Presidential Scholars announced
June 21, 2001
KALAMAZOO -- Forty-five Western Michigan University seniors were recently named a 2001 Presidential Scholar. The award is WMU's highest honor presented to a senior.
Please see below for an alphabetical list of 2001 Presidential Scholars. Included in the listing are the scholars' hometowns, majors and other biographical information.
Students are nominated for the award by faculty members. They are selected on the basis of their general academic excellence, academic and/or artistic excellence in their major and intellectual and/or artistic promise.
The scholars were presented with certificates by WMU President Elson S. Floyd at the 21st annual Presidential Scholars Convocation this spring. The event, intended to celebrate the excellence of WMU students, is sponsored by the Faculty Senate and the Office of the President. It included a reception, dinner and program.
Media contact: Lisa Lueking, 616 387-8400
2001 Presidential Scholars
Noelle L. Adam of Niles, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in the Bronson School of Nursing. Adam graduated in April and plans to obtain her master's degree in the family nurse practitioner program at Michigan State University. She began her studies at Milligan College in Johnson, City, Tenn., and studied in Europe through that college's humanities program. While at WMU, Adam worked as a nurse extern at Bronson Hospital in the mother/baby unit. She was the recipient of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Award/Scholarship and was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. She also was a member of the WMU Medical Science Association and served as vice president of the WMU Nursing Association. Her volunteer activities included the Bronson Hospital pediatric unit and Intervarsity Christian Group. Adam is the daughter of George and Gail Adam.
Amber J. Applebee of White Lake, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Aviation. Applebee, who graduated in April with a bachelor's degree in aviation, is continuing her efforts to achieve commercial and multi-engine flight ratings and will serve an internship this fall with Delta Air Lines. While at WMU, she was a member of the Lee Honors College. She is the daughter of Chris and Keith Applebee.
Ashley N. Akerman of Van Wert, Ohio, was named a Presidential Scholar in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. Akerman, who graduated in April with a bachelor's degree in industrial and manufacturing engineering, served an internship at Central Mutual Insurance Co. in Ohio and at Kalamazoo's Stryker Instruments. While at Stryker, he was nominated for the Stryker Performance Excellence Award. Akerman was a Lee Honors College member and Medallion Scholar. He was active on WMU's Academic College Bowl team, competing against teams from Princeton and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He served as secretary and Web page designer for the WMU Student Alumni Association. He is the son of Melody and Phillip Akerman.
Dava M. Antoniotti of Portage, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Communication. Majoring in both communication and women's studies, Antoniotti worked as an intern at the YWCA's Domestic Assault Program. A Lee Honors College member, she has volunteered as a third grade tutor at Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary School and also with Children's Equestrian Opportunities, a program that pairs at-risk fifth grade students with adult mentors who teach them to ride and care for horses. A member of the Golden Key National Honor Society, she is a University Scholar and a WMU Kalamazoo Scholar. Antoniotti, who plans to graduate in December, is the daughter of David and Virginia Antoniotti.
Elizabeth A. Blake of Palatine, Ill., was named a Presidential Scholar in Music Theatre Performance. Blake graduated in April with a bachelor's degree. A member of the Lee Honors College, she studied French language and culture in France during her junior year. She was a Medallion Scholar and a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Golden Key honor societies. In 1999, she was selected to participate in the President's New York City Theater Study Tour, and was involved in 10 WMU theatrical productions, including one touring production, during her college career.
Daniele C. Bortolotti of Monza, Italy, was named a Presidential Scholar in Physics. In April, he graduated with double degrees in physics and mathematics. As a student, he conducted research at Argonne National Laboratory's Advanced Photon Source, one of the United State's premier national scientific laboratories. He was a six-time recipient of the Nathan Nichols Memorial Scholarship in Physics and received many honors including The College of Arts and Sciences Creative Research and Lee Honors College Research and Creative Activities awards, the Grover Bartoo Junior Award in Mathematics, and honorable mentions for the A. Bruce Clarke Senior Award in Mathematics and the Freshman-Sophomore Mathematics Award. He worked as a graduate assistant in the Department of Physics and was a math and physics tutor in the University's Academic Skills Center, as a physics laboratory instructor, and an undergraduate mathematics teaching assistant. Bortolotti was the president of Pi Mu Epsilon National Mathematics Honor Society, and a member of Golden Key National Honor Society, the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics, the Society of Physics Students, and the Physics Club.
Brenda L. Brooks of Baldwin, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in General University Studies. While attending college, Brenda has worked as an x-ray technologist at Bronson Methodist Hospital. She also is a parent volunteer at Woodward Magnet School, which her daughter attends, and she helps out at The Children's Place Learning Center on the WMU campus, which her son attends. She volunteers as a standardized/simulated patient for students already enrolled in the physician assistant program. Brooks, who will graduate in April 2002, is the daughter of Ben and Beverly Sobieski.
Susan L. Cheyne of Lansing, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Foreign Languages and Literatures. Cheyne, who studied Spanish, French and German, graduated in April with a bachelor's degree in foreign languages and literatures. She spent a semester at the University of Bonn in Germany and a year at the Centre de Linguistique Appliquée in Besancon, France. While in France, she enhanced her education by working as an interpreter at international conferences, completed an internship in an office created to assist minorities and foreigners in integrating into the community, and gave private English lessons. While at WMU, she taught English as a second language to elementary schoolchildren who had emigrated from Mexico and was secretary for the European Student Association. Cheyne was the recipient of a Medallion Scholarship, the President's Award for Study Abroad and the Mathilde Steckelberg Scholarship. She also was a peer advisor in the University's Study Abroad Office. She is the daughter of Rodney and Claudia Cheyne.
Bennett J. Cook of Watervliet, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Computer Science. In April, Cook graduated with a bachelor's degree in computer science. He was the recipient of a Computer Science Undergraduate Honor Roll Award and the 2000 Crowe Chizek Outstanding Computer Science Student Scholarship. A 1981 graduate of Lake Michigan College with an associate's degree in industrial technology, Cook has worked as an electronics technician, associate programmer, controls engineer and test engineer for companies that make custom industrial machinery. He is the son of James and Jerilyn Cook.
Alexandre B. Corazzola of Munich, Germany, was named a Presidential Scholar in Theatre. In April, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in theatre design and production. As a student, Corazzola worked with guest director Leon Ingulsrud of the Saratoga International Theatre Institute to costume design "The Grapes of Wrath" and designed the scenery for Shakespeare's "Love's Labour's Lost." He was a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and won the American College Theatre Festival Regional Competition 2000 for his scenic design of "Native Son," which he exhibited at the National ACTF at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. A winner of the Diether H. Haenicke British Isles Scholarship, he visited important sites for theatre and the arts in England, Italy, Austria, Germany and Greece and took a summer scenic design course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. He is the son of Ingrid and Gian-Michele Corazzola.
Tiwanna L. DeMoss of Southfield, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Anthropology. DeMoss will graduate in December with bachelor's degrees in anthropology and political science. A Lee Honors College member, she spent six months studying in South Africa and plans to travel there again to conduct research on the state of squatter settlements since the 1994 end of apartheid. A recipient of a Lee Honors College Undergraduate and Creative Activities Award, she is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Golden Key national honor societies and has been on the National Dean's List. She is a member of the Anthropology Student Union, the Model Arab League and the University's student chapter of the NAACP. She is the daughter of Oscar Sr. and Linda DeMoss.
Amber J. Depuydt of Wells, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Psychology. Depuydt will graduate in August with a double major in psychology and women's studies. She has served as a sexual assault advocate for Sexual Assault Services of Calhoun County and as a peer educator for the University's STAR (Students Talking About Relationships) program. In addition, Depuydt has been a volunteer with Gryphon Place, providing telephone crisis intervention, and with Alternative Spring Break, working at a homeless shelter in Portsmouth, N.H. Depudyt is the recipient of a WMU Transfer Scholarship and is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Reginald and Mary Depuydt.
Jennifer L. Disch of Mattawan, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Paper and Printing Science and Engineering. Disch, who plans to graduate in December, is a member of WMU's Graphic Arts Society. She won a 2001 Gutenberg Award for a four-color calendar she designed and produced. Disch earned an associate's degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and was a part of that school's honor program before enrolling at WMU. Disch, a mother of five, is an active volunteer in the community and is involved in school and church activities.
Heather M. Dolezan of Stevensville, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Family and Consumer Sciences. In April, Dolezan graduated with a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences. She was a participant in WMU's Rural Health Education Program and worked as an intern at the Intercare Community Health Network in Eau Claire, Mich.; the Allegan County Women Infants and Children office; and Fountains at Bronson Place, a home for older people in Kalamazoo. She was involved in WMU's Project AGE and volunteered at Renal Care Center of Oshtemo, Mich. Dolezan received both WMU Academic and Achievement scholarships and the Shoreline Bank Scholarship. She was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, served as a WMU Gold Guide and was involved in the Student Dietetics Association. She is the daughter of Ron and Pam Dolezan.
Michael D. Dozeman of Wyoming, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He graduated in April with a bachelor's degree in electrical and computer engineering. As a student, Dozeman was a member of the Lee Honors College and had served as intern since 1998 at Kalamazoo's Stryker Instruments. A Medallion Scholarship recipient, Dozeman also earned two Department of Physics awards. He is the son of Richard and Lois Dozeman.
Evan B. Fonger of Schoolcraft, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Chemistry. A WMU soccer player, Fonger was named Academic All-MAC twice and received the MAC Commissioner's Award for outstanding accomplishment in athletics and academics. Off the field, he completed a one-year Chemistry Department research fellowship in inorganic chemistry and gave a poster presentation of this research at a meeting of the American Chemical Society in Washington, D.C. As a volunteer, Fonger has participated in KCP 2000, a summer program to expose inner-city youth to the opportunities of college; Alternative Winter Experience, doing environmental cleanup in Saguaro National Park in Arizona; and with Habitat for Humanity. He also has worked as a home health aide for a quadriplegic man. A member of the Alpha Lambda Delta and Golden Key national honor societies, the WMU Chemistry Club, and the Medical Students Association, he plans to graduate in December. He is the son of Brad and Linda Fonger.
Nicholas A. Forfinski of Farwell, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Geography. In April, Forfinski graduated with a bachelor's degree in geography. As the student Geographic Information Systems coordinator at the University's physical plant, he worked to integrate GIS computing technology into the plant's operations. He also was active in the University's marching and concert bands and collegiate singers. A recipient of the WMU Excellence Scholarship and his department's Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Forfinski was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi national honor societies and Gamma Theta Upsilon, an international geography honors fraternity. Forfinski is the son of Kenneth and Kerri Forfinski.
Patricia K. Foster of Athens, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Educational Studies. In April, Foster received a bachelor's degree in special education. She plans to teach in a special education classroom and obtain a master's degree in educational administration and certification in special education for learning disabilities. Foster completed internships in the Battle Creek area at Springfield Middle School as a special education instructor and at Minges Brook Elementary School as a fifth-grade teacher. She served on active duty with the U.S. Air Force from 1972 to 1992 and, while stationed in Germany, attended the European campuses of Ball State University and Troy State University. She obtained her first bachelor's degree in psychology in 1975 from the University of Alaska. While at WMU, Foster was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Golden Key honor societies, the American Association of University Women, and the National Association of Female Executives. She was a Boy Scout volunteer and served as a coach for the Athens Middle School Destination Imagination Team and as a reading tutor at East Leroy Elementary.
Lucio Gorena of Garza Garcia, Mexico, was named a Presidential Scholar in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering. Gorena, who plans to graduate in April 2002, is currently involved as a member of WMU's Sunseeker solar racecar team. He also is working as a research assistant with a faculty mentor. A member of the Society for Automotive Engineers, he has been the recipient of three Department of Physics awards and recently received scholarship support from SAE. Gorena is the son of Lucio and Gloria Gorena.
Heather E. Gott of Elwell, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Environmental Studies. Gott is the first WMU student ever to receive the prestigious Morris K. Udall Scholarship for Excellence in National Environmental Policy. A Lee Honors College member, she will graduate in June with degrees in both environmental studies and political science. Gott, who spent two semesters studying abroad on the U.S.-Mexico border examining the effects of uncontrolled industrialization,served an internship at the Michigan Environmental Council in Lansing, Mich. In addition, she participated in a two-week seminar at The Washington Center in Washington, D.C., and attended Campus Green Vote Training at the University of Michigan and national Econference and Environmental Justice conferences. Gott received the Michigan Public Administration Foundation Collegiate Student Scholarship Award, the Stanley S. and Helenan S. Robin Award, and the Alpha Xi Delta Academic Scholarship. She also is the chairperson of the Campus Concerns Committee, a member of Students for a Sustainable Earth and serves as a senator in the Western Student Association. Gott is the daughter of David and Nancy Gott.
Crystalyn J. Gusse of Warren, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in English. Gusse graduated in April with a bachelor's degree in English. A Lee Honors College member, she served as a teaching intern at Milwood Middle School and was a volunteer for Project Mentor, working with students at Washington Elementary School and the Boys and Girls Club. Gusse was a four-year recipient of the Margaret Isobel Black Scholarship from the WMU College of Education and also received the WMU Academic Award and such Department of English honors as the Patrick D. Hagerty Promising Scholar Award and the Ralph N. Miller Memorial Award. She was a member of the Golden Key, Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Kappa Phi national honor societies and the WMU Honor Student Association. Gusse is the daughter of Carl and Carol Gusse.
Anne M. Hawkinson of Lawrence, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Teaching, Learning and Leadership. Hawkinson, who will graduate in April 2002, has explored teaching language arts in the elementary classroom through such vehicles as multi-genre writing, writing across the curriculum, literature circles, creative dramatics, storytelling and writers' workshops. A member of the Lee Honors College, she takes part in a pilot program at Washington Writers' Academy. She has received the Distinguished Community College Scholars Award as a transfer student to WMU and was awarded the 2000 Lofton Burge Educational Scholarship. A mother of three, Hawkinson is a frequent volunteer at the Lawrence Public Schools.
Bradley A. Hirsch of New Lenox, Ill., was named a Presidential Scholar in Accountancy. In April, Hirsch, an honor society member and community volunteer, graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration. A summer internship with Arthur Andersen in Chicago led Hirsch into a full-time position at that firm. While at WMU, Hirsch was a member of the Beta Alpha Psi and Alpha Lambda Delta honor societies, and served as assistant vice president of finance for Sigma Phi Epsilon, a social fraternity. His volunteer pursuits included work with Habitat for Humanity, the Festival of Trees and Sega for Heart. He is the son of Jeff and Ulema Hirsch.
Katharine M. Hoogerheide of Kalamazoo, was named a Presidential Scholar in Music. Hoogerheide, who plans to graduate in December,has taught at several local schools, including serving pre-internships in Comstock, Mattawan, Portage public schools and St. Monica Catholic School. She also has worked during the summer as a drill instructor for Mattawan and Battle Creek Central high school marching bands. Hoogerhiede has played tuba and euphonium in the WMU Concert Band for six semesters and has served as tuba section leader in the WMU Bronco Marching Band. A member of the Lee Honors College, Hoogerhiede served as president of the collegiate division of MENC: The National Association for Music Education and serves on the Music Student Advisory Council. She is a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda and Golden Key honor societies, elected to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, and was awarded the Evelyn R. Hart Professional Education Scholarship and Theodore Presser Foundation Scholarship. She is the daughter of John and Jane Hoogerheide.
Danielle L. Irwin of Clawson, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Construction Engineering, Materials Engineering and Industrial Design. Irwin, who will graduate in April 2002, is co-president of the WMU chapter of the Materials Engineering Society and a member of the Golden Key and Phi Theta Kappa national honor societies. A volunteer tutor for all levels of mathematics students, Irwin has been the recipient of several scholarships, including a National Science Foundation-Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics Scholarship. Irwin is the daughter of Richard and Barbara Irwin of Ocala, Florida.
Timothy T. Iseler of Port Hope, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Mathematics and Statistics. Tim, who will graduate in June, plans to continue his education by studying electrical and audio engineering. A member of the Lee Honors College, Iseler is the recipient of a WMU Excellence Award, the Colonel Charles Bayliss Scholarship and a WMU Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award. He is the son of Lawrence and Maryann Iseler.
Laura A. Jeltema of Comstock Park, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Political Science. In April, Jeltema received a bachelor's degree in political science. Her studies focused on Western and Central Europe, and she spent a semester in Salzburg, Austria, studying European politics. She also interned at the federal courthouse under U.S. District Judge Richard A. Enslen. The recipient of a University Scholar scholarship and the Howard Wolpe Political Science Departmental Scholarship, Jeltema was a member of Alpha Lambda Delta and Golden Key national honors societies. She also was a consultant at the University's Writing Center and volunteered with children at the Allen Chapel Fun Center and God's Kitchen, a soup kitchen in Grand Rapids. Jeltema was a participant in College Democrats and was a member of the WMU delegation to the Model Arab League. She is the daughter of Tom and Linda Jeltema.
Jason W. Mainstone of Quincy, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Philosophy. Mainstone, who graduated in April with a bachelor's degree in philosophy, was a member of the 2001 WMU Ethics Bowl Team and served on the University's Academic Integrity Committee. He received a WMU Transfer Scholarship, the Kendall Academic Scholarship and the Board of Trustees Scholarship at Lake Superior State University. Mainstone is the son of Phillip and Jeanette Mainstone.
Erin R. Malley of Kalamazoo, was named a Presidential Scholar in Dance. In April, Malley graduated with a bachelor's degree in dance. A choreographer, her works have been shown at the Prague Dance Festival in the Czech Republic, at the fringe Festival of Independent Dance Artists in Toronto and at two American College Dance Festivals. She presented works at numerous local and regional venues and competitions and was commissioned by the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Dance Collective of Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo County's Education for the Arts program. Malley received the 2000 Irving S. Gilmore Emerging Artist Grant to co-produce a formal concert in May 2001 at Kalamazoo's Epic Center. She also received the 1999 Dalton Dancers with Musicians Scholarship, the 2000 Exceptional Dance Major Scholarship and a Bates Merit Scholarship to attend the Bates Dance Festival, a nationally recognized summer program. Malley volunteered for technical production of departmental concerts, guest artist series and plays and worked as a technician for local festivals and professional productions. She is the daughter of Dan and Susan Malley.
Melissa S. Milton of Fowlerville, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in History. Milton graduated in April with a bachelor's degree in history. She had gained experience in her field as a costumed historic presenter at the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Mich., and through internships at the Detroit Historical and Kalamazoo Valley museums. She worked as a student assistant at WMU's Archives and Regional History Collections and as a greeter and guide at the KVM. She participated in a summer fellowship at the Historic Deerfield Museum of New England History and Art in Massachusetts. A member of the Lee Honors College, she received a College of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Creative Research Activities Award to curate an exhibition of historical photographs of WMU. She is the daughter of Kenneth and Charlotte Milton.
Alexander S. Page of Lansing, Ill., was named a Presidential Scholar in Marketing. Page, who will graduate in April 2002, has had six internships over the past four years. He has worked with organizations such as FOX Sports Net Chicago, the Jenny Jones Show and the Uniform Color Co. while pursuing dual degrees in advertising and promotion and broadcast and cable. He is the recipient of one of six Adcraft Club of Detroit Scholarships, along with several other awards. He is a member of the Lambda Pi Eta, Beta Gamma Sigma and Mortar Board honor societies, as well as the Delta Tau Delta social fraternity, for which he has served as academic chair and alumni relations chair. A member of the Lee Honors College, Page is the son of Michael and Sheryl Page.
Hattie-Maria Paule Walker of Niles, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Occupational Therapy. Walker, who will graduate in December, completed fieldwork at the Merrill Residence assisted living facility and Lakeside Treatment and Learning Center. She also took part in the WMU Rural Health Education Program's Summer Institute on Migrant Farm Worker Health. She was employed as a tutor for Kalamazoo Public Schools' 21st Century Program and was a co-principal investigator of a research project at Gobles Elementary School. She is the daughter of Kenny and Leticia Walker.
Erica E. Rittenhouse of Fountain, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Manufacturing Engineering. She graduated in April with a bachelor's degree in that field. Rittenhouse earned an associate's degree from West Shore Community College in 1998 before beginning the bachelor's degree program at WMU's regional center in Muskegon, Mich. As a WMU student, she worked in a co-op engineering position with Howmet Whitehall Casting. She is the daughter of Roger Rittenhouse.
Rosalie J. Rypma of Whitehall, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Social Work. In April, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in social work with a focus on child welfare and family dynamics. She completed an internship with Bethany Christian Services in its foster care unit, participating in court hearings, meeting with foster parents and foster children, interviewing biological parents to determine their needs and ability to parent, and making referrals for counseling and treatment. She also was involved as a volunteer with the Into the Streets program and worked either part time or full time throughout her college career. She is the daughter of Harlan and Donna Rypma.
Kathlene M. Scheffers of Kalamazoo, was named a Presidential Scholar in Management. In April, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in human resources management. Scheffers, who works at the University as a communications coordinator in the Department of Human Resources, had pursued her degree part time since 1996. She received numerous awards and scholarships, including the Haworth College of Business Academic Achievement Award and the Jeff Robideau Award for Meritorious Scholarship. A member of the Kalamazoo Human Resource Management Association, she was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma honor societies.
Earl H. Schwark II of Ray, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. In April, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in exercise science with a coaching minor. He volunteered as a junior varsity assistant coach at Kalamazoo Central High School for the 2000 softball season and for WMU's Special Olympics Unified Sports program, serving as a partner on a softball team, a bowling coach, and the medical chairperson for the 2000 Unified Sports Basketball and Bowling Tournament. Schwark also volunteered with a local senior center as part of a class project. A member of the Lee Honors College, he participated in intramural sports, served as treasurer of Phi Epsilon Kappa honorary society and was an active member of American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Schwark also was the recipient of a WMU Excellence Scholarship. He is the son of Earl and Janeanne Schwark.
Laura A. Sherrod of Gobles, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Geosciences. Sherrod, who is majoring in geosciences and has minors in physics, mathematics and spanish, plans to graduate in December. Sherrod is a bagpipe player and member of the Kalamazoo Pipe Band, which often performs at area events. A flutist, she and her mother, a pianist, often entertain at nursing homes, weddings and churches. She received the Michigan Competitive Scholarship, the WMU Academic Scholarship and True Value Member Scholarship. A member of Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society, she is the daughter of Rick Sherrod of Stephensville, Texas and Roxanne Healy.
Aaron M. Spiller of Yale, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Economics. A member of the Lee Honors College, he will graduate in August with double majors in economics and mathematics. A Medallion Scholarship recipient, Spiller also was awarded the WMU Department of Mathematics and Statistics' Erik A. Schriener Memorial Scholarship for outstanding achievement and potential contributions in the field of mathematics. He volunteers with a variety of Christian organizations, including working at a shelter for homeless men. He is the son of George and Mary Spiller.
Sarah M. Stocchiero of Bangor, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Integrated Supply Management. Stocchiero, who graduated in December 2000 with bachelor's degrees in integrated supply management and Asian studies, is working in the agricultural equipment division of John Deere Dubuque Works where she had served an internship as a student. While at WMU, she studied overseas at Japan's Nagoya Gakuin University, served as arts and entertainment editor of the Western Herald, and was a cast member of the educational touring theatre group "Great Sexpectations." She was a recipient of the University's Medallion Scholarship and earned scholarships from the Haworth College of Business, the integrated supply management program, Stryker Instruments and the Ford Motor Co. The Lee Honors College student also was a member of several honor societies, including Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Gamma Sigma. She is the daughter of Ted and Mary Stocchiero.
Justin L. Tack of Lapeer, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Comparative Religion. In April, Tack graduated with a bachelor's degree in comparative religion. His plans include pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in Near Eastern studies. Tack will spend this summer and the next school year at the University of Michigan, intensively studying Arabic and German. He is the son of Laurie Lee.
Kelli J. Talicska of Auburn, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Speech Pathology and Audiology. Talicska will graduate in December and begin studies toward a master's degree in speech-language pathology with an emphasis in aural rehabilitation with plans to work as a speech-language pathologist in schools for children who are deaf or have multiple impairments. During an internship with Delphi Automotive, she conducted two research projects on noise-induced hearing loss and created a hearing awareness, protection and conservation program for Delphi employees. Talicska also worked as a camp counselor/speech clinician for the 2000 Summer Remedial Clinics at Central Michigan University. WMU's 2000 Homecoming Queen, she is also a member of the Lee Honors College, and Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi and Alpha Lambda Delta honors societies. She is the daughter of Gregory and Joette Talicska.
Emily S. Vermilya of Onaway, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Sociology. Vermilya will graduate in April 2003 with triple majors in political science, sociology and comparative religion. A member of the Lee Honors College, she is the recipient of an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award. She also is a supplemental instructor for the Academic Skills Center, assisting students in classes with high failure and dropout rates. She is the daughter of Karen and Wayne Vermilya.
Matthew M. Wathen of Kalamazoo, was named a Presidential Scholar in Finance and Commercial Law. Wathen graduated in April with a bachelor's degree in finance and is headed for a career in investment banking. He plans to pursue a joint MBA and doctorae degree. Wathen was a non-traditional student whose family includes three children. He also was a member of the business honor society Beta Gamma Sigma, the Golden Key National Honor Society, and was a recipient of the James Mark Johnson Scholarship. Wathen served as president of the Financial Management Association and as a member of the Dean's Student Advisory Council in the Haworth College of Business.
Amy M. Watson of Portage, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in both Art and Biological Sciences. In April, Watson graduated with bachelor's degrees in art and biological sciences. She was involved in Alternative Spring Break, first as a participant and then as a site leader and executive board secretary, traveling to Kentucky, Cleveland and New Orleans. In the summer of 2000, she helped paint a large mural in the Department of Art, earning an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Award. A member of the Lee Honors College, Watson, who exhibited work in numerous shows, received the Angie Gayman Carmer scholarship, an Art Department Enrichment Grant and Seibert Undergraduate Research Travel Grant which allowed her to travel to New York. She is the daughter of Elizabeth Watson.
Jennifer J. Zimmerman of Howell, Mich., was named a Presidential Scholar in Business Information Systems. In April, Zimmerman graduated with a bachelor's degree in business information systems. She will head to San Diego to pursue a career in information technology. As a student, she served IT internships at Ancor Information Management in Troy, Mich., and at Pharmacia Corp. in Kalamazoo. Zimmerman was the president of the Greek honor society, Order of Omega, and was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma and Golden Key honor societies. A Medallion Scholarship winner, she was active in her sorority, Delta Zeta. Her volunteer activities included work with the Festival of Trees, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Friendship Village Aid to the Elderly and the YWCA Domestic Assault Program. She is the daughter of Tom and Pam Zimmerman.