college of education | fall 1998

Commencement Ceremonies Held At Wharton Center

More than 270 students received degrees at the College of Education’s commencement ceremonies in May at the Wharton Center.

Nancy Flanagan, instrumental/vocal music teacher at Hartland Farms Middle School and former Michigan Teacher of the Year, was the keynote speaker. Flanagan, who received a master’s degree from Michigan State University in 1983, has been recognized for her many contributions to school improvement, teacher leadership , and integrating arts into school curriculum.

She is president and co-founder of the Michigan Education Forum, and was a Christa McAuliffe Award finalist in 1997.

In all, more than 500 students in the College of Education received bachelor’s degrees in May. The college also hosted a convocation in May at Erickson Hall to recognize graduate students receiving their master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.

Dean Carole Ames lauded the graduate students’ accomplishments, and told the gathering that the college’s graduate program continue to rank among the best in the country.

Of the 1,635 MSU graduate students who received degrees in May, 274 were from the College of Education. The college awarded 215 master’s degrees, seven specialist degrees, and 52 doctoral degrees.

At commencement, seven seniors were recognized for special achievement.

Kimberly Joy Cornelisse, a kinesiology major from Holland, Mich., was recognized for outstanding service to the college. Cornelisse gave the speech on behalf of the graduates.

Recognized for having the highest grade-point averages in their respective programs were:

Cynthia A. Fehrenbach, an elementary education major from Lansing, 4.0;

Kristen M. Polzien, a kinesiology major from Clinton Township, 3.93;

Michelle DeRose, a secondary education major from Holt, 4.0;

Lissa A. Steffey, a mathematics major from Stockbridge, 4.0;

Melissa M. Malewitz, a special education major, 3.93;

Jennifer Hartsig, a child development major from Rochester, 3.78.

Keynote Speaker
Nancy Flanagan

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