College Heights Herald
GRADUATION EDITION
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MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
Congratulations to the May and August Graduates from Ogden College of Science and Engineering Ogden College of Science and Engineering Dr. Cheryl L. Stevens, Dean MASTER OF ARTS Mathematics Leslie B. Brown Mark B. Davis Emily M. Evanko Lori E. Froedge Charles A. Hayden, Jr. Michael Z. Kerner MASTER OF SCIENCE Agriculture Justin P. Duckworth Matthew B. Lindsey Brett A. Maxwell Paige A. Montgomery Jacob T. Osborne Jennifer N. Timmers Zachary P. Vincent Biology Noura N. Al dosari Kevin C. Bryan Matthew J. Buchholz Laken N. Cooper Christopher J. Fields Mark Garewal Michael C. Gilbert Megan Grandinetti Laura C. Jones Mayank S. Kapadia Chase A. Ladue Andrea Sejdic Caitlin M. Walsh Qianna Xu Chemistry Ying Chen Kathryn E. Dudley Paige M. Huzyak Anu Ganesh Kini Wei Long Luo Niharika Neerudu Sreeramulu Swapnil Ashok Sahare Rippa Sehgal Danming Wei
Muhammad Usama Ihsan Ning Jin Bright B. Kahindi Zafar Khan David E. Koss-Ellis Ronald S. Lynch Vedangi K. Mahashabde Richard D. Suchanek, III Xiaomeng Sun Aldious A. Waite Yeni Febriyani M. Yani Geoscience Linda M. Baizel Nathaniel C. Blackburn Tyler S. Bodine Kort H. Butler Lamar S. Coats Steven M. Devine Collins U. Eke Jonathan L. Oglesby Andrew D. Reeder Devon C. Salley Chandler H. Santos Robert T. Schaefer, III Zachary S. Sullivan Homeland Security Sciences Kelsey N. Bullock Michael D. Chick Brandon L. Davis Creste L. Jean Clarissa A. Roe Julie J. Scott Mayme M. Van Meveren Kimberly A. Walker Mathematics Zachary S. Bettersworth Menevse Eryuzlu Psychology
Engineering Technology
Sarah C. Adams Olivia C. Adkins Berenice Anaya Charles L. Bolton, III Morgan E. Brown Erin E. Carney Kayla D. Finuf Samuel L. Galbraith Austin J. Hall Hayley M. Lambert Allen Lee Meagan D. Luttrell Daniel C. Moore Nicholas H. Morris Candice M. Perry Douglas L. Rowland Manooch S. Saeedi Nikolaj Sivek Allison M. Sklenar Angelica M. Soto-Freita Laraine A. Tumblin Amanda G. Williams
Management
Technology Management
Zaid K. Al Hussein Farshid Alavi Omar W. Alrawi Crystal J. Boyle Nicholas J. Cross Abdulhameed Dawood Qinchuan Du Samantha J. Duncan Billy J. Hall Barrett A. Hampton Muhammad Mujtaba Hassan Courtney R. Hill
Paul E. Porter, Jr.
Computer Science Bindu P. Bhavineni Travis S. Brummett Santhosh Danda Gary W. Hutchinson, Jr. Sathish Kumar Kasulavada Bryan A. Knowles Gongbo Liang Toqeer Omer Sreenidhi Ramanujam Debadrita Sarkar Pezhman Sheinidashtegol Avinash Theppala
BACHELOR OF ARTS Mathematics Peter Agaba Kathleen S. Bell Courtney P. Inabnitt Hannah B. Keith Ashley M. Kern Ryan J. McKenna Lauren N. Ottersbach Christopher S. Poteet
Matthew J. Riggle BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Advanced Manufacturing Ibrahim A. Al Ibrahim Fahad A. Alanazi Mohammed N. Almohammedali Hussain Sameer Almuhanna Mohammed H. Almutairi Abbas H. Alnakhli Abdullah H. Alshehri Fahad M. Bakri John T. Frank Kaylie P. Miller Dyllon J. Townsend Agriculture Kara Back Thomas D. Baird Caitlin C. Baker Franklin G. Baker Brooke A. Barber Justin L. Bary Lyndsey M. Beckner Erin N. Bennett Lorrie M. Benningfield Hunter G. Bevil Haley A. Bodway Taylor A. Bradley Aaron M. Brooks Dylan E. Burton Brian T. Chism Austin W. Cole Hunter R. Consley Clayton W. Cornett Andrew P. Estes Briley R. Fichter Jake M. Fischer Morgan N. Gentry John T. Gides Jacob M. Glenn Bryant C. Gross Travis M. Hinton Tyler C. Hollis Joseph T. Hood Laura A. Hopper Lindsey A. Humphrey Garret L. Igleheart Rayanne L. Johnson Andrea B. Keeney Grant J. Kindred Bobby W. Link, III Nygel C. Lipscomb Allison K. Maher Ryan Mairs Logan A. Matney Amanda G. Moore John William Myers Erika L. Pantoja Matthew S. Price Emily J. Scott Molley M. Scott Megan E. Seng Nicole E. Sinkel Austin G. Smotherman Casey M. Stokley Alexandra D. Trovillion Sarah B. Walker Chantee D. White Architectural Science Hatem A. Alsolaim Micah A. Bidwell Nicole M. Capps John T. Davis Isaac K. Edmonds Andrew J. Frits Jonathon B. Grebe Garrett A. Haug Nicholas D. Henderson
Daniel R. Hickey Tarsis Hicks Zackary R. Houck Aaron M. Jernigan Aaron M. King Victor P. Lecoffre Yuan Ma DeSean L. Patterson Komlan Tamatekou Ryun G. Warren Biochemistry Wesley A. Bratcher William R. Hamilton Ngo Fung Lee Biology Hanady O. Adam Joseph A. Aguirre, III Callie A. Allison Miranda F. Anderson Alexis N. Baker Garrett S. Barlow Brandon T. Belcher Victoria L. Bertke Michaela K. Bordeianu Luke H. Bosse Audrey C. Brown Kenneth B. Brussell Jennifer I. Campbell Joshua V. Castlen Mallory C. Clouse Kaitlyn D. Colby Riley D. Coots Ellen N. Cox Justin D. Cummings Isaac C. Daniel Emmanuel L. Davis, Sr. Ryan L. Dickmann Brittany L. Dixon Jamie N. Doctrow Haley L. Doose Brooke L. Duke Bria D. Dungan Rachel B. Engle Samantha S. Epstein Ashley N. Flener Ginger L. Gilbert Courtney M. Goodwin Kaitlyn M. Greene Ian C. Greer Keyana D. Greer Mackenzie L. Haines Jeremy A. Hall Meghan E. Hall Riley K. Hall Courtney M. Hamilton Madison K. Heine Lindsey E. Hinken Dustie L. Hoffman Grant R. Hughes Leslie M. Hutcheson Leeann M. Kornau Megan H. Laffoon Zachery L. Lane Kathryn C. Laslie Janis K. LeMaster Paul M. Manning Matthew S. Mattingly Christina N. Maxwell Alexis T. McDade Sara K. Melton Brandon B. Mudd Meredith P. Murrell Zainab A. Nasif Holly N. Nauert Kendall M. Noble Henry N. Nottinson
Elizabeth A. Oates Sayvon S. Perry Kelsey B. Powell Madison G. Preece Alyssa R. Pruett Barrett D. Rogers Kenneth T. Ruby Cyrus J. Sadrinia Joshua T. Smith Veronica S. Smith Victoria L. Snoddy Haylee M. Taylor Michael D. Thomas Kathryn C. Thompson Jessica E. Toney Whitney L. Walker Courtney K. Waterbury Joseph W. Wilson Chemistry Abdulaziz M. Almohammadi Salman F. AlOtaibi Michael D. Ballentine Sarah E. Calvert Adrianne L. Chandler Morgan L. Duff Brooke L. Duke Logan H. Eckler Emily A. Green Paige M. Huzyak Ryan T. Jeffries Chase A. Knibbe Daniel T. Mulert Cory D. Owens Benjamin M. Richardson Hannah K. Ruggles EraShawna D. Sadler Beth M. Taylor Bryson A. Westerfield Civil Engineering Mohammed Alajmi Mahmoud A. Alfailakawi Fahad M. Alhumaid Tyler A. Baker Trey W. Baston Grayson T. Bills Taylor E. Bowling Caitlin E. Brown Elizabeth D. Cardwell Jared D. Claiborne Jessica D. Collins Jacob S. Cowan Kayla M. Frye Daniel R. Hammer Sarah C. Hay Gavin D. Houchins Nathan D. Hughes Steven S. McCarty David L. Miller Stewart D. Parker Franklyn Camilo Perez Gomez Drake C. Riley James A. Thomason Jonathan T. Turner Gavin V. Young Computer Information Technology Hibba O. Adam Patrick C. Arnold Robert P. Brake Timothy A. Carroll Justin K. Clemons Trenton O. Edwards Jessica N. Green Jordan J. Honeycutt Stephanie S. Johnson Courtney P. Miller Steven L. Payne Austin T. Phillippi
Stephen K. Rogers Randy R. Russell Christina M. Smith Jennifer L. Smith Andrew R. Thornton Sandy Villarreal Barbara L. Vinton Timothy S. Wood Jeremy L. Woods Computer Science Mesfer M. Alqahtani Landen W. Black Richard A. Davidson, Jr. Christopher S. Dumond Andrew T. Gentry Brandon T. Kruse Andrew D. Marsee Thomas J. Murray Brett D. Oliver Phillip D. Peterson Jubal L. Rosenbarker Aaron M. Tagliaboschi Construction Management Kevin V. Barnes Ernest B. Boone Neil H. Brown Michael C. Brunn Keith D. DeWolf, Jr. Jason A. Dye Kevin P. Harmon James H. Knight Alexander M. Kramer Alex D. Lausterer Sean T. Nethery Jared H. Simpkins Gregory S. Wellman Electrical Engineering Cassie M. Acey Ibrahim A. Altraifi Larry S. Anderson Jeremy W. Cobb Russell T. Conner Andrew S. Garmon Jeremiah N. Genet Jonathan M. Houser Sean E. Hurd Woosup Lim Sanel Music Brayan R. Pena Amer Salihovic Molly E. Shircliff Muhamed Suljic Adam J. Wise Geographic Information Science Aaron C. Stevens Ryan W. Uthoff Geography Paulina Littlefield John H. Moseley Matthew J. Riggle Geography and Environmental Studies James T. Graham Tyler S. Jamison Keith D. Koerner William J. Mcguire Melissa J. Moore Audrey L. Sizemore Chloe M. Turner Jack H. Williamson Geology Joseph C. Chappell Evan S. Crowe Brandon M. Ernstes Isaac T. Hardesty Chelsey L. Kipper Jacob W. Lord
Erin M. McWilliams Cody A. Meservy Ethan T. Morgan Scout B. Munday Industrial (Vocational Career and Technical) Education Wesley D. Clark Billie A. Frye Jennifer J. McClard Paul J. Spears Mechanical Engineering Sultan M. Alamri Saleh S. AlKaabour Abdulrahman A. Almannaa Yazeed M. Alruwaili Harley J. Anderson John M. Bal Eric A. Blair James C. Brahm Caleb R. Carpenter Steven Cazarez Chandler M. Clark Jonathan N. Deel Benjamin M. Garrison Jennifer E. Gibbs Tyler D. Groneck Brandon J. Hanna Clayton Hollen Ryan A. Howell Kassie M. Huffman Johnathon L. Keith Michael Q. Kelley Austin L. King Patrick S. LaFollette Samuel J. Martin Jackson D. Massengale Duc T. Nguyen Darko Palkic Wesley C. Patterson Wesley Russelburg Jacob B. Sloan Saxon C. Steele Barry J. Sweatt, Jr. Judith O. Yandall Medical Technology Ghaidaa A. Mimani Meteorology Andrew C. Dockery Mallory E. Schnell Middle Grades Mathematics Natascha M. Brown Alanna N. Clancey Danielle N. Croghan Billy J. Cunningham Bradley T. Duncan Sarah K. Fisher Amanda G. Fulton Priscilla L. Gordeuk Emily S. Hoffman Adrian C. Kleinjan Cory D. Kleinjan Alex M. Lovell Mary E. May Audrey Mayfield Miller R. Pogue Matthew A. Terry Middle School Science Emily K. Buttram Joel R. Campbell Maximilian A. Valentine Cy B. Williams Physics Brittany A. Broder Eli B. Heintzman Mary E. Spraggs
Psychological Science Hilary A. Atkisson Normanha Lauren G. Bailes Susan D. Breidenich Allen Q. Clark Emily M. Cox Stephanie N. Fusting Brittany N. Groh Shane A. Hancock Kaitlyn B. Harrison Ashley B. Hendry Hayden K. Hickey Sara E. Horev Quintin L. Lyttle Justin T. Paisley Natalie M. Perkins Alana E. Treon Technology Management Mohammed I. Alammar Fahad Alshalan Robert W. Brown, Jr. Kenneth Cox Paula R. Crenshaw Jeffery D. Fleming Jason L. Jones Stacie L. Lyons Anthony B. Morris Stephen C. Sanders, II Joseph R. Smith Jamie R. Stobaugh Thomas Strode Robert S. Vibbert ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE Agricultural Technology and Management Scott G. Stallwood
MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
GRADuaTION SPECIAL SECTION
Letters from STudent publications
page 4
Graduating to motherhood: a photo story Pages 8-9
Commencement Schedule Page 12
Letter from the Student Government Association page 14
Letter from President Gary Ransdell Page 14
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MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
LETTERS FROM STUDENT PUBLICATIONS GRADUATES When I was a high school senior, I vividly remember sitting at one of those Focus on WKU events and tweeting a picture of the College Heights Herald, a paper that I idolized for years as a little high school journalist. What the tweet said I couldn’t tell you, though I’m certain it had plenty of hashtags. What happened next, however, was unforgettable: the Herald retweeted me. It was a sign from Frances Richards herself that I had picked the right college for the next four years, and I was destined to work for the greatest college newspaper, our dear Herald. One day, I assured my young self, I would be editor-in-chief too. It’s a funny moment to look back on now, five years later. Since then, I’ve spent all four years working for that great college newspaper. I was editor-in-chief last fall. And, for a good part of that, I had access to or ran the Herald’s Twitter account, which quickly made me realize that retweet wasn’t that big of a deal.
Aside from cooling my Twitter ego, Student Publications and the Herald have both done so much for me since I turned in my first application for academics reporter. (Special thanks to Taylor Harrison for hiring the weird, over-ambitious freshman who bought a special folder for her application.) This place also became my home. That can be taken literally because I have slept here — in the lounge chair, at a desk, you name it. I’ve been fed when I was broke and sick of Ramen for the third night in a row. I’ve been inspired. I’ve been cared for and looked after, and hopefully I've been able to return those acts of kindness. I’ve also witnessed some damn good journalism and hopefully contributed to some of it. It’s no secret to anybody in this building that I’m leaving. I’ve been talking about what’s next since Feb. 22, to be exact, and that’s been easy. It’s also been easy to think about never having to take another test, do another Blackboard discussion
post or ramble on in a group presentation I mostly did myself. That all being behind me is indescribably magical. What’s been hard is accepting that despite that great big beautiful tomorrow, despite never having to worry about buying a textbook ever again, I’m leaving all these wonderful people and closing a chapter on my life. I’m leaving the Hill I’ve called home and four years worth of memories. I’ve made some of the greatest friends who know some of the deepest things about me. I’ve been pushed to write, report and lead better through my various positions here, and I’ve been lucky enough to push others the same way. I wouldn’t have done my time here any differently. There are so many people to thank for these four years. There are so many people who have touched my life in immeasurable ways. Since I can’t thank everybody individually, I’m just going to say thanks, Student Pubs. Thanks for taking me in as an insecure freshman and helping me become
a slightly more secure senior. Thanks for teaching me it’s perfectly okay to spend two weeks drawing a map of Middle Earth and publicly nerd out over new movie trailers for “The Hobbit.” Thanks for teaching me it’s always okay to dance like nobody's watching, even when everybody will see it on a huge projector screen at the banquet. Thanks for helping me learn to laugh at myself. Thanks for not judging me for lying on the floor so much when I got stressed. Thanks for countless opportunities to grow as a journalist, both here and at my internships. Thanks so much for everything. I could write more. Hell, I could fill this page and then some. If working with print for four years has taught me anything, though, it’s that the longer it is, the more you’ve got to cut. So I’ll leave it at this and hope I wrote it just short enough that I can squeeze a few more words in. It’s time to leave home behind. The world’s ahead. See ya real soon, WKU.
In college, we all have that special space on campus that feels more like home than our tiny dorm rooms or deteriorating houses. It’s a lot of different places for a lot of different students. For me, it’s Student Publications. In high school, I was so determined to one day land a coveted spot on the College Heights Herald staff that I filled a binder with tacky, carefully cut out magazine designs sealed in plastic sleeves, and I mailed them off to campus. I spent the summer before freshman year spamming the editor-in-chief's email. When I arrived on campus for M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan, I was in luck; a page designer had quit at the last minute, and they needed someone to fill in. I leaped into the air, pumping my fists and screaming the news. I called my parents. I cried a little. From then on, Student Publications has taught me so much about journalism, de-
sign and leadership. But more importantly, it gave me the most incredible people and memories of my college experience. Because of Student Publications, I live with the two best roommates in the world in the best — if kind of sketchy — house in the world. We call our house Pocolo because we are weirdos. We host a fake reality cooking show in our grimy kitchen. I gained a “squad” at the Herald at a time when I needed a family to lean on. We hung out every weekend, and we went through some amazing and tough times together. I found a best friend who will always get Starbucks with me and chow down at El Maz when we have bad days. When she found out I got an internship, she ran out to Baskin-Robbins and bought me an ice cream cake. There’s more: the homemade Kelly Clarkson card I received one year when I
spent a birthday in a budgeting meeting; the semester when a group of Herald editors made up a sport where you aggressively hit balloons around while listening to Katy Perry and Destiny’s Child; the trip to the Talisman’s Canadian printer and college media conferences in New York, Philadelphia and Chicago. I’ve learned something from every editor, adviser and staffer I have worked with over the years at both the Herald and the Talisman. Working with such talented and dedicated people has been such an honor, and it has truly helped shape me as a student, journalist and person. With budget cuts becoming an annual tradition at WKU, I think it’s important to realize how important spaces like Student Publications are for students and the community. No, the work we do is not directly related to STEM, and who knows if it will help with performance-based funding. But I know the memories I am taking
away from Student Publications are ones that will stay with me the rest of my life. There is no limit to the value of Student Publications, and that fact makes its worth difficult to track. You could look at the top newspapers and media properties that hire our alumni, or you could look at all the awards both publications have won over the years. But you don’t have to look that far. You can step foot in our office and see the happy, powerful family we have and know the value. You can look at our work and understand the importance. The true value of the Student Publications experience is the family you gain — one that will support you when you succeed, help you up when you fail spectacularly and always be a shoulder to cry on. So thank you, Student Publications, for being the best home this weird, nerdy, queer student could ever ask for. I’m forever grateful.
—Kae Holloway
college heights herald
—Cameron Love Talisman
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MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM Congratulations to our 2016 Graduates!
“Empowering individuals to lead and serve our dynamic world” College of Education & Behavioral Sciences
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to our May & August 2016 Graduates
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MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
Congratulations to the WKU Graduates Who Studied Abroad
Alex Aguirre Charlo e Alexander Whitney Allen Stanley Al eld Aleesha Anderson Anna Anthony Jennifer Antonio Nicole Armstrong Anja Arthur Michaela Ash Nathaniel Askins Clinton Bacon Haddy Badjie Lauren Bailes John Bailey Alexis Baker Bethany Banker Brooke Barber Peyton Barne Amanda Barth Ashley Barton Sarah Basham Lee Baxter Amanda Belcher Abigail Belknap Kathleen Bell Claire Bellar Eppiphanie Benton Hannah Benward Sco Berger Taylor Berzins Emily Blankenship Allison Bogard Luke Bosse Jamye Bowins Hardy Andrew Boyles Elizabeth Brand Susan Breidenich Lawaynia Brewer Bri any Broder Demarcus Brooks Audrey Brown Evan Brown Katherine Brown Leah Brown James Buchanan Rachel Burba Laura Burchfield Kelsey Burton Kathleen Bush Emily Bu ram Rachel Byrd Jessica Canada
Leah Cannady Jessica Cecil Chloe Cesler Bradley Chambers Kierra Chandler Joanna Chang Emma Charpen er Brian Chism Allen Clark Mallory Clouse Laurel Clu s Sawyer Coffey Aus n Cole Jordan Cole A on Conner Carolyn Contreras Hannah Cooper Alison Cox April Cra Dajana Crocke Andrew Crum Isaac Daniel Katherine Daniel Zoe Dannenmueller Taylor Dant Pamela Decker Alissa Doan Jamie Doctrow Steven Dossey Naomi Driessnack Morgan Duff Bradley Duncan Virginia Durakovich Elizabeth Ebelhar Haley Edwards Katherine Ellis Emily Embry Kinya Embry David English Lauren Ervin Emily Evanko Allison Evans Carolyn Evans John Evans Katherine Fane Simon Fasano Clay Fergerson Christopher Fields Alexis Fischer Leslie Ford Megan French Kelly Fussman
Stephanie Fus ng Ashton Garber Saene Garcia Madison Gilinsky Mackenzie Goldwasser Elaina Gordon James Graham Evan Grantz Isabella Greene Kaitlyn Greene Barre Greenwell Ian Greer John Greer Bri any Greeson Kelsey Gregg Allison Gregory Bri any Groh Rachel Guffey Lorelei Gunn Hannah Guy Elisabeth Hackworth Hallie Haddock Mackenzie Haines Meghan Hall Courtney Hamilton Edward Hanshew Desiree Harned Caleb Harper Breanna Harris Kayla Hatcher Garre Haug Sarah Hay David Haydon Cesia Heinlein Jessica Henao Barragan Nicholas Henderson Zahjona Henry Dalana Henson Kristen Herner Cana Herron Alex Hezik Hayden Hickey Lindsay High Lindsey Hinken Sidney Hirsch Hayley Hoback Kelli Hogue Sarah Holbrook Megan Holl Logan Horrall Margaret Hoshor Colton Hounshell Grant Hughes
Seth Hulsey Kirsten Hunt Gerron Hurt Sabina Husic Leslie Hutcheson Sean Jacobson Kendall Jarboe Amanda Jarre Shauna Jessie Zilai Jia Kody Johann Chaquille Johnson Jarred Johnson Sydnee Johnson Mills Erica Jones Jasmine Jones Laura Jones Rachel Jones Sayrah Jones Sydney Jones Zachary Jones Emily Keith Falon Keith Kelley King Luther King Elizabeth Knebel Katherine Knight Elizabeth Lansden Aus n-James Lanter Mary Lee Janis LeMaster Maya LeMaster Abigail Leofsky Clinton Lincoln Morgan Lindsey Amanda Lipp Paulina Li lefield Laura Looper Deleon Lo Cameron Love Racheal Luther Samantha Mallory Jacob Marsh Kamri Mason Ma hew Ma ngly Evgenia Mauzy Rauneisha Mayes Reid Chelsea McCarty Elisabeth McDermo Patrick McDowell Kate McElroy Emily McIn re Christopher
McKenna Molly Meacham Cody Meservy Walter Milam Nolan Miles Erin Miller Sarah Miller Zachary Miller Benjamin Milligan Evan Mingle Jianna Mirabelli Callie Mobley Katherine Morrison Mara Muccigrosso Brandon Mudd Meredith Murrell Sarah Naas Alexandra Neumann Mary Newton Katelyn Nichols Charles Nold Elizabeth Oates Emily Oberhausen Arla O’Neal Jia Ong Ong Lindsey Overby Abbigail Pace Juliana Pace Poorvie Patel Kelsey Pa on Nicole Pa on Rayshawn Payton-Kilgore Sara Pecina Amanda Peerce Michael Pekel Taylor Pellerin Evan Pennington Kendall Pennington McKenzie Perdew Victoria Peters Shayla Pierrard Miller Pogue Ella Polk Abigail Ponder Emily Po er Trent Po s Karen Powell Kelsey Powell Abby Powers Julia Price Tyler Prochazka Andrew Reeder Tyler Rife
Carson Riley Chelsea Ri er Ashyya Robinson Ma e Russell Chris an Ryan Cyrus Sadrinia Chandler Santos Robert Schaefer Shelby Schaefer Margot Schenning Mallory Schnell Alexandra Schulte Hannah Sco Julie Sco Molley Sco Paige Se les Olivia Sheaffer Margaret Shelton Grant Shepherd Brenna Sherrill Bailey Shewmaker Molly Shircliff Emma Shoaf Megan Skaggs Nicole Sinkel Audrey Sizemore Emily Slaton Ali Slaven Clay Smalley Margaret Smith Mary-Kathry Smith Megan Smith Simone Smith Summer Smothers Victoria Snoddy Laura Snow Hannah Snyder Tara Sorrels Corinn Sprigler Sarah Stackhouse Brian Steiner Steven Stewart Rachel S lwell McKenzie S nson Keely Stout Kelsey Stradtner William Strait Jacob Sturgeon Zachary Sullivan Lena Talbo Kirsten Tarter Beth Taylor Payton Taylor
Svetlana Ter-Grigoryan Tamara Thomas Emily Thompson James Thompson Kathryn Thompson John Thorn Jennifer Timmers Drew Tingle Lauren Tolliver Jessica Toney Chloe Turner Mayme Van Meveren Morgan Vandermeiren Georgeanne Ve er Zachary Vincent Colin Waid Whitney Walker Andrew Wall Tiffani Walton Marissa Webb Nina Wells Sarah West Amy Wetsch Hannah Whalen Cory Wheeler Makka Wheeler Mercedes Whiles Abigail White Chantee White Holly White Joshua White Lindsey White Morgan White Lindsay Whi ngton Lataya Williams Megan Williams Jack Williamson Brad Wilson Corbin Wilson Megan Wimpse James Wimse Jennifer Wisbey Amy Wolterman Emily Woodruff Shelby Wooldridge Jenna Woosley Madelyn Wright Olivia Wright Natalie Wynn Chuchu Xie Forrest Yankey ChristopherYates Nick Yeast
MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
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MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
graduating to motherhood Photos by justin gilliland
H
aley Edwards became Haley Reynolds three weeks before completing her undergraduate degree at WKU. She and her husband, Brandon Reynolds, had a quiet day of class followed by heading to the Bowling Green courthouse to request their marriage license and were wed in an empty courtroom. Haley claims a ceremony would have stressed her out, more so than the 20-page essay she wrote for her final literature
class. However, it didn’t stress her out more than getting to Summershade on time for her appointment with her Mennonite midwives in a birthing cabin. Reynolds is expected to give birth to her first child on May 15, the day after finals week ends at WKU. She and Brandon decided to have a home birth after a few disappointing appointments at the Medical Center in Bowling Green. “I just feel like she didn’t care,” Reynolds said of her gynecologist. Reynolds heard through word of mouth about the birthing cabin in Summershade and has been taking lamaze classes every Thursday to prepare for a natural birth. As Reynolds finishes her classes for her Arabic major, she’ll also be finishing her classes to become a mom.
Haley waits for Brandon to return from the ATM to pay for their marriage license outside of the Bowling Green courthouse on Tuesday, April 19. She said the baby dropping has made it easier for her to breathe, but harder for her to walk.
Haley and Brandon visit the Mennonite farm cabin on Thursday, April 28 where they plan to have their child, Oliver. The farm is an hour away in Summershade and will be where Haley, Brandon and their baby stay for the first few days after Oliver is born.
MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
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Brandon and Haley are wed in the Bowling Green courthouse on Tuesday, April 19. They didn’t want to have a wedding due to stressful expectations and to save money and time. They were married alone in the Bowling Green courthouse and exchanged vows on their own later that night.
Brandon and Haley set up their expected child's crib next to their bed on Monday, April 18. They were given most of their baby supplies from their families.
Haley smiles at Brandon as they listen to the baby's heartbeat during an ultrasound in Summershade on Thursday, April 28. Haley said she trusts the Mennonite midwives moreso than the doctors she had at the Medical Center in Bowling Green.
Haley and Brandon exchange vows in Resorvoir Hill Park the night after they signed their marriage certificate on Monday, April 18. Spending a late night talking in the park was the first memory the two had together.
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MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
Congratulations to our May 2016 Graduating Class! Engineering Technology Mgt Major Alavi, Farshid Dawood, Abdulhameed Kahindi, Bright B. Suchanek, Richard D. Yani, Yeni Febriyani M. Advanced Manufacturing Major Al Ibrahim, Ibrahim A. Alanazi, Fahad A. Almohammedali, Mohammed N. Almuhanna, Hussain Sameer Almutairi, Mohammed H. Alnakhli, Abbas H. Alshehri, Abdullah H. Bakri, Fahad M. Frank, John T. Miller, Kaylie P. Townsend, Dyllon J. Architectural Science Major Alsolaim, Hatem A. Bidwell, Micah A. Capps, Nicole M. Davis, John T. Edmonds, Isaac K. Frits, Andrew J. Grebe, Jonathon B.
Haug, Garrett A. Henderson, Nicholas D. Hickey, Daniel R. Hicks, Tarsis Houck, Zackary R. Jernigan, Aaron M. King, Aaron M. Lecoffie, Victor P. Ma, Yuan Patterson, DeSean L. Tamatekou, Komlan Warren, Ryun G. Construction Management Major Barnes, Kevin V. Boone, Ernest B. Brown, Neil H. Brunn, Michael C. DeW01f, Keith D. Dye, Jason A. Hannon, Kevin P. Knight, James H. Kramer, Alexander M. Lausterer, Alex D. Nethery, Sean T. Simpkins, Jared H. Wellman, Gregory S.
Computer Info Tech Major Adam, Hibba O. Arnold, Patrick C. Brake, Robert P. Carroll, Timothy A. Clemons, Justin K. Edwards, Trenton O. Green, Jessica N. Honeycutt, Jordan J. Johnson, Stephanie S. Miller, Couttney P. Payne, Steven L. Phillippi, Austin T. Rinehart, Theodore S. Rogers, Stephen K. Russell, Randy R. Smith, Christina M. Smith, Jennifer L. Thornton, Andrew R. Villarreal, Sandy Vinton, Barbara L. Wood, Timothy S. Woods, Jeremy L.
Cox, Kenneth Crenshaw, Paula R. Fleming, Jeffery D. Jones, Jason L. Lyons, Stacie L. Morris, Anthony B. Sanders, Stephen C. Smith, Joseph R. Stobaugh, Jamie R. Strode, Thomas Vibbert, Robert S. Industrial Education Major Clark, Wesley D. Frye, Billie A. McClard, Jennifer J. Spears, Paul J. Construction Managemen Minor Gonzalez, Alexander J. Hawes, Bryant H.
Industrial Sciences Major Al Ibrahim, Ibrahim A. Technology Management Major Almuhanna, Hussain Sameer Alammar, Mohammed I. Craig, Danielle L. Alshalan, Fahad Kramer, Alexander M. Brown, Robert W.
MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
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The Faculty and Staff of the
DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING wish to congratulate our outstanding MAY 2016 class of
Graduating Marketing Majors Strategic Marketing
Sales
Social Media Marketing
Arcos Jaramillo, Francisco E. Bradenburg, Tanner J. Bryant, William C. Cavanah, Sean M. Cherry, Jenna K. Crockett, Rachel M. Falvey, Grace B. Grace-Mudd, Sydney M. Haga, Seth J. Heyward, Jeff J. Jackson, Damon C. Lincoln, Clinton T. Mata, Alexandra D. Rose, Jessi P. Vetter, Georgeanne M.
Almon, Adam T. Barnett, Kelby A. Bastin, Zachary T. Bowling, Mackenzie E. Carpenter, Kaylin M. Cochenour, Alexandria L. Corona, Jordan A. Logsdon, Brent T. Mings, Meagan L. Miniot, Jacquelin P. Raque, Chelsea L. Schwartz, Cheaney Shears, Ryan M. Sowell, Jackson C. Spears, Kimberly J. Stevenson, John E. Wells, Lavonta J. Williams, Grant C. Wilson, Skyler C. Jackson, Bryce K.
Boyd, Amanda M. Briley, Casey L. Cox, Alison J. Culbertson, Madelyn A. Gregory, Ashlee N. Honadle, Michelle N. Martinez, Berenice Mingle, Evan M. Smith, Margaret M. Wood, Mitchell S.
Marketing
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MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
CONGRATULATIONS 2016 Library Student Assistant Graduates!
Amber Archey Jessica Henao Barragan Sara Carrico Ye Duan Katie Gamble Bria Granville Sidney Hirsch Falon Keith
Zhanpeng Liu Soumya Marri Miranda Matthews Abby O’Bryan Alyssa Pointer Chia Shen Brian Steiner Amy Wolterman
The Graduate School at
The 2015-2016 John D. Minton Award Winner
Chase LaDue The 2015-2016 Outstanding Graduate Student College Winners
Amanda Lipp College of Health and Human Services
Jamye Hardy Gordon Ford College of Business
Dr. Craig Beard
The Graduate School 5 p.m. Diddle Arena
Saturday, May 14 Ogden College of Science and Engineering 9:30 a.m. Diddle Arena
Potter College of Arts and Letters, University College 2 p.m. Diddle Arena
Gordon Ford College of Business, College of Health and Human Services 6 p.m. Diddle Arena
Where Knowledge Unfolds
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Friday, May 13
Ogden College of Science and Engineering
Matthew Buchholz Potter College of Arts & Letters
Svetlana Ter-Grigoryan University College
Josh Corlew
MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
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10 WKU quirks you’ll kind of miss after graduation BY MOLLIE MOORE, BRANDON CARTER As we approach graduation, our minds are filled with nostalgia and memories. There are the obvious things to be bittersweet about: saying goodbye to your friends, moving on to adulthood, leaving behind such a familiar place. But our university is full of quirks, things we might take for granted now but will look back on in five years and remember with fondness. This list encapsulates a few of WKU’s most unique attributes. Happy graduation, Hilltoppers! 1. The weird statues on campus: Why does the bunny at the top of the Hill have such large ears? More importantly, why is there a bunny at the top of the Hill? What exactly is that thing in Centennial Mall? AND WHERE DID THE CRANES GO?! 2. Slogging through a river on the way to class: Nothing says “happy Monday!” like
trudging through rushing water as you try to make it on time to your 9:10 a.m. economics class. Unless you end up working in a national park, chances are you won’t have to brave those kind of rain side effects ever again. 3. Interrupting countless photo ops: Our campus is beautiful in the spring, but we’ve literally run into people trying to make that perfect Instagram of the blooming cherry trees. It’s impossible to walk past the Big Red statue in Downing Student Union without accidentally ruining a mother’s proud photo of her 16-year-old. 4. Sidewalks that turn into de facto streets: We love the work the WKU facilities and grounds employees do, but we thought sidewalks were where you go to avoid getting hit by a car or whatever those allterrain vehicles are actually called. Some days we wish we had a golf cart of our own. 5. Guthrie’s “songs”:
You can probably recognize the first few notes of The Beatles’ “Yesterday” or “Edelweiss” from "The Sound of Music," but that’s before the other 12 bells kick in. The more complex melodies serve as a reminder that the Hunchback of Notre Dame’s job wasn’t so easy after all. 6. Eau de Purina: You wake up early, ready to start the day. You leave your dorm bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. You breathe. The scent of dog food wafts into your nostrils. You open Twitter; everyone wants to know why campus smells like the back of PetSmart. You sigh. 7. Swag Brandon Doughty: WKU’s record-setting quarterback is gone and trying to make a name for himself in the NFL. His legacy remains, though, especially in the rap song that bears his name and the lyrics that get screamed every time you mention number 12. 8. Conflicting health choices: You might never have a free gym mem-
bership again, but you also might not live within walking distance of nine fast food restaurants, either. Nothing’s more difficult than the struggle between wanting to work out and wanting Chick-fil-A for the fourth time in a week. 9. Dodging delivery guys: Not only do you have to elbow your way past throngs of slow-walking students on your way to class, but you also have to juke the confused Jimmy John’s guy. He’s looking for a professor’s office in Cherry Hall but somehow ended up wandering around next to the Writing Center. Does he need help with a paper? No, he’s just trying to deliver a sandwich and pickle. 10. Always fielding the question: “What IS Big Red?”: We love Big Red. It eats babies and dances like nobody's watching. But unfortunately for us, the secret behind Big Red’s existence isn’t whispered in our ears as we shake Gary’s hand at commencement. It will forever be a mystery for us Hilltoppers.
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MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
LETTER FROM PRESIDENT GARY RANSDELL Dear Graduates:
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ongratulations on completing your WKU degree. I am proud of each and every one of you. I hope that I and our faculty and staff, have served you well as you have pursued and completed your WKU course of study. I look forward to seeing you at Commencement on May 13 and 14. You will be among the 2,564 students who graduate this spring. There is not a more special moment for you, your family
and friends than to walk across that red carpet and experience the symbolic culmination of your years of hard work. I hope you enjoy that special moment as much as I Gary will enjoy greeting you in Ransdell Diddle Arena. You are now joining some 120,000 WKU alumni, and your next chapter as a Hilltopper is about to begin. This chapter will be influenced by
a lifelong love affair with a very special university that will be there for you as much in the future as it has been these last few years. Stay loyal, protect and defend your university, and keep that special WKU spirit at the center of your universe. I am confident that we have prepared you well for your personal and professional lives. Work hard, serve your family well, be engaged in your community, be a global citizen and lead people to do things they did not otherwise think was
possible. That is what Hilltoppers do. Always know as you bring distinction to yourself and to those with whom you live, work and play, you will also bring distinction to WKU. Thank you for continuing to strengthen your own name and our university’s strong reputation. We look forward to following your progress and counting you among our many successful alumni. Congratulations! See you on Commencement weekend! Go Toppers!
LETTER FROM SGA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT NOLAN MILES
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illtoppers chose WKU as their college home for a reason. Whether it was because of the beautiful campus, the academic programs or the study abroad opportunities, WKU has something for everyone. Because of this, no two Hilltoppers are the same. We each have different passions, career paths and different university experiences. One thing we all have in common, however, is the shared goal of graduating. For some students, graduation can’t get here soon enough; for others, it’s a bittersweet time. I fall into the latter group. Serving as your student body executive vice president for the past two years has made me more connected and more attached to this university than I ever expected. And
while I’m sad to be leaving after five years on the Hill, I can’t wait to start the next phase of life, whatever that might be. To students who are graduating this semester, Nolan congratulations! Earning Miles a degree in today’s society is underestimated and is undoubtedly an achievement to be celebrated. You’ve spent years working toward the diploma that will now decorate your future office or home. It’s an accomplishment that should not be taken lightly. For you who are graduating but still have no idea what your next move is, don’t stress.
You are not alone. Thousands of students across the world are in the exact same position. My advice? Enjoy your time in the unknown and take a break. The transition from college to professional life is the ideal time to do the things you never thought you would get the chance to do. Save up and take an international trip, use the downtime between job hunting to learn how to play a musical instrument or even read a book that’s not a class requirement. For those who are not graduating, enjoy your time on the Hill. Whether you’re on the four-year track or the six-year track, graduation will be here before you know it. My advice is not to take the university for granted; instead, take advantage of
Wkuherald.com
what WKU has to offer. Go to a football game and stay for the entire event, or study abroad and join a club that is completely unrelated to your degree. Broaden your knowledge because you will never be around a more diverse group of people than while in college. Congratulations to the class of 2016! It’s my sincerest hope that your time at WKU has been nothing less than incredible. Your time on the Hill has contributed to both the success and growth of the university, something we are all grateful for. Take with you the memories made, the experiences had and the knowledge gained and share the WKU spirit with the world. Go Tops!
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MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
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WE’RE HERE FOR YOU, SO YOU’LL ALWAYS BE
THERE FOR THEM Offering care at times that are convenient to your schedule. GGC@WKU Health Services facility provides services for all your healthcare needs. Call today to schedule your appointment
Health Services Graves Gilbert Clinic 1681 Normal Drive Bowling Green, KY 42101 Big Red Card Accepted
For more information, please visit www.gravesgilbert.com/ggcwkuhealthservices
Mon - Thurs: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Fri & Sat: 8:00 AM to Noon
Congratulations to our Graduates! Claire Bellar, Social Studies
Amber Ipock, History
Gerron Hurt, History
Josh Sengenberger, History
Morgan Deaton, History
Spenser Clark, History
Gabriella Crofford, Social Studies
Benjamin Beam, History
Isabella Greene, History
Kaleb Caceres, History
Cole McDowell, History
Ian Rowe, History
Jordan Ferguson, Social Studies
Callie Mobley, History
Jacob Davis, History
Kaylie Durham, History
Samuel Collins, History
Robert Bell, History
Zachary Johnson, Social Studies
Carolyn Evans, History
John Greer, History
Lane Embry, History
Sean Jacobson, History
Clay Fergerson, History
Dylan Baker, Social Studies
Daniel Newman, History
Joseph Candela, History
Mary Stockler, History
Shannon Carter, History
Sidney Hirsch, History
David Nalley, History
Molly Slusher, History
Vaughn Skaggs, History
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MAY 9, 2016 • GRADUATION • WKUHERALD.COM
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