In its largest December graduation, WKU conferred degrees to nearly 1,200 students on Saturday (Dec. 19) and presented an honorary doctorate to state Rep. Jody Richards.
During the school’s 166th Commencement, WKU conferred degrees to 1,191 students (72 associate’s, 908 baccalaureate, 211 master’s) along with five recipients of a doctoral degree in educational administration offered cooperatively by WKU and University of Louisville. More than 850 graduates participated in the ceremony at Diddle Arena.
Richards, the longest serving Speaker of the House in Kentucky’s history and a former WKU faculty member, received an honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service.
“Individuals who receive honorary degrees are selected because they exemplify the University’s values, vision and service mission,” President Gary Ransdell said. “It is a distinct honor this morning to pay tribute to a most deserving individual.”
Dr. Bob King, president of the Council on Postsecondary Education, assisted Dr. Ransdell and Jim Meyer, chair of WKU’s Board of Regents, in making the presentation to Richards.
“It’s a privilege to accept this honorary degree,” Richards said. “I am deeply grateful and humbled.”
Richards, a native of Adair County, received a bachelor’s degree from Kentucky Wesleyan College and a master’s from the University of Missouri. He taught journalism and English at WKU from 1963 to 1970 and served as faculty advisor of The Talisman and the College Heights Herald, WKU’s yearbook and student newspaper.
In 1975, Richards was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives. In 1995, he was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, a position he held through 2008.
“WKU is indeed a special place,” Richards said. “This doctorate is a high point for me. It’s an honor that I shall forever treasure.”
Ogden Foundation Scholar
Rachealle Sanford, a history/anthropology major and Honors College student, received the Ogden Foundation Scholar Award. She is the daughter of John and Sherry Sanford of Russellville.
The award, WKU’s top academic honor, is presented to one graduating baccalaureate degree senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and outstanding university and civic engagement.
While at WKU, Sanford has traveled to Harlaxton College in England, served in leadership roles with Phi Alpha Theta and the Honors Club and received several awards and scholarships. She also served as an intern with the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., and will be returning there for a job next month.
“WKU has had an amazing impact on my life,” she said. “I’ve made wonderful friends, participated in a variety of organizations, been involved with Honors, studied abroad, and gained more confidence in myself from all of these experiences. I feel the leadership and organizational skills I’ve developed and the personal connections I have made with students and faculty have greatly prepared me for the transition to the workforce, and I look forward to pursuing my career in Washington, D.C., in January.”
Sanford also was recognized as the Scholar of the Potter College of Arts & Letters.
Honor graduates
WKU recognized 11 other Scholars of the College, who had the highest GPAs in their colleges while completing at least 64 credit hours at WKU.
Recipients (listed by college) are:
Gordon Ford College of Business: Ashley Binion of Scottsville, an accounting major and wife of Aaron Binion and daughter of Jimmy and Lori Steen; Jeremiah Hussung of Bowling Green, an accounting major and husband of Jessica Hussung and son of Steve and Lisa Hussung; Lynsey Nicole Hall of Franklin, an accounting major and daughter of Barry and Miriam Hall; Vi Le of Danang City, Vietnam, a finance major and daughter of Le Thi To and Le Van Dong.
University College: Jennifer Gregory of Franklin, interdisciplinary studies major and wife of John Gregory and daughter of James Coots and Jane and Roger Williams.
Ogden College of Science and Engineering: Tonja Miick of Bowling Green, a mathematics major and daughter of Wanda Miick.
College of Health and Human Services: Ashley Oakes of Scottsville, a nursing major and daughter of Nathan and Michele Oakes; Holly Huber of Mt. Washington, a nursing major and daughter of Gene and Tandra Huber; Kimberly Inman of Brandenburg, a social work major and daughter of John and Nancy Inman; Rachel Friedman of Swansea, Ill., an exercise science major and daughter of Alan and Betty Friedman.
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences: Mattie South of Edmonton, an elementary education major and daughter of Matt and Amanda South.
Commencement notes
*Recipients of the doctoral degree in educational administration offered cooperatively by WKU and University of Louisville were Stacy Edds-Ellis, Sherry Lovan, Sue Parrigin, Mike Riggs and Paula Upright.
*Six graduates of the Hilltopper Army Reserve Officer Training Corps – Heather Bricka of Clarksville, Tenn.; Jesse Dejaynes of Bowling Green; Brandon Goodwin of Georgetown; Logan Hatfield of Louisville; Joel Rivera of San Juan, Puerto Rico; and William Roach of Columbia – were commissioned as second lieutenants.
*The graduates included 63 students from 25 countries. Flags from those nations were carried in the opening processional.
