December 15, 2008
Sally Pederson, seniors celebrate CHS at graduation event
Alum shares Iowa's bragging rights with the newest of college graduates
By
Laura Dillavou
The College of Human Sciences is pleased to announce that approximately 206 students will receive bachelor’s degrees this weekend. The College of Human Sciences Graduation Celebration will begin with a procession at 4:30 p.m. in the C.Y. Stephens Auditorium in Ames. A commencement ceremony for all Iowa State students receiving bachelor’s degrees will be held on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. in Hilton Coliseum.
Students in the College of Human Sciences earning masters and doctoral degrees will be recognized in the Graduate College ceremony on Friday at 8 p.m. in Stephens Auditorium.
A reception for all graduating students in the College of Human Sciences, as well as family, friends, faculty, and staff, will also be held on Friday in the first floor lobby of the Scheman Building. The reception begins immediately following the undergraduate celebration and runs until 7:30 p.m.
Sally Pederson highlights Iowa’s many bragging rights in her keynote address at the College of Human Sciences Graduation Celebration event. A 1973 graduate of hotel, restaurant, and institution management, Pederson has committed herself to helping others in a variety of capacities.
From her role as Lieutenant Governor of Iowa (1999-2007), to her involvement with creating a healthier, more educated society, Pederson is truly a champion for the underserved and underrepresented. She is responsible for creating The Homestead, an agency providing innovative solutions to the challenges facing children and adults with autism; she is the founder and chair of the advisory board for Realizing Education and Career Hopes (REACH), a two-year college program for students with cognitive disabilities; and in 2006 she served as honorary chair of the first-ever Special Olympics USA National Games.
Beyond her roles in public office, she serves her community as president of Polk County Health Services; board president for Autism Society of Iowa; and board member for Autism Speaks, Blank Children’s Hospital, the Des Moines Playhouse, Very Special Arts Iowa, YWCA Aliber Child Care Center, the YMCA, and Mid-Iowa Health Foundation, and the State Special Education Advisory Panel.
Kathryn Formaker will deliver the student address at the College of Human Sciences event. A high achiever in academics and extracurricular activities, Formaker has also been named the fall 2008 College of Human Sciences university marshal at the all-university ceremony. Formaker will graduate summa cum laude with a degree in elementary education, with endorsements in social students, middle school, and reading.
During her time at Iowa State, Formaker made the most of available opportunities to engage in pre-service teaching experiences, scholarly research, and hands-on interaction with children. Says one of her nominators, “In all of my discussions with her, Kathy’s desire to be an outstanding teacher is evident and she is willing to take any actions necessary to gather the knowledge, skills, and techniques for her future career.”
As Formaker sets her sights on a classroom of her own, she credits her parents and professors for instilling in her the ideals of honesty, resiliency, and courage. She reflects, “My courses at ISU have prepared me well in the basics of my chosen field. However, I will be forever grateful to my professors for imparting important higher knowledge of these traits I will use in my career, as a parent, as a wife, and as a whole person.”
Patrick Rabbitt serves as the student marshal at the College of Human Sciences event. Rabbitt aims to instill lifelong learning in his students – something he is very familiar with. After taking courses at various colleges and serving the United States Marine Corps for 20 years, Rabbitt will graduate from the College of Human Sciences with a degree in elementary education.
During his two years at Iowa State, Rabbitt kept a busy schedule with his commitment to the armed services as well as his involvement with his local community theatre, school district, and busy family life. As one of his nominators wrote, “Patrick represents the promise that individuals can continue to learn and pursue dreams – expand their potential – and make a difference in people’s lives.”
As Rabbitt enters the classroom as a full-fledged teacher, he said: “Iowa State has shown me a varied curriculum that connects people from all walks of life and disciplines while providing us with unlimited potential to reach beyond the boundaries of Iowa and the United States of America.”
Elizabeth Starrett will be recognized for her outstanding achievements with the fall 2008 Dean’s Recognition Award. Since stepping foot on the ISU campus, Starrett has made the most of her time at Iowa State. As one of her nominators wrote, “Elizabeth is clearly an individual that has combined academic achievement with leadership, service and professional development.”
Starrett will graduate with a major in food science with an industry concentration and a minor in food safety. In addition to extensive campus involvement, Starrett has also studied in Costa Rica, where she observed tropical food production facilities, and has worked with the USDA as a food safety and inspection intern.
Said Starrett of her ISU experience, “It is the times when the path was not so clear that I have learned the most about perseverance, hard work, and teamwork and all of those things will allow me to succeed in life after college.”
Maurice Curry is named the 2008 College of Human Sciences Graduating Student of the Year by the College of Human Sciences Student Council.
Curry, who will graduate with a double major in hotel, restaurant, and institution management and interdisciplinary studies of criminology and criminal justice, has made a practice of serving his community, campus, and nation. He is credited with starting the ISU Student Veterans of America, a reflection of his time and service with the United State Marine Corps in the Iraq war. He has also spent many hours committed to making the lives of others better as a scoutmaster, Special Olympics volunteer, Beloit mentor, and Boys and Girls Club of Ames volunteer.
An active student on campus and off, Curry takes away this from his years at ISU: “Since beginning my tenure at ISU, I have learned not to be a spectator, but rather, to be actively engaged in what I’m doing.”
Lindsay Smith, a senior in music from Ankeny, will sing the National Anthem and lead the audience in singing “The Bells of Iowa State.”
Contacts:
Tara Fisher, administrative assistant, 515 294-7002. Laura Dillavou, communications specialist, 515 294-3689.
