Commencement Program - University of Charleston

OMMENCEMEN
2016
COMMENCEMENT
Exercises
Of the 128th year at the
University of Charleston
Charleston, West Virginia
Commencement
Ceremony
May 1, 2016 • 2 p.m.
UC Riverfront Lawn
PRE-COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM
Music by Charleston Brass Quintet
ORDER OF PROCESSION
Grand Marshal
Martha S. Spiker, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology and Chair, Department of Social Services
Assistant Marshal
Michael J. Bayly, Ph.D.
Professor and Psychology Program Director
Members of the Graduating Class of 2016
Members of the Faculty
Members of the Board of Trustees
Stage Party
President of the University
The Mace, carried by the Grand Marshal, is a traditional symbol of authority
at governmental, ecclesiastical, and scholarly occasions. Originally a war-like
implement, it has evolved in form to fit its present ceremonial purpose.
3
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
Order of Exercises
Processional * Charleston Brass Quintet
Invocation *
Reverend Janet Harman
Welcome Dr. Edwin H. Welch
President
Commencement Address Kelly S. King
Conferring of Honorary Degrees Recipient: presented by: Recipient: presented by: Recipient: presented by: President Welch
Kelly S. King
Doctor of Laws
EVP Cleta Harless
Selina Fast Cosby Midkiff
Doctor of Music
Dr. Barbara Wright
William A. Rice
Doctor of Laws
Dr. John Barnette
“Blessing” University Concert Choir
by Katie Moran Bart Dr. Joseph Janisch, conductor
Ms. Janet Brightbill, keyboard
Presentation of Candidates for Degrees
Dr. Letha B. Zook
Provost and Dean of the Faculty
Conferring of Degrees
President Welch
Recognition of Graduates Provost Zook
Outstanding Senior /Graduate Recognition** and Closing Comments
Alma Mater * 4
President Welch
University Singers
Benediction *
Reverend Janet Harman
Recessional *
Charleston Brass Quintet
* The audience is requested to stand during the processional and to remain standing during
the Invocation. The audience should also stand during the singing of the Alma Mater and
remain standing at seats until the commencement participants, including the graduating
seniors, have departed the ceremonial area.
** Please see pg. 18 for a list of nominees for Outstanding Senior and Outstanding Graduate
Student.
5
ACADEMIC REGALIA
For more than 500 years, European and American Universities have awarded
academic degrees in a public ceremony similar to that in which you take part
today. This public ceremony usually includes the wearing of academic regalia,
now only worn on such ceremonial occasions. Because early universities were
subject to the discipline of the church, students and faculties wore the habit
(clothing) of a religious order. The flowing robe, the shoulder cape, and the
hood were traditional academic dress prior to this century. The origin of the
“mortarboard” cap is obscure, although it came into use at a much later date.
Although the basic pattern of academic robes remains similar for all degrees,
small details differ according to the discipline of the degree and the level of
academic attainment. The sleeve length of the bachelor’s gown retains the
long wing-shape of medieval dress, while the master’s gown has a half-sleeve
with a trailing pouch. Most doctors’ gowns have long, full sleeves with three
velvet chevrons attached.
The hood, no longer needed for protection in unheated and drafty halls, has
evolved into the badge of academic attainment. The inside of the hood is lined
with silk in the design and colors of the institution that granted the degree. The
color of the velvet border of the hood (and often the facing and chevrons of the
doctor’s gown) indicates the degree or field of study. Some examples include:
Dark Blue
White Golden Yellow Apricot Drab Light Blue Purple Green Scarlet PinkBrownPeacock Blue
-
Philosophy
Arts and Letters
Science
Nursing
Business Administration
Education
Law/Jurisprudence
Medicine
Theology (Leadership)
Music
Fine Arts
Public Service
Associates and bachelor’s candidates wear black robes and caps. Master and
doctoral degree students where gowns and hoods appropriate for the discipline.
Faculty robes and caps are usually black with gold tassels representing holders
of the doctoral degree. Trustees wear robes in the University’s colors, maroon
and gold, as do some of the ushers.
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SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Morris Harvey Division
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Andrew Lee Adkins
Summa Cum Laude
Danville, WV
Political Science
Montana Adkins
Lorado, WV
Elementary Education
Molly Ellen Ballard
Magna Cum Laude
Liberty, WV
Integrated Communication
Landon Jon Bonner
Marietta, GA
Psychology
Stacy Marie Broce
Charleston, WV
Psychology
Michael Steven Carmen
Left Hand, WV
English
Gregory J. Carper
Alkol, WV
Political Science
Jennifer Dawn Cook
Brenton, WV
Elementary Studies and
Child Development
Stephanie Jo Cook
Cum Laude
Mullens, WV
Elementary Education
Toni Rebeccalynn Cook
Beckley, WV
Psychology
Paige Nicole Dehart
Summa Cum Laude
Foster, WV
Elementary Education
Eli Thomas Desrocher
Summa Cum Laude
Chapmanville, WV
History
Political Science
Criminal Justice Policy Minor
Leadership Minor
Public Policy Minor
* Denotes August 2016 graduates
Puja Dhimal
Beckley, WV
Interior Design
Ronald Maxwell Kelley III
Glen Allen, VA
Political Science
Quentin Leonard
Robert Ellis
Saint Albans, WV
History
Political Science
Lauren Nicole Kidd
Charleston, WV
Elementary Education/
Special Education
Zachary Daniel Erb
Sugarcreek, OH
History
Alexandria Joyce Fisher
Cum Laude
Winfield, WV
Psychology
Amanda Dawn Fisher
Red House, WV
Psychology
James A. Gammell
Summa Cum Laude
Aylesbury, United Kingdom
History
Political Science
Business Administration
Minor
Leadership Minor
Kelli Marie Garrett *
Chapmanville, WV
Wellness Studies and
Fitness
Kaitlyn Page Guynn
Tad, WV
Integrated Communication
Katelyn Dawn Hamilton
Magna Cum Laude
Parkersburg, WV
Elementary Studies and
Child Development
Rimma Ruthann
Grace Heverly
Blanchard, PA
Communications
Cache’ C. Johnson-Yates
Baltimore, MD
Integrated Communication
Robbie L. King
Cum Laude
Sissonville, WV
English
Sarah Danielle Lengyel
Sylvester, WV
Communications
Katie M. Logan
Mount Hope, WV
Psychology
Jacob Thomas Lorenz
Summa Cum Laude
Massillon, OH
Elementary Education/
Special Education
Rachel Jennifer McCormick
Cum Laude
Acton, Canada
Elementary Education/
Special Education
Rebekah LeAnn McCoy
Cum Laude
Eleanor, WV
English
Psychology
Kelsey Ann Meadows
Whitesville, WV
Elementary Studies and
Child Development
Ryan M. Metz
Cum Laude
Spencer, WV
Political Science
McKensie Diane Milam
Magna Cum Laude
Belle, WV
Elementary Education/
Special Education
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Alison Elizabeth Mitchell
Madison, WV
Political Science
Timmyra Morrow
Columbus, OH
Political Science
Franklyn K. Myers
Englewood, NJ
Psychology
Carrie Ann Osborne
Cum Laude
Ivydale, WV
General Studies
Jordan Paul
Brooklyn, NY
Integrated Communication
Samuel Christian Scott
Summa Cum Laude
Elkview, WV
Political Science
Harmony Gift Shepardson
McMurray, PA
Integrated Communication
Anna Marie Snow
Deltaville, VA
Integrated Communication
Kate Elizabeth Speece
Summa Cum Laude
Ravenswood, WV
English
Jonathan David Stricklen
Summa Cum Laude
Dunbar, WV
English
History
Trenton Deon Taylor
Grovetown, GA
General Studies
David Lloyd Webb
Coconut Creek, FL
General Studies
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Spenser W. Agnew
Charleston, WV
Biology
Alyssa Suzanne Allen
Charleston, WV
Psychology
English Minor
Brandy Dawn Armstrong
Charleston, WV
Biology
Psychology Minor
Kayla R. Ball
Charleston, WV
Psychology
Greg Duane Bender IV
Magna Cum Laude
Ironton, OH
Chemistry
Seth Lawrence
Hugh Boggs
Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Biology
Leadership Minor
Whitney Brooke Browning
Magna Cum Laude
Madison, WV
Psychology
8
Anthony Paul Brunetti
Cum Laude
Huntington, WV
Biology
Alexandria K. Carter
Summa Cum Laude
Chapmanville, WV
Biology
Leadership Minor
Kayla H. Douglas
Cum Laude
Covington, VA
Biology
Leadership Minor
Zachary Steven Gunter
Cum Laude
Winfield, WV
General Studies
Chelsea Julianne
Chambers
Columbus, OH
General Studies
Makenzie Taylor Hamrick
Magna Cum Laude
Culloden, WV
General Studies
Alejandra Chiu Li
Tegucigalpa,
Honduras
Biology
Jonathan Ellis Hanson
Cum Laude
Hurricane, WV
Biology-Chemistry
Lindsay N. Clark
Charleston, WV
Biology
Herberth A.
Hernandez Valles
Hurricane, WV
Psychology
Nicole L. Deitz
Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Chemistry
Seth J. Deskins
Summa Cum Laude
Chapmanville, WV
Biology-Chemistry
Leadership Minor
Tonya J. Jones
Sandyville, WV
General Studies
Keely Latham
Gardnerville, NV
Psychology
Biology Minor
*Denotes August 2016 graduates
Chyress D. Lockhart
Richmond, OH
Biology-Chemistry
Candace Hope Lusk *
Oceana, WV
Biology
Ana Maria Pena Castro
Cum Laude
Bogota, Colombia
Biology-Chemistry
Taylor Pickens
Saint Marys, WV
Biology
Gabriel Theodore Pou
South Charleston, WV
Biology
Joseph Vincent Reed
Magna Cum Laude
Newton, WV
Biology
Cassie Jane Richards
Summa Cum Laude
Spencer, WV
Psychology
Business Administration
Minor
Leadership Minor
Jim Frederick Richey Jr.
Cum Laude
Tornado, WV
Biology
Andrea Nicole Ross
Eskdale, WV
Secondary Special
Education
Samuel Lee Saberniak
Charleston, WV
Biology
Varun Manish Shah
Summa Cum Laude
Bentonville, AR
Biology-Chemistry
Business Administration
Tyler Shreve
Jefferson, MD
Biology
Natalia Elizabeth
Sklioutovskaya-Lopez
Summa Cum Laude
Princeton, WV
Biology
Brandon David Stevens
Charleston, WV
General Studies
Gary Taylor
Charleston, WV
Biology
Gregory A. Thurman
Charleston, WV
Biology
Taylor Alana Todd
Magna Cum Laude
Westerville, OH
Biology
Business Administration
Minor
Bryan-Lee Austin Trent
Cum Laude
Wharncliffe, WV
Biology
Peter Dominic Walters
Magna Cum Laude
Washington, WV
Biology
Leadership Minor
Ian Montgomery Weaver
Summa Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Biology
Art Minor
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK
Samantha Rae Adkins
Cum Laude
Oak Hill, WV
Stacy V. Asbury
Magna Cum Laude
Scarbro, WV
Marion R. Austin Jr.
Beckley, WV
William Casey Baber
Beckley, WV
Paula S. Cline
Magna Cum Laude
Mount Hope, WV
Melody Lynn Collins
Summa Cum Laude
Princeton, WV
Robin Y. Cox
Cum Laude
Beckley, WV
Brittany Michelle Filipek
Summa Cum Laude
Beaver, WV
Lauren M. Hamrick
Magna Cum Laude
Sophia, WV
Rebecca Ann Knoblock
Summa Cum Laude
Beckley, WV
Amanda Paige Lewis
Lewisburg, WV
Keri R. Lipford
Summa Cum Laude
Midway, WV
Beth Ann Marshall
Beckley, WV
Leslie A. Simms
Magna Cum Laude
Cowen, WV
Cherelle Spencer
Beckley, WV
9
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP
Herbert Jones Division
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Jefferson Wilson Acree
South Charleston, WV
Accounting
William Billow
Virginia Beach, VA
Organizational Leadership
Andrew Lee Adkins
Summa Cum Laude
Danville, WV
Business Administration
Jon Peter Bober
Chula Vista, CA
Organizational Leadership
Richard Alexander
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
Austin Gregory Anderson *
Chula Vista, CA
Organizational Leadership
John T. Anderson Jr.
San Antonio, TX
Sport Administration
Sara Louise Bailey
Scott Depot, WV
Business Administration
Jason H. Ballengee
Summa Cum Laude
Beaver, WV
Organizational Leadership
Adria Ann Barnett
Buffalo, WV
Organizational Leadership
Bernardo Barreto Xantre
Fraga
Niteroi, Brazil
Business Administration
Finance
Michael Barroilhet
Cum Laude
Sainte-Maxime, France
Business Administration
Finance
Doriel Brooke Beavers
Jacksonville, FL
Business Administration
Charles Paul Bennett
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
Ashley Ann Donohew
Cum Laude
Evans, WV
Accounting
Business Administration
Finance Leadership Minor
Jacob L. Dunafon
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
Mawuli Bossiade
Lome, Togo
Business Administration
Troye D. Dunlap *
Trinity, TX
Organizational Leadership
Brian J. Cameron
Imperial Beach, CA
Organizational Leadership
Mark James Elam
Kailua, HI
Organizational Leadership
Taylor Alan Canfield
El Cajon, CA
Organizational Leadership
Robert Clinton Elmore
Union, WV
Business Administration
David L. Chapman
Diamondhead, MS
Organizational Leadership
Zachary Daniel Erb
Sugarcreek, OH
Business Administration
Johnny Ray Charboneau *
Virginia Beach, VA
Organizational Leadership
Daniel Lawrence Ciampini
Fayetteville, NC
Organizational Leadership
Kevin T. Clemens
Pittsurgh, PA
Business Administration
Finance
David Michael Cook
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
Wetzel E. Davis Jr.
Magna Cum Laude
Pineville, WV
Organizational Leadership
James Thomas Dilley *
Pleasant Prairie, WI
Organizational Leadership
Santino diTrapano
Charleston, WV
Sport Administration
Alexander Jackson Fichtler *
La Mesa, CA
Organizational Leadership
Andrew Charles Flohr
Cum Laude
Cincinnati, OH
Accounting
Business Administration
Finance
Gayle Elizabeth Forster
Charleston, WV
Organizational Leadership
Thomas E. Frew *
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
Stephanie J. Good
Buffalo, WV
Business Administration
Joseph C. Groover
Pearl City, HI
Organizational Leadership
Rodrigo Tur Navarro
dos Guaranys
Rio de Juneiro, Brazil
Business Administration
10
*Denotes August 2016 graduates
Michael James Hagarty
Lower Hutt Wellington,
New Zealand
Business Administration
Sport Administration
Laci Lee Jarrell
Summa Cum Laude
South Charleston, WV
Business Administration
Jeffrey R. Hakki
Pinehurst, NC
Organizational Leadership
Kiara Sheree Johnson
Jacksonville, FL
Business Administration
Political Science Minor
Cheryl Hannah
Katy, TX
Organizational Leadership
Lennard Kyle Johnson II
Harrisonville, MD
Sport Administration
Bryan E. Harman
Coronado, CA
Organizational Leadership
Cache’ C. Johnson-Yates
Baltimore, MD
Business Administration
Matthew W. Harris
Charleston, WV
Accounting
Dipesh Joshi
Beckley, WV
Business Administration
Eric Daniel Hautbois
Magna Cum Laude
Fairfax, VA
Accounting
Business Administration
Finance
Keith R. Kallio *
Coronado, CA
Organizational Leadership
Lauren Racquel Haven
Cum Laude
Nassau, Bahamas
Accounting
Business Administration
Finance
Daniel Allen Headrick
Carlsbad, CA
Organizational Leadership
Reese William Heeringa
Kodiak, AK
Organizational Leadership
James Kenneth Hodge
Imperial Beach, CA
Organizational Leadership
Luke Leland Howard-Vesci *
La Jolla, CA
Organizational Leadership
Je’vonte Hughes
Kalamazoo, MI
Sport Administration
Lorraine Kay Jackson
Magna Cum Laude
Sissonville, WV
Accounting
Jason Michael Karras
Sneads Ferry, NC
Organizational Leadership
Charles A. Kleve *
Organizational Leadership
Fayetteville, NC
John Phillip Knox, II
Salisbury, NC
Sport Administration
Sa Sao Le
Cum Laude
Hanoi, Vietnam
Accounting
Finance
Pedro Henrique
Marques Leao
Cum Laude
Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Business Administration
Finance
Aaron Michael Lee
Summersville, WV
Organizational Leadership
Sarah Danielle Lengyel
Sylvester, WV
Business Administration
Michael F. Locklear
Lumber Bridge, NC
Organizational Leadership
Norman Scott Lopez
Imperial Beach, CA
Organizational Leadership
Augusto Souza
Ferreira Maciel *
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Business Administration
Johnathan Loreto Macioce
Circleville, OH
Organizational Leadership
Shaun K. McClure
Summa Cum Laude
Scott Depot, WV
Organizational Leadership
Brandon Michael
Joseph McIntyre *
Beckley, WV
Organizational Leadership
Daniel James McKinzey *
Kodiak, AK
Organizational Leadership
Byron Adolfo
Mendoza Arriaza
Santa Rosa, CA
Business Administration
Lowell Midkiff
Magna Cum Laude
Harts, WV
Business Administration
Toni Francesca Miklesavage
Carlisle, PA
Organizational Leadership
Jody D. Miller
Magna Cum Laude
Middletown, VA
Organizational Leadership
Derek C. Moore
Delbarton, WV
Organizational Leadership
Jeannette NoreAnn Moore *
Beckley, WV
Organizational Leadership
Jeffrey Patrick Moore *
San Marcos, CA
Organizational Leadership
Danilo Morales
Naples, FL
Business Administration
11
John David Morgan *
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
David Andrew Peterson*
Imperial Beach, CA
Organizational Leadership
Jade Marie Rolley
Port Republic, MD
Sport Administration
Ryan H. Murdough
Magna Cum Laude
Hillsboro, NH
Organizational Leadership
Doanh Tran Pham
Charleston, WV
Accounting
Business Administration
Finance
Sterling Wade
William Rood
Spring Valley, CA
Organizational Leadership
Enrique Navarro
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
Jeffrey D. Neal
Cool Ridge, WV
Organizational Leadership
Donnie L. Ney
Huntington, WV
Organizational Leadership
Tyler Paul Ocker
Newburg, PA
Sport Administration
Francisco Adrian Olivas
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
Lewis James Osborne
Wakefield West Yorkshire,
Business Administration
Sport Administration
Anthony Wayne Palmer *
Coronado, CA
Organizational Leadership
James E. Pappillion *
Chula Vista, CA
Organizational Leadership
Christopher C. Parker *
Oak Hill, WV
Organizational Leadership
Zachary Wesley Paschall *
Sparks, NV
Organizational Leadership
Nick C. Passodelis
Allison Park, PA
Business Administration
Finance
Integrated Communication
Minor
John L. Peranzo Jr. *
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
Chadwick Ryan Perry
Summa Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Business Administration
12
Tuan Anh Pham
Tay Ho District, Vietnam
Finance
Fatoumata Tabaya Plea
Charleston, WV
Accounting
Janet Robinson Poole *
Scott Depot, WV
Organizational Leadership
Amanda Madeline Pratt
Summa Cum Laude
Riverside, OH
Business Administration
Jeffrey Prosser *
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
Michael Ray Reffitt
Huntington, WV
Organizational Leadership
Kathy Renken
Texas City, TX
Organizational Leadership
Kyle Allen Revis
Newport Beach, CA
Sport Administration
James William Reynolds
Scott Depot, WV
Organizational Leadership
Daniel Christopher Rice *
Norfolk, VA
Organizational Leadership
Leighton Alester
Lynch Richards
Richmond, VA
Sport Administration
Buffy F. Robertson
Midland, NC
Organizational Leadership
Richard S. Robertson
Midland, NC
Organizational Leadership
Everett William Ross III
Milton, WV
Business Administration
Michael Anthony Sanchez
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
Tim Sayre *
Charleston, WV
Organizational Leadership
Tucker Schaefer
Gilbert, AZ
Sports Administration
Raymond M. Shaw *
Willis, TX
Organizational Leadership
John Garrett Sheets *
Huntington, WV
Organizational Leadership
Anthony LeMar Sherrod
Saint Albans, WV
Organizational Leadership
Riley Ken Siddoway
Martinsburg, WV
Accounting
Giovanni Daniel Silva
Imperial Beach, CA
Organizational Leadership
Lisa Silver
Riverton, UT
Organizational Leadership
Jo Ann Smith
Mullens, WV
Business Administration
Wanda L. Stewart *
Martinsburg, WV
Organizational Leadership
Charles P. Stration, Jr.
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
Timothy A Stringer
Julian, PA
Organizational Leadership
*Denotes August 2016 graduates
Michael Neel Taylor *
Coronado, CA
Organizational Leadership
Ryan Alan Tucker
Summa Cum Laude
Scott Depot, WV
Organizational Leadership
Rebecca L. Thomas
Cum Laude
Mullens, WV
Business Administration
Fred Turner Jr.
Jane Lew, WV
Organizational Leadership
Lesley Kathleen
Thompson
Summa Cum Laude
Sissonville, WV
Accounting
Finance
Gregory A. Thurman
Charleston, WV
Organizational Leadership
Courtney Catherine
Underwood
Hurricane, WV
Accounting
Kyra Ann Vance
Crab Orchard, WV
Organizational Leadership
Joshua August Vlack
Lancaster, OH
Business Administration
Emma J. Wilks *
Charlotte Court House, VA
Organizational Leadership
Ashley Megan Windsor
Charleston, WV
Business Administration
Jason D. Witbeck *
San Diego, CA
Organizational Leadership
Glenn Witt, Jr.
Clarksville, TN
Organizational Leadership
Lucas D. Wortman
Spokane, WA
Organizational Leadership
Nathan W. Weigel
Martinsburg, WV
Organizational Leadership
SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCEs
Bert Bradford Division
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
Brittany L. Adkins *
Crab Orchard, WV
Meena Ghale *
Beckley, WV
Jason Wayne McKinney *
Stephenson, WV
Kathryn Chandler
Elizabeth Baisden *
Beckley, WV
Brittany Lane Hannah *
Ripley, WV
Sherry Lynn Meadows *
Shady Spring, WV
Krystle Hatfield *
Beckley, WV
Kristen Danielle Offutt *
Washington, WV
Kayla Jean Hill *
Princeton, WV
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Putillion *
Ripley, WV
Jacquelyn D. Honaker *
Oak Hill, WV
Julie Anna Ratliff *
Lewisburg, WV
Lauren E. Hudnall *
Beckley, WV
Sarah Elizabeth Ronat *
Hinton, WV
Amy Jo Williams-Kessler *
Oak Hill, WV
Marlee Elise Stout *
Flemington, WV
Chungla Lama *
Beckley, WV
Natosha Elizabeth Wilson *
Nettie, WV
Brittany Nicole Boso *
Belleville, WV
Melissa Faith Campbell *
Oceana, WV
Jasmine Helena Courtney *
Shady Spring, WV
Rhonda Nicole Duncan
Beckley, WV
Lauren R. Estes *
Jumping Branch, WV
Kristi Anne Fawcett *
Winfield, WV
Rachel Fitzpatrick *
Fayetteville, WV
Bernadette J. Luby *
Charleston, WV
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ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
Alisha D. Doss
Asbury, WV
Ashley Nicole King
Oak Hill, WV
Christopher A. Short
Upper Glade, WV
Kassidy J.B. Hall
Honors
Bolt, WV
Jennifer Miller
Clendenin, WV
Jason Carl Taylor
Honors
Beckley, WV
James Michael Hicks
Coal City, WV
Clint D. Hoskinson
Daniels, WV
Michaela Elizabeth
Osborne
Honors
Dawson, WV
Kristopher Lee Tyree
Beckley, WV
Chassie Luerene Payne
Honors
Oak Hill, WV
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Melanie Ann Blume *
Forest Hill, WV
Eric Shane Hatcher *
Mac Arthur, WV
Sandra K. Payne
Dawson, WV
Jessica Diane Brown
Fayetteville, WV
Miranda Lee Johnson *
Craigsville, WV
Adrianne Peoples *
London, OH
Samantha Lorraine Bryant
Lewisburg, WV
Kara E. King *
Pigeon, WV
Esther H. Perkins *
Beckley, WV
Ian M. Carroll *
Man, WV
Christopher Mark Lokant
Fayetteville, WV
Adam Wayne Repass
Beckley, WV
Brandon Gene Compton
Pineville, WV
Drew C. Martin *
Sophia, WV
Karla Ann Sanford *
Lookout, WV
Amanda Nichole Cordial
Lewisburg, WV
Michael Robert McCourt
Craigsville, WV
Roy Shrewsbury III
Daniels, WV
Kristen Nicole Day *
Sophia, WV
Terri Ashley McCoy
Beckley, WV
Stephanie Lynn Talbert *
Fayetteville, WV
Amelia Dawn Dunbar
Sinks Grove, WV
Emily Harnet McDowell *
Ronceverte, WV
Stephen E. Thomson
Beckley, WV
Jamie Meade
Beckley, WV
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Alexis Paige Adkins
Logan, WV
Emily Nicole Allred
Cum Laude
Switzer, WV
Krista Lee Clay
Mount Hope, WV
Hayley Rae Delong
Sinks Grove, WV
14
Micah Nicole Dolan
Cum Laude
Ronceverte, WV
Abigail Ameile Forren
Cum Laude
Oak Hill, WV
Kairee Brianne Erwin
Nitro, WV
Brittany L. Hypes
Magna Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Jenna Danielle Evans
Cum Laude
Lake, WV
Isabella Romaine Jaffin
Nescopeck, PA
*Denotes August 2016 graduates
Anita D. Jones
Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Amanda Nicole McKee
Magna Cum Laude
Mechanicsburg, PA
Kenya Arrington Jones
Woodmere, OH
Heather Paige Moore *
Hurricane, WV
Erica Marie Lemmert
La Plata, MD
Jessica N. Schlachter
Huntington, WV
Melissa Marie Lewis
Cum Laude
Summersville, WV
Erica Ryan Stanley
Alum Creek, WV
Victoria Warden
Hurricane, WV
Megan J. Weekley
Charleston, WV
Jennifer N. Withrow
Elkview, WV
M’kayla Lyn Wriston
Scarbro, WV
Emily Kierston Vickers
Julian, WV
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY
Selam Sebsebe Feleke *
Beckley, WV
Richard Arlen Jones II
Mount Hope, WV
Samuel Tsegaye *
Beckley, WV
Payam Ferdowsyan
Mehdia *
Centreville, VA
Diana Marisol Ramirez
Smith *
Cross Lanes, WV
Madison Noel Wilson *
Gauley Bridge, WV
Chelsey Rae Franco *
Mount Hope, WV
Meredith Gayle Stewart *
Beckley, WV
Tonya Nicole Worrell *
Princeton, WV
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Taylor Marie Albert
Annville, PA
Radiologic Science
Allison Elizabeth Ballard
Littlestown, PA
Radiologic Science
Paige Victoria Bazzrea
Clifton Forge, VA
Radiologic Science
Madeline Cate Caropino
Temecula, CA
Health Promotion
Karisa Leigh Ann Coleman *
Lewisburg, WV
Health Promotion
Kelsey Rae Edwards
Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Radiologic Science
Allison Brooke Evans
Lake, WV
Health Promotion
Madison Brooke Fletcher
Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Radiologic Science
Ashley Anne Milligan
Cum Laude
Canal Winchester, OH
Athletic Training
Megan Elaine Gilpin
Summa Cum Laude
Chesapeake, OH
Health Science
Erin Michelle Moore
Charleston, WV
Radiologic Science
James Michael Hall
Weston, WV
Radiologic Science
Lindsey Mae Henderson
Radford, VA
Health Promotion
Julie M. King
Magna Cum Laude
Peytona, WV
Health Science
Taylor JoAnn Low
Amityville, NY
Radiologic Science
Ayla L. Santos
Huntingtown, MD
Health Promotion
Michelle L. Shepherd
Dunbar, WV
Radiologic Science
Chasity N. Smith
Elkview, WV
Radiologic Science
Business Administration
Minor
Alexandria P. Stratton
Cum Laude
Meriden, CT
Athletic Training
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BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (CONTINUED)
Jessica Lynn Strawn
Elkview, WV
Athletic Training
Torie Rashon Wagner
Severn, MD
Athletic Training
Kelsey Lynette Yontz
Charleston, WV
Radiologic Science
Shaina Jessica Truman
Glasgow, WV
Radiologic Science
Hannah Lee Wilburn *
Flatwoods, WV
Health Promotion
Jerry Lee Young II
Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Radiologic Science
Meaghan Ruth Winders
Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Radiologic Science
SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES
Graduate Program
MASTER OF PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES
Emily Elizabeth Anderkin
Charleston, WV
Karen Renea Flannagan
St. Albans, WV
Jamie Russell Mehall
Charleston, WV
Kelly Beth Belt
Bluefield, WV
Megan Elaine Gilpin
Chesapeake, OH
Mai Thao Nguyen
Dunbar, WV
Marisa Lynn Blatt
Huntington, WV
Peter S. Hanna
Charleston, WV
Ilvia Daniela Sabato
Cincinnati, OH
Bradley John Burkhart
Middlebourne, WV
Michael Patrick Hayes
Cincinnati, OH
Nublah Fatima Shahani
Charleston, WV
Mathias Patrick Connally
Thornton, CO
Erin Rae Kenny
Charleston, WV
Rebecca Lynne Silverstein
Spotsylvania, VA
Kathryn Marie Costantini
Fenton, MI
Julie M. King
Peytona, WV
HangYu Watson
Cross Lanes, WV
Ashley Nicole Ebersole
Maurertown, VA
Chelsea Renee Mackall
Julian, WV
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP
Graduate Programs
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Jason Andrew Elliott
Honors
Culloden, WV
Timothy David Fairhurst
Kenova, WV
Meredith Michelle Foster
Dunbar, WV
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Eric M. King
Charleston, WV
Dawn Diehl Teufel
Charleston, WV
Rachel Viola Poling
Parkersburg, WV
Trina Gayle Young
Elkview, WV
Andrew George Sovick
Dunbar, WV
*Denotes August 2016 graduates
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
Olufumilayo Ireti Anane
Columbia, MD
Stacey Mae Barb
Honors
Midland, VA
Bethany Lauren Barbour
Proctorville, OH
James N. Edwards
Honors
Munhall, PA
Duong Hoang
Honors
Charleston, WV
Kellen D. Painter
Honors
Mechanicsville, VA
Steven Edmond Horsley
Berlin, Germany
David Gary Rabel
Honors
Saint Albans, WV
Aleksandar Kesic
Honors
Belgrade, Serbia
Melissa Kaye Lackey
Asheville, NC
Patrick O’Brien Lewis
Honors
Kearneysville, WV
Brian S. Grim
Honors
Martinsburg, WV
Norman Lee Selbe
Honors
South Charleston, WV
Ruth Ann Valeo
Honors
Oxon Hill, MD
Corina Fabria Whittington
Honors
Saint Albans, WV
DOCTOR OF EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Michael Robert Powell, Jr.
Monroeville, PA
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
DOCTORATE OF PHARMACY
Noel Vincent Rico
Angelito
Ivydale, WV
Kortney Jo
Meagan Browning
Madison, WV
Joshua D. Dunn
Cum Laude
Newton, WV
Kasondra Brooke Bandy
Pinch, WV
Jennifer D. Byerly
Summa Cum Laude
Lewisburg, PA
Alexander D. Fein
Loveland, OH
Kelsee Amelia
Lynn Blackwell
Charleston, WV
Phayao Boese
Charleston, WV
Ciara K. Bostic
Winfield, WV
Joshua Dwight Bostic
Hurricane, WV
Sarah Jolene Bostic
Cum Laude
Hurricane, WV
Rachael D. Brewer
South Shore, KY
George R. Copenhaver
Magna Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Elizabeth Anne Crow
Charleston, WV
Marco Manuel Custodio
Ruskin, FL
Aaron Michael Dailey
Cum Laude
Nitro, WV
Aaron Wayne Dicks
Marion, NC
Phat Huu Do
Garland, TX
Tiffany Brooke Forbey
Otwell, IN
William Brian Gullett
Greenup, KY
Rend Jabar Hermiz
Charleston, WV
Cody Thomas
Hollingshead
Charleston, WV
Lorant Honore
Cum Laude
South Charleston, WV
Clevens M. Jerome
Miami, FL
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DOCTORATE OF PHARMACY (CONTINUED)
John Paul Kain
Cum Laude
South Charleston, WV
Radhika Umang Patel
Magna Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Eric Newman Steverson
Summa Cum Laude
Saint Albans, WV
Ju Hee Kim
Charleston, WV
Jelena Radan
Windsor, ON
Katherine Ellen King
Hurricane, WV
Peter Barros Relvas
Charleston, WV
Amy Elizabeth Stewart
Cum Laude
Charleston, WV
Andrew M. Landeros
Charleston, WV
Melanie Kay Richmond
Charleston, WV
An Le
Charleston, WV
Kyle Bain Robinson
Dunbar, WV
Byron Justin Magedanz
Lexington, KY
Patrick Daniel Roland
Lexington, KY
Royan Mangalram
Charleston, WV
Sydney Haydon Ryan
Winchester, KY
Chelsea Ann McGraw
Charleston, WV
Colin F. Rybak
Syracuse, NY
Bretton Taylor Meade
Lexington, KY
Kyle Morgan Sargent
Cross Lanes, WV
Kurt S. Meadows
Beckley, WV
John William Schuette
Willoughby Hills, OH
Joseph K. Mensah
Charleston, WV
Brian J. Slone
Charleston, WV
Nicholas Ryan Miller
Summa Cum Laude
Strongstown, PA
Kurt D. Smith
Charleston, WV
Felix Tran
Redondo Beach, CA
Vivian I. Ugboh
Laurel, MD
Andy Vi
Grand Prairie, TX
Sara Frances Watson
Cross Lanes, WV
Scott Anthony Williams
Charleston, WV
Katie A. Wilson
Wayne, WV
David Tai Wai Wong
Cum Laude
Honolulu, Hawaii
Randal Lacy Steele
Morehead, KY
Rachael B. Pack
Saint Albans, WV
Channing H. Thacker
Milton, WV
Albert C. Won
La Crescenta, CA
Paula Smith
Charleston, WV
Protus E. Njume
Charleston, WV
William Scott Stratton
Meally, KY
Jeremy W. Young
Smithers, WV
Tammy June Yoxtheimer
Elkview, WV
OUTSTANDING SENIOR NOMINEES:
Alexandria Carter
Peter Walters
Melissa Lewis
Andrew Adkins
Lesley Thompson
Paige DeHart
Varun Shah
Eli DesRocher
Anthony Brunetti
Joseph Reed
OUTSTANDING GRADUATE NOMINEES:
Fumi Anane
Stacey Barb
George Copenhaver
Kathryn Costantini
The President’s Award for Outstanding Senior was established to honor
seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, exemplary
leadership skills and community involvement. All candidates for the award were
interviewed by the selection committee, which made its recommendation to the
President of the University.
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*Denotes August 2016 graduates
LEADERSHIP AWARD -WELCH COLLEAGUE
Students earning a leadership minor have successfully completed the Welch
Colleague Program. They have excelled in a series of leadership courses, directed
community service projects, and participated actively in the student organizational life
of the University. They have combined academic accomplishment with involvement in
leadership and service.
UC STUDENT AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Outstanding Student Achievement in Education
Jacob T. Lorenz
Paige N. DeHart
Sigma Tau Delta Award for Excellence in English
Kate E. Speece
Outstanding Senior in Political Science
Eli DesRocher
Outstanding Scholar in Psychology
Cassandra Jane Richards
Whitney Brooke Browning
Outstanding Student in Science Research
Pete Walters
Joseph Reed
Jonathan Hanson
Seth Deskins
Outstanding Student in Science
Natalia Sklioutovskaya-Lopez
Ian Weaver
Outstanding Senior in Business Administration
Andrew Adkins
Outstanding Senior in Finance
Andrew Charles Flohr
Outstanding Senior in Accounting
Lesley Thompson
Outstanding Senior in Sport Business
Michael J. Hagarty
Outstanding Nursing Student Scholastic Award-ADN
Amanda Cordial
Terri McCoy
Outstanding Nursing Student Clinical Practice Award-ADN
Amelia Dunbar
Jamie Meade
Outstanding Nursing Student Scholastic Award-BSN
Brittany Hypes
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Outstanding Nursing Student Clinical Practice Award-BSN
Melissa Riner
Outstanding Clinical Practitioner in Radiologic Science
Kelsey Edwards
Outstanding Scholar in Radiologic Science
Kelsey Yontz
Carl Calvert Award for Outstanding Scholar in Athletic Training
Alexandria Stratton
The Physician Assistant Excellence in Student Professionalism Award
Ashley Nicole Ebersole
The Physician Assistant Excellence in Student Leadership Award
Mathias Patrick Connally
Outstanding Student in Health-Systems Pharmacy
George Copenhaver
Outstanding Student in Community Pharmacy
Vivian Ugboh
Certificates for Graduating Honor Students
Andrew Adkins
Amanda Cordial
Eli DesRocher
Lauren Hudnall
Terri McCoy
Amanda Pratt
Samuel Scott
Natalia Sklioutovskaya-Lopez
Jonathan Stricklen
Lesley Thompson
Ian Weaver
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HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT
Commencement Speaker
Kelly S. King
Doctor of Laws
In a presentation at the University of Maryland, you said, “Passion
causes us to give it our all. Be passionate and purposeful about
life – you can make a difference.” And, indeed, you have made that
difference in your service to many.
You have served as Chief Executive Officer of BB&T since 2009
and also as Chairman since 2010. BB&T has the largest banking
asset share in West Virginia and was named one of the world’s 20
strongest banks by Bloomberg Markets.
You have said, you grew up “really, really dirt poor,” living in a “plank house with no insulation
or running water.” You sold vacuum cleaners to pay your way through East Carolina University.
You earned your business administration degree and your MBA there and you later graduated
from Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.
When you were ready for your life of work, you interviewed solely with BB&T and you have
been with the company for 43 years. You worked your way up, joining the management team
in 1982. Your knowledge, vision, and leadership steered BB&T to continued profitability and
financial stability following the 2008 economic downturn at a time when some banks closed
their doors and others were seriously harmed. Your success has been appropriately noted by
BankInfoSecurity, which included you as one of the top 10 influencers on bank security, and by
SNL Financial, which listed you as one of the five most influential leaders in the banking industry.
Last December, you were named by American Banker as “Banker of the Year.”
Your service includes countless boards and organizations, many of which are in your home state
of North Carolina. You have also served on the boards of the Financial Services Roundtable, The
Clearing House, and, from 2009 – 2012, the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. You currently
serve as president of the Federal Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve System.
BB&T is truly guided by its vision, mission and values which you evidence in your personal and
corporate life. These values champion personal growth and community service. You led the
development of a nationally-recognized employee-volunteer program called “The Lighthouse
Project,” through which BB&T employees have donated more than 385,000 volunteer hours to
more than 7,700 community service projects. You sent truckloads of water to Charleston during
our water crisis and you have sustained the philanthropic foundation created by One Valley Bank
in West Virginia. BB&T is a valued partner of the University of Charleston providing generous
support of educational programs, scholarship grants, and capital projects.
You are an inspirational leader, dedicated to public service, corporate excellence, and the
personal well-being of every customer, employee, and shareholder. The University of Charleston
is privileged to present the Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, to you, Kelly S. King.
Dr. Edwin H. Welch, President
May 1, 2016
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HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT
Selina Fast Cosby Midkiff
Doctor of Music
You have said that you are a woman of faith and that God has led you to
this work. For the countless lives you have touched, enriched and inspired,
we are grateful you were led here.
You earned your bachelor of music and your master in music education
degrees from West Virginia University. Your thirst for knowledge and
experience led you to pursue numerous additional learning opportunities.
While at WVU, you performed in operas and oratorios – and one of your
professors told you that you could indeed sing in the opera houses of
Europe.
Luckily for West Virginia you chose to teach in your home state and accrued 40 years of experience
in education ranging from kindergarten classes to adjunct professorships at the University of
Charleston and WVU Institute of Technology.
In 1990, you founded the University of Charleston Children’s Chorus on the campus of UC, with
the vision of creating a local children’s chorus combining musical education with a disciplined
environment and community involvement. Through your passion and dedication, the choir became
known for its musical excellence and heart-touching performances. In 1996, to better represent its
regional nature, the chorus changed its name to the Appalachian Children’s Chorus as it is known
today.
Under your guidance as artistic director, the Appalachian Children’s Chorus grew from 12 children
in one choir to over 200 children in seven choirs. The chorus represents the best of West Virginia,
nationally and internationally, performing in the United States, England, Ireland, Austria, the Czech
Republic and Italy. The ACC was named the Official Children’s Chorus of the State of West Virginia
in 2003, and in 2006 was named The Ambassador of Music for the State of West Virginia. You also
created and developed the Appalachian Festival of Young Voices, a national children’s choir festival.
You provide your unstoppable energy to many boards and organizations and you have received
numerous recognitions for your spirit, devotion and dedication to the arts. These honors include
the Spirit Award from the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame and being named one of West Virginia’s
Wonder Women by West Virginia Focus magazine.
During your years of service, you and your husband Gary successfully raised four sons – Allen,
Chad, Andrew and William - and are blessed with a grandchild, Aidan.
For your tireless efforts and dedication to making West Virginia echo with children’s voices and for
promoting the musical arts, the University of Charleston is honored to present to you, Selina Fast
Cosby Midkiff, the degree of Doctor of Music, honoris causa.
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Dr. Edwin H. Welch, President
May 1, 2016
Honorary Degree Recipient
William A. Rice
Doctor of Laws
Leveraging your marketing degree from West Virginia University, you
established yourself as a lifelong learner and industry leader over the
course of a 30-year career. Your devotion has been to present America as
the world’s standard-bearer in the welding industry.
During the 1970’s and the 1980’s, you served as the president of a number
of welding companies, highlighted by your tenure at Virginia Welding
Supply Co., here in Charleston. Virginia Welding was a family-owned
business started by your grandfather in 1916. You expanded the company
to $12 million in sales and more than 150 employees before selling it to
Airgas, Inc., in 1992.
After the sale of your company, you served in a number of capacities for Airgas finally retiring in
2001 as the President and CEO of the company. You were not retired for long, however, returning to
the welding industry as the Interim Executive Director of the American Welding Society and then as
the CEO for OKI Bering Supply, the largest welding supply wholesaler in America, until 2012.
Recently, you were awarded the Life Member Award for your work with the American Welding
Society. You are a true leader and advocate for the industry.
Your community involvement roles encompass countless educational, civic, cultural, health and
human services organizations. You have chaired the board of the Charleston Area Medical Center
and you are in your 18th year of leading the board of the CAMC Health System. In 2015, under
your tenure, CAMC Health System was bestowed the highly sought-after Malcolm Baldrige National
Quality Award. It is the premier national recognition for excellence in business, health care,
education and nonprofit sectors.
The University of Charleston has benefitted from your unflagging dedication to service and
excellence. Your father, William Rice, Sr., was an alumnus of Morris Harvey and an active Board
member. You followed in his footsteps as a member of the Board of Trustees. When your terms
of service as an active Trustee concluded, you were recognized as an Emeritus Trustee and you
continue in that role. Your commitment to UC has been ably demonstrated through your support for
student scholarships and the Clay Tower Building, providing the “W.A.R. Wagon” shell for the crew
team and, very recently, your leadership gift for the new athletics arena and Innovation Center.
The University wants you to join the other members of your family as a UC alumnus. Therefore, the
University proudly recognizes your service and accomplishments by awarding the Doctor of Laws
degree, honoris causa, to you, William A. Rice, Jr.
Dr. Edwin H. Welch, President
May 1, 2016
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The University of Charleston prepares students for a life of productive work,
enlightened living and community involvement. UC is a private, non-profit
institution with locations in Charleston, Beckley and Martinsburg, West
Virginia as well as online. The University offers academic programs ranging
from associate degree programs to doctoral programs.
UC’s nationally recognized outcomes-based curriculum focuses on flexible,
learner-centered, demonstrable learning. Students are prepared to thrive in
the real world with skills in Citizenship, Communication, Creativity, Innovation,
Critical Thinking, Ethical Practice, Inquiry, and their chosen career. Classes
at UC are geared to do two things: engage students in active learning and
let them grow as people. What sets the school apart is that the education is
outcomes-focused -- meaning students prove their learning every step
of the way, and every class is an exercise in understanding
how the coursework relates to the real world.
Many UC students finish their degrees in fewer than four years, which
gives them one less year of tuition and up to a year of extra earning power.
Placement in graduate school and careers is consistently above national
averages, with health sciences and pre-professional studies leading the way.
UC offers fast-track programs in pharmacy, business and physician assistant
studies, in which motivated undergraduate students have the opportunity to
achieve their goals of an advanced degree on an accelerated schedule.
Beckley • Martinsburg • Online
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