Et cetera : KIRKWOOD HONORS OUTSTANDING STUDENTS:

KIRKWOOD HONORS OUTSTANDING STUDENTS:

Nearly 150 Saluted in April 26 Ceremonies

On April 26 Kirkwood Community College devoted an afternoon to honor academic and community excellence. The annual Outstanding Student recognition paid tribute to individuals in every academic program and learning center in a reception at the Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education.

A total of 148 students were recognized at the reception, with 153 awards presented. Five students received honors in two categories.

Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich opened the ceremony. The students, parents and faculty then heard from two faculty keynote speakers. Health Science Assistant Professor Peg Donohoe told the honorees that their determination was an inspiration around the college. “Kirkwood students often find their educational journeys exciting, rewarding or even scary. Some even say it is impossible. If you look at that word ‘impossible,’ what it really states is ‘IM POSSIBLE.’ All of you we honor today obviously have seen that word as ‘I’m possible,’” Donohoe observed.

Arts & Humanities Professor Robert Sessions also encouraged the students to think beyond the surface of their classes and work. “We often fail to recognize that those who are educated not only do the activities that keep a society running. They embody, they carry, they ARE that culture. This gift of your education is not just about you. It is about all of us, now and into the future,” Sessions said.

Students receiving Kirkwood Outstanding Student recognition from this area include:

Belle Plaine- Brad Hayes, Pre-Engineering; Michelle Van Scoyoc, Business Administration/Advance- Tippie-Mansfield Center.

Norway- Jesse Whitehouse, Liberal Arts.

Shellsburg- Tina Cromer, Banking & Finance.

Vinton- Carla Baumgartner, Business Administration/Advance- Benton County; Blake Hesson, Ag Production Management; Breanna Werning, Paralegal.