College of Liberal Arts Honors Its Outstanding Seniors

Exceptional students from 18 departments and programs in the College of Liberal Arts were recognized at the Outstanding Senior Recognition ceremony and reception on May 8 at the Lewis Alumni Centre.

Welcomed by Dean Douglas Epperson and joined by family and friends, who came from as far away as New York, each senior received a certificate and medal of recognition presented by a faculty mentor from their home department.

"The College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Senior reception is one of the highlights of the year," said Epperson. "It is an absolute pleasure and privilege to recognize these exceptional students and meet their families. The opportunity to teach such talented students, witness their achievements, and watch them blossom into such exceptional scholars and young adults is one of the most rewarding aspects of our roles as faculty members."

Students had the opportunity to address the audience, and most thanked their families for supporting them and enabling their success in college. They recognized the dedication of faculty mentors, talked about their undergraduate experiences, and shared their plans for the future.

	Corrie Ahrens: Anthropology B.A. in anthropology, B.A. in history Future Plans: Entering graduate school at Colorado State University to study anthropology.
	Elizabeth Simpson Kuhlmann: Asian Studies B.A. in Asian studies, minor in Japanese, minor in global studies Future Plans: Employment with a Japanese exchange program.
	Grace M. Nelson: Comparative Ethnic Studies B.A. in comparative ethnic studies, second major in English Future Plans: After working for a while, will attend graduate school, probably in social work.
	Kyle J. Thomas: Criminal Justice B.A. in criminal justice Future Plans: University of Maryland graduate program in criminal justice.
	Shelby Teachout: Digital Technology and Culture B.A. in digital technology and culture, minor in professional writing, minor in fine arts Future Plans: Employment with a multimedia production company as a film editor. Ultimately, she wants to edit cinematic productions in Los Angeles.
	Claire Mikalson: English B.A. in English, second major in women's studies Future Plans: Accepted to the University of Denver's Publishing Institute.
	Jess Anderson: Fine Arts B.F.A. Future Plans: Will begin graduate school in fine arts after working for a year.
	Andrew C. Whitaker: Foreign Languages and Cultures  B.A. in foreign languages and cultures (Chinese language and culture), B.S. in electrical engineering Future Plans: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) technology and public policy graduate program.
	Hannah Carlson Page: General Studies B.A. in social sciences, minor in psychology Future Plans: Employment in human resources and/or public relations. Graduate school or nursing school are other possible future goals.
	Shauna Kuper: History B.A. in history, B.A. in foreign languages and cultures (French) Future Plans: Will complete a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification course in Alexandria, Egypt. She plans to teach abroad, followed by a graduate program in foreign service and a career working in embassies.
	Marissa Jones: Music B.A. in music Future Plans: Will establish herself as a private music teacher.
	Jared M. Reams: Philosophy B.A. in philosophy, minor in Spanish, minor in ethics Future Plans: Will attend law school and pursue a career in trial law.
	Shannon McAfee: Political Science B.A. in political science, minor in Spanish, minor in Russian area studies Future Plans: Will attend graduate school at The Ohio State University to study Slavic and East European studies.
	Jessica Ann Rogers: Psychology B.S. in psychology, B.A. in criminal justice Future Plans: Will work as a lab technician at the University of Florida, an interim position while she decides which graduate program to attend.
	Tia M. Ahlf: Sociology B.A. in sociology Future Plans: Commission in the Air Force as a logistics readiness officer, stationed in Sembach, Germany.
	Emily Rose Wilson: Speech and Hearing Sciences B.A. in speech and hearing sciences, minor in human development Future Plans: Will attend graduate school to earn a master's degree in speech-language pathology.
	Christine Stordeur: Theatre and Dance B.A. in theatre arts and drama, second major in anthropology Future Plans: Will work as an actor in repertory theatre and eventually pursue a graduate degree in anthropology.
	Nikole R. Hahn: Women's Studies B.A. in women's studies Future Plans: Americorps.