Ceremony honors top WMU seniors
March 18, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University's top seniors will be recognized at the 22nd annual Presidential Scholars Convocation Tuesday, March 19, at the Fetzer Center.
A total of 46 students will be presented as Presidential Scholars, WMU's highest honor to a senior. The convocation will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and a program.
Seniors are nominated for the Presidential Scholar 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.
Six Presidential Scholars will give short presentations on the theme of this year's ceremony. Speaking on "Today's Learners, Tomorrow's Leaders," will be Michael E. Ahrens, a biological sciences major from Crystal Lake, Ill.; Claudia M. Fajardo, a mechanical and aeronautical engineering major from Grand Rapids, Mich.; Angela M. Giordano, a finance and commercial law major from Warren, Mich.; Gretchen L. Hooper, a paper and printing science and engineering major from Reed City, Mich.; Clint D. Keifer, a speech pathology and audiology major from Homer, Mich; and Kristen E. Legg, a dance major from Detroit.
In addition, Presidential Scholar Ryan D. Bullard, a music major from Fresno, Calif., will open the program by playing a trumpet fanfare duet with Scott Thornburg, WMU professor of music. Mia Gauci, a Presidential Scholar majoring in music theatre performance from Grosse Pointe Park, Mich., will sing "I'm Not Afraid" to conclude the program.
Dr. Ralph Tanner, president of the Faculty Senate, will preside at the convocation, and WMU Board of Trustee member Sarah DeNooyer will present certificates to the scholars. The event, intended to celebrate the excellence of WMU students, is sponsored by the Faculty Senate and the Office of the President.
Media contact: Marie Lee, 269 387-8400, marie.lee@wmich.edu