WMU News

Top seniors honored in March 23 ceremony

March 21, 2000

KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University's top seniors will be recognized at the 20th annual Presidential Scholars Convocation Thursday, March 23, at the Fetzer Center.

A total of 45 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.

The speaker for this year's event is Dr. James F. Jones, president of Kalamazoo College. The title of his address is "On Wisdom and Knowledge." Jones, who has held his current position since 1996, came to Kalamazoo from Southern Methodist University, where he was dean of the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences and vice provost. He also spent 16 years at Washington University, first as a faculty member and then for 10 years as chairperson of the Department of Romance Languages.

Five Presidential Scholars will give short presentations on the theme of this year's ceremony. Speaking on "The Many Faces of Talent," will be Aaron P. Boesenecker, a political science major from Holland, Mich.; Heather E. Doorlag, an occupational therapy major from Lake Leelanau, Mich.; Gina M. Garza, a mathematics and secondary education major from Wayland, Mich.; William K. Henagan, a paper engineering major from Adrian, Mich.; and Kristina L. Oleszkiewicz, an integrated supply management major from Jenison, Mich.

Dr. Raymond E. Alie, president of the Faculty Senate, will preside at the convocation and WMU President Elson S. Floyd 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: Cheryl Roland, 616 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu


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