ARLINGTON

Journalism Outstanding Graduate Katherine Dreke earned a degree in Journalism and Spanish. Dreke plans to complete an internship with a public relations firm in Seattle. She has served as the editor-in-chief of Klipsun magazine and the Journalism Department's alumni newsletter. She was also the president of WWU's Public Relations Organization and a member of a dean search committee. Dreke is a graduate of Arlington High School and the daughter of Philip and Pauline Dreke of Arlington.

AUBURN

Secondary Education Outstanding Graduate Megan Light earned a degree in K-12 Physical Education and Health. Light plans to continue substitute teaching in the Shoreline School District and has applied for health and fitness teaching positions in the Pacific Northwest for the 2009-2010 academic year. A graduate of Auburn Senior High School, she is the daughter of Jim and Robin Light of Auburn.

BELLEVUE

Behavioral Neuroscience Outstanding Graduate John Harkness earned a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Chemistry. Harkness plans to attend Oregon Health and Science University as a doctoral fellow in the Behavioral Neuroscience Department. For the last three years Harkness has served as a research technician in Associate Psychology Professor Jeff Grimm's laboratory. He also has co-authored a paper in Behavioral Pharmacology and has presented research at several national, regional, and local conferences. Harkness co-founded and served as president of the WWU's neuroscience club, NeRDS (Neuroscience Research Driven Students) which now has over 200 students and faculty members. Outside of neuroscience, Harkness has participated in WWU's cycling team and is a competitive rock climber. Harkness is a graduate of Bellevue High School and the son of Bob and Jan Harkness of Bellevue.

BELLINGHAM

Communications Outstanding graduate Heather Davidson of Bellingham earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a minor in Women's Studies, along with a 4.0 grade point average and several awards and scholarships. Outside of Western, Davidson co-founded the Bellingham Roller Betties, a licensed non-profit roller derby corporation. She has applied to Western's graduate school and hopes to pursue her master's degree in education with an emphasis on continuing and college education. In the future Davidson plans to work in non-profit women's advocacy and mentoring. She is the wife of Brian J. Davidson of Bellingham.

Canadian American Studies Outstanding Graduate Leslie Umberger of Bellingham will finish her degree in Canadian American Studies this summer. Umberger, a single mother of two, enrolled at WWU at the age of 49, and during her first week of classes was diagnosed with breast cancer. But she refused to give up; she was determined to succeed and with the help and support of family friends and WWU faculty was able to continue her studies though a year of surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. Umberger was a member of Canada Club and a Relay for Life team member. Outside of the classroom she volunteered as an improv performer at The Upfront Theatre. Umberger works as a para-educator and French teacher at Options High School in Bellingham, where she will continue to work after graduation. She is the daughter of Thelma Adamson of Sheet Harbour, Nova Scotia.

Communication Sciences & Disorders Outstanding Graduate Tish L. Watson led several service projects during her time at Western. As president of Western's chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, she helped organize a campus coat drive that collected about 200 coats for needy families. She also helped organize an auction that raised more than $8,000 for scholarships for the department clinic's speech, language and hearing clients. Watson, an Independence High School graduate, has also served as a coach for Girls on the Run, which uses running to teach character-building skills to third- through fifth-grade girls. The wife of Marshal Watson of Bellingham and the daughter of Faith Foster of Custer and Mike Hearn of Bellingham, Watson will return to Western in the fall for a master's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in order to become a certified speech language pathologist.

BONNEY LAKE

Elementary Education Outstanding Graduate Nathaniel S. Ingroum of Bonney Lake earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education Studies with an endorsement in Reading. Ingroum has served as a student teacher as well as an Eagle Scout, Resident Adviser and mentor to children and plans to become a teacher in Washington state. The son of Janie Ingroum of Bonney Lake and Stephen Ingroum of Bellingham, he is a graduate of Sumner High School.

COUPEVILLE

Kelsi K. Franzen, Outstanding Graduate in Environmental Studies, majored in Environmental Education. As a student teacher and teaching assistant in WWU's Spring Block program, Franzen taught environmental education lessons to youngsters from Blaine Elementary School and Explorations Academy. She also was part of a group of Huxley College of the Environment students who developed exhibits at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport explaining the airport's efforts to reduce its environmental impact. And she worked as an interpretive park ranger at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. This summer, Franzen will begin work on her master's degree in education at WWU and will work at the North Cascades Institute in North Cascades National Park, leading classes in the natural and cultural history of the region. A graduate of Coupeville High School, Franzen is the daughter of Leslie and Derek Franzen of Coupeville.

EVERETT

Outstanding Sociology Graduate Gina Kim, who also majored in Political Science, is one of seven 2009 WWU Presidential Scholars. Kim is known for her academic independence and devotion to service. She earned prestigious spots with the Norm Mineta Internship Immersion Program and the Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship Program, two national programs for promising students of color preparing for careers in public service. Her aptitude and interest in sociological data analysis also led her to a highly coveted internship at the University of Michigan to learn new data-crunching techniques alongside graduate students and faculty from all over the world. Kim, of Everett, also held two research assistant positions at Western: one analyzing U.S.-Canada trade, the other co-authoring a book chapter on family demography. Her volunteer work reaches refugee women, homeless people, a wide variety of campus organizations, and youngsters in Kenya, where she volunteered as a teacher and tutor. After graduation, she'll spend a year as an Emerson Fellow with the Congressional Hunger Center, fighting hunger and poverty at the local level and learning about national anti-hunger advocacy. The daughter of Mona Kim of Everett and John Kim of Seattle, Gina Kim graduated from Woodinville High School.

EVERSON

Michael E. Taron, Outstanding Graduate in Computer Science, double-majored in Computer Science and Math. He completed internships at Boeing Co. and Microsoft, where he has accepted as full-time job as a software development engineer on the Expression Blend team. Taron, who skipped high school and went straight into Running Start after eighth grade, is a graduate of Whatcom Community College. He is also the son of Joyce and Richard Taron of Everson.

FERNDALE

Kalene E. Barry, Outstanding Graduate in Modern and Classical Languages, majored in German. She says her time at Western, particularly classes in child development, environmental studies and history awakened her sense of social justice. She now hopes to focus her efforts on living the ideals of her Christian faith by working toward ensuring all Bellingham residents have food and shelter. Barry is a graduate of Ferndale High School, the daughter of Cheryl and Marty Mitchell of Ferndale and the wife of John Barry.

HOQUIAM

Christina Grace Garcia, Outstanding Graduate in English and a Creative Writing major, earned a 4.0 grade point average from Western. Garcia also channeled her academic work into community service by leading a Creative Writing Workshop in Hoquiam. The free, five-week course, scheduled for a second time this summer, brings together people of all ages and skill levels to learn new writing techniques and share their work. Garcia has also volunteered at Bellingham's Sehome High School, helping juniors write and revise culminating project papers, and with the Whatcom Literacy Council, teaching English to non-native speakers. The wife of Ricardo Garcia and the daughter of Linda and Charles Edwards of Hoquiam, Christina Garcia is a graduate of Hoquiam High School and Grays Harbor Community College. She will attend Evergreen State College this fall to earn a master's degree in teaching in order to become a high school English teacher.

ISSAQUAH

Theater Arts Outstanding graduate Byron Yee earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts and Business Administration. Yee was an active theatre performer and producer at WWU, volunteered as the financial manager for Student Theater Productions and served as artistic director for "Plays 4 Us." Yee was also responsible for an event called "Kickin' Cancer's Derriere: A Benefit Show for the Cure," which raised more than $1,000 for the American Cancer Society. Yee was a development and finance intern at the Village Theatre in Issaquah and he plans to continue working on fundraising activities for the Village Theatre as well as the Idiom Theater in Bellingham. He is also looking forward to joining the Peace Corps and serving overseas in Africa for a couple of years. A graduate of Skyline High School, Yee is the son of Jim and Wendy Yee of Issaquah.

KELSO

Outstanding Mathematics Graduate Gregory S. Kubitz is completing a major in Mathematics and minors in Chemistry and Economics. He has already completed much of the coursework needed for a master's degree in mathematics and hopes to eventually earn a doctorate in economics. During his time at Western, Kubitz also tutored other students as a Math Fellow and volunteered in the Sunday school program at his church. The son of Michael and Rebecca Kubitz of Kelso, he graduated from Kelso High School.

KENT

American Culture Studies Outstanding Graduate Maribel Galvan earned a degree in American Culture Studies with a concentration in Diversity in Higher Education. Galvan also served as a teaching assistant in several courses, including "Hispano/a-American Experience," "Diversity and Social Justice Dynamics," and "The Sociology of Race and Ethnicity." She has also spoken at events for groups ranging from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to Shuksan Middle School students. And through her membership in M.E.Ch.A., she has helped organize regional conferences, annual dinners and the group's annual low-rider and art show at Western. Soon after graduation, Galvan will start work toward a master's degree at Western's Student Affairs and Administration Graduate program. The daughter of Maria and Ignacio Galvan, she is a graduate of Kent-Meridian High School.

KINGSTON

Special Education Outstanding Graduate Chloe Blumenstein, who earned a bachelor's degree in education, volunteered in a second-grade classroom and in a resource room at Bellingham's Carl Cozier Elementary School during her time at Western. She also has been a Special Olympics volunteer. She'll remain in Bellingham after graduation to complete her second internship for her elementary education certification, then will travel for a couple of months before beginning her teaching career. She is the daughter of LaRayne and Brian Blumenstein of Kingston and a graduate of North Kitsap High School.

LAKE FOREST PARK

Outstanding Economics Graduate Tyler Scott Morgan will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. He plans to apply for dental school after graduation and already has experience volunteering at the Interfaith Community Health Center in Bellingham. He also volunteers with the Volunteer Chore Program, which helps elderly and disabled people live independently. His volunteer work earned him a nomination for the Heart and Hands Award from the Whatcom Volunteer Center in Bellingham. During his senior year, he did research on electronic medical records. The son of Julie and Scott Morgan of Seattle, he graduated from Shorecrest High School in Shoreline.

LYNDEN

History Outstanding Graduate Eric Fecht earned a degree in History and a minor in Secondary Education. Fecht will teach at an elementary school in Baltimore, Md. as a member of Teach for America while pursuing a master's degree at John Hopkins University. While at WWU Fecht led undergraduate discussion sections as a teaching fellow and tutored students at the Whatcom County Juvenile Rehabilitation Center. He has also worked as a classroom tutor and teachers' aid at Meridian Middle School. Fecht, a graduate of Meridian High School, is the son of Brian Fecht of Yakima. and Cindy Plagerman of Lynden.

OLYMPIA

Biology Outstanding Graduate Ian M. Grettenberger earned a major in biology and a minor in Chemistry and will begin work next fall on a Ph.D. in entomology at Pennsylvania State University. He already has extensive research experience, including summers at the University of Michigan's Biological Station and field work in rural Minnesota for the Chicago Botanic Gardens. At Western, he conducted an independent study project organizing Western's insect collection, in addition to his own research regarding ground beetles. Grettenberger also worked three summers for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The son of Mary Mahaffy and John Grettenberger of Olympia, he is a graduate of Olympia High School.

PORTLAND, Ore.

Psychology Outstanding Graduate James LeDuc of Portland, Ore. earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology. LeDuc has been involved in research with Associate Psychology Professor Kristi Lemm exploring the cognitive limits of the unit bias, a concept that has been useful in understanding behaviors related to food consumption. LeDuc is currently working on a new study that seeks to expand the theoretical understanding of unit bias. During his time at WWU LeDuc volunteered on campus as a Lifestyle Advisor for Prevention and Wellness Services and served as president of the WWU Psychology Club. He plans to apply to graduate school to pursue a Ph.D. in social psychology. A graduate of Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Ore., he is the son of Deatta LeDuc of Oklahoma City, Okla.

PUYALLUP

Physical Education, Health and Recreation Outstanding Graduate Molly Ann Daugherty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health. Daugherty spent several months during her sophomore year traveling around the world with Semester at Sea, and has worked in the International Programs and Exchanges office since then. She has also volunteered with the Arthritis Foundation. Daugherty plans to complete an internship at Franke Tobey Jones assisted living community in Tacoma, then volunteer in Cambodia. A graduate of Rogers High School, she is the daughter of Bob and Lynn Daugherty of Puyallup.

REDMOND

Finance and Marketing Outstanding Graduate Jeffrey Shearer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. Shearer has served as the president of the Student Marketing Association and has worked to bring notable alumni and business executives to speak at WWU. Shearer will be a search marketing/social media specialist at Sesame Communications in Renton. He hopes to eventually pursue a Masters of Marketing Research degree. He is the son of Bob and Susan Shearer of Woodinville and a graduate of Redmond High School.

RENTON

College of Business and Economics Outstanding Graduate Malori McKenzie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. McKenzie graduated Magna Cum Laude and was chosen as the outstanding student leader of the year for the management program. Currently McKenzie works as the Executive Team Lead of Guest Experience at the Bellingham Target and is looking forward to her wedding next February. A graduate of Kentridge High School, McKenzie is the daughter of Ken McKenzie of Newcastle and Jody McKenzie of Renton.

ROCHESTER

Anthropology Outstanding Graduate Elizabeth "Katie" Vliet earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. Vliet established and ran a horse training and riding lesson business from 2000-2008. Vliet has also volunteered as a organizer, mentor and coach for the summer 4-H Horse Camp, was a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters and worked as a AUAP Campus Friend. She was also named the Lewis County Pro Rodeo Princess in 2005. Vliet will spend her summer as a horse wrangler in Stehekin. She then plans to do some traveling. A graduate of Rochester High School, Vliet is the daughter of Doug Vliet and Laurie Martin of Rochester.

SEATTLE

Physical Education and Health and Recreation Outstanding Graduate Abigail Quarterman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Recreation and Leisure Services. Quarterman plans to work for Bellingham Parks and Recreation as an inclusion support specialist. A graduate of Ballard High School, she is the daughter of Jay and Mary Quarterman of Seattle.

SHELTON

Accounting Outstanding Graduate John Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and a minor in Business Administration. An officer in Beta Alpha Psi, the honors society for accounting, Davis will continue his studies at WWU as he pursues a master's degree in Accounting. He is the son of Robert and Alta Sallee of Shelton and a graduate of Shelton High School.

SPOKANE

Engineering Technology Outstanding Graduate Forrest Copeland earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology and a minor in Sustainable Design. He's also one of seven 2009 WWU Presidential Scholars. During his time at WWU Copeland helped to establish and served as president of the university chapter of Engineers without Borders. The group worked on a water quality project for a Mayan village in central Guatemala. Copeland also completed a senior project with an aerospace company in Redmond, helping them improve their painting operations for cockpit assemblies. After graduation Copeland plans to travel. He is the son of Gerry Copeland and Margie Heller of Cheney and a graduate of Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane.

Fine and Performing Arts Outstanding Graduate Deanna Davis earned a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. Davis recently helped organize and produce an AIDS fundraising event called "Out in the Arts" with the Evergreen AIDS Foundation. She also performed in many operas and choirs. Davis plans to apply to graduate schools and audition for local music opportunities in the Northwest. She hopes to eventually do doctoral work on signing and its connection to the body through movement. A graduate of Joel E. Ferris High School, she is the daughter of Glenn and Vanita Davis of Spokane.

Liberal Studies Outstanding Graduate Shardé Mills earned a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities - History of Culture. Mills, also one of seven 2009 WWU Presidential Scholars, made significant contributions to understanding multicultural diversity in the Western community. As a leader in the Mixed Identity Student Organization, Mills has helped expand and deepen the organization's purpose, from serving students from ethnically mixed families to serving all students who want to explore how to live in a multicultural world. She also participated in "Naked Truth Monologues" productions on campus, which explore - and dispel - stereotypes. The daughter of Donavon and Elizabeth Mills of Spokane and a graduate of Joel E. Ferris High School, she plans to return to Spokane to work with non-profit organizations on issues related to diversity.

TACOMA

Physical Education, Health and Recreation Outstanding Graduate Rachel Christman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science Pre-Healthcare and minors in Chemistry and Biology. She has been involved in many leadership roles during her time at Western. She participated in graduate biomechanical research of sacroiliac joint dysfunction, held a teaching assistant position in anatomy, and developed a Senior Honors Project where pre-medicine students trained other WWU students to lead healthier lives. This project, called "ACT Now: Achieving Change Together," was published by the Honors Program and placed in the WWU Wilson Library. Christman plans to complete an internship in Bellingham, Denver, Seattle or Los Angeles in order to gain as much experience as possible while applying to medical or dental schools. Christman is the daughter of Gary and Amalia Christman of Tacoma, the granddaughter of Marvin and Betty Christman of Seattle and a graduate of Curtis High School.

WILBUR

Environmental Science Outstanding Graduate Tyler Llewellyn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with an Economics minor. Llewellyn participated in the Polaris Project, a National Science Foundation-funded undergraduate-orientated field course in northeastern Siberia. Llewellyn has presented his research at Huxley College of the Environment speaker series, at the American Geophysical Union meeting in San Francisco, and at WWU's Scholars Week. Llewellyn plans to start a graduate position at Washington State University to pursue a Master of Science in Environmental Science. Llewellyn is the son of Jim and Debbie Llewellyn of Wilbur and a graduate of Wilbur High School.