Thirty-nine WMU students make Who's Who
July 30, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- Thirty-nine Western Michigan University students have been chosen for inclusion in the 2002-03 edition of "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges."
Since 1934, the Who's Who program has been honoring outstanding campus leaders for their accomplishments in and out of the classroom. Criteria for selection include academic achievement, community service, leadership in extracurricular activities and potential for continued success.
Those named in the program's annual directory this year join an elite group of students from more than 2,300 higher education institutions in the United States. The WMU students included were selected by a nominating committee of WMU faculty and staff members.
The honorees receive lifetime use of a job reference service and have their biographies published in "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges."
Andrea Anderson of Warren, Mich., is the daughter of Winnie Smith. She is a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in administration in higher education. Anderson works as a graduate assistant in the Student Support Program, where she advises and teaches first-generation and at-risk students.
Jessica Baby of Mentor, Ohio, is the daughter of Robert and Julia Grace. She is a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in administration in higher education. Baby is currently serving as vice president of the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students Board of Directors. On campus, she works as a graduate assistant in Student Activities and Leadership Programs, where she coordinates the WMU Parents Association.
Melinda Bagnall of Sturgis, Mich., is the daughter of Rex and Laura Kershner. She is a senior majoring in art. Bagnall, a devoted mother of two, enrolled at WMU to finish her degree in graphic design. She has been named to the WMU Dean's List three times. She began her college career at Glen Oaks Community College, where she also earned a place on the dean's list.
Brandi Blades of Kalamazoo is the daughter of Mark and Linda Blades. She graduated in April 2003 with a major in marketing and a minor in general business. Blades was vice president of programming for the American Marketing Association and also was involved in the Golden Key International Honor Society. She volunteered her time to Big Brothers-Big Sisters.
Kerrie Boodt of Portage, Mich., is the daughter of Anda Boodt. She is a senior majoring in social work and minoring in public administration. Boodt has been a residence hall resident assistant; a Greek recruitment counselor; an orientation leader; and an ambassador for Bronco Days. She also has been director of rituals for her sorority, Delta Gamma, and is a member of the Order of Omega.
Marcel Brouwers of Mt. Prospect, Ill., is the son of Hans Brouwers. He is a graduate student pursuing a doctoral degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing. Brouwers is chairperson of the Graduate Student Advisory Committee and assistant poetry editor for one of WMU's literary publications. He has served as secretary of the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students Board of Directors and was founder and president of WMU's Association of Graduate English Students.
Brian Cheyne of Lansing, Mich., is the son of Rodney and Claudia Cheyne. He is a junior majoring in economics as well as general mathematics. Cheyne received a Medallion Scholarship, WMU's most prestigious merit award for incoming freshmen. He is a member of the Lee Honors College and has worked as an undergraduate math researcher for the National Science Foundation. Additionally, he is a member of the rugby team and in 2001, was named Rookie of the Year.
Cara Crandall of Toledo, Ohio, is the daughter of Stephen and Barbara Crandall. She is a junior majoring in advertising and promotion and minoring in general business. Crandall has been involved with WMU's synchronized skating team for the past three years and is currently serving as the team's captain. She is a member of the Golden Key National Honor society and the advertising club and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity.
David Cousineau of Waterloo, Ontario, is the son of Gord and Judy Cousineau. He is a senior majoring in integrated supply matrix management and minoring is general business. Cousineau, has frequently been named to the dean's list and is a member of the hockey team. He was a Central Collegiate Hockey Association All-Academic Team selection and has received WMU's Rookie of the Year award and Bronco "Elite Eight" Scholar Athlete Award. Cousineau volunteers his time to the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association, Kalamazoo Big Brothers-Big Sisters and the "Ready to Read" Program.
Trevor Davies of Fenton, Mich., is the son of Evan and Carol Davies. He graduated in April 2003 with a major in recreation and a minor in communication. Davies was named to the dean's list four times and was extremely active in campus life. In addition to volunteering his time for the Special Olympics, he served in such WMU positions as residence hall resident advisor, orientation student coordinator and student leader, Bronco Bash coordinator and Family Festival coordinator.
Doris Dirks of Calgary, Alberta, is the daughter of Hildegard Dirks. She is a graduate student pursuing a doctoral degree in medieval history. Dirks has presented and written papers for conferences sponsored by such organizations as the Midwest Jewish Studies Association, Congress of the Social Sciences and Humanities, and International Congress on Medieval Studies. She has served as chairperson of the Graduate Student Advisory Committee and was the 2001-2002 president of the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students Board of Directors. Currently, Dirks is a doctoral associate in Student Activities and Leadership Programs, where she works in the areas of leadership and life skills.
James Patrick Dolan Jr. of Royal Oak, Mich., is the son of Anna and Jim Dolan. He is a doctoral student in counseling psychology. Dolan has been prominent in the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, as well as in the Career Counseling Center. He has made presentations at a variety of conferences and events and had an article on "Personal Dimensions of Identity" published in 2002. Currently, he is serving as a doctoral associate for registered student organizations in Student Activities and Leadership Programs.
Bethany Durkin of Battle Creek, Mich., is the daughter of Michael and Diane Durkin. She is a junior majoring in elementary education, with a focus on math, science and English, and a member of the Lee's Honors College. Durkin has been named to the dean's list five times. She is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and was a student ambassador for WMU's Office of Admissions and Orientation.
Lori Earls of Westerville, Ohio, is the daughter of Otto and Janet Laster. She is a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in administration in higher education. Earls is a graduate assistant in Student Activities and Leadership programs, where she is the financial adviser for registered student organizations. She is a member of Graduate Students and Professionals in Student Affairs.
Nancy Greer-Williams of Hopewell, Va., is the daughter of Margie Coleman. She is a graduate student pursuing a doctoral degree in teaching, learning and leadership. Greer-Williams was the publicity chairperson for the Graduate Student Advisory Committee. She serves as a doctoral associate in the Graduate College as well as an advisor for Lamda Pi Eta and is a volunteer cycling teacher at the Christian Life Center.
Mark Hardy of Robbins, Ill., is the son of Ben and Kathryn Harvey. He is a junior majoring in aviation flight science and minoring in business. Hardy is the youngest federally licensed pilot in the state of Illinois to received both single-engine and glider certification. He is a member of the football and the track and field teams and has worked on campus as an orientation leader. He volunteers his time to Habitat for Humanity.
Heather Johnson of Ypsilanti, Mich., is the daughter of Randy and Peggi Johnson. She is a senior majoring in public history. Johnson has been named to the dean's list four times. She holds down two campus jobs, one in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership Programs and the other in Archives and Regional History Collections. Johnson has been involved in the Navigators Christian Organization, Peace N' It Together and the Alternative Spring Break Planning Committee.
Kory Johnson of Portage, Mich., is the son of Nancy Martin. He is a senior majoring in biomedical sciences and minoring in chemistry as well as psychology. Johnson has been named to the dean's list eight times and is a recipient of the College of Arts and Science Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award as well as the Monroe-Brown Undergraduate Research Award. He is a member of the Lee Honors College, Golden Key National Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta. Johnson volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, an after school program at North Eastern Elementary School, and the Kalamazoo Area Academic Achievement Program.
Alison Karwan of Royal Oak, Mich., is the daughter of Tim and Elaine Karwan. She graduated in April 2003 with a major in public relations and a minor in journalism. Karwan was named to the dean's list seven times and received the Dan Schraham Leadership Award Scholarship. She was a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, Lambda Pi Eta, Drive Safe Kalamazoo, Alpha Lamda Delta and the Student Alumni Association. Karwan was also a member of the 2002 Homecoming Court and worked on campus in several positions, including orientation leader, Bronco Days coordinator and student assistant in Student Activities and Leadership Programs.
Nikkea Kelley of Kalamazoo is the daughter of Patricia Harris. She is a senior majoring in social work. Kelley is a member of the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society and has been named to the dean's list. She has received the Anne Russell scholarship, the Young Women of Achievement Award and a certificate of Academic Excellence from the Kalamazoo Gazette. Kelley volunteers her time to Habitat for Humanity, the Navigator Academy and Martin Luther King Day activities.
Jacqueline Kueh of Kuching, Malaysia, is the daughter of John Kueh. She is a senior majoring in biomedical sciences and minoring in chemistry. Kueh, who began her studies at Sunway College in Malaysia, has been named to the dean's list three times and has received the Monroe-Brown Research Scholarship. She is a member of the National Golden Key Honor Society, is active in the Malaysian Student Organization, and has been an orientation leader for the Office of International Student and Scholar Services.
Colleen Kurmas of Sterling Heights, Mich., is the daughter of Kathleen Crowell. She is a senior majoring in interpersonal communication as well as in creative writing. Kurmas has won several scholarships, including the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and the Special Needs Scholarship. She has worked as an orientation leader and a student assistant in Career and Student Employment Services. She has participated in Alternative Spring Break and also is involved with the American Humanics Student Association, WIDR-FM and Students Against Sweatshops.
Zarraz May-Ping Lee of Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, is the daughter of Dalwi Lee Keat and Khoo Lay Im. She is a senior majoring in biomedical sciences and minoring in chemistry. Lee, who began her studies at Sunway College in Malaysia, has been named to the dean's list three times and has received honors such as the Monroe Brown Undergraduate Research Scholarship and the Marie Noyer Scholar Award. She is a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi, the Malaysian Student Organization and the American Society of Microbiology. Lee volunteers her time to the East Campus Hilltoppers and the Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo.
Jason Malloy of Detroit is the son of Deborah Malloy. He is a senior majoring in elementary education and with a minor in math, science and physical education. Malloy has been named to the dean's list two times and received the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Academic Award. He also received the John Gill Student Athlete Award as a member of the football team and volunteers for Bronson Children's Hospital and Habit for Humanity.
Nicole Misico of Kewadin, Mich., is the daughter of James and Connie Misico. She is a senior majoring in English as well as secondary education and minoring in communication. Misico won the 1999 Miss Elk Rapids scholarship and has been named to the dean's list seven times. She is an executive board member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Misico also has served as an assistant director for the WMU Writing Center worked in the Center for Academic Support Programs.
Tracy Monaco of Wheaton, Ill., is the daughter of Donald and Patricia Monaco. She graduated in April 2003 with a major in dance. Monaco was actively involved in the dance department and served as president and treasurer of the Orchesis Dance Society--the dance student organization. She also was active in the Kalamazoo community, volunteering for and participating in dance and music concerts and projects.
Shawn Morrison of Commerce Township, Mich., is the son of Ron and Linda Morrison. He is a senior majoring in secondary education with a history focus. Morrison has been named to the dean's list six times and was an ambassador for Bronco Days, the University's special transition program for freshmen. He also is a member of the WMU baseball team and in 2000, was named Rookie of the Year.
Shajir Muneer of Raritan, N.J., is the son of Muneer and Razia Ceyem. He graduated in December 2002 with a master of business administration degree. Muneer worked as a graduate assistant in Career and Student Employment Services, coordinating job fairs, etiquette dinners and Teacher Placement Day. He was a member of the National Scholars Honor Society and American Finance Association and volunteered his time to the American Red Cross.
Laurel Palmer of Reading Pa., is the daughter of Richard and Janet Shanaman. She is a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in public administration. Palmer currently works as a graduate assistant in Campus Programming, where she is responsible for planning and implementing annual programs such as Bronco Bash and Homecoming. She also currently serves on the boards of directors of the Kalamazoo County Child Abuse and Neglect Council and Community Advocates.
William Paul of Birmingham, Mich., is the son of Stephen and Carol Paul. He graduated in April 2003 with a major in hydrogeology and a minor in math. Paul was an active member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, which he served as the recruitment chairperson and fraternity educator. He also served as a member of WMU's faculty/student Academic Integrity Committee and was a member of the Geology Club, Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society and Order of Omega. Paul volunteered his time with Habitat for Humanity, Adopt-A-Highway and Project Mentor.
Peter Ponzetti III of Fenton, Mich., is the son of Peter and Gail Ponzetti Jr. He is a junior majoring in secondary education as well as political science and minoring in social science as well as English. Ponzetti is a member of the Lee Honors College and was awarded a transfer student scholarship in 2001. He is an active member of the Progressive Student Alliance and has served as interim co-chairperson of the College Green Party at WMU. He is an opinion columnist for WMU's student newspaper, the Western Herald, and has been a volunteer student mentor with Kalamazoo's Vine Street Alternative School.
Holly Sharp of Wyoming, Mich., is the daughter of Mark Sharp and Vickki Briggs. She graduated in April 2003 with a major in advertising and a minor in business. Sharp was a member of the Lee Honors College and was named to the dean's list every semester of her four years at WMU. She was active in many student organizations, including the American Marketing Association, the American Advertising Federation, Alpha Phi, the Golden Key National Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta.
Angela Sillmon of Plymouth, Mich., is the daughter of Mel and Anna Sillmon. She is a senior majoring in computer information systems. Sillmon has been named to the dean's list and been a standout on the volleyball team, starting for three years and winning such honors as being tapped for the 2002 All-Mid-American Conference Honorable Mention team. She is a member of the Phi Chi Theta co-ed professional business fraternity and Multicultural Business Students Association. Sillmon also was the student representative on WMU's Presidential Search Advisory Committee, which recently recommended Judith I. Bailey as the University's seventh president.
Psychelia Smith of Benton Harbor, Mich., is the daughter of Audrey Elwell. She graduated in April 2003 with a major in marketing and a minor in general business. Smith served as president of the Multicultural Business Students Association and was a member of the American Marketing Association, WMU Marketing Club and WMU Chapter of the NAACP. In addition to being active on campus, she worked at various internships to round out her academic experience and help pay for college.
Dana Stachowiak of Sparta, Mich., is the daughter of Bill and Marti Stachowiak. She is a senior majoring in elementary education. Stachowiak is a member of the Lee Honors College and has been named to the dean's list seven times. She works in the WMU Writing Center as an assistant director and tutor, and is a member of the Student Education Association, the Golden Key National Honor Society, and Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Kappa Phi.
Kyle Walker of Linden, Mich., is the son of Bruce and Karen Walker. He graduated in April 2003 with a major in organizational communication and a minor in chemistry. Walker was involved with the cycling team, the Keystone Leadership Society and Health Occupation Students of America. He also served as a sexual health peer educator and participated in Alternative Spring Break and MLK Day of Service activities.
Jennifer Wiles of Troy, Mich., is the daughter of Richard and Deborah Wiles. She is a junior majoring in special education and minoring in early childhood development. Wiles has been named to the dean's list two times. She is a former captain of the WMU soccer team and a volunteer coach for children in community soccer leagues.
Angela Wolak of Vasser, Mich., is the daughter of Thomas and Mary Wolak. She is a senior majoring in graphic design and minoring in general business. Wolak, is a member of the Lee Honors College and in 2003, was named a Presidential Scholar, WMU's highest honor for a senior. In addition to her designation as the Presidential Scholar in Art, she also received an art department foundation scholarship. Wolak is a member of the American Institute of Graphic Arts, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, the Golden Key Honor Society and the Honors Student Association.
Leslie Wynne of Portage, Mich., is the daughter of Steven and Valerie Wynne. She is a senior majoring in elementary education. Wynne has been named to the dean's list six times, has received the Michigan Competitive Scholarship for four years and received the Alpha Xi Delta National Merit Scholarship. In addition to being involved in the Alpha Xi Delta sorority, she has participated in the Student Support Program and intramural sports and has served as an ambassador for Bronco Days.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 269 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu