Outstanding Graduates Spring 2017
Outstanding Graduates for the Spring 2017 Commencement ceremonies, Saturday, May 13, at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. are:
Nathan Van Ee (Chancellor's Award Recipient)
Simmi Bharvani
Monica Drea
Nick Terrell
Kedona Thompson
Nora Willkomm
Nathan Van Ee
Chancellor's Award Recipient
Before beginning his studies at UW-Parkside,
Nathan Van Ee held a teaching position in Saipan, the largest of the Northern
Mariana Islands in the western Pacific. "I want to be able to find a job where
I can help protect the environment, but also share the joys of it with other
people," he says. For the past two years, Nathan worked as a conservation
intern at the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, primarily focused on supporting
the Bonobo & Congo Biodiversity Initiative. The Chancellor's Award is
emblematic of the university's top graduate. Nathan is a recipient of the Katharine E. Jensen Memorial Scholarship. He obtained a perfect GPA with
a major in environmental studies and minors in biological sciences and GIS
while being a full-time husband and father. He is a shining example of what is
possible both now and in the future.
Simmi Bharvani
Simmi Bharvani is a psychology major in the
University Honors Program. She is a recipient of the Global Scholars
Scholarship and the Len Iaquinta Civic Honors Scholarship. Simmi has
excelled in academic achievement, has demonstrated exceptional leadership
potential, and provided extensive service to UW-Parkside, her community, and
many other communities in need. While Simmi is an excellent student, the most
striking and admirable aspect of her time at UW-Parkside has been her
exceptional leadership and service activity. Simmi is a young humanitarian with
a global outlook and level of empathy beyond her years. She is president of the
Habitat for Humanity UW-Parkside Chapter, and has participated in five missions
with the club. Simmi also participated in a medical mission trip to Belize
where she worked in a hospital and a school to teach first aid to the local
community. She served as an AmeriCorps member while she worked with
special-needs populations, and she also completed a Human Rights certificate at
Stanford University last summer.
Monica Drea
Monica Drea is a business management and
sport management major and a recipient of the College of Natural and Health
Sciences Advisory Board Scholarship. Monica is a double major who
graduates with degrees from two colleges. The high level of her academic
abilities can be seen by the grades she has achieved in her majors – sport
management, and business management. Monica was able to achieve an extremely high
level of success while working full time as a manager at Razor Sharp Fitness
and a recreation coordinator for Racine Area Soccer Association. Monica
regularly assumes a leadership role in group projects to guide and coordinate
other students, encouraging them to succeed. She is described as "an invaluable
team member." Her ultimate goal is to own and operate a youth sports
organization. Her dual majors and work experience are sure to help her achieve
this goal.
Nick Terrell
Nick Terrell is a communication major and recipient of the Picken Arts
and Humanities Scholarship. Nick is often the inviting face of UW-Parkside
when high school students come to visit. He has spoken at a number of outreach
events to prospective students and was involved in numerous community volunteer
projects and youth education programs. He is an employee of the university
Library and in Creative Services. Nick has also been a member of the Executive
Board for the Black Student Union (BSU), and as Community Service Chair coordinated
a beach cleanup sponsored by BSU in conjunction with the Alliance for the Great
Lakes, where he serves as a team leader. Nick has been described as "a learner
on fire;" his interests and academic pursuits simply know no boundaries.
Kedona Thompson
Kedona Thompson is a biological sciences
major. Kedona selflessly offers her own time to work with others who may
be struggling in a course. She has been a tutor and Supplemental Instructor for
a number of science courses, including a tutor for the human anatomy course, a
position offered only to the top one or two students each semester. Beyond
academic pursuits, Kedona is equally accomplished. She shows a strong
commitment to others through charitable volunteer work. On campus she is a
member and officer for the Habitat for Humanity Chapter and served as a Peer
Health Educator. Kedona is a natural leader who communicates easily with all
people.
Nora Willkomm
Nora Willkomm is a biological sciences major, a Thomson Research
Fellow, and received the Barth Family Scholarship. Nora distinguishes
herself through her commitment, determination, and frequent interactions to
better understand course material. She has demonstrated the ability to master
content and impressively adapts quickly to intellectual challenges. Nora
pursued every opportunity to gain valuable skills that aligned with her career
goals, including participation in undergraduate research and serving as a
supplemental instruction leader. Nora's engagement in on-campus and
off-campus initiatives further demonstrates her leadership and commitment to
pursuing a career in health care, as well as her dedication to service. Nora
also has a young son; her ability to achieve a balance between family,
academics, and community service is enviable.