Peru, Nebraska- Peru State College and its President, Dr. Dan Hanson, under the authority of the Nebraska State College System, granted degrees to 402 graduates on Saturday, May 5, 2018. More than 3,000 people attended the ceremony in the Al Wheeler Athletic Center.

December 2017, May 2018 and August 2018 graduates were all eligible to walk at the May Commencement. In total, Peru State College will grant 278 bachelor’s degrees and 124 graduate degrees in the 2017-2018 academic year.

Dr. Dan Hanson, president of Peru State College, said, “This ceremony celebrates the successes of our students and the tradition of excellence at Peru State College – a tradition of serving students for 150 years.”

Senator Mike Johanns gave the keynote address.

As he turned the direction of his address to the graduates, Johanns said, “Applause dies. Trophies tarnish. Headlines fade. Material things do not last.”

After quizzing the crowd on recent famous award winners, Johanns asked the graduates to remember the family members, mentors and all the folks that profoundly affected their lives. There was clear recognition that this question was easier than his earlier quiz.

His parting advice was to, “Try to live your life so that you are the answer to that question.”

May 2018 Undergraduate Degrees Awarded

Bachelor of Arts

Name Major Honors City State
Ewert, Siera Renee Liberal Arts   Lincoln NE
Fricke, Ethan Allen Social Science   Burr NE
Hall, Rachael Ann History Cum Laude Falls City NE
Kirby, Rian Nicole History   Elkhorn NE
Krewson, Colton J. History Cum Laude Sidney IA

 

Bachelor of Science

Alberts, Kendra Ranae K-12 Special Education Summa Cum Laude Auburn NE
Albrecht, Amie Marie K-12 Special Education Summa Cum Laude Wilber NE
Alley, Aliscia K. Criminal Justice – Administration Cum Laude Friend NE
Alzueta, Cristina Viera Kinesiology   Indian Orchard MA
Andersen, Keri Rose Psychology

Criminal Justice – Counseling

 Cum Laude Adams NE
Andersen, Sheri L. Business Administration – Management Magna Cum Laude Omaha NE
Anderson, Libbey Ruth Criminal Justice – Counseling

Psychology

   Nemaha NE
Antholz, Amanda Sue Early Childhood Education Inclusive B-3 Summa Cum Laude Humboldt NE
Arciniega, Manuel Sport and Exercise Science   Hemet CA
Ashford, Chelsea Danielle Criminal Justice – Counseling   Maryville MO
Baldacci, Hannah Marie Psychology Cum Laude Olathe KS
Barr, Natasha Joleen Elementary Education Summa Cum Laude Burchard NE
Benedict, Haley Jayne Business Administration – Management

Business Administration – Marketing

 Magna Cum Laude Springfield NE
Benefiel, Kaitlin Marie Social Science Summa Cum Laude Hamburg IA
Berry, Asha Business Administration – Management   Adelanto CA
Bigham, Sally Ruth Psychology   Fairview TN
Billups, Katelyn Leotha Graphic Design   Wymore NE
Bonnes, Melissa Jo Psychology Summa Cum Laude Shenandoah IA
Bowman, Alexandria Sophia Psychology   Thousand Oaks CA
Bowman, Elizabeth J. Business Administration – Management

Business Administration – Marketing

 Cum Laude West Point NE
Bradley, Jessica Nicole Marie 7-12 Special Education   Bellevue NE
Burgess, Shannon Elementary Education   Beatrice NE
Camastra III, Theodore John Criminal Justice – Administration   Lawrence NJ
Capps, Michele Lynne Criminal Justice – Administration Cum Laude Unadilla NE
Carlos, Rachel Lemona Ahmoi Criminal Justice – Counseling   Kaneohe HI
Carlson, Samantha Jo Criminal Justice – Counseling   Cozad NE
Carnahan, Travis R. Business Administration – Marketing

Business Administration – Management

 Summa Cum Laude Ceresco NE
Chapin, Megan Rae Business Administration – Management Cum Laude Auburn NE
Christen, Hannah Noelle Psychology Cum Laude Filley NE
Christensen, Dana Rae Early Childhood Education Inclusive B-3   N Las Vegas NV
Christensen, Ryan Lee English Summa Cum Laude Omaha NE
Cook, Amber Nicole Business Administration – Management

Computer Management Information Systems

 Summa Cum Laude Rock Port MO
Cooper, Megan Mariah Criminal Justice – Law and Society   Bellevue NE
Dalrymple, Cheyenne Tricia Health and Physical Education K-12   Stockton CA
DeBraal, Aubrey Elise Psychology Magna Cum Laude Henderson NE
DeVorss, Kathleen M Psychology Cum Laude Nebraska City NE
Dickman, Kendra Lynn Business Administration – Management   Papillion NE
Draper, Ashlyn R. Business Administration – Management

Business Administration – Marketing

   Lincoln NE
Duran Lopez, Francisco Javier Biochemical Science   Omaha NE
Dvorak, Nolan Michael Biochemical Science Summa Cum Laude Plattsmouth NE
Elle, Courtney Nicole Early Childhood Education Inclusive B-3 Cum Laude Nebraska City NE
Fedorchik, Jacob R. Computer Management Information Systems   Omaha NE
Fine, Bethaney Anne Psychology Summa Cum Laude Ogallala NE
Fischer, Jordan Caleb Business, Marketing and Information Technology 6-12   Lincoln NE
Focken, Gerald Art – Fine Arts   Cook NE
Frede, Jason Psychology   Rock Port MO
Garcia, Sandy Jo Psychology   Strasburg CO
Gebremariam, Meheret Masresha Biochemical Science   Harrisburg PA
Gewinner, Zachary Business Administration – Management   Weeping Water NE
Gomez, Andrea Grace Psychology   Shenandoah IA
Grantski, Taida Business Administration – Management   Crete NE
Grebert, Avery Kristeen Marie Biological Science   Shenandoah IA
Grose, Mary Elizabeth Early Childhood Education Inclusive B-3 Cum Laude Peoria AZ
Harling, Mitchell James Biochemical Science Magna Cum Laude Falls City NE
Hartman, Megan Business Administration – Marketing Magna Cum Laude Lincoln NE
Holloway, Monica Lee Business Administration – Accounting Cum Laude Abilene TX
Hooper, Megan Virginia Business Administration – Marketing   Hannibal MO
Hopper, Je’Kerra Jaelynn Jordan Criminal Justice – Administration Cum Laude Lincoln NE
Hug, Haevyn Julianna K-12 Special Education   Brownville NE
Hull, Lauren Elizabeth Elementary Education

Early Childhood Education PK-3

 Magna Cum Laude Bellevue NE
Hunter, Cassandra Lynn Sport and Exercise Science   Lincoln NE
Hutson, Shalissa Elaine Community Music and Private Studio   Shambaugh IA
Jankovits, Jessica Criminal Justice – Law and Society   Culbertson NE
Johansen, Hayden Robert Computer Management Information Systems

Business Administration – Management

 Summa Cum Laude Utica NE
Johnson, James E Music – Business Marketing   Stanberry MO
Julian, Derek Disease and Human Health Summa Cum Laude Sterling NE
Kenney, Alexandra Biochemical Science Summa Cum Laude

Honors Program Graduate		 Milford NE
Kill, Benjamin James K-12 Special Education Summa Cum Laude Magnolia IA
Kniffen, Tanya Renae Criminal Justice – Counseling Summa Cum Laude San Antonio TX
Kohrs, Maddie S. K-12 Special Education Summa Cum Laude Nebraska City NE
Kolman, Ryan Jerry Business Administration – Marketing

Business Administration – Management

   Beatrice NE
Krull, Chevis Marie Criminal Justice – Counseling Cum Laude Beatrice NE
Kuhlmann, Christopher P. Business Administration – Management   Wonder Lake IL
Kuncl, Jocelyn Kay Early Childhood Education Inclusive B-3 Summa Cum Laude Cedar Rapids NE
LaBreck, Bailey Nicole Criminal Justice – Administration   Council Bluffs IA
Lechtenberg, Nicholas John Criminal Justice – Administration   LaVista NE
Leif, Morgan Psychology   Bennet NE
Looper, Ashley Renee Elementary Education Cum Laude Dorchester NE
Ludwigs, Amanda Lyn Psychology Cum Laude Clarinda IA
Lukasiewicz, Jared Lawrence Criminal Justice – Administration   Farwell NE
Lunbery-Fox, Sofia Grace Disease and Human Health   Lincoln NE
Mahon, Justin P. Business Administration – Management

Business Administration – Marketing		 Magna Cum Laude Omaha NE
Marsh, Cathleen Anne Psychology   Bellevue NE
Marsh, Charleen Marie Disease and Human Health   Bellevue NE
Martins, Jhessica Rayssa Rosa Biochemical Science   Uberlândia MG  
Matyakubova, Leyla Business Administration – Marketing   Concordia KS
McCann, Mason Criminal Justice – Administration   Waterloo NE
McCord, Anna Lillian Graphic Design   Nebraska City NE
McCormick, Bailey Disease and Human Health

Biochemical Science

 Cum Laude Shenandoah IA
McDaniel, Kara C. Business Administration – Management   Papillion NE
Miller, Angus Andrew Sport and Exercise Science   Papillion NE
Mills, Robert Mitchell Psychology Summa Cum Laude Red Oak IA
Mosiman, Mark D. Wildlife Ecology   Falls City NE
Muschall, Brandon A. Computer Management Information Systems

Business Administration – Accounting

   Omaha NE
Naber, Anna Marie Graphic Design Summa Cum Laude York NE
Nellist, Kara R. Psychology   Omaha NE
Nelson, Benjamin Robert Social Science Teaching Cum Laude Audubon IA
Nichols, Calvin Daniel Social Science Teaching   Auburn NE
Niebrugge, Abigail Denise Psychology Cum Laude Omaha NE
Niederklein, Christina Jo Criminal Justice – Counseling   Wilber NE
Niemeyer, Colin Mitchell Biochemical Science Summa Cum Laude Falls City NE
Norvell, Thomas Ross Business Administration – Accounting Summa Cum Laude

Honors Program Graduate		 Geneva NE
Oldahm, Courtney Lynn Mathematics Cum Laude Lincoln NE
Oliver, Zachary Ray Biological Science   Shelton NE
Olson, Rebecca L. Business Administration – Management   Omaha NE
Omon, Rafael Business Administration – Accounting   Beatrice NE
Orcutt, Gunnar Jefferson Biochemical Science Summa Cum Laude Elkhorn NE
Ortmeier-Wilken, Steven C. Sport and Exercise Science   Ralston NE
Parker, Andrew Scott Business Administration – Management Cum Laude Nebraska City NE
Patania, Kendra Ann Biological Science Cum Laude Omaha NE
Peabody, Morgan Eileen Business Administration – Accounting Cum Laude Morrill KS
Peoples, Nathan Anthony Graphic Design Cum Laude Deshler NE
Pinney, Jimi Lee Criminal Justice – Counseling   Ainsworth NE
Pooch, Michaela Anna Business Administration – Management Cum Laude Tecumseh NE
Post, Reece R. Criminal Justice – Administration   Springfield NE
Prososki, Nicholas J. Criminal Justice – Administration   Gretna NE
Rath, Amanda L. K-12 Special Education   Pawnee City NE
Ratliff, Kerra Elizabeth Psychology   Shenandoah IA
Reafleng, Catherine Rose Elementary Education

Early Childhood Education PK-3

 Cum Laude Shenandoah IA
Reynolds, Tamra Lynn Psychology Summa Cum Laude Shenandoah IA
Richards, Kasey M. Computer Management Information Systems   Bellevue NE
Ritter, Brittany Leeann Elementary Education Cum Laude Falls City NE
Robinson, Andrew James Business Administration – Management   Imperial Beach CA
Royer, Cory Cash Psychology   Las Vegas NV
Ruffino, Lisa Michelle Psychology Summa Cum Laude Walker LA
Sakinis, Paulius Business Administration – Marketing Cum Laude Klaipeda  
Sams, MyRanda Marie Computer Management Information Systems   Lincoln NE
Scharsch, Amberlin Psychology Cum Laude Aiea HI
Schlange, Alyson Lane Kinesiology   Auburn NE
Schmidt, Lowgaen Glenn Lee Music Performance

Music K-12 Vocal/Instrumental

   Louisville NE
Shackelford, Andrew Kinesiology Cum Laude Bradenton FL
Sinclair, Denise Marie Educational Studies   Blair NE
Stark, Latrice Business Administration – Accounting Summa Cum Laude Norfolk NE
Sterup, Anna M. Business Administration – Management   Tecumseh NE
Stirton, Hannah Marie Business Administration – Management   Horton KS
Stukenholtz, Nathaniel John Biological Science   Nebraska City NE
Tennant, Kaitlyn Marie Elementary Education Magna Cum Laude Thornton CO
Tubbesing, Leah Katherine Elementary Education Magna Cum Laude Tecumseh NE
Tworek Jr, Frederick John Human Performance and Systems Management   Grandville MI
Umland, Katrina A. Elementary Education

Music K-12 Vocal / Instrumental


K-12 Special Education

 Summa Cum Laude Jansen NE
Usher, Tim Computer Management Information Systems   Auburn NE
Van Briesen, Sean Criminal Justice – Administration   LaVista NE
VanDeWalle, Sarah Elizabeth Criminal Justice – Administration   Aurora NE
Va’zquez Maldonado, Javier Jose’ Business Administration – Accounting   Kissimmee FL
Victor, Quentin Maxwell English Magna Cum Laude

Honors Program Graduate		 Nebraska City NE
Vinsky, Christian Grant Criminal Justice – Administration   Murrieta CA
Volkmer, Jennifer L. Business Administration – Management Cum Laude Beatrice NE
Watson, Heather Computer Management Information Systems   Lincoln NE
Whipple, Kennedy B. English Cum Laude Papillion NE
Wiegert, Nakaisha Elizabeth Biochemical Science   Wausa NE
Worthey, Alyshia Marie Disease and Human Health   Auburn NE

 

Bachelor of Applied Science

Anderson, Jared   Business Administration – Management   Lincoln NE
Brown, Pamela   Business Administration – Management   Southaven MS
Donald III, Antonio   Business Administration – Management   Elk Grove CA
Eisenmann, Jason Robert   Business Administration – Management   Davey NE
Eltiste, Courtney Michelle   Business Administration – Management Cum Laude Tecumseh NE
Evans, Kyle A.   Business Administration – Management   Newnan GA
Garrelts, Jonathan Emos   Business Administration – Management Summa Cum Laude Crete NE
Hatch, Joshua   Business Administration – Management   Ottumwa IA
Hight, Wade J.   Business Administration – Management   Tulare CA
Hirner Sr, Joseph L.   Business Administration – Management Summa Cum Laude Rock Port MO
Hjorth, Marci L.   Business Administration – Management Summa Cum Laude Norfolk NE
Hudson, Sarah E.   Business Administration – Management   Rock Port MO
Hunt, Ann M.   Business Administration – Management Summa Cum Laude Eagle NE
Hunter, Quantice   Business Administration – Management   Elgin IL
Kieler, Hope Katheryn   Business Administration – Management   Peru NE
Kretz, Andrew M.   Business Administration – Management   Denver CO
Milldyke, Aaron Tim Horst   Business Administration – Management   Beatrice NE
Montesanto, Danielle Marie   Business Administration – Management Summa Cum Laude Simi Valley CA
Parshinskikh, Diana   Business Administration – Management   Charleston SC
Petersen, Daniel Lee   Business Administration – Management   Aurora NE
Pope, Krista Anne Marie   Business Administration – Management   Blue Ridge GA
Thomas, Phillip D.   Business Administration – Management   Aurora NE
Widler, Krista   Business Administration – Management Summa Cum Laude Wesley Chapel FL

 

May 2018 Graduate Degrees Awarded

 

Master of Science in Education

Adams, Benjamin P. Curriculum and Instruction Auburn NE
Archer, Derek Dwight Curriculum and Instruction Council Bluffs IA
Borrenpohl, Michelle Marie Curriculum and Instruction Tecumseh NE
Brown, Kacey Marie Curriculum and Instruction Papillion NE
Burr, Taylor Nicholle Curriculum and Instruction Syracuse NE
Coy, Megan B Curriculum and Instruction Plattsmouth NE
Dartmann, Shelley Kay Curriculum and Instruction Omaha NE
Decker, Alex L. Curriculum and Instruction Canistota SD
Dittmer, Rebecca L. Curriculum and Instruction Lincoln NE
Doeden, Kayleen Marie Curriculum and Instruction Tecumseh NE
Dunekacke, Taylor Gene Curriculum and Instruction Humboldt NE
Endorf, Sydne Jae Curriculum and Instruction Elba NE
Featherstone, Anthony Dean Curriculum and Instruction Omaha NE
Fricke, Amanda N. Curriculum and Instruction Bellevue NE
Graybill, Megan E. Curriculum and Instruction Columbus NE
Hansen, Alyssa Lynn Curriculum and Instruction Bennington NE
Hascall, Brianna Marie Curriculum and Instruction Columbus NE
Hauger, Laura Rae Curriculum and Instruction Wausa NE
Hollenbeck, Kelsee Lynn Curriculum and Instruction Papillion NE
Holman, Kassandra Curriculum and Instruction Nebraska City NE
Lackovic II, Timothy G. Curriculum and Instruction Omaha NE
Malone, Amber Lea Curriculum and Instruction Omaha NE
McFarland, Leann Rae Curriculum and Instruction Eddyville NE
Mowry Eickhoff, Stevie Cherie’ Curriculum and Instruction Stella NE
Nakai, Daniel Curriculum and Instruction Bellevue NE
Niemeier, Carrie LeAnn Curriculum and Instruction Kearney NE
Norris, David Marshall Curriculum and Instruction Peru NE
O’Neill-Cole, Sally Curriculum and Instruction Scribner NE
Papenhausen, Kelsey Curriculum and Instruction Oxford NE
Price, Rachel Marie Curriculum and Instruction Omaha NE
Rickert, Jenna Marie Curriculum and Instruction Omaha NE
Rife, Michelle Renee Curriculum and Instruction Blair NE
Sansone-Wilcox, Tuyet-Van Curriculum and Instruction Gothenburg NE
Scates, Melinda Sue Curriculum and Instruction White Cloud KS
Simodynes, Vincent James Curriculum and Instruction Gretna NE
Stieren, Molly J. Curriculum and Instruction Gretna NE
Welte, Amy K. Curriculum and Instruction Bellevue NE
Young, Anna Curriculum and Instruction Nebraska City NE

 

Master of Science in Organizational Management

Acker, Daniel D. Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Lincoln NE
Cruickshank, Benjamin David Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Firth NE
Cunningham, Daniel W. Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Decatur IL
Dvorak, Jessica Kay Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Pierce NE
Gadeken, Kathryn Denise Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Beatrice NE
Green, Jarvis Deion Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Lincoln NE
Jordening, Jonah Lee Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Cortland NE
Norwood, Jeremiah Kenyon Entrepreneurial and Economic Development Lincoln CA

 

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