May 4, 2009
CHS graduates over 500 students this weekend
Alum Sally Rapp Beisser headlines as keynote speaker
Sally Rapp Beisser(Curriculum and Instruction, ’71, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, ’77, Curriculum and Instruction, ’99) serves as this year's keynote speaker. |
By
Laura Dillavou
The College of Human Sciences is pleased to announce that 407 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.
Over 100 students earning College of Human Sciences 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.
Keynote Speaker: Sally Rapp Beisser (Curriculum and Instruction, ’71, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, ’77, Curriculum and Instruction, ’99)
Since beginning her educational journey at Iowa State University in 1967, Sally Rapp Beisser has dedicated time, leadership, resources, and support to the college’s programs, faculty, and students. She takes her involvement to another level as the Spring 2009 College of Human Sciences Keynote Speaker.
Beisser’s role as professor of education at Drake University takes her to all corners of the globe as she studies gifted scholars in Russia, teaches elementary social studies methods in London, presents research at the University of Oxford, and provides books to elementary children in Belize.
Beisser’s quest to improve the lives of others often brings her back to Iowa State, where she serves on the ISU Foundation Board of Governors, provides the College of Human Sciences with volunteer leadership, and is an avid supporter of the Sally Rapp Beisser Student Services Center.
University Student Marshal for the College of Human Sciences and Student Speaker: Stefanie Kirk
While her path to Iowa State University was unconventional, Stefanie Kirk believes transferring to ISU from a small private college was one of the best decisions she ever made. Two years later, the kinesiology major has made the most of opportunities in undergraduate research, leadership, club involvement, and volunteering. As she sets her sights on the University of Iowa’s doctorate of physical therapy program, she carries with her valuable experiences and education gained during her time at Iowa State.
Writes one of her nominators, “Stefanie is the type of student we all love to teach and mentor – one who takes her work seriously, consistently applies herself, and produces outstanding results. I have no doubt she will excel in her future career as a physical therapist. We are proud to call Stefanie a graduating senior from the College of Human Sciences.” These words speak to Stefanie’s commitment to the field of kinesiology and helping others through her work, making her a true example of a young human scientist.
College of Human Sciences student marshal: Whitney Searcy
When first-generation college student Whitney Searcy made the decision to come to Iowa State, she knew it was an experience that would have a great impact on her life. Four years later, the early childhood education major and College of Human Sciences student marshal is leaving with a new perspective on her leadership abilities, inner strength, and desire to succeed.
A learning communities peer mentor, HDFS club treasurer, Wakonse fellow, and member of multiple campus honor societies, Whitney has used her skills in leadership and development to encourage other students to give their best. Also active in practicum- and career-related experiences, Whitney will leave Iowa State with a strong understanding of the skills necessary to be a successful early childhood educator, as evidenced by her words: “The time that I have spent with children has been the most rewarding for me. They have become my biggest teachers.”
Dean’s Recognition Award: Brittany Passmore
Brittany Passmore set out to make the most of her time at Iowa State, and in doing so, has become a leader, peer mentor, young entrepreneur, and cherry pie connoisseur. The hotel, restaurant, and institutional management major and entrepreneurial studies minor is the recipient of the Dean’s Recognition Award both for her achievements within the college and her efforts to aid her hometown’s economic development and renewal.
One of her nominator’s writes, “What is most impressive about Brittany is that she possesses a passionate, urgent desire to learn. She is not satisfied with simply earning her degree. She wants to learn as much as she can and continues to challenge herself intellectually.” Through internships, her role as VEISHEA Cherry Pie co-chair, HRIM club leadership, and study abroad experiences, Brittany has maximized learning opportunities to become a standout student and a strong citizen of her community.
College of Human Sciences Student Council Graduating Student of the Year: Cayla Westergard
Serving the public, expanding human potential, and improving the lives of others: It’s all in a day’s work for Cayla Westergard, the 2009 CHS Student Council Graduating Student of the Year.
Westergard, a double major in family and consumer sciences education and studies and journalism and mass communication, leaves Iowa State with a multitude of experiences in research, public service, club activities, international travel, campus involvement, and work-related ventures. Throughout her years at ISU, she has received numerous accolades for her leadership abilities and outstanding academic achievements.
Westergard has earned these accolades by helping to raise more than $1.5 million for the United Way of Story County, reporting on the latest breaking news for WHO-TV NBC Channel 13, and investigating improvements to K-12 financial literacy education initiatives. In preparing to step off campus and into the workforce, she writes, “My experiences have left me well-rounded and I have learned the importance of ‘improving the lives of others.’ I look forward to applying the life skills I have gained through the College of Human Sciences and related student activities to my future career.”
Brianna Weis, a senior in music from Marshalltown, Iowa, will sing the National Anthem and lead the audience in singing “The Bells of Iowa State.” Bethany Crane, a junior music major from Ackley, Iowa, will be the ceremony’s pianist.
Contacts:
Tara Fisher, administrative specialist, 515 294-7002. Laura Dillavou, communications specialist, 515 294-3689.
