Southwest Baptist University students graduating in May were recognized for their contributions to their academic areas and divisions during “A Premiere of Excellence: Sweet Success” ceremony Tuesday evening, April 4.
This ceremony recognizes four groups of students – honors graduates, Gordon and Judy Dutile Honors program graduates, division-specific academic award recipients, and veteran and active military graduates. The ceremony also featured a time of devotion, a personalized sweets bar, and a photo booth.
Honorees included the following:
- Outstanding Art Graduate: Kalen Bradley, Bolivar
- Outstanding Music Graduate: Tyler Zustiak, Galena, Kansas
- Kelly Martin Outstanding Criminal Justice Major: Tylor Brashear, Buffalo
- Pearlene Breshears Outstanding Psychology Major: Sarah Backer, Lebanon
- Pearlene Breshears Outstanding Psychology Major: Madison Wasylewski, Harrison, Arkansas
- Evelyn Mercer Outstanding Social Work Major: Katherine Failor, Stone Mountain, Georgia
- Outstanding Christian Ministry Award: Noah Sass, Hastings, Nebraska
- Outstanding Biblical Studies Award: Kristen Bownds, Lee’s Summit
- Outstanding Humanities Graduate: Sarah Johnson Bates, Piedmont
- Outstanding English Graduate: Taylor Brown, Springdale, Arkansas
- J.A. Clark Outstanding Student in Natural Sciences: Lindsey Losey, Springfield
- Natural Sciences Snellen Services Award: Bryant Burns, Ozark, Arkansas
- Outstanding Business Division Graduate: Gabrielle Ginnings, Wheatland
- Academic Excellence and Servant Leadership Award: Madisyn Best, Kansas City
- Academic Excellence and Servant Leadership Award: Nathan MacLaughlin, Springfield
- Outstanding Computing Area Graduate: Joel Nicholson, Fallon
- Outstanding Mathematics Area Graduate: Andrew Eisenhour, Springfield
- Division of Computing and Mathematics Servant Leadership Award: Brian Purkaple, Gladstone
- Outstanding Elementary Education Major Award: Hanna Glasgow, Grove, Oklahoma
- Outstanding Elementary Education Major Award: Michaela Tunnell, Stockton
- Outstanding Secondary Education Major Award: Hayley Hershenson, West Plains
- Outstanding Kinesiology Division Graduate: Sydney Ernsbarger, Nevada
- Florence Nightingale Award: Savannah Garrison, Springfield
- Gordon and Judy Dutile Honors Program Graduates: Sarah Backer, Lebanon; Jared Bates, Forsyth; Addison Batschelett, Clinton; Tatum Bell, Kansas City, Kansas; Andrew Eisenhour, Springfield; Bethany Glore, High Hill; Brian Purkaple, Gladstone; Rebekah Rodgers, Siloam Springs, Arkansas; Zachary Wallgren, Wentzville
In addition to the individual honors, SBU President Dr. Rick Melson and Provost Dr. Tracy Manly presented cords to 91 seniors graduating with honors — 18 Cum Laude, 19 Magna Cum Laude and 54 Summa Cum Laude.
SBU will host three spring commencement ceremonies — one ceremony for bachelor degree recipients at 3 p.m., and one for associate degree recipients at 6 p.m., Friday, May 19, and one for graduate degree recipients at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20. The ceremonies also will be available for viewing simultaneously on livestream. Visit SBUniv.info/graduation for more information about the ceremonies.
