Nebraska Wesleyan University awarded degrees to 500 undergraduate and graduate students at its 129thcommencement on Saturday, May 5.
Natalie Hahn, a humanitarian whose work with United Nations programs has empowered women across Africa and beyond, delivered the commencement address. She was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. An Honorary Doctor of Laws degree was also presented to Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler.
Gold key awards for students who maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout their college careers were awarded to Eliza Fallick, Melissa Frady, Evan Mathers and Gwennan Plouzek, all of Lincoln, Ali Johnson of Pierce, Hannah Rittscher of Clearwater, and Joel Ketner of Seward. Silver key awards for students who maintained a 3.99 grade point average throughout their college careers were awarded to Kari Bankson of Axtel, Brianna Bankson of Hordville, and Kevin Hoops of Lincoln. 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 by degree.
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Axtell
Kari Lundeen, English, Silver Key, Highest Distinction
Bellevue
Emmalie Harris, English
MamerMamer, Political Science
Columbus
MeganPetermann, Psychology
Doniphan
Riley Taylor, Biology
Firth
Mackenzie Allen, Biology
Fremont
Savannah Lopez, Sociology-Anthropology
Friend
Anne Rohrig, Business Administration
Gothenburg
Carlin Daharsh, Spanish, Political Science, High Distinction
Elizabeth Potter, English, Highest Distinction
Lexington
Makenzie Hammond, History-Social Science Education, Distinction
Lincoln
Mary Chambers, Theatre Arts
KurstinDean, Philosophy and Religion, Art
Nathanial Green, History
Quinn Hullett, English, Communication, High Distinction
Makena Kelly, English
NathanKramer, Spanish, Political Science, High Distinction
Eve Lanik, Art
Morgan Mallum, Business Administration, Music
HunterMcClellan, Biology
Grant McElroy, International Business
Malik Morris, Psychology
Kaitlin Overfield, History
Ellen Richert, Political Science, English
JosephRoper, Biology, French
Elaine Samsel, Spanish
Joelle Sandfort, Art, Highest Distinction
Ian Snell, German
Alexander Souliere, English, Highest Distinction
Milford
Madison Hostetler, Biology
Norfolk
Jennifer Keenan, Biology, High Distinction
Caitlin Laferriere, Global Studies
Omaha
Jennifer Barak, Theatre and Social Change
JordanFlemington, Biology
William Garvey, Psychology, High Distinction
Luke Gregerson, Music, English
Benjamin Johnson, Psychology
Katherine Schulte, Biology, High Distinction
Papillion
Abigail Feden, English, Gender Studies, Highest Distinction
Schuyler
Alexis Rodriguez-Garcia, Global Studies
Seward
Valeria Sigala Dominguez, Psychology, Philosophy and Religion
Superior
Chelsea Renz, Psychology
Syracuse
Anna Rippe, International Business
West Point
Trisha Kaup, Biology
Santa Clarita, Calif.
Amanda Phillips, History-Social Science Education
Suisun, Calif.
Tyrell Turner, Biology
Fort Collins, Colo.
NatalieGraves, Political Science, Highest Distinction
Olathe, Kan.
Callie Rodina, Music
Henderson, Nev.
Grace Green, Communication Studies
Taiwan
Ching Chun Liu, English
BACHELOR OF ARTS and BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Omaha
Randi Knox, Modern Language Studies, Political Science, Highest Distinction
Waterloo
Emma Carlson, Art, Elementary Education
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
Elkhorn
BowenPetersen, Musical Theatre
Kearney
JosephHanson, Musical Theatre
Lincoln
Cassandra Hunt, Acting
Emma Waechter, Theatre Studies
Omaha
Mary Casey Callahan, Art
Courtney Cole, Musical Theatre
Laura Davis, Musical Theatre
Monte Monteleagre, Theatre Studies, High Distinction
Kyle Wright, Musical Theatre
Papillion
Celine Myer, Acting
Elle Thompson, Musical Theatre, Distinction
Brady Vigness, Musical Theatre
Leavenworth, Kan.
Chase Knueven, Acting
Houston, Texas
HunterMcEachern, Musical Theatre
Nadia Yakan, Musical Theatre, High Distinction
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS and BACHELOR OF ARTS
Corvallis, Mont.
Pamela Fawns, Musical Theatre, Biology
BACHELOR OF MUSIC
Albion
Brandon Dozler, Music Education (vocal/instrumental)
Bennet
Trevor Cochrane, Music Education (vocal/instrumental)
Bridgeport
Connor Zimmer, Music Education (vocal)
Grand Island
Melanie Chohon, Music Education (instrumental)
Hickman
Rylee Epp, Music Education (vocal/instrumental)
Lincoln
Joel Brown, Music Performance
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Arapahoe
Caden Weverka, Health and Fitness Studies
Arlington
Noah Borgmann, Business Administration
Ashland
Gunnar Garner, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, High Distinction
Matthew Survil, Business Administration
Kitt Watley, Social Work
Aurora
Joshua Aspegren, Exercise Science
Beatrice
DakotaBuss, Accounting
Addie Litterick, Health and Fitness Studies
Taylor Osborne, Biology, Distinction
JordanPieper, Economics
Jordyn Ragland, Elementary Education
Bellevue
Kimberly Cobelens, Social Work
Christopher Harrison, Business Administration, Sport Management
Bennet
Kaylee Hoover, Business Administration
Bennington
Nicole Liske, Biology
Broken Bow
Morgan Hueftle, Business Administration
Central City
Jamie Knight, Health and Fitness Studies
Clearwater
Hannah Rittscher, Communication, Gold Key, Highest Distinction
Columbus
Samantha Beal, Exercise Science
Allison Bos, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Crete
Ashley Vlasin, Business Administration
Cassity Youssef, Psychology, High Distinction
Davenport
Natalie Tegtmeier, Exercise Science, High Distinction
David City
Zachary Krenk, Communication
Karissa Vandenberg, Business Administration
Doniphan
Kaylee Glover, Exercise Science, High Distinction
Dwight
Taylor Zitek, Biology
Elkhorn
Caleb Craven, Physics, Mathematics, Distinction
Madison Ethen, Accounting
Jordan Scott, Sport Management
Fairbury
Grayson Vaughn, Elementary Education
Falls City
Brooke Scheitel, Elementary Education, Special Education
Fort Calhoun
Emily Anderson, Elementary Education
Fremont
Eliott Gloeb, Biology
Patrick Herink, Physics
Kerri Peterson, Social Work
Sarah Young, Communication
Gothenburg
Regan Geiken, Elementary Education, Distinction
Grand Island
Sydni Harris, Exercise Science
Joseph O'Connor, Biology
AllisonOstdiek, Health and Fitness Studies, High Distinction
Jessica Salinas, Business Administration
Riley Shenk, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, High Distinction
Carly Wahlmeier, Biology, Highest Distinction
Grant
Sarah Medich, Elementary Education
Gretna
Lyndsey Harpenau, Accounting
Michael Johnson, Accounting
Madison Stock, Biology, High Distinction
Caitlin Vavra, Criminal Justice in Society
Hampton
Tristan Boyce, Business Administration
Hayes Center
Tristan Johnson, Health and Fitness Studies
Holdrege
Andrew Maaske, Mathematics, Business Administration
Hordville
Brianna Bankson, Elementary Education, Silver Key, Highest Distinction
Imperial
Jodi Koellner, Criminal Justice in Society
Johnson
Nicole Carbajal, Biology
Kearney
Milisa Follmer, Biology
Lavista
Shelby Pickering, Elementary Education
Lincoln
Iman Al-Saadi, Elementary Education
Samuel Aldridge, History
Mary Andrew, Exercise Science
JordanArndt, Business-Sociology
Sally Barie, History
Chad Berens, Sport Management
Braedon Blazek, Business Administration
DonaldBreit IV, Biology
Alina Brichka, Criminal Justice
RobertBryantIV, Business Administration
Haley Bucknell, Economics
Bryan Butler, Athletic Training
Monique Camacho, Criminal Justice
David Carter, Social Work
Dustin Churchwell, Health and Fitness Studies, High Distinction
Jerry Cunning, Business Administration
Anna Donley, Psychology
Jessica Doolan, Organizational Leadership and Communication
JeffreyDunn Jr., Political Science, Distinction
Alysha Dupsky, Organizational Leadership and Communication
Narin Ehrisman, Organizational Leadership and Communication, High Distinction
Mitchell Elam, Business Administration
Andrea Evans, Social Work
Eliza Fallick, Biology, Gold Key, Highest Distinction
Cole Felber, Economics
Emily Foley, Health and Fitness Studies
Melissa Frady, Organizational Leadership and Communication, Gold Key, Highest Distinction
Megan Gray, Social Work
Gracelyn Gustafson, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Chandler Haefele, Biology
Jacey Hain, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, High Distinction
Kathryn Hamm, Organizational Leadership and Communication
DaltonHegeholz, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, High Distinction
Kevin Hoops, Business Administration, Silver Key, Highest Distinction
Melanie Jacobsen, Business Administration
Taylor James, Biology
Tyler Janssen, Business Administration
Chase Keitges, Health and Physical Education
Crew Keller, Sport Management, Business Administration
Gina Khoudeida, Social Work
Joelie Kuntz, Criminal Justice
Alexander Kuszak, Political Science
Amanda Loseke, Business Administration
Dan Mai, Biology
Samantha Mareno, Communication, Political Science, High Distinction
ColetteMartens, Social Work
Evan Mathers, Political Science, Economics, Gold Key, Highest Distinction
Brett Mattson, Political Science
Joel Maxwell, Physics, Mathematics
Jessie Maynard, Business-Sociology
Madeleine Miller, Criminal Justice in Society
Justin Modarres-Fathi, Business Administration
Joshua Nunnally, Business Administration
Melissa Nuss, Organizational Leadership and Communication
Ryan Pace, Business Administration
Gwennan Plouzek, Biology, Gold Key, Highest Distinction
Jonathan Post, Business Administration
Austin Reece, Business Administration
Jonathan Rife, Business Administration
Julia Sanford, Communication
Kelsey Saunders, Social Work
Jared Scdoris, Criminal Justice in Society
James Schiwart, Psychology
Kaden Schopp, Biology
Mitchell Sherman, Business Administration
Connor Springman, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
TannerSprouse, Business Administration
Jamie Steckelberg Scott, Social Work
Justus Stocks, Sport Management
Benjamin Svehla, Business Administration
Cherie Teague, Social Work
Luke Thaller, Health and Fitness Studies
Caleb Thiessen, Sport Management
Amy Towle, Organizational Leadership and Communication
Tessa Tramp, Exercise Science
Matthew Unruh, Health and Fitness Studies
Tarin Van Slyke, Exercise Science
Haley Veigel, Biology
Tia Wetzel, Social Work
Heather Wolfgram, Social Work
Rebecca Wright, Psychology, High Distinction
Louisville
LeighAnn Novotny, Mathematics
Sara Rollins, Business Administration
Milford
Austin Shook, Health and Fitness Studies
Nebraska City
Jessica Schomerus, Elementary Education, Special Education, Highest Distinction
Norfolk
Landen Thieman, Accounting
North Platte
Collin Pieper, Biology, Highest Distinction
O’Neill
Justine Blumenstock, Biology, Highest Distinction
Ogallala
Sidney Mell, Business Administration
Omaha
Grant Barges, Accounting
Susan Burgess, Accounting
Christian Cannon, Health and Fitness Studies
April Carnes, Social Work
Hannah Casey, Business-Sociology
Angie Cook, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Distinction
Carly Costanzo, Social Work
Bryce Darner, Accounting
Ashraf Gandul, Communication
Tyler Knapp, Sport Management
Nicholas Kreski, Health and Fitness Studies
Sara Krzycki, Business Administration
Samantha Mareno, Communication, Political Science
RobertMicheels, Political Science
Bryan Moore, Business Administration, Sport Management
Arlie Myers, Accounting
Meghan Petersen, Social Work, High Distinction
Ann Schulte, Economics
Danylo Serednytsky, Accounting
Olivia Sharp, Biology
Shane Starr, Criminal Justice in Society
Nicole Vana, Psychology
Kira VanCleve, Health and Fitness Studies, High Distinction
Deion Wells-Ross, Business Administration
Ord
Trevor Fahrenholz, Business Administration
Papillion
Adam Granville, Exercise Science
Rachel Kendall, Exercise Science, Highest Distinction
Cory Plugge, Accounting
Rachael Robey, Social Work, Highest Distinction
Shelby Schmiedt, History, Political Science, High Distinction
Pender
Benny Oliver, Business Administration
Pierce
Ali Johnson, Elementary Education, Gold Key, Highest Distinction
Plattsmouth
Garrett Cadotte, Health and Fitness Studies
Roseland
Kimberly Hansen, Exercise Science
Schuyler
Jill Brichacek, Psychology
Scottsbluff
SteaVen Becker, Psychology
Seward
Joel Ketner, Biology, Gold Key, Highest Distinction
Sidney
Rachel Petik, Exercise Science
South Sioux City
Audra Thramer, Criminal Justice in Society
Stanton
Rachel Shafer, Biology
Sutton
Katherine Nuss, Special Education, Elementary Education
Syracuse
Tyler Hawkins, Business Administration
Wahoo
Seth Lindgren, Physics
Waverly
Veda Corliss, Business Administration
Brody Murphy, Business Administration
Bailey Schuelke, Economics
Kelsey Spence, Organizational Leadership and Communication, High Distinction
Allison Thorn, Communication Studies
Weeping Water
Lon Nutter, Business
West Point
Jordan Kreikemeier, Social Work
Jamison Ulrich, Communication Studies, Social Work, Highest Distinction
Wood River
Kelsey Bahe, Athletic Training, High Distinction
Vietnam
An Ho, Chemistry, Distinction
Sylmar, Calif.
Matthew Orozco, Business Administration
Brighton, Colo.
Kyle Hunter, Business Administration
Broomfield, Colo.
Ty Garner, Environmental Studies
Cheyenne Wells, Colo.
DaltonRenner, Criminal Justice in Society
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Victoria Gorman, Exercise Science
Fort Collins, Colo.
JeffreyMcClure II, Business Administration
Highlands Ranch, Colo.
RachelDelany, Elementary Education, Special Education, High Distinction
Longmont, Colo.
Brittany Pair, Sport Management
Adam Reigle, Health and Fitness Studies
Monument, Colo.
Evan Sandberg, Business Administration
Steamboat Springs, Colo.
Zachary Dunklin, Accounting
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Toni Steward, Health Science
Mondamin, Iowa
Jessi Neill, Social Work
Sioux City, Iowa
Flor de Maria Garcia-Garza, Business Administration, Psychology
Rockford, Ill.
Nikolas Cacciapaglia Bruno, Exercise Science
Detroit, Mich.
Latrice Estell, Social Work
Rochester, Minn.
Christopher Clopton, Athletic Training
Woodbury, Minn.
Emily Bolduan, Communication
Cody, Wyo.
Madison Montgomery, Mathematics
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE and BACHELOR OF ARTS
Omaha
Torey Kogel, Psychology, Modern Language Studies
Andrew Wright, Health and Fitness Studies, Theatre Arts, Distinction
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE and BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Lincoln
Miranda Zitek, Exercise Science, Nursing
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Aurora
Sydney Wergin, Distinction
Beatrice
Heidi Lauenstein
Rebecca Pfeiffer
Bellevue
Callie Hensel, High Distinction
Peace Johnson
Dana Ryherd
Bennet
Camilla Whitney
Bennington
Amy Murcek
Colon
Kelsey Chapek
Columbus
Kimberly Hayward
Cortland
Madison Jordening, Nursing
Fairmont
Abbie Bottrell
Filley
Taylor Buhr
Lavista
Akpene Avitso
Hayden Kilgore
Lincoln
Ashley Hanson
Anna Loden
Ericka Lyons, High Distinction
Cassandra Newton
Tara Peacock
Zachary Petitt
Ruth Wambui
Cora Yost
Murray
Devanne Martin
Nebraska City
Catherine Olney
Newman Grove
Sarah Scott
Nora
Lakin Lynch
O’Neill
Jessica Simons
Omaha
Enyonam Abalekpor
Kokou Azonyibo
Melissa Christopherson
Kevin Edwards
Tonya Flakus
Mildred Greenway
Ann Hayes
Linda Iwuagwu
Sonia Kitegi
Rosine Megue Mbede
Opeyemi Oloyede
SapanaShrestha Thakali
Aubrey Smith
Mary Joy Stein
Valerie Whitmore
Papillion
Abigail Cahill
Seward
Yvette Yoder
Wahoo
Amy Martin
LaTausha Pokorny
Waverly
Elizabeth Mendoza
Susan Swierczek
Wayne
Drew Workman
Whitman
Bobbi Ferguson
York
Nicole Mertens
Loveland, Colo.
Leslie Seaman
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Dawn Gunzenhauser
Sarah Koesters
Stephanie Rhoten
Malvern, Iowa
Jean Bassich
Onawa, Iowa
Elizabeth Beauchamp
Shenandoah, Iowa
Jill Laughlin
Treynor, Iowa
Carol Schechinger, High Distinction
Underwood, Iowa
Susan Devereaux, High Distinction
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Crete
AngelaSears
Davenport
Quint Bottolfsen
Dodge
Garrett Sellhorst
Elkhorn
Amy McLain
Fairbury
Catherine Michels
Hebron
Tarryn Tietjen
Lincoln
Michael Beltz
Logan Donahoo
Grant Duffy
Jessie Evertson
Brandon Halvorsen
Sean Heard
James Hix
Cristena Kamar
Carson Kaufman
Timothy Mudgett
Ross Mueller
Amy Peters
Osamah Rashid
Blake Ritter
Nicholas Schaffer
Damian Smith
Cindy Turman
Milford
Allyson Schellpeper
North Bend
Matthew Scott
Omaha
Ryan Anderson
Brittany Cvitak
Tori Georges
Anna May
Lisa Strasheim
Jennifer Anderson
Papillion
Pamela Roland
Syracuse
Fredrick Rumery
West Point
Kendra Schlautman
Golden, Colo.
John Nespor
Grand Forks, N.D.
Allison Burris
Dayton, Ohio
Keith Flaute
Ripon, Wis.
Karin Hanisch
MASTER OF EDUCATION
Chicago, Ill.
Meaghan Bertog, Curriculum and Instruction
Aurora
Jacob Shaffer, Curriculum and Instruction
Lincoln
Jackson Carter, Curriculum and Instruction
Gregory Chappelle, Curriculum and Instruction
Nicki Classen, Curriculum and Instruction
Isaac Jefferson, Curriculum and Instruction
Matthew Macoubrie, Curriculum and Instruction
Dylann Pinkman, Curriculum and Instruction
Ian Thompson, Curriculum and Instruction
Grant Traynowicz, Curriculum and Instruction
North Platte
Hannah Wid, Curriculum and Instruction
Omaha
Jaia Bricker, Curriculum and Instruction
Kalen Carlson, Curriculum and Instruction
Samantha Engel,Curriculum and Instruction
Lorrin LaFleur, Curriculum and Instruction
Jennifer Lundeen, Curriculum and Instruction
Kent Putnam, Curriculum and Instruction
Kirsten Suhr, Curriculum and Instruction
Samantha Summerlin, Curriculum and Instruction
Julie Wawers, Curriculum and Instruction
Papillion
Kelsey Dayan, Curriculum and Instruction
Tekamah
Jill Weatherly, Curriculum and Instruction
West Point
Ryan Batenhorst, Curriculum and Instruction
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE
Grand Island
Addie Voss
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Fort Collins, Colo.
Kathleen Kaiser-Barbee
David City
Rachelle Davis
Fairbury
ShaylinLikens
Gering
Tammy Green
Lincoln
Shannon George
Teresa King
LuAnn Mozer
Omaha
Wendell Barbee
Robin Carlson
Diana Nyaboga
Monica Schneider
Stanton
Alice Osborn
Wahoo
Guila Dunning
Cheryl Sieck
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING/MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
David City
Melanie Schwery
Omaha
Sara Cooper
Kristin Kloppenburg