2002 Presidential Scholars announced
May 3, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Forty-six Western Michigan University seniors were recently named 2002 Presidential Scholars. The award is WMU's highest honor presented to a senior.
See below for a complete list of 2002 Presidential Scholars, including the scholars' hometowns, majors and other biographical information.
Scholars were nominated for the award by faculty members. They were selected on the basis of their overall academic excellence, academic or artistic excellence in their major field of study and intellectual or artistic promise.
The scholars were presented with certificates by Sarah DeNooyer, a member of the WMU Board of Trustees, at the 22nd annual Presidential Scholars Convocation this spring. 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: Marie Lee, 269 387-8400, marie.lee@wmich.edu
2002 Presidential Scholars
Michael E. Ahrens of Crystal Lake, Ill., was named a Presidential Scholar in Biological Sciences. Ahrens, who will graduate in December, has focused his studies on DNA and genetics and hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in evolutionary genetics. A Medallion Scholar and member of the Lee Honors College, Ahrens has worked at the science reference desk at Waldo Library, as a resident assistant in Eldridge-Fox Hall and as an orientation leader, preparing freshmen for the transition to college life. He is a member of the Honors Student Association and Phi Kappa Phi, Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key honor societies, and served as president of the latter organization. He has participated as a volunteer with Fall into the Streets, Spring into the Streets and the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, but admits his favorite college activity thus far was being named the 2000 WMU Homecoming King. Ahrens is the son of George and Kathryn Ahrens.
Lindsay M. Baker of Kalamazoo was named a Presidential Scholar in Foreign Languages and Literatures. Baker, who will graduate in December, has majors in both French and Latin and has studied Greek and Spanish as well. She was awarded the Margaret H. Brooks Award to spend a summer studying in France at the Institut de Langue et de Culture Francaises at the University Catholique in Lyon, France. Baker has traveled throughout Italy, Germany and England. On campus, she is a member of Safe on Campus, the Anthropology Student Union and Alpha Lambda Delta, Phi Alpha Theta and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies. A volunteer assistant track coach at Mattawan High School, she would like to teach foreign language on the high school level. She is the daughter of Thomas and Denise Baker.
Kenneth B. Birrell of New Boston, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Chemistry. Birrell, who graduated in April, served internships with drug companies Parke-Davis and Pharmacia Corp. He taught introductory-level chemistry courses and lab sections for the Department of Chemistry. He received the Adli Kana'an Award for Physical Chemistry and the Colonel Charles E. Bayliss Endowed Scholarship from the Department of Chemistry. Birrell was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He plans to pursue a doctoral degree in organic chemistry and hopes to work in the pharmaceutical industry and conduct cancer research.
Roger W. Brenton of Scotts, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Computer Science. Brenton, who graduated in April, is a programmer for an area software engineering firm, writing Windows applications for public schools in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana and developing custom software programs for clients. He was a member of the Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies. He also was a member of Upsilon Pi Epsilon, the only international honor society for computer scientists, and was the 2001 recipient of the Crowe Chizek Scholarship for computer science. Brenton is the son of Larry and Linda Brenton.
Ryan D. Bullard of Fresno, Calif., was named a Presidential Scholar in Music. Bullard, who graduated in April, began studying trumpet at age six and won numerous prizes in high school, including awards from the International Trumpet Guild, Down Beat Magazine and The National Trumpet Competition. While at WMU, he participated in the Russell Brown Honors Brass Quintet, the University Jazz Orchestra and the University Symphony Orchestra. A member of the Lee Honors College and Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Kappa Lambda honor societies, he was nominated for the National Dean's List two years in a row. During summer 2000, he attended the Bay View Chamber Arts Festival as a student and performer, and in summer 2001, he participated in the Aspen Music Festival and School. In Aspen, he studied with Raymond Mase, professor at the Julliard School, and was a soloist with the Aspen Music Festival Wind Ensemble. This past year, he was named second trumpet with the Battle Creek (Mich.) Symphony Orchestra. He also was a member of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Brass Quintet. Bullard hopes to continue his studies in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles and to become a member of a major symphony orchestra, teaching and performing as much as possible. He is the son of Cecil and Susan Bullard.
Nathan R. Burtch of Big Rapids, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Geography. From the time Burtch won his first "geography bee" in middle school, he knew he was destined for a future studying the earth's surface. A member of the Lee Honors College, Nathan has focused his studies in geography on urban and regional planning. He will graduate in April 2003, plans to attend graduate school and would like to eventually work in a municipal planning office. Burtch has received WMU Academic and Department of Geography Undergraduate scholarships. He is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Golden Key honor societies. In his spare time, he enjoys playing sports and music and is a guitarist in a local band. Burtch is the son of Robert and Chris Burtch.
Mary E. Crawford of Ypsilanti, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Philosophy. Crawford, who graduated in December with bachelor's degrees in political science and philosophy, found many profound learning experiences away from campus. As a participant in Alternative Spring Break, she volunteered at a soup kitchen in Atlanta, Ga., and in a drug rehabilitation shelter. That experience led her to become a site leader for the ASB program, interacting with refugees from around the world. She also engaged in a study abroad program at Bond University in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. A McNair Scholar, she traveled to Puerto Rico to present a paper that analyzed U.S. Supreme Court decisions and legal reasoning. A Lee Honors College member, she was president of the WMU's Chinese Language and Culture Club. She will be participating in a study abroad program in China, where she will examine the legal system and improve her Mandarin Chinese language skills. Her future plans include pursuing a master's degree in political science from WMU and to become a professional in the American judicial system and a legal scholar. She is the daughter of Jacqueline L. Crawford of Inkster, Mich.
Meghann E. Dickinson of St. Johns, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. Dickinson, who graduated in April, is headed for a career in engineering graphics and design technology. She served two summer internships with Johnson Controls Automotive Interiors and served as a teaching assistant for two engineering graphics courses in her department, teaching weekly labs with up to 20 students in each. She was part of a senior design project team that examined the effects of chrome plating and geometry on tool longevity and also was a member of the Premier Class Injection Molding Consortium research team, performing programming tasks and analyzing research data. Dickinson was a member of the Lee Honors College, received several scholarships and was active in a number of organizations. She was a student member of both the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Society of Plastic Engineers, serving as president of the latter. She also belonged to the Golden Key and Tau Alpha Pi honor societies and participated as a volunteer at Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in Georgia. Her future plans include earning a master's degree and perhaps a doctoral degree as well. Dickinson is the daughter of Duane E. Dickinson of St. Johns and Julie A Dickinson of Lansing, Mich.
Claudia M. Fajardo of Grand Rapids, Mich., was named
a Presidential Scholar in
Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering. Fajardo, who graduated
in April, moved to Grand Rapids several years ago after her family
took political refuge from their native Cuba. She came to WMU
as a transfer student from Grand Rapids Community College, where
she won a Distinguished Community College Scholars Award in 1999.
During her first year on campus, she joined WMU's Sunseeker solar
car race development team. She served as a research and development
intern with Kalamazoo's Flowserve Corp., working in the areas
of design, testing and software development. Her work there led
to a Society of Tribology and Lubrication Engineers Scholarship
for 2000. She also was selected by the Society of Automotive
Engineers for a Speaker Award and shared her experiences as an
engineering student at WMU with that organization. In 2000, WMU's
Division of Multicultural Affairs and the Lee Honors College
honored her with an Academic Excellence Award. Fajardo is a member
of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Women
Engineers and Tau Beta Pi and Pi Tau Sigma engineering honor
societies. Her future plans include continuing her studies at
the graduate level.
Mia Gauci of Grosse Pointe Park, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Music Theatre Performance. Gauci, who graduated in April, hopes to enter WMU's new master of fine arts administration program in fall 2002. She had been the assistant to the director of the music theatre program since fall 2000 and helped to create and run the theatre department's Stars and Moon Cabaret Series. In summer 2001, she served as season program advertising contractor for the department and as marketing intern for eXit Productions. Gauci performed in many productions both on and off campus. Her WMU credits include roles in "Annie," "A Chorus Line," "Love's Labour's Lost," "Into the Woods," "Children of Eden," "Native Son" and "'Tis the Season." She was company manager as well as a cast member of "Ragtime, Rhythm & Rock." With the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, she performed in "Company" and was assistant director of "Damn Yankees." Gauci received the Beverly Belson Music Theatre Performance Scholarship two years in a row and was selected for Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She was a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, Mortar Board, United States Institute of Theatre Technology and Omicron Sigma Lambda of Theta Alpha Phi. She was treasurer of the Women's Theatre Board and served as a WMU orientation leader in summer 1999. Gauci is the daughter of Louis Gauci and Maureen Richmond.
Angela M. Giordano of Warren, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Finance and Commercial Law. Giordano graduated in April and her future plans include a career path that will lead to either Wall Street or a Fortune 500 company. As a student, she was employed as a senior financial planning assistant for American Express. A Lee Honors College member, Giordano was on the Dean's List every semester during her tenure at WMU and earned a variety of scholarships and awards. In addition, she gave campus tours to incoming freshmen, served as a mentor and volunteered for a variety of other projects as a member of the Honors Student Association and Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society. She was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, a business honor society, and the Golden Key International Honor Society, as well as serving as special events coordinator for the Financial Management Association. She also played intramural soccer for seven seasons. She is the daughter of Linda and Tony Giordano.
Eric D. Helms of Hale, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Integrated Supply Matrix Management. Helms, who graduated in April, has joined Marathon Ashland Petroleum's supply, distribution and operations planning department. As a student, Helms served an internship at Marathon, where he was in charge of scheduling the transportation of products from refineries to terminals through the use of pipelines, barges and trucks. Prior to that experience, he completed an internship in warehouse operations with Florida-based abc distributing inc., a mail-order catalog company. Helms was an active member of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity, helping to organize a career fair, aid the Red Cross with blood drives and raise money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. He also belonged to several professional organizations, including the National Association of Purchasing Management and the American Society for Quality. Helms is the son of Theo Helms of Chelsea, Mich., and Sandra Helms of Hale.
Emily A. Honey of Grand Rapids, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in English. Honey, who graduated in April, is hoping to pursue master's and doctoral degrees in English and women's studies at a university in Britain. As an undergraduate, she has explored women's studies, children's literature, English and journalism. A member of the Lee Honors College, she completed a thesis analyzing girl's adolescent fiction from a feminist viewpoint. A recipient of the Tony Griffin Medallion Scholarship, she was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Golden Key and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies. The Department of English presented her with the 2001 Ralph N. Miller Award, and she received a Dean's Summer Research Grant through the Lee Honors College. Honey participated in musical activities as a member of the WMU Women's Chorus, the Collegiate Singers and the Collegium Musicum, a medieval music choir. She also was active with the Tintinare Handbell Choir at the Christian Church of Kalamazoo. Honey is the daughter of Charles and Wendy Honey.
Gretchen L. Hooper of Reed City, Mich., is a Presidential Scholar in Paper and Printing Science and Engineering. Hooper graduated in April as one of WMU's first two chemical engineering graduates. As a pioneer in that curriculum, she provided feedback to faculty on the new program and helped establish a student infrastructure for future chemical engineering majors. She was vice president of the Chemical Engineering Club for three years, helping found the club, petitioning for student chapter status from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and establishing a club tutoring program. A Lee Honors College member, Hooper used her major and her minors in biology, mathematics and chemistry to participate in two life sciences research projects-one in microbiology and a second in the area of bioinformatics. She interned with Pharmacia Corp., using her experience there to complete her senior design project and honors thesis on "Solvent Disposal Option Analysis and Comparison." The 1998 recipient of a Medallion Scholarship, she volunteered as a coach, evaluator and session observer for subsequent Medallion Scholarship competitions. In addition, she was a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and WMU's chapter of the Society of Women Engineers. She also served as a member of the University's Academic Integrity Committee for two years. Hooper, the daughter of Phillip F. and Judith A. Hooper, plans to work as a chemical engineer and explore the possibility of earning a law degree in intellectual property and patent law.
Holli C. Johnson of Portage, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Marketing. Johnson graduated summa cum laude from WMU in December, after only three and a half years. Passionate about marketing research, she is putting her skills to work as a new product development specialist at National City Corp. She had worked as a trainer at National City while pursuing her degree. Johnson was a member of the Lee Honors College, and her honors thesis explored the relationship between people's favorite recipes and their autobiographical memories. A member of the business honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma, she earned WMU Academic, Excellence in Education and Bernadine Branchaw scholarships. An avid runner and reader, she is an active member of her church, Kalamazoo First Assembly of God. Johnson's future plans include earning a master's degree.
Michael D. Johnson of Stevensville, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Economics. Johnson is an investment representative for the Edward Jones office in Stevensville, Mich. Before returning to school, he served in the U.S. Army and owned his own construction company. He will graduate in December and his future plans include pursuing a graduate degree in economics. The father of two, Johnson is a member of the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph Exchange Club and spends time with his family.
Clint D. Keifer of Homer, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Keifer will graduate in April 2003 and plans to obtain a master's degree in speech pathology. He will likely continue on for a doctoral degree in a related, specialized area of study. His career ambitions include working with children in schools, adults in hospitals and as a professor teaching and conducting research at a university. Keifer has worked at the Charles Van Riper Language Speech and Hearing Clinic with a child who has an articulation disorder. He also is working on a minor in elementary education. He plans to obtain teaching certification for grades kindergarten through fifth and will spend the 2003 winter semester in a student teaching internship. His areas of interest include fluency disorders such as stuttering, speech science and current research in the field of speech pathology. Keifer also spent two years as a tank crewman in the U.S. Army and is an active member in the Michigan Army National Guard, serving as a sergeant and tank gunner. He is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. He is the son of Clarence and Frances Keifer.
Kristen E. Legg of Detroit was named a Presidential Scholar in Dance. Before she graduated in April, she produced a full-length concert showcasing her performance ability and choreography of group work and design elements. A Lee Honors College member, her choreography has been seen throughout Michigan and represented WMU at the American College Dance Festival. She traveled to Prague, the Czech Republic, to take part in an international dance festival and studied with many professional artists. Legg received numerous scholarships and awards, including two WMU Academic Honors Scholarships, the New Dance Major Scholarship, the Exceptional Dance Major Scholarship and two Outstanding Dance Major scholarships. She was a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and a member of the Orchesis Dance Society board for two years, serving as both treasurer and president. Last summer, she studied philosophy and American Sign Language at New York University while taking dance classes. Her future plans include moving to New York to begin a career as a professional dancer and choreographer and to eventually earn a master's degree in dance. She is the daughter of David and Sandra Legg.
Evan S. Lewis of Hudson, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Theatre. Lewis, who graduates in June, plans to pursue a career as a professional scenic designer in live theatre. In the past two years, he has twice worked as an assistant scenic designer and designed the scenery for the department's main stage production of "Arcadia." He also designed lighting and sound for the studio series production of "Spinning into Butter." Lewis received a Cultural Diversity Scholarship and the Gemela Memorial, David Wayne and Emily Burke scholarships. He has served as secretary and as co-chairman of the student chapter of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology. He also is a member of the Michigan Eta Chapter of Theta Alpha Phi and the Golden Key International Honor Society. Born in Germany, Lewis is the son of S.E. and Gay Lewis.
Kristin M. Lukasik of Canton, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Teaching, Learning and Leadership. Lukasik, who will graduate in December with a bachelor's degree in secondary education Spanish and English, has immersed herself in activities involving Latino communities. She constructed a Web site for Spanish students to provide information on how they can be involved with the local Latino community through jobs, volunteerism and social events. She conducted mission work in Tijuana, Mexico, and Managua, Nicaragua, and studied abroad at Querétaro, Mexico. She also is a quarterback for Las Felinas, a Mexican female flag football team. A recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, Lukasik is a member of the Lee Honors College, Golden Key International Honor Society and the Honors Student Association. She is an active volunteer with the Hispanic American Council, Special Olympics and as a mentor to students at the Lincoln International Studies School, Woods Lake Elementary, Portage Central High and Washington Writers Academy in Kalamazoo. She worked as an interpreter for migrant farm workers through WMU's Rural Health Education Program and teaches suicide prevention classes through Gryphon Place's Gatekeeper Program. Lukasik's future plans include teaching, traveling and volunteering in Mexico, ultimately returning to the United States to work in the nonprofit sector and as a Spanish teacher. She is the daughter of Patrick and Susan Lukasik.
Allison J. Manwaring of Tecumseh, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Art. Manwaring graduated in December 2001with dual degrees in art and geography. A member of the Lee Honors College, she combined photography with geographic principles to create a photography exhibit about Tecumseh for her honors thesis. In 1999, she was one of 33 students selected nationally to participate in the Grand Canyon Honors Semester at Northern Arizona University. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies. She earned the Clifford and Ella Chapman Distinguished Senior Scholarship, the Rose Netzorg Kerr Award from the Department of Art, the Robert and Eleanor DeVries Award, and the WMU Excellence Award. In addition to two solo photography shows at WMU, Manwaring exhibited work in four group shows and presented her honors thesis at the Midwest Conference for the Society of Photographic Education in Carbondale, Ill. She worked as a lab monitor in the student photography darkroom at WMU and for a Kalamazoo photographer. An environmentalist, she volunteered to clear and maintain trails at a nature preserve near Kalamazoo. She is the daughter of Guy and Peggy Manwaring.
Laura K. McAlpin of Mt. Pleasant, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Nursing. McAlpin, who graduated in April, concentrated her nursing education in the area of family and pediatric nursing. A member of the Lee Honors College, her honors thesis was titled "Quality of Life after Spinal Cord Injury and Nursing Implications," a subject that became of interest to her after she served a spring 2001 externship at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Center in Grand Rapids, Mich. She worked at the rehabilitation center as a nurse technician and plans to pursue her nursing career at the center. A member of the WMU Student Nurses' Association and the Golden Key International Honor Society, McAlpin's future plans include obtaining a master's degree. She is the daughter of Scott and Deborah McAlpin.
Kimberly Moss of Kalamazoo was named a Presidential Scholar in Educational Studies. After earning a degree in sociology from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., and moving to the Mississippi Delta to join Teach for America, Moss enrolled at WMU to earn a certificate in special education, which she received in April. As a student she participated in scientific research and taught a biology lab section. She completed an internship at Indian Lake Elementary School in Vicksburg, Mich. Her hobbies include beekeeping, knitting, building Shaker furniture, reading and raising her 1-year-old son, Isaac. A native of the Pacific Northwest, Moss plans to return there to teach science and special education.
Amanda M. Naugle of Clinton, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. Naugle, who will graduate in August, is a community health education major who has a special interest in using theater to address such issues as substance abuse and social change. A peer education artist in the production "No More Lies," a workshop about communities of caring and the culture of alcohol, her post-graduation plans include developing a theater-based project on self-esteem for adolescents and a peer education project on bullying for parents and children. She is a member of Mortar Board and works with a variety of special causes. As vice president of Eta Sigma Gamma, WMU's health education honorary, she led the organization's participation in the Martin Luther King Jr. Discovery Day as well as AIDS and Breast Cancer Awareness walks, and managed craft activities for patients at Bronson Children's Hospital. Naugle also has organized events for the Great American Smokeout and World AIDS Day. She is the daughter of Milton and Nancy Naugle.
Molly N. Noonan of Canton, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Communication. Noonan graduated in April with a double major in journalism and public relations. She completed four internships in her areas of study, including working with the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce and at Doner Advertising. She received a number of awards including the Lawrence E. and Clara Burke Scholarship, the Communications Excellence Scholarship from Ford Motor Company and Women in Communications, and the Real PRO Award for her leadership in the University's student Public Relations Organization. She was a member of Lambda Pi Eta, a national communication honor society, serving as the organization's vice president. In addition, she held the offices of president, vice president and secretary for PRO. A former reporter for the Western Herald, the WMU student newspaper, she volunteered her time as a copywriter for Community AIDS Resource and Education Services of Southwest Michigan. Noonan's future plans include working as an advertising copywriter and pursuing a master's degree in communication. She is the daughter of John and Lisa Weyer of Canton and Steve Noonan of Westland, Mich.
Mandana A. Nordbrock of Gobles, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in History. Nordbrock, who will graduate in December, has found many opportunities to pursue her passion for history. As an interpretation specialist at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, she explains exhibits to visitors. Last summer, she participated in WMU's 2001 Public History Field School, researching and developing a museum exhibit for the Fort Miami Heritage Society in St. Joseph, Mich. She also was a member of the committee that planned the first-ever tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian homes in Kalamazoo County. She is a member of Phi Alpha Theta and Golden Key honor societies and received the Smith Burnham Prize for Public History. She has participated as a volunteer with Alternative Spring Break and the Miller Auditorium Usher Corps. Nordbrock's future plans include working at a museum or historical site. She is the daughter of Glenn Nordbrock of Gobles and Mary Spencer of Bloomingdale, Mich.
Hakeem A. Ogunleye of Lagos-State, Nigeria, was named a Presidential Scholar in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Ogunleye graduated in April and plans to pursue a doctoral degree in computer engineering. He worked on an engineering team that built a remote wiring laboratory for his department, a project funded by a National Science Foundation grant, and has worked with National Instruments to implement the lab, which will be a model for engineering schools across America. Ogunleye came to WMU through the University's twinning program at Sunway College in Malaysia, where he studied for a year and received that college's New Scholar Award in 1999. At WMU, Ogunleye earned a number of awards and was a member of the Golden Key and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies and Tau Beta Pi, a national engineering honor society. He also was a student member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and served as vice president of WMU's African Students Association. During his free time, Ogunleye, whose minor areas of study were mathematics and computer science, conducted free Web site development for various groups. He is the son of Gani and Tola Ogunleye.
Futaba Okamoto of Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, was named a Presidential Scholar in Mathematics. Okamoto will graduate in December and is interested in using her abilities and degree for the study of astrophysics and elementary particle physics. She won the Freshman-Sophomore Prize Competition Award in Mathematics and earned Outstanding Physics Student awards in five separate physics courses. In addition, she received the Fred Beeler Memorial and Paul Rood scholarships. She also has been an undergraduate teaching assistant and a supplemental instruction leader for physics classes. Okamoto is the daughter of Itsuko and Shingo Okamoto.
Andrea M. Paine of Corunna, Mich., was named a Presidential
Scholar in Aviation.
Paine graduated in April with a bachelor's degree in aviation
management and hopes to work for an airline, in airport management
or in the field of aviation law. During all four of her undergraduate
years, Paine worked for the University's Development Office focusing
on the management and motivation of employees. She developed
and implemented an incentive program, raising more than $6,000
in merchandise for student employees who work as fund-raisers
for the University's Annual Fund. She also served as an airport
management intern at Southwest Michigan Regional Airport in Benton
Harbor, Mich. The recipient of a number of scholarships, Paine
was on the Dean's List since the winter 1999 semester and active
in the Residence Hall Association. In addition, she was a member
of the WMU Water Ski Team and spent a year as a mentor to younger
students through the Kalamazoo Area Academic Achievement Program.
She is the daughter of Robert L. Paine of Corunna and Diane M.
Paine of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Melanie A. Peppler of Lansing, Mich., was named a Presidential
Scholar in
Psychology. Peppler, who graduated in December 2001, engaged
in research and activities to boost her intended career in counseling
psychology. She participated in a research project on depression,
becoming that project's coordinator. She volunteered at The Ark,
a crisis intervention shelter for troubled youth, and with Alliance
Senior Day Services, where she employed therapeutic communication
and collected data for research on problematic behaviors. Peppler
also served as a staff member for the 27th annual Convention
of the Association of Behavior Analysis, held in New Orleans,
La. She was a member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society, serving
as that organization's recording secretary. In addition, she
was a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society. She
is the daughter of Elizabeth Peppler and the late James Peppler.
Her future plans include attending graduate school for counseling
psychology to study adolescent and family issues and couple therapy.
Karika A. Phillips of Kalamazoo was named a Presidential Scholar in Africana Studies. In and out of the classroom, Phillips, who will graduate in June, has focused on enhancing educational opportunities for others, especially underrepresented minorities. Her activities include creating the first Black History program for students at Northside Preparatory School, where she was appointed to the curriculum development task force. She also has worked as the community projects coordinator for Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services, assisting with housing and neighborhood revitalization efforts. As a McNair Scholar, Phillips researched the topic of helping African American students succeed in college and traveled to Puerto Rico to present a paper she wrote on African-American students' perceptions of seeking academic help. In February, she presented another paper at the Eighth Annual Student Academic Conference at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Phillips also has been a teaching assistant in the Africana Studies Program. The daughter of Louis and Gloria Parker, she and her husband, Robert, have two young children.
Donald "Joe" Pole of Big Rapids, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Physics. Pole, who graduated in April, was a Medallion Scholar and received the Paul Rood Scholarship from the Department of Physics. His research on electron interactions resulting from collisions of fluorine ions and neon gas atoms was presented at the annual meeting of the Division of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics last year. A member of the Lee Honors College, he was awarded that college's Dean's Research Grant and a WMU Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award to conduct his research. He was active in the Physics Club and Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key honor societies. Pole also volunteered with Alternative Spring Break and worked as a WMU orientation leader. His future plans include pursuing a graduate degree in physics. He is the son of John and Jane Pole.
Derek A. Pollard of Kalamazoo was named a Presidential Scholar in Comparative Religion. Pollard graduated in December with bachelor degrees in both comparative religion and English and will begin WMU's creative writing master's program in the fall. He worked as an assistant editor at New Issues Poetry and Prose and co-founded his own small press, blue night press, where he has been an editor, graphic designer, publicist and distribution agent. A member of both the Golden Key and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies, Derek earned Michigan Competitive and WMU Academic scholarships and was awarded a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award. He was included on WMU's Dean's List every semester since he began at WMU. He also worked as a laboratory assistant and instructor in Kalamazoo Valley Community College's photography department and as a tutor at KVCC's Arcadia Commons Campus. Pollard, the son of Gary and Judith Pollard, hopes to eventually earn a doctoral degree and teach.
Kylie A. Schultz of Clare, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Anthropology. Schultz, who graduated in April, combined her academic interest in anthropology with her artistic talents in an effort to create greater awareness of anthropological issues. A member of the Lee Honors College, she participated in more than a dozen art exhibitions, including an exhibition for her honors thesis, which featured mixed media paintings, video and performance. Schultz also was a member of the WMU women's cross country and track teams, garnering such honors as the 1999-2000 WMU Scholar-Athlete of the Year, 1997 Cross Country Rookie of the Year, and the 2001 Women's Track Coaches' Award. She earned the Angie Gayman/Carmer Art Scholarship, two Department of Art Fall Enrichment Grants, a WMU Lee Honors College Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award, and a WMU Excellence Award. Schultz was involved as a volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters; Project Lazarus in New Orleans, La.; Special Olympics; the Kalamazoo Valley Museum; and the WMU Women's Cross Country team as an assistant coach. Her future plans include working with AmeriCorps in Montana or Colorado. She is the daughter of Barbara Ann and Edward Michael Schultz.
Andrea M. Smalley of Berrien Springs, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Political Science. Smalley, who graduated in April, found a number of ways to extend her knowledge of international and comparative politics beyond the classroom. This spring, she traveled to Cuba for a short-term study abroad program that examined "Socialism Under Stress." This summer, she will serve an internship in Montana with Project Vote Smart, a nonpartisan, nonprofit group that gathers information on political candidates. Smalley, who transferred to WMU from Lake Michigan College, was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year schools, and Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key honor societies. She received the Distinguished Community College Scholars Award and was consistently listed on WMU's Dean's List. A member of WMU's Mock Trial team, her future plans include joining the Peace Corps. She is the daughter of Mark and Mary Smalley.
Jamie L. Spica of Charlotte, Mich., was named the Presidential Scholar in Social Work. Spica, who graduated in April, plans to seek work as an adoption social worker. She served an internship with Lutheran Social Services in Kalamazoo which sparked her interest in the area of adoption and the administrative side of social work. After gaining work experience, she plans to go back to school to complete a master's degree in social work and then work her way up to a supervisory position. In addition to her work at Lutheran Social Services, Spica volunteered at St. Thomas More Student Parish, doing a balloon ministry, and at homeless and domestic violence shelters. A member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, she also worked at a residence hall and at the Writing Center, furthering her experience in working with clients. She is the daughter of Frank and Linda Spica.
Antonia D. Stolze of Kalamazoo was named a Presidential Scholar in Sociology. Stolze, who graduated in April, is planning to work in the human services field and potentially pursue a graduate degree in art therapy. She was consistently on the WMU Dean's List and served an internship with Community Information Research Systems, assisting with a fair housing study. She has expanded her studies in social sciences abroad, traveling to Europe, Mexico and India.
Stacey R. Teufel of Woodhaven, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Construction Engineering, Materials Engineering and Industrial Design. When Teufel graduates in December with a degree in construction engineering and management, she will complete her second bachelor's degree. The 1995 Eastern Michigan University graduate worked for three years before returning to school full time in 1999. She received summer 2000 and summer 2001 research fellowships from the National Science Foundation, and her second summer's work resulted in a paper on intelligent transportation systems and their application in rural areas that has been submitted for publication in a professional journal. Active in student organizations throughout her years at WMU, Teufel was a member of the search committee to find a new chair for her department. She also served as treasurer of the Collegiate Construction Association. She has been on the Dean's List each semester and is a member of Golden Key International Honor Society. Teufel is the daughter of Sharon Sturgis.
John L. Thelen of Fowler, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Accountancy. Thelen, who graduated in April, was a member of the Lee Honors College and earned a number of scholarships. He belonged to the Golden Key International Honor Society and the professional accountancy fraternity, Beta Alpha Psi. During summers, he worked for the State of Michigan, including stints in the Department of Treasury and the Family Independence Agency, and as an intern with accounting firm Plante & Moran. Thelen also participated in intramural sports including basketball, softball and volleyball. His future plans include earning a master's degree in accountancy at WMU and working at Plante & Moran's East Lansing, Mich., office. Thelen is the son of Steven and Mary Lou Thelen.
Peter J. Voice of Interlochen, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Geosciences. While many of his peers may be looking at old rocks, Voice is anticipating a future examining very old teeth. Voice, who will graduate in June, has focused his studies on paleontology and geochemistry and will pursue a master's degree at WMU where he will conduct research on the chemistry of fossilized teeth. A member of the Lee Honors College, he served as a lab instructor for the Department of Geology. He received a Lee Honors College Summer Research stipend and the Schmaltz Award for Undergraduate Research. His extracurricular activities include membership in the Geology Club and the College Republicans. Voice is the son of Jeff and Elizabeth Voice.
Jay C. Vought of Sterling Heights, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Statistics. Vought, who graduated in April, was a member of the Lee Honors College, and the Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa honor societies. He received both the WMU Academic and WMU Achievement scholarships as well as the Eric A. Schreiner Memorial Scholarship for his potential contributions to the mathematical sciences. In addition, he received the Charles E. Bayliss Mathematics Scholarship, was named a United States Achievement Academy All-American Scholar and was given the National Collegiate Mathematics Award. He worked as an undergraduate teaching assistant, math tutor and paper grader for the Department of Mathematics. In his spare time, he participated in intramural sports. The son of John and Cheryl Vought, he plans to return to school to earn a teaching degree in mathematics and statistics.
Benjamin D. Way of Canton, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Business Information Systems. Way, who graduated in April, focused his studies in computer information systems on Web design and Internet application development. Through coursework and independent study, he mastered many of the languages and tools of the trade, and served an internship as an assistant Webmaster for WMU's Haworth College of Business. Outside of the classroom, he participated in a variety of intramural sports and served as president of the student chapter of the Association of Internet Technology Professionals. Way is the son of Robert and Janice Way.
Nicole L. Wild of Northville, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Management. Wild, who graduated in April, is a licensed cosmetologist who will put her business skills to work in the salon industry. With six years of experience as a receptionist, hair stylist and salon manager, she plans to pursue a management position with a professional education and distribution company or a leading salon and spa corporation. When Wild worked as salon manager at the Justin York Salon last summer, her duties included advertising, accounting, inventory tracking and training. She attended Schoolcraft Community College for one year before transferring to WMU, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average throughout her college career. She was a member of the Golden Key and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies and earned the Jeff Robideau Award for Meritorious Scholarship and the Haworth College of Business Academic Achievement Award. Wild is the daughter of Terry and Paul Wild.
Jill N. Winkler of Berkley, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Environmental Studies. Winkler graduated in April with dual degrees in environmental studies and creative writing and hopes to pursue a master's degree in either environmental writing or law. She served as an intern with the U.S. Forest Service in the Salmon/Challis National Forest in Idaho and received a National Service Education Award for her work with the USFS. She also worked as a groundwater education specialist for WMU's Division of Environmental Health and Safety and volunteered with the Kalamazoo Nature Center. A member of the Lee Honors College, National Residence Hall Honorary, Mortar Board and Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key honor societies, she received an honorable mention in the Morris K. Udall Scholarship Competition. She earned the Academic Excellence Award for Environmental Studies and the National Collegiate Student Government Award. Winkler also was active in the Western Student Association and the Honors Student Association. She is the daughter of Paul and Carol Winkler.
Alison M. Wood of Saginaw, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Family and Consumer Sciences. Wood, who graduated in April, devoted her senior year comprehensive project to the subject of eco-tourism, an increasingly popular trend toward environmentally sensitive travel and design. A member of the Lee Honors College, Wood interned with Kalamazoo's SKP Design. She won first place in the statewide American Society of Interior Design competition and was chosen by the WMU Interior Design Student Advisory Board to work as a research assistant for environmental design. An active volunteer, she was a veteran of Alternative Spring Break, working with abused and abandoned boys in Georgetown, S.C.; homeless families in Portsmouth, N.H.; and helping to build homes through Habitat for Humanity. She also mentored a child through Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Wood, the daughter of Mike and Donna Wood, plans to work in hospitality design in the Traverse Bay area of Michigan.
Stephanie M. Young of Kalamazoo was named a Presidential Scholar in Occupational Therapy. Young, who graduates in June, plans to pursue a career combining her dual interests in occupational therapy and working with children. Her fieldwork placements have included Kalamazoo Head Start, Center for Disability Services and the Southwest Michigan Child Trauma Assessment Center. She is serving internships at Battle Creek Public Schools and the Battle Creek Veteran Affairs Medical Center. She also has worked as a home health aide, dealing with people with various disabilities and illnesses. She has been a member of the Student Occupational Therapy Association and served on the group's executive board as treasurer. Young is the daughter of Jim and Sue Young of Easton, Penn.