Hastings College held its 132nd Commencement on Saturday, May 19, 2018. During the ceremony, the College awarded degrees to 292 undergraduates and 12 Master of Arts in Teaching graduates. Graduates represented 20 states and seven countries.
Photos of the Baccalaureate service are available here, and are free to view and download. A video of the service is available here.
Photos of Commencement are available here, and are free to view and download. A video of the ceremony is available here.
Alex Robert Eisele, a 2015 graduate of Hastings College and a software engineer for Goldman Sachs, delivered the Commencement Address. Eisele came to Hastings College after accepting the Walter Scott Scholarship. He served as the student body president for the 2014-15 academic year, graduating in 2015 with a degree in Computer Science. After graduation, Eisele made the move to New York City to work on Wall Street with Goldman Sachs, where he builds cross asset trading platforms used by thousands of external clients around the world. He currently lives in Brooklyn and enjoys spending time frequenting the ever growing music scene that the city has to offer.
Commencement also featured a newfound tradition at the College, with Bethany Simoens speaking on behalf of her class as the first-ever senior speaker. Simoens grew up in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, and majored in Economics and Mathematics. She was named to the College’s Who’s Who list and was elected May Fete Queen earlier this year. The Dean’s List student is a member of Alpha Delta Alpha sorority and the national leadership honorary Omicron Delta Kappa, and has served on the Inter-Greek Council, as a Resident Assistant, as treasurer of the Student Association and as a member of the Student Senate. She is the daughter of Joseph and MaryBeth Simoens.
Degree Recipients
Degree recipients are included below.
Graduation honors are awarded to those students with outstanding academic records in their undergraduate work. Degrees with distinction are awarded as follows: Summa Cum Laude, overall GPA of 3.97 or higher; Magna Cum Laude, overall GPA of 3.94 or higher; and Cum Laude, overall GPA of 3.85 or higher.
“HD” designates those students who graduated with high distinction in their major(s), while “D” indicates the students who graduate with distinction in their major(s). High distinction is awarded to graduates who have earned 3.85-4.0 grade point average, while distinction is awarded to those who have earned at least a 3.7 grade point average in their major(s).
Note: The order of the list below is Bachelor of Arts – United States, Bachelor of Arts – International, Bachelor of Music, Master of Arts in Teaching.
Listings are by state and city.
Bachelor of Arts – United States
Alaska
Anchorage
Nicklaus Daniel Webster — History
Arizona
Glendale
Janelle Ann Bethea — Health Systems/Communication Studies
Phoenix
Ryan Patrick Smolko — Cum Laude with HD in History
Tempe
Ryan Michael Christenson — Recreation & Sport Management
Joel David Miranda — Business Administration
Tucson
Alexander Lawrence Wellington — Agri-Business
California
Burbank
Robert Wesley Fowlkes — Sociology
Livermore
Razvan George Dobrin — Computer Science
Modesto
Brandon Taylor Barboza — Sociology
Pacoima
Rashaad Shamburger — Recreation & Sport Management
Rowland Heights
Nicholas Daniel Holguin — Psychology
Sacramento
Christopher Isaiah Vaughan — Sociology
San Diego
Tyler Eugene Hopper — D in Social Science Education
Tracy
Albert Landeros — Communication Studies
Colorado
Alamosa
Katharine Reed Taylor — Psychology with D in English
Arvada
Madison Irene Fortunato — Business Administration with D in Recreation & Sport Management
Aspen
Katheryn Michelle Medina — Psychology
Aurora
Christopher Abogado Perez — Physics
Alyssa Marie Rock — History
Bailey
Jessica Ellen Johnson — Summa Cum Laude with HD in Physics
Brighton
Harley Cole DeShazer — Psychology
Broomfield
Grace Marie Belton — Sociology
Michaela Anne Vadeboncoeur — Exercise Science
Brush
Morgan Taylor Beman — Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Burlington
Brooke Erin MacLeod — Psychology with D in Sociology
Kailen Ann Soncksen — Magna Cum Laude with HD in Health Systems/Religion
Castle Rock
Hayden Jones — Exercise Science
Grant Robert Kraus — D in Physical Education
Colorado Springs
Samantha Ann Dominguez — Psychology
Victoria Cheyenne Hervey — HD in Sociology and D in Political Science
Zachary Alan Inman — Business Administration
Kelly Ann Kruse — Cum Laude with HD in Broadcasting
Evan Lee Pitt — Recreation & Sport Management
William Waring Reynolds — Sports Communication with D in Recreation & Sport Management
Amy Lynn Still — Cum Laude with HD in Sociology
Denver
Emma Atengle Atuire — Summa Cum Laude with HD in Philosophy/Sociology/Theatre
Mohammed Bouayad — Cum Laude with HD in Business Administration and D in Economics
Eckley
Mallory Adele Gruben — Summa Cum Laude with HD in Journalism
Fort Morgan
Wesley James Anderson — Physics
Dania Ontiveros — Sociology
Golden
Katherine Ann Corchary — Business Administration/Sociology
Haxtun
Garrett David Shafer — Exercise Science
Highlands Ranch
Bruno Velloso Trindade — Business Administration/Marketing
Devon Helen Wetteland — Summa Cum Laude with HD in Marketing/Web Communication Design
Holyoke
Shaylee Rochelle Krueger — Sociology
Littleton
Madelyn Shea Smith — Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Elizabeth Dickinson Tidwell — HD in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Monument
Amanda Reilynn Romero — Physics
Park Hill
Khaleo Tyler Buckmon — Recreation & Sport Management
Jacob Raymond Tarr — Business Administration/Marketing
Platteville
Andrew Taro Matsushima — Biology
Sedgwick
Kolby Duane Stortenbecker — Agri-Business
Thornton
Amanda Lee Tyra — Cum Laude with HD in Psychology/Human Resource Management
Westminster
Jacquelyn Ann Elliott — Biology
Wray
William Ronald Ryan — Broadcasting/Journalism
Florida
Boca Raton
Hannah Mae Currey — Biology
Lauderdale Lakes
Rickcardo Donovan Bailey — Exercise Science
Georgia
Thomaston
Jeffrey Daniel Burke — Studio Art
Iowa
Harlan
Rebecca Anne Christensen — Human Resource Management/Business Administration
Johnston
Andrew Thane Boge — HD in Communication Studies
Idaho
Boise
Kylie Elizabeth Stephens — Health Systems
Sarah Victoria Toney — D in Exercise Science
Illinois
Burr Ridge
Rebecca Elizabeth Holcomb — HD in Theatre
Kansas
Lansing
Carissa Kristene Bruner — Biology
Shawnee
Ashley J. Mars — Cum Laude with HD in Accounting Major
Minnesota
Maple Plain
Makenzie Ann Shofner — HD in Communication Studies
Missouri
Columbia
Michelle Healy Ross — Magna Cum Laude with D Wildlife Biology
Lee’s Summit
Delaney Logan Richardson — Health Systems
Smithville
Taryn D. Mosby — Psychology
Zachary Allen Parmenter — Business Administration/Psychology
Nebraska
Albion
Tyler Randall Hedlund — Health & Physical Education/Exercise Science
Aurora
Michael Jonathen Athey — History
Axtell
Jordan Danielle Ehlers — History
Bartlett
Cassi Nicole Thunker — Cum Laude with HD in Agri-Business
Bassett
Sadie Sheree Stec — Health Systems
Nolan Kyle Sybrant — Agri-Business
Bellevue
Roshawn Denise-Danielle Hollie — Sociology/Psychology
Alexis Rose Elaine — Leonard — Music
Alexis Christina Madison — Health Systems
Blair
Lance William Hansen — Business Administration
Hannah Jo Morine — Business Administration
Sara Jean Olsen — Elementary Education with D in Special Education
Bloomfield
Melville William Seagren — Music
Blue Hill
Nathaniel George Mohlman — HD in Theatre
Brady
Donald Lee Trisdale — Sociology
Broken Bow
Jessica Kay Jacobsen — Elementary Education/Special Education
Marcus Christopher Miller — Magna Cum Laude with HD in Business Administration/Economics
Central City
Justin David Macke — Wildlife Biology
Ariel Dawn Paup — Psychology
Clearwater
Emily Irene Filsinger — Business Administration
Columbus
Elizabeth Marie Lewis — D in Elementary Education
Culbertson
Erin Micheala Adams — English
Curtis
Taylor Rose Sandoe — Elementary Education/Special Education
Doniphan
David Wayne Fitzgerald — D in Studio Art
Lexi B. Hoffman — Biology
Eagle
Zackery Louis Petersen — Sociology
Elba
Amanda Barbara Dvoracek — Special Education
Ericson
Kassandera Rose Winter — HD in Elementary Education
Fairbury
Jordan Elena Johnson — D in Music
Firth
Ryley Daniel LaVene — Sociology
Fremont
Weston Charles Spalding — D in Exercise Science
Fullerton
Alexandria Ann Belitz — Magna Cum Laude with HD in English
Gering
Savannah Rose Walker — Cum Laude with HD in Psychology/Sociology
Richard Gary Williams — Recreation Management
Giltner
Sierra Elizabeth Eastman — Elementary Education with D in Special Education
Glenvil
Ryan R. Pavelka — Magna Cum Laude with D in Biology
Grand Island
Norma Monserrath Acevedo — Sociology
Austin Michael Allen — Accounting Major
Leopoldo Andres Barrientos Castillo — Broadcasting
Christina Ann Cox — Accounting Major
Jonathan Heredia — Music
Alicia Ann Johnson — Exercise Science
Baylie Marie Knouse — Health Systems
Kasey Matthew Lammers — Business Administration with D in Studio Art
Jack Moore — English
Katelyn N. Placke — Summa Cum Laude with HD in Human Resource Management
Mary Catherine Swift — Health Systems
Treyston Michael Trujillo — Sociology
Morgan Taylor Valasek — Social Science Education with D in History
Lucas Israel Venegas Hormachea — Sociology
Gretna
Travis John Agagah — Business Administration/Recreation & Sport Management
Trenton Earl Boyer — Cum Laude with HD in Economics
Jacob Charles Ridpath — Business Administration
Anthony Ryan Rippe — Recreation & Sport Management
Tanner Frederick Stock — Construction Management
Alex Michael Votek — Biology
Haigler
Angela Lynn Crouse — Health Systems
Harvard
Mikayla Emma Novak — Cum Laude with HD in Computer Science/Mathematics
Hastings
Miranda Ann Aschoff — Education
Lisa Marie Blauvelt — HD in History/International Relations
Levi Steven Cermak — Business Administration with D in Marketing
Diana Laura Chavez Gutierrez — Biology
Nicole Adelene Chavez — English
Wyatt Dale Davis — History Education/History
Erika Marie Diaz — English
Suzette Sarai Escamilla Morales — Cum Laude with HD in Political Science/Economics
Chandler Elijah Fielder — History Education/History
Jake Merle Fowler — Magna Cum Laude with HD in Biology
Cailyn Christine Grabill — Cum Laude with HD in Elementary Education/Special Education
Lindsey L. Griess — Elementary Education and HD in Music
Amanda Faye Grosse — Health Systems
Kaitlyn Marie Grothen — Magna Cum Laude with HD in Psychology/Health Systems
Matthew Allan Hajny — Religion
Vickie Jean Elizabeth Hartman — Spanish
Ryan Alexander Jenkins — Agri-Business
Samuel Paul Johnson — Mathematics
Cassidy Anne Jurrens — Psychology
Jodine Marie Kamler — Sociology
Jacob Christopher Konen — Cum Laude with HD in Marketing
Corey Jacob Luce — Recreation & Sport Management
Lacey Rae Lurz — D in Marketing
Dennis John Maar — D in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Thomas Michael Masters — English
Alexander Ruiz Panganiban — Business Administration
Tessa DaNae Pendergast — Elementary Education
Zackariah Isaiah Peterson — Business Administration/Marketing
Joseph Robert Collins Prickett — HD in History/Sociology
Joseph Nathaniel Quinn — HD in Spanish Education
Grace Kathryn Rempp — History/Philosophy
Danielle Jean Rynearson — Business Administration
Michael Allen Sadd — Biology
Lance Joseph Schmidt — Business Administration with D in Recreation & Sport Management
Nicholas Guy Shaffer — Computer Science
Brycen Blane Shea — Psychology/Sociology
Abby Lynn Shipman — D in Sociology
Helen Rose Smith — Biology
Kimberly Anne Spartz — Cum Laude with HD in Biology/Spanish
Rachel Anne Thomsen — Sociology
Jackson John VanSkiver — Accounting Major
Jessica Ann Zach — Elementary Education
Audra Louise Zavodny — Magna Cum Laude with HC in Political Science
Henderson
Allison Rae Braun — Summa Cum Laude with HD in Business Administration
Holdrege
Jamie Lee Isaacson — Summa Cum Laude with HD in Biology Education/Chemistry Education
Rachel Ann Jelden — Math Education
Allison Leigh Matousek — Recreation & Sport Management
Breanna Elese Obermier — Cum Laude with HD in Studio Art and D in Sociology
Johnson
Claire Elizabeth Rush — Business Administration/Studio Art
Juniata
Victoria Lynn Korth — Communication Studies/Psychology
Tyler James Lowry — Physics
Kearney
Damien Neil Austen — Sociology
MiKayla Eileen Moreno — English
Jordan Noel Samuelson — Theatre
Peyton Elise VanWinkle — Cum Laude with HD in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology
Brian Franklin Whetstone — Summa Cum Laude with HD in History
Kenesaw
Ronne Dell Cook — Biology
La Vista
Derick Allen Leaman — Sociology
Lincoln
Eric Thomas Anderson — D in Recreation & Sport Management/Marketing
Emily Elizabeth Arrigo — Magna Cum Laude with HD in Accounting
Heidi Joy Bartsch — Health Systems
Jillianne Melissa Bax — Business Administration
Stormy Taylor Jo Eberspacher — Biology
Grant Mason Hall — Elementary Education/Special Education
Nicholas Shaw Hinds — D in Communication Studies
Noah David Housh — Recreation & Sport Management
Mitchell Scott Johnson — Agri-Business
Lucas Vincent Keifer — Exercise Science
Bailee Jo Lewis-Hopkins — Elementary Education
Adam George Manglitz — D in Wildlife Biology
Connor Maurice Musiel — Recreation & Sport Management
Ryanna Noelle Odom — Accounting Major
Anna Rose Printz — Summa Cum Laude with HD in Marketing
Brian Joseph Puckett — Physics
Katie Marie Rice — Education/English
Austin Mitchell Rowlett — Cum Laude with HD in Business Administration
Race Anthony Schuurmans — Recreation & Sport Management
Kali Nicole Schwenke — D in Sociology
Alex Robert Utrup — Cum Laude with HD in Recreation & Sport Management/Marketing
Brandon James Utrup — Cum Laude with HD in Recreation & Sport Management/Marketing
Anna Marie Haase Weber — Journalism
McCook
Trevor L. Gleason — Special Education
Hannah Noel Goss — Art Education
Norfolk
Myla Rose Graae — Psychology
Nicole Marie Ramaekers — D in Accounting
North Platte
Taylor McKenzie Banark — Psychology/Sociology
Andrew Thomas Callaghan — Exercise Science
Alexa Marie Hernandez — Cum Laude with HD in Business Administration
Omaha
Joseph William Brown — HD in Web Communication Design
Anthony James-Griffin Cloyd — Summa Cum Laude with HD in Biology
Zachary Michael Cook — Special Education
William Christopher Frei — Business Administration
Jacob Charles Gigax — Construction ManagementJacob Arthur Hansen — D in Marketing
Kevin Michael Harkins — Biology
Holly Lynn Hild — Summa Cum Laude with HD in Chemistry
Caleb Matthew Holt — D in Exercise Science
Alana Lin Hux — D in Sociology
Rachel Elizabeth Jesske — Business Administration/Human Resource Management
Bryce Roberts McMullen — Recreation & Sport Management
Tynan C. O’Brien — Business Administration
Ashlyn Harmon Ocander — Wildlife Biology
Russell Scott Riley — Music
Daniel Farris Shonka — Economics/Business Administration
Bryce James Stenger — Accounting Major
Nathaniel Erik Teetzel — Wildlife Biology
Ord
Alex Michael Fahey — HD in Elementary Education and D in Special Education
Palmer
Heath A. McClellan — Math Education
Papillion
Christopher Lloyd Epp — Business Administration
Pierce
Briton Andrew Rodenborg — Cum Laude with D in Broadcasting
Plattsmouth
Bethany Alice Simoens — Mathematics/Economics
Red Cloud
Lauren Faye Licking — Math Education
Riverton
Cheyenne Nichole Knehans — HD in Studio Art/Theatre
Roca
Andrea Kristin LaVene — Summa Cum Laude with HD in Biology
Scottsbluff
Blake Tyler Wills — HD in Exercise Science
Seward
Tanner Jackson Henning — Chemistry
Hannah Marie Moody — D in Psychology/Communication Studies
South Sioux City
Lane Mitchell Bernstrauch — Business Administration/Human Resource Management
Stapleton
Sydney Layne Doyle — Health Systems
Sutherland
Rebekka Lee Ralston — English
Sutton
Laura Edith Moreno-Briseno — Math Education
Trumbull
Creighton Lee Buhr — Marketing
Valentine
Bailey Rae Dexter — Agri-Business/Marketing
Waco
Ashley Nicole Gocke — Elementary Education/Special Education
Wahoo
Rachel Lee Mulholland — D in Accounting Major/Communication Studies
Benjamin Alan Scheef — Accounting Major
Walton
Alexander David Gentry — Psychology
New Mexico
Albuquerque
Benjamin David Petry — Biology
Los Alamos
Hayley Alexandra Schake — D in Health Systems
Santa Fe
Eduardo Ochoa Luna — Business Administration/Economics
Oklahoma
Chelsea
Chase Alexander McIntire — D in Exercise Science
Miami
Ty Lane Mercer — Recreation & Sport Management
Yukon
Timothy Alan Fischer — Accounting Major
Pennsylvania
Lebanon
Emily Therelene Wesley — Religion with D in Sociology
South Dakota
Bison
Dodge Dakota Weishaar — English
Brookings
Caleb Eldon Merritt — Cum Laude with HD in Studio Art
Rapid City
August John Schaefbauer — Recreation & Sport Management
Texas
Euless
Joseph Taulaki — Psychology
Fort Worth
Ray Lee Bars — Exercise Science
Katy
Daniel Francisco Fragachan — Business Administration
McLean
Derek Leland Glass — Web Communication Design
Midlothian
Jennifer Diane Bernard — D in Chemistry
Emory John Coston — Wildlife Biology
Joshua Colton England — Psychology
Orvilla
Jodi Nicole Jackson — Biology
Universal City
Kervin Trevell Brown — English
Wisconsin
Hartland
Mikayla Nicole Richardson — D in Psychology
Oconomowoc
David C. Hall — Computer Science
Wyoming
Casper
Landon Floyd Rodabaugh — Computer Science/Business Administration
Mills
Sarah Gabrielle Rodabaugh — Elementary Education/Special Education
Bachelor of Arts – International
Brazil
Sao Paulo
Murilo Weindler Ceruli — D in Journalism/Broadcasting
Canada
Toronto, Ontario
Gabriella DiDio — Psychology and HD in Exercise Science
Mississaugh, Ontario
William Samuel Grant — Computer Science
England
London
Joseph Anthony White — Business Administration/Economics
Germany
Limburg
Marc Tautz — Business Administration/Recreation & Sport Management
Japan
Itoshima-City
Aika Mishel Uchiyama-Hughes — International Relations
Spain
Bilbao
Asier Undabeitia Paz — Economics with D in International Relations
Bachelor of Music
Nebraska
Berwyn
Julia A. Loy — D in Music Education
Grand Island
Andrew Riley Koubek — HD in Saxophone Performance
Hastings
Nathan William Jensen — HD in Voice Performance/Music Education
Pawnee City
Karli Rose Cabrera — HD in Voice Performance
Plattsmouth
Erin Petry — Magna Cum Laude with HD in Music Education
Sutton
Melissa Anne Reichert — Music Education/Voice Performance
Master of Arts in Teaching
Arizona
Chandler
Tyler Randall Spencer Hinchey — Emphasis in Physical Education
Nebraska
Ashland
Marshal A. Peterson — Emphasis in Math Education
Hastings
Melissa Everson — Emphasis in ESL Education/Physical Education
Matthew Kissinger — Emphasis in Biology Education
Renata Zigelstein — Emphasis in Elementary & Early Childhood Education
Holdrege
Chelsey Ann Morten — Emphasis in Early Childhood Education
Lincoln
Dylan Lee Flinn — Emphasis in Business, Marketing, and Information Technology Education
Omaha
Marco Santana de Carvalho — Emphasis in Physical Education
Papillion
Miles Patrick Kellett — Emphasis in Music Education
Trumbull
Shane Michael Kleier — Emphasis in Elementary Education
Whitman
Logan Tyrell Macomber — Emphasis in Business, Marketing, and Information Technology Education
Master of Arts in Teaching — International
Canada
Dresden, Ontario
Matthew Ryan Liberty — Emphasis in Business, Marketing, and Information Technology Education
This news release is not an official record of degrees awarded. Official records are maintained by the Office of the Registrar.
Hastings College is a private, four-year institution located in Hastings, Nebraska, that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. With more than 60 majors and 15 pre-professional programs, Hastings College has been named among “Great Schools, Great Prices” by U.S. News & World Report and a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review. For more, go to hastings.edu.
