May 10: Vancouver graduates 915 on 25th anniversary

By Brenda Alling, WSU Vancouver

Winters-80VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver will graduate 915 students at its commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Sleep Country Amphitheater in Ridgefield. Commencement is free to the public. Tickets are not required.

Chancellor Mel Netzhammer will preside. Shavenor Winters, president of the Associated Students of WSU Vancouver and graduating senior, will deliver the commencement address.

May 10 is also the 25th anniversary of the legislative act that established WSU’s regional campuses in Spokane, Tri-Cities and Vancouver. The day marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of WSU Vancouver’s silver anniversary.

Background on the class of 2014

The class of 2014 is represented by five doctoral candidates in education, American studies, political science and sociology.

The 118 master’s candidates will receive degrees in botany, environmental science, public affairs, zoology, accounting, business administration, education, teaching, computer science, mechanical engineering and nursing.

The 792 bachelor’s candidates will receive degrees in human development, anthropology, criminal justice, biology, digital technology and culture, English, environmental science, history, humanities, neuroscience, psychology, public affairs, social sciences, sociology, business administration, education, civil engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and nursing.

About the commencement speaker

Winters has devoted her college career to service and involvement. She was a peer mentor in the Office of Student Diversity, director of the Student Activities Board and an intern on the Diversity Council.

Through her college experiences, she says she has learned to push herself to do more than she thought she could.

She is graduating with a major in public affairs; minors in business administration, Spanish and sociology; and a certificate in human services case management and administration. She plans to seek work in community relations or project management.

Commencement details

The Sleep Country Amphitheater is located at 17200 NE Delfel Road, Ridgefield. Parking and gates open at 11 a.m. Seating opens at 11:30 a.m. Concessions will be available.

The amphitheater is a covered outdoor venue. Umbrellas and strollers are not allowed in the seating area. Golf cart and wheelchair service will be provided to guests who need assistance.

Accommodations for deaf and hearing-impaired guests will be available. Sign language interpreters will be on hand in a designated area and amplification devices will be available at the information booth.

More information can be found at http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/commencement.