CLA Highlight Students Recognized for Extraordinary Efforts

At each commencement ceremony, the College of Liberal Arts features the educational success stories of one or more of its exceptional graduates, selected based on letters of recommendation and consideration of the ways in which the students have contributed to the University, their community, and the lives of others. This spring, the achievements of 3 students were highlighted.

Danielle June Berish has graduated from the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication with a B.A. in communication/media and the law.

From Chamblee Charter High School in Atlanta, Georgia, Berish was recruited to WSU by the Women's Swim Team, competing in the sprint to mid-distance in freestyle events. She hopes to work someday for the NCAA to help write rules and regulations and to remain involved in the world of sports.

As a student athlete, Berish served on the Student Advisory Board to the President and was president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. She was involved in university and community service activities, including Relay for Life, Women in Sports Day, Palouse River Cleanup, Operation Santa, and was a peer academic counselor.

Berish was an excellent student and earned a place on the President's Honor Roll each semester. She was named to the PAC-10 All-Academic First Team in 2007, the PAC-10 All-Academic Second Team in 2006, the Freshman All-Academic Team in 2005, and the WSU Athletics All-Academic Team every year (2004–2007).

Roberta Kelly (clinical assistant professor, communication) said of Berish, "This student is exceptionally well-rounded, organized, bright, hard-working, and motivated. She's an excellent role model."

Victor E. Vlist Jr. of Port Orchard, Washington, has graduated with a B.A. in digital technology and culture and a minor in fine arts.

The first in his family to earn a university degree, Vlist loved the opportunity he had at WSU to blend art and technology. After graduation he will return to western Washington, where he plans to pursue his interest in Web design.

Vlist was selected as this year's Outstanding Graduating Senior in digital technology and culture for his exceptional abilities and hard work, a quality he developed at a young age. Challenge is something Vlist is familiar with, and he knows what it takes to get a job done and do it well.

Until he was 8 years old, Vlist was a typical boy—active, athletic, and vocal—but shortly before his 9th birthday he suffered a brain aneurism that left him paralyzed on his left side (hemiplegic) and never expecting to walk again. With the support of family and friends, Vlist met those physical challenges and now walks aided by a cane.

Vlist has excelled in school and worked hard to achieve his degree. He is excited to learn new things and his teachers are impressed with his abilities, thirst for knowledge, confidence, and sense of humor.

Vlist feels blessed to have such a wonderful family and describes his dad, Victor Vlist Sr., as fun, supportive, and hard-working and his mom, Kim, as creative, understanding, and the perfect mother. He has a large network of friends and is excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Meghan N. Waddle of Pasco, Washington, has earned a B.A. in leadership and professional studies and a B.A. in sociology.

Waddle, a 2004 graduate of Grandview High School, would like to work for a nonprofit organization that has a humanitarian focus with an emphasis on helping women and children.

A Silver Regents Scholar, Waddle completed an internship for leadership and professional studies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where she taught 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 7th grade reading, math, science, and Christian education in an international school.

Waddle, who has always been involved in sports and was a member of the WSU women's rugby team, gave swimming lessons to 75 students in DRC, a country with only 2 pools. She also worked with a struggling school in Katanga Province and with Pastor Joseph Mwaba in a program called Street Kids of Africa. The program focuses on feeding the kids, getting them healthy, and educating them.

Since returning to the U.S., Waddle continues to seek financial support for both schools through donor solicitation and grant-writing.

Waddle is described by her professors as a woman with a passion for helping others who goes beyond anything asked of her. She hopes to receive a Fulbright scholarship that will allow her to do meaningful research while earning a master's degree in nonprofit leadership and management.