people. She plans to pursue a master's degree in religious education and eventually would like to work as a health care chaplain.

KINDE-- Steven K. Toner of 1098 Moeller Road was named a Presidential Scholar in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. He will graduate in December with a degree in industrial engineering. He then plans to study abroad for a master's degree in engineering. His academic interests include industrial ergonomics, simulating modeling, facilities design and production control. A member of the Lee Honors College, he conducted independent research in the area of industrial ergonomics and presented his findings at national and international professional conferences. He also has worked for WMU's Human Performance Institute and has been an engineering intern at the Kellogg Co. in Battle Creek and MicroPulse in Portage. He has been a member of Alpha Pi Mu, Tau Beta Pi and Golden Key national honor societies as well as the Institute of Industrial Engineers. He also has been active in WMU's Student Athletic Board and Alternative Spring Break.

LANSING-- Joseph W. Duris of 133 Windjammer was named a Presidential Scholar in Biological Sciences. His interests include genetics, microbiology and biochemistry. His goal is to obtain a doctoral degree in genetics and a position as a faculty member at a major university. The recipient of a Michigan Competitive Scholarship, he has been named to the dean's list several times and has been inducted into the Golden Key national honor society. He has completed a volunteer internship at the Butterworth Hospital Cytogenetics Laboratory in Grand Rapids. He is the son of Linda Duris of Lansing.

Matthew L. Plavnick of 2414 Leon was named a Presidential Scholar in English. He has emphasized literature and creative writing during his undergraduate career. Eventually, he may become a college professor. He has won the Hagerty Award and the Miller Award from the Department of English. A member of the Lee Honors College, he is completing his thesis on the work of writer Milan Kundera. For the past five years, he has spent his summers working for a group that organizes wilderness experiences for children. He has led hiking and whitewater rafting trips through Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. He also has worked as a writing tutor on campus. He is the son of Steven and Saron Plavnick of Lansing.

Heather M. Rushcamp of 1126 Parkdale was named a Presidential Scholar in Anthropology. She is interested in both cultural and biological anthropology and plans to find a way to blend the two fields in a career. She hopes to attend a field school abroad, such as a forensics field school in London or a biological field school in Africa. She would like to pursue a doctoral degree in anthropology, and then apply that knowledge in research and travel. A member of the Lee Honors College and the Golden Key national honor society, she has volunteered as a Girl Scout troop leader. She is the daughter of William and Doriann Rushkamp of Lansing.

LIVONIA-- Elizabeth A. Gunn of 9874 Farmington Road was named a Presidential Scholar in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. She has a double major in dietetics and exercise science. She would like to pursue a career in the field of cardiovascular rehabilitation and certification as a registered dietitian. The recipient of a WMU Academic Scholarship through the Medallion Competition, she is a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa, Golden Key and Phi Kappa Phi national honor societies as well as the Student Dietetics Association. She also has received the Crystal Grady Scholarship through WMU's Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. She has participated in three intercollegiate varsity sports: volleyball, soccer and tennis. She was a four-year letter-winner in volleyball and was named to the Mid-American Conference Second Team All-Conference in that sport for three years. She also was named to the MAC's All-Academic Team in volleyball for three years and in soccer for one year. In 1997, she received the WMU Academic Circle of Winners Award in Athletics and the WMU Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award.

Staci M. Lawrence of 30905 Orangelawn was named a Presidential Scholar in Theatre. She graduated summa cum laude in December with a degree in theatre performance and plans to move to Los Angeles to pursue a professional acting career. A WMU Theatre Guild Scholar and member of Phi Kappa Phi national honor society, she has been active in many University Theatre productions. She considers one of her biggest accomplishments the opportunity to produce, direct, choreograph and dance in the first Theatre Department Dance Showcase. She also served as makeup designer on three productions and as an assistant to Hollywood makeup designer and WMU alumnus Robert Maverick when he worked on "Frankenstein" last fall. Under a grant from WMU President Diether H. Haenicke, she traveled to Greece last year, touring the country performing classical Greek theatre and serving as the company's dance captain. Since graduating, she has been active in the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre and the Actors and Playwrights Initiative. She has volunteered with several community organizations, including the Salvation Army and American Cancer Society. She is the daughter of David and Joan Lawrence of Livonia.

MACOMB-- Jo A. Fedders of 18489 Millstone Drive was named a Presidential Scholar in Accountancy. She will join Arthur Andersen in Grand Rapids as an audit associate after earning her degree in April. Her future plans include qualifying as a certified public accountant and returning to school for a master's degree. The recipient of a University Excellence Award through the Medallion Competition, she has received scholarships as outstanding sophomore and outstanding junior accounting student from Crowe Chizek and Co. She also received a Phi Chi Theta scholarship and was elected to membership in the Golden Key national honor society. She has completed three internships during her undergraduate career: two at Jansen, Furgason and Valk in Kalamazoo and one at the Kellogg Co. in Battle Creek. She also has been active in Beta Alpha Psi accounting honor society, serving as recording secretary and as chairperson of the newsletter committee. In addition, she has served on the executive board of the Campus Activities Board, the organization that plans many of the entertainment activities on campus. She is the daughter of Mark and Mary Fedders of Macomb.

MATTAWAN-- Mark R. Jahn of 48198 Hickory Lane was named a Presidential Scholar in Economics. He plans to pursue a doctoral degree in economics. His current areas of academic specialization are macroeconomics and econometrics. His interests include the business cycle, the economies of China and East Asia, and the transition of many of the developed nations, particularly the United States, from industrial to information-based economies. The recipient of a WMU Academic Scholarship, he has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average and is completing his undergraduate degree in just three years. He is the son of Robert and Carolyn Jahn of Mattawan.

MOUNT PLEASANT-- Sarah M. Riley of 1224 South Drive was named a Presidential Scholar in Political Science. She will graduate in April with a specialization in American public policy and a focus in particular on Michigan government. Her goals are to become a legislator or other type of policymaker or an attorney for the government. She plans to attend law school and possibly pursue a concurrent master's degree in public policy. The recipient of a $25,000 Medallion Scholarship, she also was a National Merit Finalist and the winner of awards from Citibank, the Aid Association for Lutherans and the Department of Political Science. She was a finalist for the national Harry Truman Scholarship. A member of the Lee Honors College, she is writing a thesis on the relationship between the federal and state governments. She also has been a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta, Golden Key, Mortar Board and Phi Kappa Phi national honor societies. She has served as an intern for a state representative and a state senator as well as for U.S. Sen. Carl Levin. She also spent a semester studying at Oxford University in England. In addition, she has worked as the student affairs editor and the news editor for the Western Herald student newspaper and has won awards for her work there. She was appointed by Gov. John Engler to serve on the Michigan Community Service Commission from 1993 to 1995. She is the daughter of John and M. Kay Riley of Mount Pleasant.

NORTH MUSKEGON-- Elizabeth I. Vander Wier of 2117 Oak Ave. was named a Presidential Scholar in Family and Consumer Sciences. She has studied interior design and hopes to obtain a position in the commercial design field. In addition, she hopes to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification examination. She has received WMU's Community College Transfer Scholarship, a College of Education Undergraduate Scholarship and the Family and Consumer Sciences' Crystal Grady Scholarship. She placed first in a statewide design competition and used her winnings to participate in the department's New York City Design Study Tour last year. She has been active in the student chapters of the American Society of Interior Designers and the International Interior Design Association. She has participated in internships with WMU's Office of Campus Facility Development and Office of Campus Planning. Currently, she is gaining experience at Diekema-Hamann Architects in Portage. She has volunteered through WMU's Alternative Spring Break program, working with Native American children through Headstart in Oklahoma. She is the daughter of Jim and Linda Stewart of North Muskegon and Russell Vander Wier Sr. of 1191 Sanford St., Muskegon.

ORTONVILLE-- James R. Salvador of 315 Sherman Court was named a Presidential Scholar in Chemistry. He intends to continue his education, eventually earning a doctoral degree in organic and/or physical chemistry. He would like to pursue a career in academic research, which he has started here under the supervision of Dr. John B. Miller, assistant professor of chemistry. They have been investigating the photochemical reactions involving a structure known as admantane. He also has worked on a research project in the chemistry department at the Kellogg Co. in Battle Creek. He has shared his expertise in chemistry with other WMU students by tutoring through the Academic Skills Center's Supplemental Instruction Program.

PARMA-- Brookton N. Behm of 7939 E. Michigan Ave. was named a Presidential Scholar in Integrated Supply Management. He will graduate with a double minor in general business and Asian studies in addition to his major in integrated supply management. He plans to pursue a career in the manufacturing arena. Eventually, he would like to earn an MBA and to teach at the university level. He has received several scholarships through the Medallion Competition, Haworth College of Business and Integrated Supply Management Program. He has served as president of Delta Sigma Pi professional business fraternity and as treasurer of WMU's chapter of the American Production and Inventory Control Society. He also has been a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, Alpha Lambda Delta and Golden Key national honor societies and has served on the Homecoming court. A member of the Lee Honors College, he is completing his thesis on different ways manufacturers can look at the obsolescence process. Currently, he is working through a co-op program in the material planning department at the Eaton Corp.'s Worldwide Truck Components Division. He also works as a resident adviser in Eldridge Hall for honors students. He has tutored students through WMU's Student Support Program and has volunteered with a variety of community groups. He is the son of Mark and Kathy Behm of Parma.

PETOSKEY-- Jessica G. Masek of 524 Jennings Ave. was named a Presidential Scholar in Psychology. She hopes to pursue graduate studies in school psychology after earning her bachelor's degree in December. She has been on the dean's list for several semesters and has received a Michigan Competitive Scholarship. She also has been active in Psi Chi, the psychology honor society. She has assisted in research projects, has served as a teaching assistant and has worked as a tutor. She is the daughter of David and Betsey Masek of Petoskey.

PINCKNEY-- Peter M. Lahm of 10577 Kelly Road was named a Presidential Scholar in Aviation Sciences. He received his bachelor's degree this past December and plans to pursue a career as an aircraft turbine engine or rocket propulsion specialist. A member of the Lee Honors College, he completed his thesis on aircraft radar systems. He has earned two Professional Aviation Maintenance Association scholarships, a College of Engineering and Applied Sciences scholarship and the Outstanding Student in Aviation Maintenance award. His extra-curricular activities include participating in the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association and the Academy of Model Aeronautics. He has served as an intern in Pharmacia & Upjohn's aviation department in Kalamazoo. He is the son of Patricia Lahm of Pinckney.

PORTAGE-- Jeffery M. Glodich of 3455 Austrian Pine Way #11-C was named a Presidential Scholar in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering. He has specialized in fluid mechanics and heat transfer. He plans to pursue graduate studies in biomedical and mechanical engineering in order to study applications of heat and mass transfer in biological systems. He hopes to complete a doctoral degree and to conduct research in industry. During his undergraduate career, he has worked in WMU's Advanced Thermal Systems Laboratory.

STERLING HEIGHTS-- Melissa L. Deer of 8552 Charles Court was named a Presidential Scholar in Science Studies. She has three majors: environmental studies, English and French. She plans to continue her education, both by spending time in the classroom and by traveling, and to pursue a career in education. The recipient of a University Excellence Award through the Medallion Competition, she has been a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta, Golden Key and Pi Delta Phi honor societies. She also received the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures' Travel Study Abroad Award and has spent five months in Besancon, France. She also has completed an internship at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Judy Deer of Sterling Heights.

Edward E. (Sid) Redlin of 42739 Michigan Drive was named a Presidential Scholar in Art. He hopes to attend graduate school in painting. The recipient of a scholarship through the Medallion Competition, he is a member of the Lee Honors College. He will be completing his honors thesis and preparing for his senior painting exhibition over the next year. Also a musician, he plays the saxophone and a host of other instruments in jazz, classical and avant garde bands. He has traveled to Europe with the prestigious Blue Lake Fine Arts program. He is the son of Charles and Sandy Redlin of Sterling Heights.

TROY-- Amy L. Reinhart of 4585 Butler was named a Presidential Scholar in Education and Professional Development. She has majored in English and hopes to pursue a teaching career in that field in a secondary school setting. She plans to complete an educational specialist degree in education administration and eventually would like to be a high school principal. A member of the Lee Honors College, she has been on the dean's list several times. She belongs to the Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Lambda Delta and Golden Key national honor societies as well as the Honors Student Association. She has served as secretary of WMU's chapter of the Student Education Association and is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English. She is completing her education internship at Kalamazoo Central High School and finishing her honors thesis on using small group discussion in the secondary classroom as a tool to help less dominant students actively participate. She has volunteered as a tutor at the Portage Community Outreach Center and as a mentor for two high school classrooms through Kalamazoo's Project Mentor. She is the daughter of James and Kathleen Reinhart of Troy.

VICKSBURG-- Francesca L. Bartocci of 701 Hamilton St. was named a Presidential Scholar in Special Education. She will complete her special education degree with a focus on visual impairment in April. She plans to earn a dual master's degree in teaching children with visual impairments and orientation and mobility from WMU and to teach for a few years. Bartocci herself has a visual impairment and says she wants to let children know that limited vision does not mean limited opportunities. Eventually, she hopes to earn a doctoral degree and to teach at the university level. During her undergraduate career, she created a video, "Pieces to the Puzzle," designed to alleviate concerns of regular educators who have a student with a visual impairment. She also designed a mathematics probability game for middle school students that was selected for a research study by a faculty member and used as the topic for an article recently published in a professional journal. She has been an intern in two local elementary schools, and travels twice weekly to a local high school to work with two blind students. She also has served as an advocate for a child with a learning disability. She is the daughter of John and Esther Bartocci of 13858 45th. St., Bloomingdale.

WESTLAND-- Anne L. Spieles of 7521 Randy was named a Presidential Scholar in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She has a minor in Spanish in addition to her major in speech pathology and audiology. After graduating in December, she plans to study for a master's degree in speech-language pathology. Her goal is to become a certified English/Spanish bilingual speech-language pathologist and work with disadvantaged Hispanic children. Her interest in Spanish stems from extensive travel in South America and a one-year stint as an exchange student in Uruguay. She has been named to the dean's list for five consecutive semesters and has maintained a 4.0 grade point average. She has been a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Golden Key national honor societies and as well as WMU's chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and the Miller Auditorium Usher Corps. She has served as a mentor for the Kalamazoo Public Schools' Project Mentor and has been a reading tutor in the district. She is the daughter of Thomas and Sandra Spieles of Westland.

WEST OLIVE-- Jennifer H. Roon of 10076 Winans St. was named a Presidential Scholar in Geography. She has a double major in geography and environmental studies. She would like to obtain a position in which she would work closely with nature and is looking into possibilities with the National Park Service. The recipient of a University Excellence Award through the Medallion Competition, she is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Golden Key and Gamma Theta Upsilon national honor societies as well as the Honors Student Association. She has been on the dean's list each semester. A member of the Lee Honors College, she is writing her thesis on effective management strategies for the overpopulated whitetail deer species in Michigan. She has participated in a variety of volunteer activities, including working in the children's ward at a local hospital and helping with activities in a city shelter for women and children.

--ILLINOIS--

BARRINGTON-- Jaime L. Pinchot of 320 Briargate Lane was named a Presidential Scholar in Occupational Therapy. She plans to practice occupational therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before pursuing a graduate degree. Eventually, she would like to teach at the university level or become a political lobbyist for the profession. Her immediate plans include completing a current internship at a community mental health center in Kalamazoo and future fieldwork requirements at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and Craig Hospital in Denver. The winner of a $25,000 Medallion Scholarship to attend WMU, she also has received the Clifford and Ella Chapman Distinguished Senior Scholarship and the KPMG Peat Marwick Golden Key National Honor Society Scholarship. In addition to Golden Key, she is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta, Mortar Board, Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Theta Epsilon honor societies. She has served as vice president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association and is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. A member of the Lee Honors College, she has prepared her thesis on "Sensory Integration and Its Academic Implications in the Middle School." She is the current president of the Student Alumni Association, and has been selected to attend two National Student Alumni Association conventions and the Michigan Honors Association convention. Her other activities include serving as a campus tour guide and volunteering as a teacher aide for severely mentally impaired individuals, as a test reader for disabled students and as a visitor to the elderly. She is the daughter of Randy and Cheri Pinchot of Barrington.

--MASSACHUSETTS--

BROOKFIELD-- Sean R. Chapin of 12 W. Main St. was named a Presidential Scholar in Physics. He will graduate in April and hopes to find a position at a company where he can use his technical skills. He has been named to the dean's list and has received a number of awards, including the U.S. Achievement Academic National College Mathematics Award and All American Scholar Award and the WMU Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award. He has served as secretary of Pi Mu Epsilon mathematics honor society and is a member of the Golden Key national honor society. He has worked as a laboratory instructor for two astronomy labs and completed an internship under a medical physicist at the West Michigan Cancer Center. He is the son of Debra Adams of Brookfield.

--SAUDI ARABIA--

RIYADH-- Khalid M. Al-Ageel of P.O. Box 21080 was named a Presidential Scholar in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He is majoring in electrical engineering and minoring in general mathematics. He hopes to continue his education and earn a master's degree in electrical engineering. In 1997, he was selected as the Outstanding Student in Electrical Engineering. He has already graduated from a junior technical college and a higher technical institute in his native Saudi Arabia, and worked for two years as a lab teacher at a college there.

--SINGAPORE--

SINGAPORE-- Chee Tor of 114A Arthur Road #17-06 was named a Presidential Scholar in Marketing. He plans to graduate in December and to seek a position in the advertising industry or with a consulting firm. Ultimately, he would like to pursue a graduate degree in integrated marketing communications and to start his own marketing company. He came to WMU after serving in the Singapore army. He has been named to the dean's list several times and has received a Haworth College of Business Achievement Award, the Zane Cannon Memorial Scholarship Award and the National Direct Marketing Collegiate Institute Scholarship. He has been a member of the Alpha Mu Alpha and Golden Key national honor societies. He has already put his education to work by establishing a food catering business on campus and working as a production coordinator at an advertising agency in Singapore. He also has worked as a photographer for the Western Herald student newspaper and has received an Art Sparks Award for his photography. He is the son of Tor Lam Huat and Lee Hwee Lian of Singapore.


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