NBA All-Star and Youngest Bachelor’s Recipient Join WSU’s Largest Graduating Class

OGDEN, Utah – Weber State University officials expect the class of 2014-15 to total more than 5,337 graduates — the biggest class on record. So far 3,053 candidates have applied for spring graduation and will be honored May 1 during WSU’s 145th commencement. Others received their diplomas during winter commencement ceremonies.

Depending on NBA playoff results, Portland Trail Blazer Damian Lillard may be one of two student speakers. Lillard completed his degree in professional sales in the College of Applied Science & Technology. When he was drafted in 2012, he was six credits shy of graduating, but returned in the offseason to complete his degree.

Seventeen-year-old Jessica Brooke will be among the graduates. The math major enrolled at Weber State when she was 14. Before her family moved to Utah to begin her coursework in the College of Science, she had earned an associate’s degree in Arizona.
“I’m just proud to be a Weber State graduate, and making history is exciting,” Brooke said. “I always will encourage others to attend because I’ve had such great opportunities and experiences here. I’m really just so proud of Weber State, and I’m glad they are proud of me.”

Brooke plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health and eventually attend medical school.

“The world is full of opportunities for our graduates,” said WSU President Charles A. Wight. “Commencement is our opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments and pay tribute to their successes.”

Graduates attending commencement in the Dee Events Center will receive a commemorative medallion to mark the occasion. The ceremony’s academic processional begins at 8 a.m., followed by the formal program and keynote address.

Lifelong Weber County resident and WSU alumna Mary Hall will deliver the keynote address and receive an honorary degree.

Hall has led a life dedicated to nonprofit work and public service. She served as executive director of the Ogden Nature Center for six years, which instilled a love for the nonprofit sector and public service. She has spent the past 20 years in community service, including serving on WSU’s Board of Trustees and as president of the Alumni Association. Hall was elected to a term on the Ogden City Council, which she chaired. Other service highlights include terms as president of Boys & Girls Clubs, chair of Weber Pathways and vice chair of the Community Foundation of Utah.  

In addition to Hall, three others will receive honorary degrees: Ogden native Thomas “Tim” D. Dee III, a philanthropic leader dedicated to the betterment of his community’s education and health; Weber State alumnus Ray Kimber, founder and president of RKB Industrial, a revolutionary sound technology business; and Weber State alumnus and Ogden native John E. Lindquist, president of Lindquist Mortuaries and Great Western Insurance.

The 2015 Brady Presidential Distinguished Professors also will be honored during the ceremony. This year’s recipients are English professor Sally Shigley and physics professor John Sohl.

Shaquille Heath, a communication major with an emphasis in public relations, will be the student speaker. Heath was a finalist in the 2015 Utah PR Student of the Year competition. She would like to pursue a career and graduate education in technology-oriented, research-based public relations.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on May 1, each of WSU’s academic colleges will hold individual convocations at various locations where graduates will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.

Lunch will be served in the Shepherd Union Atrium from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Each graduate received two complimentary tickets to the lunch at the time they picked up their caps and gowns. Additional tickets may be purchased for $11 at the Shepherd Union Information Desk.

“Our graduates and their families will be able to spend the day on campus sharing in the celebration of their degrees and accomplishments,” said Beverly Rudd WSU events coordinator.

“Putting Students Through,” a short program where graduates honor parents, spouses and friends who supported them, will be held April 30 at 4 p.m. in the Shepherd Union Building.

To watch commencement live, visit weber.edu/commencement. By May 8, the commencement ceremony can be viewed on WSU’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/weberstateu, and by May 15, DVD copies of the main commencement ceremony will be available for purchase for $3 at the Campus Store.

Parking will be free throughout the day on May 1. Campus shuttle buses will run every five minutes from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with stops on the east and west side of the Dee Events Center, Val A. Browning Center, Stewart Library and McKay Education Building.
American Sign Language services will be available at the Dee Events Center in Section S at the base of Portal 17. Students with special needs should contact Don Guthrie at 801-626-6856.

Visit weber.edu/commencement for more information on WSU’s commencement activities.

Visit weber.edu/wsutodayfor more news about Weber State University.

 
Author:
Allison Barlow Hess, Director of Public Relations
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu
Contact:
Beverly Rudd, WSU university advancement event coordinator
801-626-6468 beverlyrudd@weber.edu