Fall 2016 Honors College Graduates
Houda Abdallah, from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, graduates with University, Departmental, and Highest Honors, and
earns a bachelor’s degree in nursing. After graduation, she plans to work as a registered nurse at Children's Hospital of
Michigan in Detroit. What Houda appreciates most about The Honors College is the study abroad opportunities and
small class sizes that allowed more open discussion. She has been the president of the Student Nurse's Association, a
coordinator for 1Girl, participated in the London/Dublin study abroad program, is an active mentor for incoming nursing
students and was a recipient of the Undergraduate Research Fellowship and National American Arab Nurses Association
scholarship. She would like to thank her parents, Ghazwa and Ali, and her sisters for for all their unconditional love and
support.
Daizchane Baker, from Michigan, graduates with Departmental Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in public relations.
After graduation, she plans to begin the master’s of business administration program at Eastern this January. What
Daizchane appreciates most about The Honors College is research funding. She has served as the public relations chair
for The SELF Project and Minority Women in Leadership, as an Honors mentor, as the editor-in- chief of EMU Public
Relations Student Society of America, and was a recipient of an Honors Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Roberson
scholarship, and Irene Wallace scholarship. She would like to thank Dr. Gina Luttrell for the support and guidance while
in the public relations program.
Sydnee Begley, from Monroe, Michigan, graduates with University, Departmental, and Highest Honors, and earns a
bachelor’s degree in nursing. After graduation, she plans to start her career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at C.S.
Mott Children's Hospital. What Sydnee appreciates most about The Honors College is the amount of work The Honors
College puts into helping its students succeed. She was a member of the EMU Marching Band, served as the fundraising
chair of the Student Nurses’ Association, and studied abroad in Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. She would like to thank her
parents, grandparents, family, friends, and boyfriend for their continued love and support throughout her college
career.
Andrea Binz, from Sylvania, Ohio, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in business
management. She plans to obtain a full-time job with a local nonprofit.
Katelyn Coberley, from Onsted, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in
information assurance. After graduation, she plans to work in the cyber security industry. Katelyn appreciates the strong
foundation the Honors College community fostered during her introduction to EMU and the friends she made along the
way. She traveled to Florence and Rome, was manager and president of the campus Quidditch team, served on a
student advisory board to the EMU Board of Regents, spearheaded the organization of the 2016 Digital Divas
conferences, and tried to make a positive impact for change wherever possible. She was the president of Downing Hall,
Community Programmer of the Year for 2014-2015, and presented at the Undergraduate Symposium in 2015. She would
like to thank her parents for their unending support and love in this journey, and all the professors along the way who
challenged her to achieve more.
Cameron Copland, from Dexter, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in computer
science - applied, and actuarial science and economics - mathematics. After graduation, he plans to work as a software
engineer in the area. What Cameron appreciates most about The Honors College are the relationships formed through
the Honors community. He has worked in orientation, served as a student fellow for the Honors College, researched
monetary policy and was a recipient of student achievement awards in the economics department and was named
outstanding senior in computer science. He would like to thank his parents and grandma for unconditional and financial
support of his goals, his girlfriend for always being there for support, and his friends for just being around and making
the past four and a half years enjoyable.
Cheri Cottrell, from Davison, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in elementary
education and special education focusing on cognitive impairments. After graduation, she plans to obtain a teaching job
out of state. What Cheri appreciates most about The Honors College is the personal connections she made with the
other students it linked her with. She worked for an Honors residence hall as Office Manager, was involved in Best
Buddies, and worked in classrooms throughout the Ypsilanti community. She would like to thank her beautiful mother
for being her motivation, her purpose, and her heart.
Rachael Crain, from Oxford, Michigan, graduates with University and Departmental Honors, and earns a bachelor’s
degree in language, literature and writing. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school. What Rachael
appreciates most about The Honors College is the help she received. She has presented her research at the
Undergraduate Symposium. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support.
Rachel Ewald, from Farmington Hills, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in
apparel, textiles, and merchandising. What Rachel appreciates most about The Honors College are the high expectations
from professors, and the unique challenges offered. She has been the president of the EMU Gymnastics Club for three
years, has studied abroad in Italy, as well as domestically in New York City and Southern California, and was a recipient
of the Emerald scholarship. She would like to thank her parents for all the support and opportunities they have given
her.
Lydia Feld, from Sterling Heights, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in
elementary education with an endorsement in K-12 cognitive impairment. After graduation, she plans to pursue a fulltime teaching career. What she appreciates most about The Honors College are the lifetime friendships she has made.
She has been involved in Housing & Residence Life as a Resident Advisor and served as a New Student Orientation
Assistant. She would like to thank her magical parents for their endless support and encouragement through the many
ups and downs of her undergraduate career.
Keeley Forrester, from Suttons Bay, Michigan, graduates with University, Departmental, and Highest Honors, and earns
a bachelor’s degree in nursing. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career as a labor and delivery nurse at the
Munson Medical Center. What Keeley appreciates most about The Honors College is the Honors community and all of
the opportunities that were available to her. She has been an active board member for the Student Nurses' Association,
studied abroad in Taiwan for community health nursing, and has been actively involved in the School of Nursing Student
Engagement Team, Relay for Life, Sigma Theta Tau, New Student Orientation. She has been engaged in many Honors
College activities, and received the Honors College Soar Higher Award. She would like to thank The Honors College,
School of Nursing, and her family for their constant encouragement and unwavering support in the pursuit of her goals.
Jordan Giles, from Livonia, Michigan, graduates with University, Departmental, and Highest Honors, and earns a
bachelor’s degree in political science and philosophy. After graduation, she plans to attend law school. What Jordan
appreciates most about The Honors College was having the opportunity to develop strong faculty relationships, through
which her mentors pushed her to do as much as she could. She has been a cheerleader at EMU for 4 years, served as
captain of the team, and her cheerleading peers voted for her to receive the Eagle Spirit Award in 2015. Jordan
participated on the EMU Mock Trial team for three years and serves as the current president, participated on the EMU
Moot Court team for two years and received 4th place in the National Moot Court Brief Writing competition, completed
a senior thesis in her interdisciplinary leadership minor, completed two internships in her time at EMU, and has had the
privilege of facilitating a class titled the Multicultural Leadership Exchange. She would like to thank her family and
friends for providing her with the opportunity to be successful and provide the support necessary for her
accomplishments.
Lauren Gudenau, from Eastpointe, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in art with
a concentration in graphic design. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in marketing and advertising. What
Lauren appreciates most about The Honors College are the opportunities that were made available to her and the
connections she made. Lauren has been an Honors mentor for two years and was a recipient of the Michel C. Zahratka
and Jan M. Field Endowed scholarship through an EMU art scholarship competition. She would like to thank her friends
and family for all of their support during these years.
Kristen Gutman, from Holgate, Ohio, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
After graduation, she plans to continue her education at Eastern Michigan University in the occupational therapy
program. What Kristen appreciates most about The Honors College are the friendships that were made. She has studied
abroad in Austria, Germany, and the UK, tutored athletes, served as a New Student Orientation Assistant, and was a
recipient of the Honors College Study Abroad scholarship. She would like to thank family and friends for giving her the
support and guidance during this journey.
Stephanie Hoffmeister, from Frankfort, Illinois, graduates with Departmental Honors and University Honors, and earns a
bachelor’s degree in elementary education and special education with an endorsement in cognitive impairments. After
graduation, she plans to obtain a job and apply to graduate school. What Stephanie appreciates most about The Honors
College was making professional relationships with everyone who encouraged success at EMU. She has been inducted
into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Kappa Phi, was a New Student Orientation Assistant, and was the
recipient of the Emerald Scholarship, Marylyn E. Lake Scholarship, and is in the National Scholars Program. She would
like to thank her mom, dad, and two brothers for always being there for her, encouraging her to always do her best,
instilling faith in her, for being the best role models to look up to, and always being by her side, even though they are
four hours away.
Carolyn Kohls, from Novi, Michigan, graduates with University, Departmental, Highest, and earns a bachelor’s degree in
elementary education with minors in language arts and integrated science. After graduation, she plans to begin her
teaching career in Michigan and to create productive learning environments to engage and inspire all of her students.
What Carolyn appreciates most about The Honors College is the opportunity to connect with knowledgeable professors,
who aided in fostering her academic growth. She was the president and co-founder of UNICEF at EMU, and participated
in the study abroad trip Power, Place and Image in Rome and Florence. She would like to thank her entire family, her
mom, dad, sisters, brother, and fiancee, for without them she would not be where she is today.
Kyle Linford, from Plymouth, Michigan, graduates with Highest Honors and Departmental Honors in Mathematics, and
earns a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education Mathematics. After graduation, he plans to work as a mathematics
instructor at Washtenaw Technical Middle College, while attending graduate school at EMU for his master's in
mathematics. What Kyle appreciates most about The Honors College are the many opportunities The Honors College
provides to its students. He presented at the 2015 and 2016 Undergraduate Symposiums, studied abroad in Dublin and
London, and was a recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Recognition for Excellence in Secondary Mathematics
Education and an Undergraduate Fellowship. He would like to thank his family for the constant support and
encouragement as he pursues his academic and professional goals.
Daniel Masserang, from Plymouth, Michigan, graduates with Departmental Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in
nursing. After graduation, he plans to work at Children's Hospital of Michigan as a nurse in the Pediatric Emergency
department before returning to school to become a physician's assistant. What Daniel appreciates most about The
Honors College was meeting intelligent and motivated students throughout his Honors experience. He has been a
member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity for four years and participated in a medical mission trip in Mexico with other
nursing and medical students. He would like to thank his family and friends who have helped him get to where he is now
and will continue to support him through his journey.
John McAllister, from Canton, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in business finance. After graduation, he plans to attend law school. What John appreciates most about The Honors College was
being afforded the opportunity to engage in research projects with finance department faculty. He has served on the
Student Government Executive Board and as the president of his fraternity. He would like to thank his mother, Kelly, and
his father, James, for all their love and support throughout his journey as an undergraduate, along with the great friends
that have been by his side throughout the years.
Isabelle McCormack, from Canton, Michigan, graduates with University, Departmental, and Highest Honors, and earns a
bachelor’s degree in nursing with a minor in human biology. After graduation, she plans to work in Children's Emergency
Services at Mott Children's Hospital. What Isabelle appreciates most about The Honors College are the scholarship,
volunteer, and research opportunities. She has been a New Student Orientation Assistant, Fundraising Chairperson and
Vice President of the Student Nurses' Association, SNAPSS Mentor, member of Sigma Theta Tau Honors Society of
Nursing, and a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. She studied history abroad in Florence and Rome
and Community Health Nursing in Taiwan. Isabelle is also an EMU Peer Health Educator and presented her research at
the Sigma Theta Tau International Research Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. She received the Presidential
Scholarship, Symposium Undergraduate Research Fellowship, John & Lois Porter CHHS Presidential Departmental
Scholarship, and the Dale and Gloria Heydlauff Undergraduate Symposium Student Excellence Scholarship. She would
like to thank Andrew, Colin, Kenny, Mary, Bonnie, Bea, Gretta, and her mom and dad for all of their help and support.
Erica Mehlberg, from Hartland, Michigan, graduates with University Honors, and earns a bachelor’s degree in secondary
education - mathematics and language, literature, & writing. After graduation, she plans to work as a full-time teacher
for the remainder of the school year at Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy in Brighton, marry the love of her life,
Brandon Blasiola, and then move to Houghton, Michigan. What Erica appreciates most about The Honors College are the
opportunities for growth in leadership and the support of honors advisors and professors. She has been actively involved
in campus ministry as part of His House Christian Fellowship, involved in the worship team, women's ministry, and
mission trips to both the Philippines and Germany, and was a recipient of the Leib Mathematics Scholarship, the
Celebration of Excellence Award in Secondary Education, Outstanding Achievement Recognition for Excellence in
Secondary Mathematics Education, and nominated as a Teacher of Promise. She would like to thank her parents, Lori
and John, for always supporting and believing in her abilities to succeed, her fiancé for being there for her during the
stress of it all, her friends for encouraging her along the way, and most importantly, she'd like to thank God, who never
forsook her, who led her to this place in her life, and who turned her into the person she is today. Thank you, Jesus!
Courtney Miller, from Eastpointe, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in visual
arts education. After graduation, she plans to teach in her home school district of East Detroit Public Schools as a K-2
visual arts teacher. She is a proud sister of Omega Phi Alpha, co-founded and served as the president of the National Art
Education Association Student Chapter at EMU, and was a presenter at this year's Michigan Art Education Association
State Conference in Traverse City. She would like to thank her parents, her brother, and her boyfriend for their love and
support during her life and her time at Eastern, especially during the last two years. I couldn't have made it through
without the four of you!
Cashmere Morley, from Fort Worth, Texas, graduates with Departmental Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in
journalism and graphic design. After graduation, she plans to pursue a job in her chosen fields. What Cashmere
appreciates most about The Honors College was meeting new people with similar interests. She has worked as the chief
graphic designer at the Eastern Echo newspaper, the head graphic designer of the student-run literary magazine Cellar
Roots, and was a recipient of a second-place award for multimedia reporting at the Michigan Press Association’s
Collegiate Newspaper Awards in 2013. She would like to thank her parents for giving her the opportunity to achieve
everything she wanted to at EMU.
Madeleine Mortier, from Grand Blanc, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in
therapeutic recreation. After graduation, she plans to work with children and adolescents that have intellectual and
developmental disabilities. What Madeleine appreciates most about The Honors College is the opportunity for growth
and many experiences offered throughout her time at Eastern. She has been captain of the EMU dance team, a member
of dance forum, and a New Student Orientation Assistant. She would like to thank her family and friends that have
guided her throughout her time at EMU.
Jonathon Mroczka, from Canton, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in
psychology and computer science. After graduation, he will begin a full-time position at the Digital Thread Hub at
General Electric, and tie the knot with his fiancée in May of 2017. What Jon appreciates most about The Honors College
is the flexibility of the advisers and their desire for the students' success. He participated in the 2015 EMU Hackathon
and helped plan the 2016 Hackathon, initiated the 2016 MenLo Lunch and Learns, and assisted a professor in teaching a
class of continuing programming students. Jonathon was also a member of the Academic Dean's List for multiple years
and a member of the Sigma Alpha Lambda Honors Society. He would like to thank his awesome parents for their
support, understanding, and motivation to excellence throughout the years; his beautiful bride-to-be for the love,
foundation, and encouragement she has given him since day 1; Honors College Assistant-Director Mr. Feldkamp, for his
smile, flexibility, and "John Feldkamp said..." willingness to accommodate my unusual scenarios; and all his friends who
embrace and contribute to his silliness and passions.
Emily Nutter, from Whitehouse, Ohio, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in nursing. After
graduation, she plans to pursue a job in medical surgical nursing in Columbus, Ohio. What Emily appreciates most about
The Honors College is the endless learning opportunities. She has been involved with the Stoic Society and the Student
Nurses Association, and this summer, she traveled to Taiwan with the nursing program. She would like to thank her
family for their never ending love and support.
Rebecca Oswald, from Ypsilanti, Michigan, graduates with Departmental Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in
nursing. After graduation, she plans to work as a nurse at the University of Michigan Health System. What Rebecca
appreciates most about The Honors College was meeting Emily and Isabelle. She has been a part of EMU’s Student
Nurses’ Association and studied abroad in Taiwan for a nursing clinical this past summer. She would like to thank her
parents for supporting her throughout her college career and showing her what hard work looks like.
Alison Payne, from Clio, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in psychology. After
graduation, she plans to work in her field while pursuing a graduate degree in clinical psychology. What Alison
appreciates most about The Honors College is the tight-knit community and friendships. She has been an undergraduate
advisor through the psychology department and has also studied abroad in Germany, Austria, and England to learn
about psychology at its roots. She was a recipient of the highest Emerald scholarship. She would like to thank her
incredibly supportive and caring family for helping her on this rewarding journey.
Timothy Peake, from Holly, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in business supply chain management. After graduation, he plans to move to California to take a position with FEMA in
humanitarian logistics. What Tim appreciates most about The Honors College is the genuine support and guidance of his
advisers and peers. He has devoted himself earnestly to being a pleasant and engaging student and peer at EMU and
represented the campus excellently abroad in France at the ICN International Business School. Tim has spent vast
segments of time engaged in the community, which includes 300+ hours of tutoring Ypsilanti school children, assisting in
maintaining Ann Arbor's natural parks, participating as a core member of Christian student organizations, and serving as
an elected leader of EMU's Best Buddies chapter. Tim would like to thank his family, friends, EMU, and the community
of Ypsilanti for educating and guiding him to become the man he is today. He yearns to serve as a similar guiding light to
others.
Haden Quinn, from Dexter, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in finance. After
graduation, he plans to purse a career as a financial advisor. What Haden appreciated most about being in The Honors
College was the opportunity to meet people. He has worked at SPARK Business Incubator with the goal of launching an
app and worked as an intern at Edward Jones this summer. He would like to thank his family for their continued support.
Bernadette Reamer, from Toledo, Ohio, graduates with University Honors, Departmental Honors, and Highest Honors,
and earns a bachelor’s degree in english linguistics and language, literature, and writing.
Brialle Ringer, from L'Anse, Michigan, graduates with Departmental Honors and Highest Honors, and earns a bachelor’s
degree in social work. After graduation, she plans to work in the area of holistic wellness and travel the country for a few
years before returning to higher education for a PhD. What Brialle appreciated most about being in The Honors College
was the financial assistance received to support her important research on college homelessness at EMU. She has been
an active volunteer and employee at the VISION Volunteer Center where she coordinated and led several Alternative
Break Trips, traveled to Haiti as the coordinator and site leader for an educational service trip, was a McNair Scholar, and
was the recipient of several awards including: McNair Scholars Program Marcus K. Adams Service Award; NAACP Mary
McLeod Bethune Award; Evan Strand Diversity Award; NASW (MI) Student Leadership in Diversity Scholarship; Women’s
Association Scholarship; McNair Scholars Program Outstanding Service Award; Honors College Research Fellowship;
Dean's List every semester; and the Emerald Scholarship. She would like to thank Dr. Marcia Bombyk, Julie Harkema, Dr.
Lynn Nybell, the School of Social Work, and The Honors College for being supportive of her research, Dr. Heather Neff
for believing in her power and inspiring her to be her best, and the VISION Volunteer Center for giving her the tools to
be an active citizen fighting for social justice.
Alyssa Rittinger, from Dexter, Michigan, graduates with Departmental Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in
language, literature, and writing. After graduation, she plans to earn her master’s degree in library and information
science at Valdosta State University. What Alyssa appreciates most about The Honors College was the opportunity to
learn so much more about her field through independent work. The thesis project in particular was a very fulfilling
experience. During her time at Eastern, she has been actively involved in the National Society for Leadership and
Success, and was a recipient of two scholarships from the College of Arts and Sciences, including the Francis R. Warren
scholarship and Irene Little Wallace scholarship. She has also been awarded the Stella and Rose Romanow Endowed
scholarship through EMU's Bruce T. Halle Library. Alyssa would like to thank professors Elisabeth Daumer and Abby
Coykendall for their enduring patience and keen insight during the extensive writing process during her final semester.
She would also like to thank her family for putting up with her during her stressful days and sleepless nights.
Rachel Robinson, from Woodhaven, Michigan, graduates with University Honors, and earns a bachelor’s degree in
secondary education mathematics and psychology. After graduation, she plans to teach high school mathematics. What
Rachel appreciates most about The Honors College are the connections made with other Honors students and faculty.
She was President of Delta Zeta Sorority, a New Student Orientation Assistant for Campus Life, a member of the
Mathematics Club and was a recipient of scholarships for Outstanding Achievement in EMU Mathematics Education and
for Outstanding Leadership from the Delta Zeta Foundation. She would like to thank her parents, grandparents, sister,
and boyfriend for all of their love and support while she continued her education.
Sonya Sabrah, from Dearborn, Michigan, graduates with Departmental Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
After graduation, she plans to work in an intensive care unit. What Sonya appreciates most about The Honors College
was the opportunity to conduct research and complete her senior thesis on palliative care across the lifespan. She is a
member of Phi Kappa Phi, and Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society, and was a recipient of Michigan
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Board of Nursing Scholarship. She would like to thank her family and
friends for their unconditional love and support through every blissful moment and every bump in the road.
Andrea Saksa, from Livonia, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in elementary
and special education with an endorsement in cognitive impairments. After graduation, she plans to teach special
education preschool while working on her master's degree in early childhood education. What Andrea appreciates most
about The Honors College are the small, close-knit Honors community, support from the Honors faculty, life at Downing
Hall, and scholarships. She has been a member of Best Buddies and Eagle Optimist, the EMU Concert Band, volunteered
as a New Student Orientation Assistant, and participated in the Get Fit Challenge. She was the recipient of the Dean’s
Award for Student Teaching, was on Eastern Michigan University’s Dean List from the fall of 2012 through the winter of
2016, and received scholarships from the College of Education the past two years. She would like to give a special thank
you to her mom and dad for their continued support and faith in her not only these past four and a half years, but her
entire life. She would not be where she is today without them.
Kati Schenk, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduates with Departmental Honors and earns bachelor’s and master’s degrees in
accounting. After graduation, she plans to pass the CMA and CPA exams with flying colors. What Kati appreciates most
about The Honors College was the extra motivation that it instilled in her to uphold a higher standard throughout her
studies, leading to graduating Summa Cum Laude. She has been a part of Beta Alpha Psi and Beta Gamma Sigma, and
has taken part in volunteer opportunities through Meals on Wheels, Bortz Health Center, and VITA. She received the
Pifer – Plante and Moran scholarship for demonstrating excellence in accounting and the Women’s Commission
scholarship for overcoming great obstacles and striving for success. She would like to thank her son, Cain Nance, and
husband, Jim Schenk, for being there every step of the way.
Sarah Schmitz, from Hartland, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in business
management. After graduation, she plans to stay in the area and continue working as a payroll manager before
continuing her education. What Sarah appreciates most about the Honors College was the opportunity to make lifelong
friends including her roommate, Megan Wotta. She has served as president of the Stoic Society, a member of the Relay
for Life Committee, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Beta Gamma Sigma. She also participated in
programs such as the Emerging Leaders Series and the Multicultural Leadership Experience. Sarah was a recipient of the
Emerald scholarship, and the David K. Easlik Scholarship, and during her last semester as president, the Stoic Society was
awarded the Gold Medallion Award for Outstanding Student Organization. She would like to thank her family for
supporting her and always pushing her to do her best because she wouldn't be where she is without them.
Jessica Schuon, from Carleton, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
After graduation, she plans to work at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital as a nurse. What Jessica appreciates most about The
Honors College was the ability to be innovative, to take advantage of leadership and scholarship opportunities, and the
ability to meet new people. She was a recipient of the Emerald scholarship and was on the Dean's List all four semesters.
She would like to thank her parents, Kurt and Jackie, for always giving her support and helping her through the good and
bad times during school. She would also like the thank her fiancé, Paul, for always giving her love, support and help, for
always being there for her when she needs it, and for keeping her sane during the crazy years of nursing school.
Ashley Shahan, from Allen Park, Michigan, graduates with Departmental Honors and University Honors, and earns a
bachelor’s degree in business - accounting with a minor in women’s and gender studies. After graduation, she plans to
continue her career at the University of Michigan as a reporting accountant, and plan out her master's program. What
Ashley appreciates most about The Honors College was the chance to go to Stratford, Canada for the Shakespeare
Festival and for John Feldkamp knowing who she was and always taking a genuine interest in her academic career, no
matter how long it had been since he had seen her. She has been involved in the New Student Orientation Assistant
program for three years; Beta Alpha Psi and Accounting Club, for which she was the president for two semesters, and
the fundraising chair for her first semester; the Dean's Board of Student Advisers during her presidency of Beta Alpha
Psi; and was on both the university's Dean's List, and the College of Business Dean's List. She would like to thank her
fiance, Jim, for listening to all of her crying about the stress of courses and still managing to stick around; her mother,
Terri, for supporting her throughout her academic career; and her grandparents, Sylvia and Dave, for being there
through her proudest moments and her darkest moments--she couldn't be where she is today without all of you, your
love and your support.
Klara Supejova, from Prague, Czech Republic, graduates with Departmental Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in
sport management. After graduation, she plans to travel around the world for a couple years with the first stop in
Canada next year. What Klara appreciated most about The Honors College was the challenge. She has been part of the
EMU women's tennis team and was a recipient of Scholar Athlete and Player of the Year award. She would like to thank
her coaches, teammates, friends and the Office of International Students and Scholars for making her feel like home
here in Michigan.
Nicole Swartz, from Plymouth, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
After graduation, she plans to pursue a nursing career in Michigan with the hopes of finding a job one day in pediatric
oncology. What Nicole appreciates most about The Honors College are the numerous opportunities it provides, including
smaller class sizes that were more interactive and discussion based, and getting her more involved in EMU through her
volunteer hours. She has been an active crew member of the Love Your Melon Organization, a member of Sigma Theta
Tau, and a New Student Orientation Assistant. She would like to thank her mom, dad, sister, and brother, for their
constant support and encouragement throughout her time at Eastern.
Bridget Thomas, from Sylvania, Ohio, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in nursing. After
graduation, she plans to work as a nurse at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor in the Medical Intensive Care Unit.
What Bridget appreciates most about The Honors College was meeting like-minded people. She has gained much
experience outside of her schooling as a student nurse associate in the Medical ICU at the Detroit Medical Center, and as
a student nurse intern in the Medical ICU at Saint Joseph Mercy. She has made the Dean's List every year throughout her
college career. Bridget would like to thank her mom, dad, brother, grandparents, friends, and boyfriend for always
supporting her.
Sara Thompson, from Grand Blanc, Michigan, graduates with University, Departmental, and Highest Honors, and earns a
bachelor’s degree in psychology. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and pursue a doctorate in
psychology. What Sara appreciates most about The Honors College are the smaller class sizes. She has presented at the
Undergraduate Symposium and was on the Dean's List every semester she attended Eastern. She would like to thank Dr.
Carol Freedman-Doan for her guidance and assistance with the senior thesis, for her advice regarding graduate school
and future plans, and for being an overall supportive and invaluable mentor.
Valerie Walker, from Carleton, Michigan, graduates with University, Departmental, and Highest Honors, and earns a
bachelor’s degree in elementary education. After graduation, she plans to substitute teach until she is able to teach fulltime. What Valerie appreciates most about The Honors College was the community it created on campus. She has been
active in Circle K, Best Buddies, and is an officer of Kappa Delta Pi - Pi Chapter. She has studied in Oxford and London,
and was a recipient of the Irene Allen Endowed scholarship. She was also recognized for academic excellence in the
world languages department. She would like to thank her family, friends, and advisors for their help throughout her
years at Eastern.
Samantha Weaver, from Lake Orion, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in
secondary education language, literature and writing, and K-12 Spanish language teaching. After graduation, she plans
to teach English and Spanish at Romulus High School. What Samantha appreciates most about being in The Honors
College was the opportunity to live in Downing Hall with fellow Honors Students. She has been a certified tour guide of
Eastern's campus, welcomed students to campus as an New Student Orientation Assistant, served on the Executive
Board of Sigma Kappa Sorority, and studied abroad in Spain, Italy, and Ireland during her time at EMU. She would like to
thank her mom and dad for supporting her through her college experience and final semester of student teaching.
Melissa Winters, from Wixom, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in elementary
education. After graduation, she plans to obtain a job teaching in an elementary school. What Melissa appreciates most
about The Honors College are all of the people she was able to meet and friendships that were fostered during her time
here. She has been a member of Kappa Delta Pi, a national honors society for educators and was a recipient of the
Dorcas Wolf scholarship for elementary education. She would like to thank her friends, without whom she wouldn't
have made it through the last four and a half years in one piece, and her parents for their unwavering support and
guidance.
Rebecca Wright, from Saline, Michigan, graduates with University Honors and earns a bachelor’s degree in nursing. After
graduation, she plans to work in pediatrics. What Rebecca appreciates most about The Honors College is the mentorship
program and discussion based classes. She is a member of the nursing honors society, Sigma Theta Tau. She would like
to thank family and friends for their unfailing support on her journey through nursing school.