WOU Magazine Spring 2011: News
U.S. Congressman Kurt Schrader gives keynote address at 2011 Commencement ceremony
Western Oregon University’s 154th Commencement was held on Saturday, June 11. Of the new 1,138 graduates, more than 700 attended the ceremony. This year’s Commencement keynote speaker was Congressman Kurt Schrader (above) from Oregon’s 5th District, who has been a public servant for more than three decades.
The program of events included remarks from this year’s student award winners: Justin Karr (Delmer Dewey Award for outstanding senior male, below left), Marcella Flores (Julia McCulloch Smith Award for outstanding senior female, center) and Emily Trigg (Outstanding Graduate Student Award, right).
The Honorable Marco Hernandez ’83, (left) a United States District Court Judge, received the Alumni Award for Excellence.
WOU’s Chamber Singers performed the National Anthem, conducted by Dustin Willetts and interpreted by Janelle Reeves, the processional was performed by the Western Oregon Symphony and Western Oregon Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Ike Nail. The recessional was performed by GatorQuest, and directed by Dr. Keller Coker.
The program also included Rosemary Powers of the Oregon State Board of Higher Education, who brought greetings from the Oregon University System.
Honored separately from the Commencement ceremony were this year’s Mario and Alma Pastega award recipients. Dr. Chloë Hughes, associate professor of teacher education, was named this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Teaching award. Dr. Kimberly Jensen, professor of history, was named the Excellence in Scholarship recipient. And Nathan Sauer, equipment systems specialist, was named the Staff Excellence recipient.
