Saint Louis University College of Arts and Sciences
Thirty-first Annual Pre Commencement Ceremony
May 18, 2012
Order of Exercises
PROCESSIONAL
GRADUATES OF THE CLASS OF 2012
MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY
DEANS AND GUESTS
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
INVOCATION David V. Meconi, S.J.
GREETINGS AND INTRODUCTIONS Michael D. Barber, S.J., Dean
RECOGNITION OF HONOR SOCIETY AND SPECIAL AWARD GRADUATES Michael D.
Barber, S.J., Dean
PRESENTATION OF DOCTORAL DEGREE GRADUATES Michael D. Barber, S.J., Dean
PRESENTATION OF MASTER’S DEGREE GRADUATES Michael D. Barber, S.J., Dean
PRESENTATION OF THE GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION AWARDS Martha King,
President
PRESENTATION OF BACHELOR’S DEGREE GRADUATES Michael D. Barber, S.J., Dean
CLOSING REMARKS Michael D. Barber, S.J., Dean
BENEDICTION David V. Meconi, S.J.
DISMISSAL Mr. Gary Barker
RECESSIONAL
RECEPTION AT BUSCH STUDENT CENTER, WOOL BALLROOM
The College of Arts & Sciences
The lamp is the symbol for the College of Arts and Sciences. The lamp has long been a
symbol of intellectual investigation. In classical times, the lamp burning late at night was not
only a necessity to the scholar but became a figure for research itself. Plutarch remarks that
those works are good that have been produced by the light of the scholar’s lamp. Throughout
Western history, the lamp remained a symbol of the mind. Milton speaks of the scholar’s
lamp burning through the night in “Il Penseroso.” The metaphor tended to turn the emphasis
away from the simple fact of reading by lamplight to the essence of scholarship throwing the
clear steady illumination of the intellect onto problems.
In the Romantic period, the lamp became one of the chief metaphors for the imagination, so
that to the idea of calm, patient analysis was added the human striving for the good and true.
The lamp has thus become a double symbol of the mind and of the soul.
G RADU ATE HONOR SOCIE TIE S AND SPE CI AL AWA RDS
ALPHA EPSILON LAMBDA SOCIETY
In recognition of the academic and leadership accomplishments of graduate and professional
school students.
GRADUATE STUDENTS: Robyn R. Gaier, Donna Hawk-Reinhard, Michael Moehlenbrock,
Elizabeth Rupprecht, Christopher Shaver, Chad Williams
ALPHA SIGMA NU
Founded in 1915, the Honor Society of Jesuit colleges and universities recognizes students
who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service.
GRADUATE STUDENTS: Stephen Chanderbhan, Erin Flynn Klawitter, Donna Hawk-Reinhard,
Stephen Klobe, Briana Klostermann, Emmanuel Pretila, Deanne Puloka, Julie Riley, Mary
Sargent, Pamela Vanegas, Chad Williams
OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARD – BIOLOGY
In recognition of the outstanding services provided as a research assistant.
GRADUATE STUDENT:
Mauricio Diazgranados
OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT TEACHING AWARD – BIOLOGY
In recognition of the outstanding services provided as a teaching assistant in biology courses
and labs.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Anthony Wilmes
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTS AWARD – CHEMISTRY
Awarded to a Masters graduate student on the basis of research productivity, teaching
abilities, academic record and service.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Yanxin Jia
CAROL M. AND JOSEPH R. FRANKS DOCTORAL GRADUATE STUDENT AWARD
– CHEMISTRY
In recognition of excellence in research and professional service.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Michael Moehlenbrock
MERCK INDEX AWARD IN RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENT BY A CHEMISTRY
MASTERS GRADUATE STUDENT – CHEMISTRY
Awarded on the basis of academic record and research productivity.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Pamela Vanegas
MERCK INDEX AWARD IN RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENT BY A CHEMISTRY
DOCTORAL GRADUATE STUDENT – CHEMISTRY
Awarded on the basis of academic record and research productivity.
GRADUATE STUDENT:
James Korang
DONALD G. BRENNAN AWARD –
COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS
In memory of Dr. Donald G. Brennan, past chair of the department. Presented in recognition
of excellence in the areas of academic achievement, personal growth, and commitment to
the department.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Megan Knaeble
LYNDA R. CAMPBELL MEMORIAL AWARD – COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND
DISORDERS
In memory of Dr. Lynda R. Campbell, past chair of the department. Presented in recognition
of commitment to multicultural advancement, mentoring, and honoring the spirit of others.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Briana Klostermann
ROBBIE HAYNES AWARD – COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS
In memory of a former graduate student in recognition of exemplary determination, positive
attitude, and generous spirit.
GRADUATE STUDENTS:
Christina Collins, Maggie McCarthy
WALTER ONG AWARD – ENGLISH
Presented annually to the graduate student who exhibits the greatest scholarly potential.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Margaret Sullivan
THOMAS P. NEILL DISSERTATION AWARD – HISTORY
Award given annually to the outstanding history doctoral dissertation.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Walker Cosgrove
PI MU EPSILON – MATHEMATICS
Membership in this honor society indicates outstanding academic achievement in
mathematics.
GRADUATE STUDENTS: Alaina Manning, Vignon Oussa, Christopher Shaver, Stephanie Thomas
ALPHA EPSILON LAMBDA SOCIETY
In recognition of the academic and leadership accomplishments of graduate and professional
school students.
GRADUATE STUDENTS: Robyn R. Gaier, Donna Hawk-Reinhard, Michael Moehlenbrock,
Elizabeth Rupprecht, Christopher Shaver, Chad Williams
ALPHA SIGMA NU
Founded in 1915, the Honor Society of Jesuit colleges and universities recognizes students
who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service.
GRADUATE STUDENTS: Stephen Chanderbhan, Erin Flynn Klawitter, Donna Hawk-Reinhard,
Stephen Klobe, Briana Klostermann, Emmanuel Pretila, Deanne Puloka, Julie Riley, Mary
Sargent, Pamela Vanegas, Chad Williams
OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH AWARD – BIOLOGY
In recognition of the outstanding services provided as a research assistant.
GRADUATE STUDENT:
Mauricio Diazgranados
OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT TEACHING AWARD – BIOLOGY
In recognition of the outstanding services provided as a teaching assistant in biology courses
and labs.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Anthony Wilmes
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTS AWARD – CHEMISTRY
Awarded to a Masters graduate student on the basis of research productivity, teaching
abilities, academic record and service.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Yanxin Jia
CAROL M. AND JOSEPH R. FRANKS DOCTORAL GRADUATE STUDENT AWARD
– CHEMISTRY
In recognition of excellence in research and professional service.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Michael Moehlenbrock
MERCK INDEX AWARD IN RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENT BY A CHEMISTRY
MASTERS GRADUATE STUDENT – CHEMISTRY
Awarded on the basis of academic record and research productivity.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Pamela Vanegas
MERCK INDEX AWARD IN RECOGNITION OF ACHIEVEMENT BY A CHEMISTRY
DOCTORAL GRADUATE STUDENT – CHEMISTRY
Awarded on the basis of academic record and research productivity.
GRADUATE STUDENT: James Korang
DONALD G. BRENNAN AWARD –
COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS
In memory of Dr. Donald G. Brennan, past chair of the department. Presented in recognition
of excellence in the areas of academic achievement, personal growth, and commitment to
the department.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Megan Knaeble
LYNDA R. CAMPBELL MEMORIAL AWARD – COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND
DISORDERS
In memory of Dr. Lynda R. Campbell, past chair of the department. Presented in recognition
of commitment to multicultural advancement, mentoring, and honoring the spirit of others.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Briana
Klostermann
ROBBIE HAYNES AWARD – COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS
In memory of a former graduate student in recognition of exemplary determination, positive
attitude, and generous spirit.
GRADUATE STUDENTS:
Christina Collins, Maggie McCarthy
WALTER ONG AWARD – ENGLISH
Presented annually to the graduate student who exhibits the greatest scholarly potential.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Margaret Sullivan
THOMAS P. NEILL DISSERTATION AWARD – HISTORY
Award given annually to the outstanding history doctoral dissertation.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Walker Cosgrove
PI MU EPSILON – MATHEMATICS
Membership in this honor society indicates outstanding academic achievement in
mathematics.
GRADUATE STUDENTS: Alaina Manning, Vignon Oussa, Christopher Shaver, Stephanie Thomas
ANDREWS AWARD – MATHEMATICS
Established by a bequest from Dr. John J. Andrews, a former faculty member. Awarded to an
outstanding graduate student to scholarship and service to the department.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Stephanie Thomas
STEVEN PURO AWARD – POLITICAL SCIENCE
In honor of Dr. Steven Puro, former faculty member. Awarded to an academically
outstanding M.A. student. GRADUATE STUDENT: Chad Williams
OUTSTANDING GRADUATE STUDENT IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY –
PSYCHOLOGY
Awarded to a clinical psychology student in recognition for excellence in clinical psychology.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Claire Brabec
JOHN C. NAPOLI TEACHING AWARD – PSYCHOLOGY
Awarded in recognition of the accomplishments of outstanding teachers in training in the
graduate program.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Sara Bagley
HAROLD AND MARY JANE TALL AWARD – PSYCHOLOGY
Awarded in recognition of the accomplishments of a graduate student in the clinical program
who has either returned to school after another career, significantly impacted the morale of
other students, or demonstrates excellence in both the classroom and clinical practice.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Jacquelyn Surrell
MARILYN K. RIGBY AWARD – PSYCHOLOGY
Presented in recognition of a student in the experimental program who best exemplifies
dediction to scholarship and excellence in teaching and service.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Sara Bagley
NICHOLAS J. COLARELLI AWARD – PSYCHOLOGY
Awarded for outstanding student achievement in the industrial-organizational psychology
program.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Kelly M. Reed
MARILYN K. RIGBY AWARD – PSYCHOLOGY
Presented in recognition of outstanding leadership in scholarship and service to the
industrial-organizational psychology program.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Patricia G. Bagsby
THOMAS J. KRAMER AWARD – PSYCHOLOGY
Presented for outstanding contributions to the industrial-organizational psychology program.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Tamara A. Montag
DAVID C. MUNZ AWARD –
PSYCHOLOGY
Presented in recognition of excellence in the science and practice of industrial-organizational
psychology.
GRADUATE STUDENT: Patricia G. Bagsby
WHO’S WHO AMONG STUDENTS IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES
Since 1934, Who’s Who Among Students in American University and Colleges has furthered
the aims of higher education by rewarding and recognizing individual academic excellence
on the national level.
GRADUATE STUDENTS: Michael Karp, Erin Flynn Klawitter, Briana Klostermann, Stephen Kissel,
Michael Moehlenbrock, Tomas O’Sullivan, Pamela Vanegas, Chad Williams, Jordan Wood
UNDERGRADUATE HONOR SOCIETIES AND SPECIAL AWARDS
ALPHA DELTA SIGMA – COMMUNICATION
Alpha Delta Sigma is the national scholastic honor society for graduating seniors majoring in
advertising. Students must be members of the university chapter of the American Advertising
Federation. Membership selection is based on high academic achievement (3.25/4.00) and
active participation in the student advertising club. The American Advertising Federation has
represented the advertising profession nationally for more than a century. There are more
than 200 student advertising clubs on college campuses.
GRADUATES: Ryan Belmonte, Gina Cassaro, Gina Cole, Flannery Donahue, Maura Fahey,
Madalyn Guy, Caroline MacKenzie, Jeff Morman, Monica Richardson, Paige Rotarius
ALPHA EPSILON DELTA
PRE-PROFESSIONAL HEALTH
Alpha Epsilon Delta is the national premedical honor society, founded in 1926. One of the
main functions of AED is to encourage and recognize publicly outstanding scholastic
achievement among premedical and predental students. Membership is based on
scholarship, character, general ability and personality. AED seeks members who possess
those qualities, which are considered necessary for a physician.
A&S GRADUATES: Zarir Ahmed, Anit Behera, Amy Bi, Sam Burton, Swathi Chidambaram,
Daniel Curnyn, Kirsten Danzo, Rhythm Gandhi, Samuel Garvey, Konstantin German,
Swetha Gogineni, Brittany Goodrich, Vanessa Goodwill, Weston Gordon, Rachel Grimmer,
Tyler Josephs, Monica Kao, Jillian Kelly, Arthur Kheyfets, Vishal Kinkhabwala, Ashley
Klein, Alexandria Lee, Yelena Levina, Jennifer Liu, Christina Merenda, Alex Meyr, Amanda
Miller, Anish Munagala, Firas Naji, Amelia Nakanishi, Nicole Nathe, Anna Nay, Robert
O’Neal, Kritika Patel, Sagar Patel, Xiaofei Peng, Greg Pfitzer, Preethi Reddy Priyanka
Reddy, Sara Rendell, Pratik Shah, Imran Shaikh, Leah Vandiver, Luke Viehl, Neelaysh
Vukkadala, Lila Wahidi, Tim Willmore, Krista Wozniak, Tyler Zahrli
ALPHA KAPPA DELTA –
SOCIOLOGY
Alpha Kappa Delta is the international sociology honor society. The society’s goals are to
study humankind for the purpose of service, to promote human welfare and to develop
scientific knowledge that may be applied to the solution of social problems. To be inducted in
AKD, students must have exemplary academic records and exhibit leadership and service
commitments.
GRADUATES: Katherine Birt, Christine Schmidt
ALPHA PHI SIGMA –
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Alpha Phi Sigma is a national criminal justice honor society for students majoring in the
criminal justice sciences. The society recognizes academic excellence by undergraduates as
well as graduate students. There are more than 200 chapters of Alpha Phi Sigma. Students
must be recommended by a faculty member and are evaluated on academic performance in
all their courses as well as their major area of study.
GRADUATES: Clayton Comley, Karla Hunt, Andrea Kleger, Nicole Lofgren, Christine Schmidt,
Dahmar Wartts-Smiles
ALPHA PSI OMEGA – THEATRE
Alpha Psi Omega is the national theatre honor society. Founded in 1925, the society
acknowledges those demonstrating a high standard of accomplishment in theatre. Members
of Alpha Psi Omega enhance their knowledge of theatre and prepare for professional work
through a variety of theatrical activities. To be initiated, students must maintain a level of
academic excellence and participate in University Theatre productions in multiple areas of
theatre.
GRADUATES: Angela Bilyeu, Sean Book, Julia Crump, Gregory Cuellar, Peter Hasser, Jennifer
Liu, Amanda Miller, Kyle Powell, Anita Shastri, Tyler Zahrli
ALPHA SIGMA NU
Founded in 1915, and chartered at Saint Louis University in 1923, Alpha Sigma Nu is the
honor society of Jesuit colleges and universities. It recognizes students who have
distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty, and service and who rank in the top 4% of
their class. It is the only honor society which includes students from all schools and colleges
of the university. There are 33 active chapters in the United States, Canada, and at Sogang
University in Seoul, South Korea.
ARTS AND SCIENCES GRADUATES: Zarir Ahmed, Eric Anderson, Katelyn Anderson, Marta
Fernandez de Arroyabe Arranz, Caitlin Bancroft, Anit Behera, Elizabeth Burns, Swathi
Chidambaram, Perry Cole, Daniel Curnyn, Kurt Curtis, Megan Diestelmeier, Ashley Gaillot,
Joseph Hess, Margaret Heyduk, Karla Hunt, Patrick Kennedy, Ashley Klein, Emma Kulig,
Seth Lupton, David Massop, Colleen Mathews, Cahal McColgan, Alex Meyr, Margaret Muir,
Christopher Newberry, Thomas Piolata, Sara Rendell, Eugene Rodemich, III, Susanne
Schmidt, Steffanie Stewart, Abigail Unverferth, Luke Viehl, Neelaysh Vukkadala, Tyler Zahrli
AWARD FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE – COMMUNICATION
This award is presented to graduating seniors in communication who achieve a grade point
average of 3.5 or higher for all their course work at Saint Louis University.
THIS YEAR’S AWARD WINNERS ARE: Erin Everett, Julia Gigliotti, Madalyn Guy, Kathryn Hamilton,
Megan Jacob, Susanne Schmidt, Katelyn Ullman, Kelsey Vaughan
BETA BETA BETA BIOLOGY
Tri Beta Biological Science Society seeks to encourage scholarly achievement in this field of
learning by reserving its membership for those undergraduates who have superior academic
records and have a special aptitude and interest in the life sciences.
GRADUATES: Zarir Ahmed, Rory Arrigo, Ian Barone, Christopher Burnett, Swathi Chidambaram,
Daniel Curnyn, Caroline Dong, Swetha Gogineni, David Gruenewald, Maddelynn Hawkins,
Tyler Josephs, Ashley Klein, Aisha Leiva, David Massop, Alex Meyr, Amanda Miller,
Priyanka Reddy, Sara Rendell, Thomas Stupka, Amy Sun, Luke Viehl
DELTA PHI ALPHA – GERMAN
The national German honor society, Delta Phi Alpha, seeks to recognize excellence in the
study of German. The society aims to promote the study of German language, literature and
civilization and endeavors to emphasize those aspects of German life and culture which are
of universal value and contribute to humanity’s eternal search for peace and truth.
GRADUATES: Matthew Barton, Eric Lampe, Colleen Sheehan, Kiley Volker, Ben Weixlmann
GOLDEN KEY NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Founded in 1977 at Georgia State University, the Golden Key is a national interdisciplinary
academic honors organization established to recognize academic excellence among
undergraduate students. The Saint Louis University chapter was chartered in 1993.
GRADUATES: Rory Arrigo, Sean Book, Kathleen Cadigan, Anne Crabtree, Daniel Curnyn, Laura
Fewell, Vanessa Goodwill, Kellen Gracey, David Gruenewald, Kathryn Hamilton, Morgan
Hermanson, Jessica Higginbotham, Christopher Hohl, Karla Hunt, Maxwell Jordan, Kathyrn
Kearney, Patrick Kennedy, Ashley Klein, Nicole Lofgren, Danielle Maxwell, Alex Meyr,
Katelyn Poelker, Yi Ren, Susanne Schmidt, Rachel Stassi, Laura Tiffin, Katherine
Winderman
JAMES D. COLLINS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN STUDENT ACADEMIC
ACHIEVEMENT
The College of Arts and Sciences annually presents the James D. Collins Awards for
Excellence in Student Academic Achievement to recognize scholarship and creative
achievements among undergraduate students. One student is chosen by faculty in each
department and two programs of the college.
THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENTS ARE: Laura Frye (American Studies); David Gruenewald (Biology); Yi Ren
(Chemistry); Kathryn Hamilton (Communication); Megan Diestelmeier (Communication
Sciences and Disorders); Matthew Stalley (Earth and Atmospheric Sciences); Joe Wotawa
(English); Anita Shastri (Fine and Performing Arts); Elizabeth Burns (History); Thomas Kelly
(Mathematics and Computer Science); Luke Viehl (Modern and Classical Languages);
Tommy Piolata (Philosophy); Linda Holyoke (Physics); Kathleen Cadigan (Political Science);
Caroline Hoyniak (Psychology); Anelga Doumanian (Sociology and Criminal Justice); Sr.
Teresa Liu, S.D.S.H. (Theological Studies); Ashley Brownlee (African American Studies);
Amy Knutsen (Women’s Studies).
LAMBDA PI ETA – COMMUNICATION
Lambda Pi Eta, a national honor society for undergraduates in communication, recognizes,
fosters, and rewards outstanding scholastic achievement.
GRADUATES: Ryan Belmonte, Jonathan Ernst, Erin Everett, Kathryn Hamilton, Kathyrn
Kearney, Andrea Kleger, Caroline MacKenzie, Jeff Morman, Susanne Schmidt, Zenita
Thomas, Katelyn Ullman
SLU MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY
The Saint Louis University Music Honor Society acknowledges those demonstrating a high
standard of accomplishment in music. Members share a passion for music of varying styles
and a commitment to serving the community through the gift of music.
GRADUATES: Stephanie Brenner, Kate Lucas, Anu Pulikkan, Lauren Segelhorst
LEROY J. GROSSMAN OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARD
Leroy J. Grossman, Ph.D., was a teacher and mentor of students, and a compassionate
colleague to the faculty and staff of the John Cook School of Business. In recognition of his
service to the university community, the Department of Economics established the Leroy J.
Grossman Outstanding Student Award. The award recognizes a graduating senior(s)
majoring in economics whose dedication to scholarship and service best exemplifies Dr.
Grossman’s commitment to value-based teaching and learning.
THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENTS ARE: Nino Przulj and Jasmina Vajzovic.
OMICRON DELTA EPSILON –
ECONOMICS
Omicron Delta Epsilon, one of the world’s largest academic honor societies, recognizes
scholastic attainment and the honoring of outstanding achievements in economics. The
society encourages closer ties between students and faculty in economics within colleges
and universities.
GRADUATES:
Marta Fernandez de Arroyabe Arranz, Swathi Chidambaram, Dorian Jones
OUTSTANDING STUDENTS IN COLLEGE PROGRAMS:
Directors of college programs have named the following as Outstanding Students: Ashley
Brownlee (African American Studies); Adrienne Edson (Manresa); Adrienne Edson (Micah);
Jasmina Vajzovic (Pre-Law); Sara Rendell (Pre-Professional Health); Amy Knutsen (Women’s
Studies)
PHI ALPHA DELTA PRE-LAW
Phi Alpha Delta, the pre-law society, is a professional organization whose purpose is to
serve the law student, the law schools, the legal profession and the community. It is the
largest legal society in the nation, with more than 164 law school chapters chartered across
the nation. The Saint Louis University undergraduate chapter was organized and inducted in
1985. It is the only one of more than 190 undergraduate chapters to win the Chapter of the
Year Award twice. Initiations are held each semester, and membership averages some 50
students each academic year.
GRADUATES: Katherine Anderson, Kathleen Cadigan, Anelga Doumanian, Lauren Gamel,
Nicole Hunt, Cahal McColgan, Brenna Medlin, Kathryn Newcomb, Elizabeth Nieman, Nino
Przulj, Emily Reber, Caroline Rutledge, Jasmina Vajzovic, Amber Villareal, Paul Weisharr
PHI ALPHA THETA HISTORY
Phi Alpha Theta, founded in 1921, is an international honor society in history. Its membership
is composed of students and faculty elected on the basis of excellence in the study and
writing of history. The society seeks to bring students, teachers and writers of history together
both intellectually and socially and provides assistance in research and publication. The Mu
Alpha Chapter at Saint Louis University was chartered in 1966.
GRADUATES: Christopher Burnett, Elizabeth Burns, Colleen Kustura, Spencer Mackenzie,
Caroline Rutledge, Abigail Unverferth, Kiley Volker
PHI BETA KAPPA
Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1776 at the College of William and Mary. It was the first
society to have a Greek letter name. The original society had an active life of only four years,
ending when the approach of Cornwallis’ army forced the college to close its doors. The faith
of these youthful founding scholars in the permanence and future greatness of their society
is shown by their preparation of charters for branches in other colleges Harvard in
December 1779 and Yale five years later. Graduates now number more than 360,000. The
Saint Louis University chapter was chartered on January 7, 1968.
GRADUATES: Elizabeth Burns, Dana Delaney, Anelga Doumanian, Nicholas Faulconer,
Christopher Hohl, Minjun Hur, Colleen Mathews, Xiaofei Peng, Katelyn Poelker, Sara
Rendell, Colleen Sheehan, Amanda Wolter
PI DELTA PHI FRENCH
Pi Delta Phi is the national French honor society founded at the University of California in
1906. The aim of the society is to promote and recognize excellence in French Studies.
Students initiated into the society must be enrolled in upper division French courses and
maintain at least a B average.
GRADUATES: Emma-Lorraine Bart-Plange, Margaret Heyduk, Dorian Jones, Joyce LaFontain,
Katelyn Poelker
PI MU EPSILON MATHEMATICS
The Missouri Gamma Chapter of Pi Mu Epsilon was established at Saint Louis University in
1945. Missouri Gamma superseded a local mathematics honor society, Rho Theta, that was
founded in June 1936. Pi Mu Epsilon is a national honor society whose aim is to promote
scholarship and high achievement in mathematics
GRADUATES: Katelyn Anderson, Samuel Burton, Daniel Curnyn, Marta Fernandez de Arroyabe
Arranz, Andrew Hill, Linda Holyoke, Jesse Kalliongis, Danyu Li, Jiajing Li, Robert Morales,
James Pena, Hashir Saeed, Dizhu Tong, Mohammed Zahid, Hao Zhao
PI SIGMA ALPHA POLITICAL SCIENCE
Pi Sigma Alpha is the national political science honor society. Its chapters are established in
colleges and universities offering political science programs that meet the standards of the
society. Membership is determined by the political science faculty solely on the basis of high
academic achievement.
GRADUATES: John Atkisson, Alexander Back, Caitlin Bancroft, Anna Boston, Kathleen Cadigan,
William Clark, Benjamin Eldredge, Jacob Fisher, Maxwell Jordan, Kalina Kutriansky, Joyce
LaFontain, Gregory Lambros, Brenna Medlin, Danielle Meier, Nedim Novakovic, Daniel
Olwig, Elizabeth Ramsey, Chance Ruppel, Christina Simpson
PSI CHI PSYCHOLOGY
Psi Chi is the national honor society in psychology, founded in 1929 for the purpose of
encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining scholarship in the field of psychology. Psi Chi
serves two major goals: to provide academic recognition to students who excel in the field of
psychology and to nurture the spark of academic accomplishment by providing congenial
and stimulative environment for learning.
GRADUATES: Ayaz Ahmad, Akshaya Bandaru, Emma-Lorraine Bart-Plange, Kimberly Bieda,
Molly Brown, Swathi Chidambaram, Clay Comley, Flannery Donahue, Kelsey Dunn,
Maureen Fitzgibbon, Patrick Fowler, Rhythm Gandhi, Dustin Hall, Jessica Higginbotham,
Elizabeth Hilvert, Caroline Hoyniak, Alyson Husu, Karla Hunt, Jillian Kelly, Caroline Kiburz,
Mason Kinghorn, Mary Kralemann, Julia Mallow, Christina Merenda, Elizabeth Niemann,
Stephanie Pennings, Michael Perez, Ryan Phelan, Katelyn Poelker, Mark Presker, Jr.,
Kristin Rich, Anna Schuh, Thomas Scott, Imran Shaikh, Colleen Sheehan, Adrienne Shelton,
Angelina Silvey, Sadina Softic, Steffanie Stewart, Hannah Tautz, Laura Tiffin, Lauren Van
Winkle, Kate Winderman
SIGMA DELTA PI SPANISH
Sigma Delta Pi is the national Spanish honor society. The purpose of Sigma Delta Pi is to
honor students who attain excellence in the study of Spanish language, Hispanic literature
and culture. Students initiated into the society must be enrolled in upper division Spanish
courses and maintain a B average.
Laura Ayotte, Colleen Corcoran, Amira Georges, Kathryn Grundy, Brianne Keller,
John LaMaster, Megan McCray, Lindsay Noesen, Malinda O’Malley, Zenita Thomas, Laura
Tiffin, Luke Viehl, Christine Wanzeck, Theresa Wertin
GRADUATES:
SIGMA TAU DELTA: ENGLISH
Sigma Tau Delta is the national honorary society for students of English. A select
organization open to both undergraduate and graduate students, Sigma Tau Delta
recognizes significant scholastic accomplishment and seeks to provide a context in which
students can find their interests in and enthusiasm for the study of English nurtured and
stimulated.
GRADUATES: Lauren Gamel, Erin Kerley
THETA ALPHA KAPPA –
THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
Founded in 1976, Theta Alpha Kappa is the only national honor society serving students of
religion and/or theological studies at both the baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate levels of
higher education. The primary purposes of the society are to encourage, recognize and
honor excellence in these academic fields. Candidates must demonstrate outstanding
achievement in theological studies as well as overall academic excellence.
GRADUATES: Annemarie Blitz, Daniel Chernoff, Adam Couch, Ann Dickow, Megan
Diestelmeier, Mary Kralemann, Sr. Teresa Liu, S.D.S.H., Tyler Zahrli
SPECIAL AWARD BIOLOGY
The Medoff Teaching Award honors Judith Medoff, Ph.D., Professor 1973-2004. The
recipient of this award is Priyanka Reddy.
The Keath Research Award honors Elizabeth J. Keath, Ph.D., Professor 1990-2004. The
recipient of this award is David Massop.
SPECIAL AWARDS CHEMISTRY
The 2012 recipient of the Merck Index Award in recognition of high achievement by a senior
chemistry student is Vanessa Goodwill.
The 2012 recipient of the Leopold Marcus Award for outstanding achievement in
undergraduate research is Anit Behera.
The 2012 recipient of the Hypercube Scholar Award given by Hypercube, Inc. for a top B.S.
student in chemistry planning to attend graduate school is Yi Ren.
The 2012 recipient of the American Institute of Chemists Outstanding Senior Chemistry
Award in recognition of an outstanding student in the fourth year of studies is Umberto Villa.
SPECIAL AWARD COMMUNICATION
The Johnston Award is named in honor of the Rev. Robert A. Johnston, S.J., who was the
first chairperson of the Department of Communication. It is an annual award given to the
outstanding graduate of the department chosen by the faculty. The recipient of this award is
Madalyn Guy.
The John J. Pauly Award for Outstanding Student Achievement honors graduating
seniors who hope to put their communication education in the service of democracy. To
be considered for this award, students must demonstrate academic excellence as well as
interest in a career that enhances the quality of public life. The recipient of this award is
Erin Everett.
SPECIAL AWARDS COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS
The Donald G. Brennan Award is presented in recognition of excellence in academic
achievement, personal growth, and commitment to the Department of Communication
Sciences and Disorders. The recipient of this award is Jacqueline Farrington.
The Lynda R. Campbell Memorial Award is presented in memory of Dr. Lynda R. Campbell,
past chair of the department. Presented in recognition of commitment to multicultural
advancement, mentoring, and honoring the spirit of others. The recipient of this award is
Marilynn Pathiyll.
The Spirit Award is presented in recognition of exemplary determination, positive attitude,
and generous spirit. The recipients of this award are Christine Wanzeck and Callie Biasco.
SPECIAL AWARDS COMPUTER SCIENCE
The John Elder Computer Science Award is given for achievement in computer science and
is named for the late John Elder, a member of the department and a pioneer in
computational number theory. This year’s recipient is Thomas Kelly.
SPECIAL AWARDS EARTH AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES
The Ross R. Heinrich award for outstanding senior in meteorology recognizes the
contributions made to the department by Emeritus Professor Ross Heinrich. The award is for
academic excellence with a clear demonstration of leadership and involvement with the
undergraduate meteorology program. This year’s recipient is Matthew Stalley.
SPECIAL AWARDS ENGLISH
The recipient of the Mandeville Award, presented annually by the English Department to the
student judged by the English faculty as an outstanding senior English major, is Kylie Lynch.
The Albert J. Montesi Achievement Awards recognize undergraduate promise in the area of
creative and artistic achievement. This year’s award winners are 2012 Katerina Canyon “In
Response to Photo Entitled Three Horses Racing, Location Unknown” (poetry); Danielle
Maxwell “Not Mine” (fiction); Sean Towey “Black on Black on Black” (fiction); Victoria Walls
“Southern Comfort” (poetry).
The William Blake and Helen Blake Scholarship ($1,200) is awarded to a declared English
major with a minimum GPA of 3.5. The Blake Scholar for 2011-12 is Scott Hessel.
SPECIAL AWARDS
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Art History:
The Maurice B. McNamee, S.J. Award is named in honor of Father McNamee, founder of the
program in art history. This award is presented each year in recognition of outstanding
achievement in Art History. The 2012 recipient of this award is Abigail Unverferth.
Studio Art:
The Maurice B. McNamee, S.J. Award is named in honor of Father McNamee, founder of the
program in studio art. This award is presented each year in recognition of outstanding
achievement in Studio Art. The 2012 recipient of this award is Donghyun Kang.
Music:
The Arion Award For Outstanding Graduating Senior in the Music Program.
Chosen by the full-time music faculty, the winner of this award exemplifies the highest
attributes of a Saint Louis University graduate in the areas of scholarship, citizenship,
leadership, and musicianship. The 2012 recipient is Kristine Gage.
Theatre:
The Wayne Loui Award For Outstanding Senior in Theatre is presented annually in honor of
Mr. Loui, former chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. The 2012 recipient is
Sean Book.
SPECIAL AWARD HISTORY
Phi Alpha Theta presents an Outstanding History Student Award in recognition of
conspicuous attainments and scholarship in the field of history. The 2012 award has been
granted to Abigail Unverferth.
SPECIAL AWARDS MATHEMATICS
The Garneau Award is given each year for achievement in mathematics and was established
in 1924 by Mrs. James Garneau in memory of her husband. This year’s recipients of the
Garneau Award are Katelyn Anderson and Yi Ren.
The Francis Regan Scholarship is given each year to outstanding Mathematics majors, who
are members of Pi Mu Epsilon. The scholarship was established in honor of Francis Regan
on his retirement in 1971. The 2012 recipients are Daniel Curnyn and Hao Zhao.
The James G. Costigan Scholarships were established in 2005 for outstanding majors in
mathematics or computer science. The 2012 recipients are Thomas Kelly, Jeanelle Lyndsey,
and Yi Ren.
SPECIAL AWARDS MICAH PROGRAM
Recipients of the Micah Program Senior Leadership Awards are Ellen Albritton, Courtney
Bobsin, Brittany Calendo, Bretton Delaria, Ann Dickow, Erin Everett, Timothy Janczewski,
Meghan Jendusa, Lindsay Noesen, Thomas Piolata, Cassandra Rohlik. They have
distinguished themselves in studying urban problems or in planning and leading activities for
the Program, or both.
Recipients of the Micah Program Senior Service Awards are Ellen Albritton, Ann Dickow,
Sheila Donnelly, Barbara Knezetic, Owen Needham, Lindsay Noesen, Kathleen Roche,
Christine Wanzeck. They have distinguished themselves by their commitment to long-term
service projects among the poor.
SPECIAL AWARDS PHYSICS
The James I. Shannon Physics Award is granted to a senior physics student(s) in recognition
of exceptional scholarship, initiative and interest in the field of Physics. The recipient of this
year’s award is Nicholas Weingartner.
SPECIAL AWARDS PRE LAW SCHOLARS
This year’s recipients of a guaranteed first-year seat as Saint Louis University School of Law
students are: Katherine Anderson, Kathleen Cadigan, Alyssa Colee, Anelga Doumanian,
Lauren Gamel, Joyce LaFontain, Nino Przulj, Elizabeth Ramsey, Caroline Rutledge, Andrew
Stevens, Jasmina Vajzovic, Elizabeth Washam, Amanda Wolter, Michael Zitzer.
SPECIAL AWARDS PRE LAW
This year’s recipient of the Phi Alpha Delta Dr. Charles Fleener Memorial Book Scholarship
Award for $750 for use in the first semester of the first year in law school is Jasmina
Vajzovic.
SPECIAL AWARDS PSYCHOLOGY
The Psi Chi Sayons Award for Scholarship in Psychology is awarded to the outstanding
psychology senior as determined by overall grade point average, service to Saint Louis
University, and service to the community. This year’s Sayons Award recipient is Thomas
Scott.
The Psi Chi Research Award is given for the outstanding psychological research study by an
undergraduate during the past year, as judged by a panel of psychology faculty members.
This year’s Research award recipient is Katelyn Poelker.
SPECIAL AWARDS THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
The Peter Verhaegen, S.J. Award is given to the senior who demonstrates outstanding
potential for theological research. At the age of 29 years, Father Peter Verhaegen, S.J.
became the first Jesuit president of St. Louis College in 1829. He raised the status of the
college to a university by acquiring the first charter from the State of Missouri in 1832. This
year’s recipient is Megan Diestelmeier.
The Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne Award Given to the senior who has best exemplified
theology as inculturation and God’s desire to engage peoples in the very concrete
circumstances of their lives. Missionary Philippine Duchesne arrived in the St. Louis area in
1818, established the first free schools west of the Mississippi, and worked with the
Pottowatomie people in her later years. This year’s recipient is Perry Cole.
The Mev Puleo Scholarship in Latin American Theology and Culture was established by
Peter and Evelyn Puleo in memory of their daughter, Mev, who was a social change activist
with a special love for Latin America. The scholarship provides an immersion experience in
Nicaragua. This year’s recipients are Perry Cole, Michael Finocchiaro, Owen Needham,
Christine Wanzeck.
UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAM
During all undergraduate years, Honors students partake in engaging, demanding courses
that require a high-level of academic inquiry and critical thinking. The honors community
represents a variety of colleges, majors, interests, and backgrounds. Students earning the
honors degree have completed the honors curriculum and thesis projects serving as
culminating work representing their major(s) at the university. Successful completion of the
honors degree is pending a final cumulative GPA of 3.5.
GRADUATES: Katelyn Anderson, Douglas Anstoetter, Emma-Lorraine Bart-Plange, Anit Behera,
Amy Bi, Christopher Burnett, Elizabeth Burns, Alexandra Burt, Kathleen Cadigan, Swathi
Chidambaram, Dana Delaney, Ann Dickow, Megan Diestelmeier, Anelga Doumanian, Erin
Everett, Jacob Fisher, Maureen Fitzgibbon, Krysta Gasser, Swetha Gogineni, Anuradha
Gorukanti, David Gruenewald, Nipun Gupta, Madalyn Guy, Caroline Hoyniak, Nicholas Isom,
Tyler Josephs, Patrick Kennedy, Rory King, Ashley Klein, Mary Kralemann, Emma Kulig,
Colleen Mathews, Caleb McLeod, Danielle Meier, Alex Meyr, Firas Naji, Elizabeth Niemann,
Malinda O’Malley, Thomas Piolata, Katelyn Poelker, Nino Przulj, Yi Ren, Sara Rendell,
Christopher Rivard, Lauren Schuster, Christina Simpson, Michael Snyder, Steffanie Stewart,
Laura Tiffin, Abigail Unverferth, Jasmina Vajzovic, Luke Viehl, Katherine Winderman,
Amanda Wolter, Tyler Zahrli
WHO’S WHO AMONG STUDENTS IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES
Since 1934, Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges has
furthered the aims of higher education by rewarding and recognizing individual excellence on
the national level. With the support of prominent educational institutions in all sections of the
country, this program reflects the caliber of the American undergraduate students. At Saint
Louis University the selection process begins early in the fall semester when administrators
and departmental chairpersons nominate outstanding seniors for election to Who’s Who
Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
GRADUATES: Amy Bi, Callie Biasco, Sean Book, Kathleen Cadigan, Lindsey Diekemeyer,
Megan Diestelmeier, Kristine Gage, Krysta Gasser, Vanessa Goodwill, Will Herrington,
Joseph Hess, Maggie Heyduk, Maxwell Jordan, Donghyun Kang, Andrea Kleger, Joyce
LaFontain, Colleen Mathews, Tommy Piolata, Yi Ren, Lauren Segelhorst, Anita Shastri,
Abigail Unverferth, Amy Wall, Christine Wanzeck, Michael Zitze
THE FULBRIGHT PROGRAM
The Fulbright Program is the prestigious international educational exchange program
sponsored by the U.S. Government and administered by the U.S. Department of State.
GRADUATE: Sara Rendell (Neuroscience major in the departments of Biology and Psychology)
has been awarded a U.S. Student Research Study Grant to Burkina Faso in Africa.
FACULTY MARSHALS
READERS
BAGPIPERS AND DRUMMER:
UNIVERSITY ADMINISTRATORS
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, FROST CAMPUS
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
DEAN
ASSOCIATE DEAN
ASSOCIATE DEAN
ASSOCIATE DEAN
ASSISTANT DEAN
CHAIRPERSONS
AMERICAN STUDIES
BIOLOGY
CHEMISTRY
COMMUNICATION
COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS
EARTH AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES
ENGLISH
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
HISTORY
MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE
MODERN AND CLASSICAL LANGUAGES
PHILOSOPHY
PHYSICS
POLITICAL SCIENCE
PSYCHOLOGY
SOCIOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE
THEOLOGICAL STUDIES
ECONOMICS
(JOHN COOK SCHOOL OF BUSINESS)
PROGRAM DIRECTORS
1818 ADVANCED COLLEGE CREDIT
AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES
EARTHQUAKE CENTER
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE
ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC PURPOSES
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ETHICS ACROSS THE CURRICULUM
FILM STUDIES
CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
MANRESA PROGRAM IN CATHOLIC/JESUIT STUDIES
MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE STUDIES
MICAH PROGRAM
RUSSIAN AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES
WOMEN’S STUDIES