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WKU Confers Degrees To 906 In "When you entered Western, you made a decision to become a part of the Western family. Whether or not you knew it at the time, you made a lifelong decision," President Gary Ransdell told the students who are among 97,000 graduates in Western's 96-year history. About 650 students participated in the ceremony in E.A. Diddle Arena. The University conferred 664 baccalaureate degrees, 145 master's degrees, 90 associate degrees and seven cooperative doctoral degrees. The University also awarded a degree posthumously to Kenneth Rowan Jr., an Owensboro senior who died in a traffic accident Dec. 4. "The history and tradition of this institution is evidenced nowhere so much as in its commencement ceremonies," Dr. Ransdell said. "I congratulate today's commencement participants for reaching this milestone in your life, and I am proud to celebrate this milestone in the life of Western Kentucky University." Commencement isn't the end of education, but the beginning of "a new life based on what you have learned," he said. "As you leave this Hill, you take with you years of memories and experiences. Your life has been shaped by your Western experience. Only through the creative energies, talents and resources of every member of the Western family can Western continue to prosper." Western also recognized seven honor graduates. The winners of the Ogden Trustees Award had a 4.0 grade-point average with all coursework completed at Western. Scholars of the College had the highest GPAs in their colleges while completing at least 64 credit hours at Western. Susie High, a music major from Glasgow, was named scholar of the Potter College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and received the Ogden Trustees Award. She is the daughter of Judy and Tommy High. Lindsey Ruschival, a government and communication studies major from Crestwood, was named scholar of the Potter College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and received the Ogden Trustees Award. She is the daughter of Keith and Barbara Ruschival. Keneth Jones, a computer information systems major from Tompkinsville, was named scholar of the Gordon Ford College of Business. He is the husband of Kathleen Jones and the son of Willie Jones and the late Clara Jones. Christina Shank, a general studies major from Rineyville, was named scholar of the program of Interdisciplinary Studies. She is the wife of Kevin Shank and the daughter of Marilee Dodimead and the late Zenon Zakrzewski. Jennifer Farris-Newton, an interior design major from Bowling Green, was named scholar of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and received the Ogden Trustees Award. She is the wife of Brad Newton and the daughter of Randall and Sandra Farris of Leitchfield. Brandon Thompson, an electrical engineering technology major from Owensboro, was named scholar of the Ogden College of Science and Engineering. He is the son of Ray and Mary Thompson. Persis Salvia, a social major from Harrodsburg, was named scholar of the College of Health and Human Services. She is daughter of Michael and Cheryl Salvia.
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