What: UNK Summer Commencement
When: 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1.
Where: Ponderosa Room, Nebraskan Student Union
Webcast: www.unk.edu or the “UNKearney” channel on You Tube.
Parking: Parking is available east of the Nebraskan Student Union, north of College of Education, west of Cope Stadium, and in lots near Centennial Towers East and West. Note that the bridge on University Drive between the College of Education parking lot and Cushing Coliseum is closed due to construction.
KEARNEY – More than 200 graduate and undergraduate degrees will be conferred at the University of Nebraska at Kearney commencement exercises at 10 a.m. Friday (Aug. 1) in the Ponderosa Room in the Nebraskan Student Union.
In all, there are 214 candidates for degrees – 96 undergraduate and 118 graduate degrees.
Susanne Bloomfield, professor of English at UNK, will deliver the commencement address. An award-winning faculty member, Bloomfield has been on the faculty at UNK since 1979. Her specialty areas are 19thCentury American Literature, Western and Multicultural literature, biography and memoir, and English education.
She is a winner of UNK’s Leland Holdt Distinguished Faculty Award and Pratt-Heins awards in both scholarship/research and teaching. She has dozens of other state and national awards and fellowships for excellence in teaching and research.
Bloomfield is the author of 10 books, including three national award-winning biographies published by the University of Nebraska Press. Her hundreds of published essays, poems, book reviews, photography, manuscripts and other works include a book manuscript in progress. “Never Sell the Land: A Love Story of the Great Plains” is a memoir and cultural history.
Bloomfield was UNK’s 2013 Distinguished Alumni of the Year. Her address is titled “Life Accumulates.”
Brandon Drozd, a bachelor’s degree candidate in organizational communication from Genoa, will present the graduate reflection. A member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Class and an Honors graduate, Drozd has been active in Greek life. He served as president of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) and president of the Interfraternity Council. He was the Nu Kappa Brother of the Year in 2011 and member of the Omega-Greek Honor Society. Drozd plans to attend graduate school at the University of Kansas.
UNK Chancellor Douglas Kristensen will give the welcome. Cami Graves, a 2003 UNK alumna, and Nolan Pribnow, a junior music education major, will perform the national anthem.
For those unable to attend commencement in person, the event will be available as a webcast. Information for the webcast is located at www.unk.edu or by visiting the UNKearney channel on You Tube. In addition, individuals on campus can view ceremonies via Campus Cable TV, Channel 2.
Candidates for degrees are listed below in three groups: graduates from Nebraska, graduates from across the United States and international graduates. Nebraska graduates are listed in alphabetical order by hometown. Out-of-state graduates are listed in alphabetical order by state. International graduates are listed in alphabetical order by country. Degrees are listed.
Students graduating with honors have the honors noted after their names. Honors, along with grade point averages necessary to earn those honors, include: summa cum laude, 3.90-4.00; magna cum laude, 3.80-3.89; cum laude, 3.70-3.79; and honorable mention, 3.50-3.69.
NEBRASKA
Adams – Aaron Delhay, master of science in education, instructional technology
Albion – Megan Warner, bachelor of science, business administration
Alliance – Brittany Lurz, master of arts in education, physical education-research and field work; Cody Anthony, bachelor of science, exercise science
Alma – Heidi Kauk, bachelor of science, radiography
Amherst – Faron Klingelhoefer, master of arts in education, physical education exercise science-non-thesis
Arnold – Jessica Eastburn, bachelor of science, business administration
Arthur – Jamie Gorwill, master of arts in education, school principalship 7-12; Blake Hampton, bachelor of arts in education, career business education; Mark Monahan, bachelor of science, criminal justice
Auburn – Nicole Tuxhorn, master of arts in education, reading pre-kindergarten through 12th
Bassett – Alyx Friedrich, master of business administration, business administration-accounting
Beatrice – Karen Dittbrenner, master of science in education, instructional technology-library media; Charisa Ramsey, bachelor of general studies, general studies
Bellevue – Sandra Lemke, master of science in education, instructional technology
Broken Bow – Matthew Carrizales, bachelor of science, criminal justice; Christopher Kelley, master of arts in education, school principalship 7-12; Ellen Ross, bachelor of science, radiography
Burwell – Nila Christensen, master of arts in education, Spanish education
Callaway – Jerry Brown, master of arts in education, school principalship 7-12
Central City – Caitlin Sullivan, bachelor of science, family studies; Nancy Tvrdy-Gathje, master of science in education, instructional technology-library media
Chadron – Brandon Horst, master of science in education, instructional technology
Clarks – Tabitha Rieken, master of arts in education, curriculum and instruction
Clarkson – Amanda Yosten, master of arts in education, reading pre-kindergarten through 12th
Crete – Mary Rische, master of arts in education, reading pre-kindergarten through 12th
Dannebrog – Karmen Miller-Mackey, master of arts in education, curriculum and instruction-English as a second language
David City – Joy Bell, master of arts in education, special education-mild/moderate
Deweese – Garret Svoboda, bachelor of science, agribusiness
Eagle – Damon Magnuson, bachelor of science, business administration
Elm Creek – Rebecca Kimmons, bachelor of science, family studies
Elwood – Samantha Ferguson, bachelor of science, business administration
Firth – Jessie Andre, master of science in education, instructional technology-library media
Friend – Tressa Beckler, master of science in education, instructional technology
Genoa – Brandon Drozd, bachelor of science, organizational communication, Summa Cum Laude, Honors Program, Mortar Board
Gering – Brian Peister, bachelor of science, business administration
Gibbon – Angela Clevenger, master of arts in education, curriculum and instruction-secondary education; Benjamin Gillming, bachelor of science, exercise science; Peter Rasmussen, bachelor of science, sports administration, business administration; Courtney Zwink, master of science in education, science math education
Gothenburg – Kristen Butterfield, master of arts in education, reading pre-kindergarten through 12th
Grand Island – Justine Agaloos, master of science in education, instructional technology; Rachel Carrizales, master of arts in education, curriculum and instruction-early childhood education; Britton Hulme, bachelor of science, construction management; Samantha Mitchell, bachelor of science, psychology; Zachary Runcie, master of science in education, science math education-mathematics; Danielle Sloan, master of arts in education, curriculum and instruction-early childhood education
Grant – Michelle Snyder, master of arts in education, curriculum and instruction-English as a second language
Hampton – Janice Ochsner Ediger, master of science in education, school counseling secondary
Hastings – Andrea Curlo, master of science in education, science math education-physics/physical science; Jade Siegel, master of science in education, speech language pathology; Matthew Sterup, bachelor of science, industrial distribution; Noah Whitaker, bachelor of science, sports management, Cum Laude; Angela Ziggafoos, master of business administration, business administration-accounting; Marilyn Zysset, master of science in education, instructional technology-school librarian
Hershey – Audrey Bellew, bachelor of science, business administration, Magna Cum Laude; Jocelyn Haase, bachelor of arts, art history
Holdrege – Eric Brown, bachelor of science, construction management; Zachary Grove, bachelor of science, sports administration; Sergio Lara, bachelor of science, industrial distribution
Kearney – Kelli Bauer, master of arts in education, reading pre-kindergarten through 12th; Joene Crocker, bachelor of science, journalism: public relations, Honorable Mention; Helen Dubas, bachelor of science, recreation park tourism management; Angela Fransk, master of arts in education, school principalship 7-12; Janelle Kowalek, master of arts in education, curriculum and instruction-early childhood education; Lindsie Lybarger, bachelor of arts in education, early childhood unified, Summa Cum Laude; Shelby Maloley, bachelor of science, psychobiology, Magna Cum Laude, Mortar Board; Dana Marzolf, bachelor of science,,sociology; Zachary Porter, bachelor of science, chemistry, Cum Laude; Jordan Skyler, bachelor of science, sports administration; Shane Smith, bachelor of science, criminal justice; Kevin Stones, bachelor of arts, English writing; Brandon Wallace, bachelor of science, business administration; Lori Weed Skarka, master of science in education, instructional technology; Jacklyn Westesen, bachelor of fine arts, visual communication and design; Amanda Thee, bachelor of general studies, general studies
Kenesaw – Rod Richardson, education specialist, school superintendent
Lawrence – Laura Herz, master of arts in education, curriculum and instruction-instructional effectiveness
Lexington – Hannah Mandelko, bachelor of science, psychology
Lincoln – Deanna Castro, master of arts in education, physical education master teacher-pedagogy; Angela Nabower, master of science in education, instructional technology; Caitlin Roussan, bachelor of science in education, communication disorders
Lindsay – Mitchell Kurtenbach, master of arts in education, physical education exercise science, non-thesis
Lodgepole – Tyler Cavalli, bachelor of science, journalism
McCook – Jayne Heimer, master of arts in education, curriculum and instruction-English as a second language; Levi Marker, bachelor of science, construction management; Jason Relph, bachelor of science, business administration
Minden – Casy Corr, master of arts in education, curriculum and instruction-early childhood education; Ashley Dornhoff, master of arts in education, reading pre-kindergarten through 12th
Naponee – Kelli Downey, bachelor of fine arts, studio art
Neligh – Kristen Evans, master of science in education, instructional technology-library media
Norfolk – Lance Lawson, bachelor of science, sports administration
North Platte – Stephanie Benes, bachelor of science, organizational and relational communication; John Byrn, master of arts in education, school principalship 7-12; Danielle Coon, bachelor of science, recreation park tourism management; Michael Haws, bachelor of science, business administration; Jeff Hopkinson, bachelor of science, radiography
Oakland – Tara Miller, master of arts in education, school principalship pre-kindergarten through eighth
Ogallala – Andrew Faesser, bachelor of science, sports management; Amber Max, master of science in education, clinical mental health counseling; Craig Woken, bachelor of science, exercise science fitness and wellness
Omaha – Anthony Aliano, master of arts in education, special education-mild/moderate; Marie Boetger, bachelor of science, industrial distribution; Joseph Coil, bachelor of arts in education, health and physical education; Chelsea Cook, bachelor of science, business administration; Laura Cushing, master of arts in education, special education-gifted; David Emanuel, master of science in education, science math education-mathematics; Ryan Figgins, bachelor of science, political science; Aaron Garza, bachelor of science, exercise science; Kathryn King, bachelor of science, exercise science fitness and wellness; Brenna Neuhaus, master of arts in education, reading pre-kindergarten through 12th; Mary Pesavento, bachelor of science, exercise science; Chase Saxton, bachelor of science, sports administration; Warren Smith , master of arts in education, school principalship pre-kindergarten through eighth; Charles Steele, master of science,biology; Mae Villalobos, master of science in education, instructional technology; Justin Zyla, master of arts, English-creative writing; Magaly Castillo, master of arts in education, curriculum and instruction-English as a second language
O’Neill – Rita Hood, bachelor of science, radiography, Honorable Mention
Ord – Brandon Ingraham, bachelor of science, aviation systems management, Cum Laude; Hannah Lueck, bachelor of science, radiography; Marci Veach, master of science in education, instructional technology
Oshkosh – Dustin Jasnoch, bachelor of science, exercise science fitness and wellness
Overton – Alejandro Morales, master of arts, history; Mark Zulkoski, master of arts in education, school principalship, pre-kindergarten through eighth
Pleasanton – Samantha Halstead, master of science in education, clinical mental health counseling
Poole – Amanda Majer, bachelor of arts, psychology, English
Ravenna – Kody Urwiller, bachelor of science, telecommunications management; Christina Burton, bachelor of science, business administration, Honorable Mention
Raymond – Justin Higgins, master of science in education, instructional technology
Scotia – Amanda Shoemaker, master of science in education, school counseling secondary
Scottsbluff – Jon Decker, bachelor of science, sports administration; Adrianna Tarin, bachelor of science, journalism: public relations
Scribner – Kendra Settles, bachelor of science, criminal justice
Shelton – Kara Stevens, bachelor of science, recreation park tourism management, Honorable Mention, Mortar Board
Shickley – Bryce Jorgenson, education specialist school superintendent
Sidney – Katherine Horn, bachelor of science, interior design
South Sioux City – Ryan Rager, master of arts in education, music education
Spalding – Tyler Bernt, bachelor of science, agribusiness
Sutton – Amanda Zoucha, bachelor of science, business administration
Taylor – Vickie Bullis Johnson, master of science in education, instructional technology
Tekamah – Nathan Olson, master of science in education, instructional technology
Trenton – Jaci Wright, bachelor of science, psychology, Honorable Mention
Waco – Michael Runge, bachelor of science, business administration
Wahoo – Ashley Sloup, bachelor of science, recreation park tourism management
Wayne – Jordan Barry, bachelor of science, sports administration, Honorable Mention
West Point – Jason Redmond, master of arts in education, physical education master teacher-pedagogy
Worms – Allison Dush, bachelor of science, recreation park tourism management
OUT OF STATE
Arizona
Avondale – Lindsay Harrell, master of arts in education, physical education master teacher-pedagogy
California
Lancaster – Matthew Hess, master of arts, history
Los Angeles – Cesar Cruz, bachelor of science, business administration; Taylor Shipley, bachelor of science, business administration
Colorado
Brush – Ronald Alexander, master of arts in education, school principalship 7-12
Colorado Springs – Megan McCooey, master of arts in education, reading pre-kindergarten through 12th
Denver – Sarah Talcott, bachelor of science, sports administration, Summa Cum Laude
Hudson – Dustin Kinnison, master of science in education, science, math education-chemistry
Peyton – Tracy Lee, master of science, biology
Sterling – Shane Basford, bachelor of science, sports management, Cum Laude
Westminster – Sarah Hix, bachelor of science, exercise science
Florida
Labelle – Lindsey Bowen, master of science, biology
Miami – Gregory Castaneda, master of science in education, instructional technology
Palm Bay – Krystle Greene, master of science, biology
Indiana
Kuna – Vicki Yrazabal Looney, master of arts, history
Illinois
Belleville – John Henrichs, master of arts in education, school principalship pre-kindergarten through 8th
Country Club Hills – David Penn, master of arts, history
Decatur – Amanda Wakeman, master of science in education, science math education-biology
Evanston – Joseph Rogalski, master of science, biology
Indiana
Mishawaka – Kyle Davis, master of arts, history
West Lafayette – Avery Boaz, master of arts, history
Kansas
Holcomb – Connor Singhisen, master of arts in education, physical education-research and field work
Pittsburg – Joshua Vannurden, bachelor of science, exercise science fitness and wellness
Topeka – Kelsey Raiman, master of arts in education, physical education-research and Field Work
Wamego – Michelle Figge, master of arts in education, special education-Mild/Moderate
Kentucky
Louisville – Walter Brown Jr., master of arts, history
Michigan
Ferndale – Elizabeth Moyer, master of arts in education, art education
Sandusky – Paul Wagner II, master of science, biology
Minnesota
Dassel – Jason Olson, master of arts, history
Saint Paul – Laura Sonnek, master of arts in education, physical education-research and field work
St. Charles – Ryan Dresher, master of arts, history
Missouri
Kansas City – Magdalena Golenia, master of science, biology
Marshall – Alexandria Sprigg, bachelor of science, business administration
North Carolina
Mocksville – David East, master of science, biology
Nevada
Mesquite – Courtney Spawn, master of arts in education, physical education-research and field work
New York
Massapequa – Jaclyn Castma, master of arts, history
New York – Jennifer Kraemer, master of arts in education, reading pre-kindergarten through 12th; David McCray, bachelor of science, sociology
Ohio
Huron – Aimee Johnson, master of arts in education, supervisor of special education
Russellville – William Ackley, master of arts, history
Oregon
Ontario – Sarah Poff, master of science in education, instructional technology
Pennsylvania
Newtown Square – Rebecca Sample, master of arts in education reading pre-kindergarten through 12th
York Springs – Sarah Smith, master of arts in education, special education-gifted
South Carolina
Myrtle Beach – Katie Parton, master of arts, history
South Dakota
Rapid City – Amy Davis, master of arts, history
Texas
Ennis – James Hobbs, master of science, biology
Houston – Quinston Reggins, bachelor of science, sports administration
Manvel – Dennis Jones, master of science in education, instructional technology
Sundown – Robert Box, master of science, biology
White Oak – Wesley Berry, bachelor of science, construction management, Honorable Mention
Narrows – Kelly Garcia, master of arts in education, Spanish education
Washington
Centralia – Sean Mayfield, master of arts, history
Wisconsin
Eau Claire – John-Paul Butcher, master of arts in education, art education
Manitowoc – Lue Lee, master of science, biology
Wyoming
Carpenter – Deanna Thrush, bachelor of arts, theatre
INTERNATIONAL
China
Lanzhou, Gansu – Yipeng Zhang, bachelor of science, business administration, Summa Cum Laude
Nanjing, Jiangsu – Chen Lu, master of arts in education, curriculum and instruction-instructional effectiveness
Shijiazhuang, Hebei – Dong Han, bachelor of science, business administration
Zaoqiang of Hengshui City – Wendi Mao, bachelor of science, professional chemist
Zhoukou, Henan – Li Wang, master of science, biology
Japan
Takahama, Fukui – Yusuke Sakuma bachelor of arts, sociology
Ukraine
Bucha, Kiev – Liubov Kreminska, master of science in education, instructional technology-information technology
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Source: Kelly Bartling, 308.224.7473, bartlingkh@unk.edu
Writer: Sara Giboney, 308.865.8529, giboneys2@unk.edu
