Top students honored as 2016 Presidential Scholars

Seven students from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences were among the 50 recognized as Western Michigan University's top students for 2016 during the 36th annual Presidential Scholars Convocation on Tuesday, March 29.

Each year, faculty members from across the University select the most outstanding senior in their various academic schools, departments and programs to represent their units as a WMU Presidential Scholar. This year, 50 scholars were chosen from a senior class of more than 6,500 students.

The Presidential Scholar designation is the highest academic honor that WMU can bestow on its undergraduates. Selection is based on the students' general academic excellence, academic and artistic excellence relative to their majors, and intellectual and artistic promise.

The 2016 Presidential Scholars Convocation, which is by invitation only, included a program featuring a keynote address by Dr. John M. Dunn, president of WMU. Also making remarks were Dr. C. Dennis Simpson, president of the WMU Faculty Senate, and Connor Smith, president of the Western Student Association. This year's scholars were recognized and awarded certificates during a dessert reception, and had their pictures taken with Dunn and Simpson.

2016 Presidential Scholars from the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

•    Chemical and paper engineering—Andrew J. Bogan of Warren, Mich.

•    Civil and construction engineering—Jason J. Grant of St. Louis, Mo.

•    Computer science—Scott B. Linder of Portage, Mich.

•    Electrical and computer engineering—Alexandra C. Ferguson of Livonia, Mich.

•    Engineering design, manufacturing and management systems—Aaron J. Huntoon of Clio, Mich.

•    Industrial and entrepreneurial engineering and engineering management—Matthew T. Bracey of Plymouth, Mich.

•    Mechanical and aerospace engineering—Matthew J. Baird of Alpena, Mich.