Dr. Fred Ohles, president of Nebraska Wesleyan University, awarded degrees to nearly 430 undergraduate and graduate students during Nebraska Wesleyan University’s 121st annual commencement held Saturday, May 15.
Joan McClurg Hall, a successful Chicago attorney and co-founder of the Young Women’s Leadership Charter School of Chicago, the city’s only public all-girls school, gave the commencement address.
Honorary degrees were presented to Rev. Cecil C. Bliss, a 1956 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan and retired pastor of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln, and former Congressman Doug Bereuter, president and CEO of The Asia Foundation.
Eleven students were awarded the Gold Key Award for maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average during their college career. Those students are Evan Janzen and Derek Werner, both of Aurora, Danielle Virts, Kirsten Foster, Meghen Friesen and Shannon Kingery, all of Lincoln; Travis Johnson of Milford, Zachary Woodward of Minden, Brian Copley of Syracuse, Emily Bruflat of Wayne, and Jaclyn Smith of Huxtun, Colo. Two students received the Silver Key Award for maintaining a 3.99 grade point average during their college careers. The Silver Key honorees are Edie Anderzhon of Shenandoah, Iowa, and Christopher Anderson of Plattsmouth.
Other honor graduates are designated below with highest distinction (3.93 or higher GPA), high distinction (3.86-3.92 GPA), and distinction (3.80-3.85 GPA).
Students who received degrees from Nebraska Wesleyan are listed alphabetically by degree.
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Alliance
Kelly Garwood, English
Arnold
Chelsea Beshaler, Communication
Beatrice
Gregory Sederberg, History
Bellevue
Jennifer Austin, Theatre Arts, Communication
Blair
Brianna Christoffersen, Communication, Spanish
Bridgeport
Nicholas Myers, History
Chadron
Andrew Pope, History, Political science
Columbus
Lauren Jablonski, Spanish
David City
Elise Schmid, Elementary Education
Dubois
MacKenzie Derby, Psychology
Eagle
Leslie Cumings, Psychology
Elk Creek
Kasha Krueger, Biology
Elsie
Robert Jameson, International Business
Filley
Jordan Jurgens, Accounting
Fordyce
Kelsey Stevens, Psychology
Kristine Sudbeck, Global Studies, Spanish
Fremont
Rianon Kohl, History
Gering
Jessica Holliday, Psychology, Distinction
Grand Island
Aaron Pomajzl, Philosophy and Bachelor of Science, Biology, High Distinction
Gretna
Stefanie Skrdla, Communication
Hastings
Jay Anderson, Global Studies
Kearney
Lauren Liebig, Business Administration, Spanish
Lavista
Ashley Tuthill, Sociology-Anthropology, German, Distinction
Lawrence
Melinda Hofstetter, Psychology
Lexington
Amanda Hansen, Psychology
Lincoln
Jon Morten, Economics
Grant Anderson, Music, Art
Christopher Bornman, Spanish
Vanessa Buck, English
Naomi Canarsky, Business Administration
Jenna Carson, Art
Christie DeVries, Spanish
Evan Divis, Psychology
Alyssa Fiala, Theatre Arts, Business Administration
Dominique Green, Art
Jenna Hanson, Music
Derek Hutchins, English, Highest Distinction
Jacob Inkelaar, Music
Alissa Irions, English, Psychology
Jamie Jaques, Communication
Soren Johnson, Psychology
Lisa Jungbluth, Psychology
Erin Kubicek, Biology
Daniel Le, Psychology; BS Biology
Hong-Hanh Le, Psychology
Samantha Mertz, Communication
Courtney Moncrief, Music, Psychology
Elizabeth Ogg, English
Melissa Penn, Music, Political Science, Spanish
Karin Price, Music
Brendan Rice, Sociology-Anthropology
Lydia Samuelson, Psychology, Distinction
Owen Schmidt, History, Spanish
Kelsey Strain, Spanish
Clifford Trehearn, Accounting
Danielle Virts, Chemistry, Highest Distinction, Gold Key
Cara Ward, Communication
Craig Waters, Communication
Alicia Weixelman, English
Loup City
Calla Harrington, Spanish, High Distinction
Minden
Alea Speer, Philosophy
Nickerson
Kristina Carlson, Psychology
Norfolk
Jessica Piske, Psychology, Highest Distinction
North Platte
Jessica States, Business Administration, Communication, High Distinction
O’Neill
Anne Kersenbrock, History
Omaha
Tyler Andersen, Communication
Alexandra Bartlett, Psychology
Sarah Crawford, Art
Kimberly Garvey, Psychology
Ali Jaffery, Political Science
Matthew Kuhlenengel, Philosophy, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryan Ono, International Business
Osceola
Jenna Palensky, Music, Distinction
Papillion
Kathleen Smith, Psychology
Pierce
Alyssa Silhacek, Political Science, High Distinction
Roca
Spencer Evers, Communication
Schuyler
Megan Mejskrik, Psychology
Seward
Brooke Aldrich, Art, Psychology
Terrin Wurdeman, Business Administration
Spalding
Mitchell Glesinger, Communication
Stanton
Darin Weiland, Psychology
Syracuse
Brian Copley, History, Political Science, Highest Distinction, Gold Key
Tecumseh
Kiley Miller, Psychology
Waco
Jenna Greckel, Communication
Wahoo
Kristin Krejci, Psychology
Jacob Tranmer, Communication, Highest Distinction
Waverly
Daniel Leatherman, Art
Wayne
Sean Peterson, Art
Weeping Water
Jordan Wipf, English, Philosophy, Highest Distinction
York
Miles Powers, Political Communication
Centennial, Colo.
Caroline Rafle, Theatre arts
Haxtun, Colo.
Jaclyn Smith, History, Spanish, Highest Distinction, Gold Key
Ellaville, Ga.
Bolin Orton, Psychology
Waterloo, Iowa
Christine Hatterman, Political Science, Gender Studies
Becker, Minn.
Meera Bhardwaj, English
Lees Summit, Mo.
Mollie Comfort, Theatre Arts
Oak Grove, Mo.
Morgan Godemann
Asheville, N.C.
Allison Hausman, Spanish
Randolph, N.J.
Ashley Meyerhoff, Economics
Mitchell, S.D.
Erik Anderson, Psychology
Yankton, S.D.
Justin Iverson, Psychology
Nashville, Tenn.
Tyler-Anne Ogg, Gender Studies
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Anthony Schneider, Theatre Arts
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Gretna
Timothy Polson, Business Administration
Lincoln
Eric Buzzell, Business
Jacqueline Fairbanks, Business Administration
Andrea Langrud, Business
Joshua Lehn, Business
Noe Ramirez, Business
Brent Schleicher, Business
Michael Smydra, Business
Mead
Timothy Divis, Business, Highest Distinction
Omaha
Ashlyn Beaman, Business Administration
Brian Hopkins, Business Administration
Dennis Wager, Business
Raymond
John Osmera, Business Administration
Waverly
Marion Polivka, Business Administration, Distinction
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Bobby Hike, Business
Plainfield, Ill.
Melanie Leung, Business Administration
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Clarkson
Elizabeth Clausen, Theatre Arts
Columbus
Timothy Andersen, Theatre Arts
Daykin
Jill Meyer, Theatre Arts
Lincoln
Elisa Baker, Art
Jared Flores, Art
Eric Norby, Art
Sydney Ray, Theatre Arts
North Platte
Whitney Mueller, Theatre Arts
Papillion
Michelle Boykin, Theatre Arts
Schuyler
Cory Misek, Theatre Arts
Payson, Ariz.
Christopher Bott, Theatre Arts
Grinnell, Iowa
Benjamin Stewart, Theatre Arts
Overland Park, Kan.
Caroline Vuchetich, Theatre Arts
Wauwatosa, Wis.
Molly Kral, Theatre Arts
Whitefish Bay, Wis.
Samuel Kishline, Theatre Arts
Milwaukee, Wis.
Sherrick Robinson, Theatre Arts
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Crete
Marcus Price, Music Education and Bachelor of Art, Spanish
Lincoln
Aubrey Logsdon, Music Education
Schuyler
Christine Valish, Music Education
Wayne
Emily Bruflat, Music Education, Highest Distinction, Gold Key
Shenandoah, Iowa
Edie Anderzhon, Music Education, Highest Distinction, Silver Key
Topeka, Kan.
Kensy Berggren, Music Education, Highest Distinction
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Anselmo
Sara Hunt, Political Science
Arapahoe
Ryan Stagemeyer, Exercise Science
Hollie Thomas, Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Aurora
Evan Janzen, Biology, Highest Distinction, Gold Key
Darren Jarosik, Business Administration
Kyle Shaffer, Exercise Science, Highest Distinction
Derek Werner, Economics, Highest Distinction, Gold Key
Beatrice
Christina Mayer, Social Work
Logan McGuffey, Biology, Highest Distinction
Samuel Thomsen, Biology, Highest Distinction
Beaver Crossing
Jennifer Bristol, Social Work
Bellevue
Brett Hale, Business Administration
Burwell
Jaclyn Spelts, Health and Fitness Studies
Ceresco
Monica Barger, Psychology
Chadron
Tyrone Franklin, Mathematics
Clay Center
Tyler Boman, Exercise Science
Columbus
Josh Jepsen, Sport Management
Crete
Sheena Filip, Exercise Science
Culbertson
Garrett Rippen, Business Administration, Distinction
David City
Todd Eberle, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Kyle Eller, Exercise Science
Eagle
Michael Kratz, Sport Management
Amber Maul, Biology
Ashley Maul, Business Administration
Kara Pohlman, Accounting, High Distinction
Ewing
Ryan Thramer, Sport Management
Exeter
Taylor Emshoff, Accounting
Fairbury
Brittny Barber, Health and Fitness Studies
Falls City
Lee Hullman, Business Administration
Alyssa Sickel, Biology, High Distinction
Fremont
Braden Beckman, Psychology, Distinction
Lisa Haberberger, Elementary Education
Nathan Leonard, Business Administration, Spanish
Alexandra Zoucha, Information Systems, Spanish
Fullerton
Tyler Ridder, Health and Physical Education, Business Administration
Gothenburg
Rebecca Jacobsen, Sport Management
Grand Island
Alex Bednar, Biology, History
Jessica Harden, Biology
Jacob Riha, Sport Management, Business Administration
Laura Welch, Biology
Cole Zahm, Business Administration
Gretna
Benjamin Iske, Biology, High Distinction
Jacob Spurgeon, Business Administration
Hampton
Abby Tranel, Political Science
Hastings
Colleen Boyd, Business Administration
Molly Conner, Exercise Science, Spanish
Preston Englund, Business Administration
Catherine Koozer, Biology
Kelly Light, Business Administration
Gretchen Maurer, Exercise Science
Kate Nicholson, Social Work
Christopher Souchek, Psychology
Hickman
Andrew Laflin, Exercise Science
Holdrege
Colby Gray, Accounting
Howells
Bryon Janata, Business Administration
Johnstown
Laurel Johnson, Social Work, Sociology-Anthropology, Highest Distinction
Kearney
Alex Bryson, Business Administration
Philip Hranac, Business Administration
Lexington
Nathan Jaeger, Business Administration
Curtis Roemmich, Exercise Science
Liberty
Holden Rees, Biology
Lincoln
Sarah Aguirre, Social Work
Chelsea Allen, Elementary Education
Christopher Anderson, Business Administration
Paul Aylward, Biology, Distinction
Andrew Barron, Mathematics
Douglas Bauer, Natural Sciences Education, Biology, High Distinction
Travis Benesch, Social Work
David Branker, Mathematics, Computer Science
Ryan Caldwell, Economics
Eleanor Carroll, Social Work
Garrett Chandler, Business Administration
Nathan Clayburn, Physics, High Distinction
Paul Cramer, Exercise Science
Samuel Cutshall, Business Administration
Rebecca Dean, Social Work
Paul Drake-Stockard, Sociology-Anthropology
Kylene Ensrud, Organizational Communication
Kasey Farwell, Social Work
Kirsten Foster, Biology, Highest Distinction, Gold Key
Meghen Friesen, Chemistry, Highest Distinction, Gold Key
Rachel Garrett, Exercise Science, High Distinction
Stephanie Genrich, Psychology
Joshua Gordon, Business Administration
Kesha Grenemeier, Elementary Education
Cory Hilgenkamp, Sport Management
Wesley Hiser, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Charleah Hutchins, Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Rebecca Jacobsen, Sport Management
Kristine Jensen, Special Education, Elementary Education
Colleen Johnson, Elementary Education
John Johnson, Business Administration
Kory Kahlandt, Business Administration
Jennifer Kaser, Special Education, Elementary Education
Joshua Kendle, Athletic Training
Shannon Kingery, Organizational Communication, Highest Distinction, Gold Key
Andrew Kletchka, Business Administration
Cameron Kolling, Athletic Training
Travis Krans, Biology
Ashlie Krontz, Social Work
Abby Krueger, Biology
Emily Larson, Elementary Education, High Distinction
Lauren Maddox, Sociology-Anthropology
Allyson Mahlman, Special Education, Elementary Education
Karl Merchant, Global Studies
Michaela Michel, Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Jordan Miller, Sociology-Anthropology
Stefany Montes, Social Work
Carolyn Moore, Biopsychology
Natalie Nickel, Business Administration
Eric Noel, Biology, Distinction
Will Oehlertz, Exercise Science
Taryn Overton, Biology, Distinction
Nathan Persell, Biology
Denise Polson-Waller, Sociology-Anthropology
Shannon Poysa, Business-Sociology
Mikaela Richard, Exercise Science
Jennifer See, Social Work
Renee Snider, Organizational Communication
Ashley Stang, Exercise Science
Kelsey Steinmeyer, Communication Studies
Erica Thiel, Biology
Lindsey Tomes, Business-Psychology
Grant Traynowicz, Health & Physical Education
Malcolm Wade, Business Administration
Joyce Wolfe, Organizational Communication
Michael Zabel, Business Administration
Louisville
Kiley Lamb, Exercise Science
Madison
Michael Herz, Sport Management, Business Administration
Malcolm
Nicole Smathers, Exercise Science
Milford
Travis Johnson, Accounting, Highest Distinction, Gold Key
Cynthia Torell, Sociology-Anthropology
Rachel Weber, Natural Sciences Education, Biology
Minden
Zachary Woodward, Biology, Spanish, Highest Distinction, Gold Key
Murdock
Sydnee Buresh, Exercise Science
Luke Luetchens, Sport Management
Niobrara
Sabreena Larson, Biology
Norfolk
Katie Konopasek, Business Administration
Cole McCallum, Exercise Science
North Platte
Daniel Beckmann, Health and Physical Education
Mollie Golden, Biology
Ogallala
Chase Edwards, Biology
Omaha
J. Cook, Sociology-Anthropology
Kirsten Johnson, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Distinction
Lindsey Kraft, Elementary Education
Jessica Noel, Business Administration
Brian Robinson, Biology
Andrew Stothert, Biology
Anthony Terp, Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Palmyra
Nichole Schroder, Special Education, Elementary Education, Highest Distinction
Papillion
Seth Armstrong, Business Administration
Pender
Andrew Gatzemeyer, Sport Management
McKenzie Minert, Special Education, Elementary Education
Phillips
Eric Smoyer, Athletic Training
Platte Center
Tara Sueper, Exercise Science, Distinction
Plattsmouth
Christopher Anderson, Biology, Highest Distinction, Silver Key
Matthew Hagge, Biology
Polk
Joshua Hudson, Sport Management
Levi Lindburg, Sport Management
Raymond
Amy Walkinshaw, Organizational Communication
Rising City
Audra Duren, Social Work
Christopher Sander, Mathematics
Schuyler
Allison Aldrich, Health and Physical Education
Scribner
Nathan Pribnow, Mathematics
Seward
Jerod Franck, Exercise Science, Psychology
Beth Wegman, Biology
St. Paul
Megan Tucker, Social Work
Stanton
Michelle Tiedtke, Business Administration
Superior
Abby Schmidt, Accounting, High Distinction
Sutton
Denise Vargas, Social Work
Syracuse
Danielle Kunz, Business Administration
Tecumseh
Aaron Gottula, Business Administration
Tekamah
Hiram Lydick, Psychology
Unadilla
Patrick Lechner, Sociology-Anthropology
Valparaiso
Bailey Maresh, Biology, Highest Distinction
Wallace
Andy Coppersmith, Sport Management, Business Administration
Walton
Erin Kinberg, Biology
Wausa
Carlie Johnson, Business Administration
Waverly
Benjamin Hestermann, Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Wilcox
Holly Carr, Health and Fitness Studies
Wood River
Benjamin Egger, Exercise Science
Wymore
Kevin Grummert, Physics
Loves Park, Ill.
James Petri, Computer Science
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Colleen McClellan, Athletic Training, Distinction
Fort Collins, Colo.
Roy O’Neil, Biopsychology
Bainville, Mont.
Corey Allard, Biology, High Distinction
Saint Charles, Mo.
Mary Seeling, Biopsychology
Keystone, S.D.
Joshua Miller, Health and Fitness Studies
Winner, S.D.
Emily Schueth, Athletic Training
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Bellevue
Yam Gurung, Nursing
Carolyne Kitur, Nursing
Jamie Sands, Nursing
Bennington
Shannon Bryant, Nursing
Blair
Brittney Gunderson, Nursing
Cortland
Kristie Gubbels, Nursing
Ronald Woita, Nursing
Eagle
Sarah Bossung, Nursing
Gretna
Vicki Lyons, Nursing
Lincoln
Kelli Blum, Nursing
Angela Dawson, Nursing
Jill Heiss, Nursing
Stephanie Hertzel, Nursing
Lisa Kendle, Nursing
Michelle Korte, Nursing
Sandra Osten, Nursing
Laura Schram, Nursing
Kamille Skrdla, Nursing
Tanya Smith, Nursing
Krystal Todd, Nursing
Simone Vampola, Nursing
Lindsey Vlcan, Nursing
Nebraska City
Ashley Stuart, Nursing
Omaha
Amy Brasel, Nursing
Michelle Danner, Nursing
Essi Eklou, Nursing
Myra Gaius-Anyaegbu, Nursing
Kavita Guragain, Nursing
Lyndsi Hall, Nursing
Erin Jensen, Nursing
Sang-Min Kim, Nursing
Sayoko Kobayashi, Nursing
Michelle Kuehn, Nursing
Lisa Longwell, Nursing
Emmanuel Nabi, Nursing
Gayle Reyes, Nursing
Sara Soliman, Nursing
Sally Spielman, Nursing
Papillion
Gloria Okereke, Nursing
Syracuse
Melissa Nannen, Nursing
Atlantic, Iowa
Brian Dumstorff, Nursing
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Elizabeth Anderson, Nursing
Kodi Bebensee, Nursing
Rachel Escritt, Nursing
Christopher Olsen, Nursing
Stanton, Iowa
Jennifer Veon, Nursing
MASTER OF ARTS IN HISTORICAL STUDIES
Aurora
Brenda Klawonn
Eagle
La Jean Magnuson
Lincoln
Lana Bolles
Marsha Bradbury
Barbara Debrick
Joel Hayden
Elizabeth Johnson
Joseph Lefler
Kelly Mitchell
Bonnie Parish
Suzan Schoening
Lisa Trobee
Lisa Wiedel
Sarah Wilson
Raymond
David Jensen
Rebecca Jensen
MASTER OF FORENSIC SCIENCE
Blair
Lychee Ilumba
Gretna
Jody Mantich
Lincoln
Christel Davis
Mary Earnhardt
Mark Melendes
Pedram Nabegh
Justin Osgood
Jeff Rathman
William Sawtell
Kimberly Van Den Akker
Erica Wright
Omaha
Annalisa Baumgard
Stacy Wieseler
Raymond
Nichole Brophy
Tecumseh
Allison Walcker
York
Amanda Kruse
Oro Valley, Ariz.
Danelle Bemis
Ankeny, Iowa
David Billings
Lenexa, Kan.
Rachel Glenn
Mountain View, Wyo.
Kael Lyman
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Bellevue
Jayne Gibson
Eagle
Dawn Isaacs
Mary Luber
Fremont
Mary Kroeten
Lincoln
Ann-Marie Avalos
Meghan Freeze
Melissa Heavican
Elaine Selig
Omaha
Jamie Agnew
Kellie Clifford
Nanci Kantor
Laura Mitchell
Jill Raabe
Plattsmouth
Risa Riha
Springfield
Gail Carlson
Jessica Koehlmoos