CONTACTS:
• Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu
VANCOUVER, Wash. - Washington State University Vancouver will graduate 768 students at its 2010 commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. May 15 at the Sleep Country Amphitheater. Bruce Romanish, vice chancellor of academic affairs will preside over the ceremony.
Scott Carson, alumnus, regent on the Washington State University Board of Regents, and retired Boeing executive, will be the keynote speaker. Carson will present "Leadership Lesson of a Lifetime" to graduates and their friends and family. In his address, Carson will speak to graduates about the opportunities that will shape who they are and who they become.
This year marks graduation for 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø's first freshman class. These students started college in fall 2006 when freshmen were admitted for the first time and completed their degrees in four years.
The Sleep Country Amphitheater is located at 17200 NE Delfel Road, Ridgefield. Parking and gates open at 11 a.m. The seating area opens at 11:30 a.m. Concessions will be available. Commencement is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.
The Sleep Country Amphitheater is a covered outdoor venue. It can be chilly in the seating area. Dress appropriately. Please be aware that umbrellas are not allowed in the venue. It's quite a distance from parking to seating. Wear suitable shoes for walking. Golf cart and wheelchair service will be provided to guests who need assistance. Accommodations for deaf and hearing-impaired guests will be available. Sign language interpreters will be on hand in a designated area and amplification devices will be available at the information booth.
Background on the class of 2010
The graduating class of 2010 is represented by one doctoral candidate in the area of education.
The 124 master's candidates will receive degrees in business administration, computer science, education, engineering and technology management, environmental science, mechanical engineering, nursing, public affairs, psychology and teaching.
The remaining 643 bachelor's candidates will receive degrees in anthropology, biology, business administration, computer science, criminal justice, English, digital technology and culture, education, environmental science, history, human development, humanities, mechanical engineering, nursing, political science, psychology, public affairs, social sciences or sociology.
Awards and honors
Mary Krzysiak will receive the Chancellor's Award for Student Achievement as well as her bachelor of arts in human development. She was selected not only for her academic prowess, but also for being an inspirational and strong woman.
WenZhan Song, Ph.D. will receive the Chancellor's Award for Research Excellence. Song is an assistant professor of computer science in the school of engineering and computer science. He has received more than $2 million in research funding for his Sensorweb Research Laboratory. He is also a 2010 recipient of the National Science Foundation CAREER award and the first 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø faculty member to win that prestigious award.
The Students' Award for Teaching Excellence will be given to Pavithra Narayanan, Ph.D. Narayanan is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and a literary scholar from Kerala, India. She was selected by the students for her contagious energy and enthusiasm for learning.
The Chancellor's Award for Service to Washington State University Vancouver will be given to C. William (Bill) Fromhold. This award recognizes outstanding service, demonstrated leadership and the giving of time, talent and resources toward advancing the university's mission. Fromhold is a long-time supporter of education and 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø in many capacities both personal and professional.
More information about 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø's 2010 commencement ceremony can be found at: