VANCOUVER, Wash. – Karissa Kysar, a junior majoring in hospitality business management, saw a need—a need for a celebration designed to recognize Washington State University Vancouver students who graduate in December. Fall graduates are encouraged to participate in spring commencement ceremonies, but Kysar wanted something immediate to mark the occasion.
Kysar intends to be an event planner one day. She attends school full time and works for WSU Vancouver Dining and Catering Services, and the Red Lion Hotel on the River Jantzen Beach. She pulled together all of her knowledge and skills to make a presentation to WSU Vancouver’s administrative leaders advocating for a December graduation reception for graduates, their families and friends.
After receiving approval from administration, Kysar went to student government to seek funding and was granted $1,500 for her event. She enlisted the help of fellow Hospitality Business Management Student Club members to plan and manage the event. She worked with marketing and communications to create invitations, and worked with development and alumni relations to secure Cougar-themed decorations.
“I want to start by thanking Karissa Kysar for all of the work she put into this event,” said Chancellor Mel Netzhammer in his remarks to the graduates and their guests. “Even more, I want to thank her for the initiative she showed in bringing this idea to our administrative team and our student leaders. We talked about doing something to recognize fall graduates a number of times, but it was Karissa’s leadership that made this happen now.”
This was the first graduation reception planned by students for students, and the results were spectacular! More than 50 graduates and 150 guests came to the reception. Kysar planned presentations, giveaways, goodies and a photo booth for the graduates. Guests mingled, laughed and shared memories. And on the last day of their last finals, the graduates celebrated.
Next December Kysar will be a fall graduate herself. She hopes the December graduation reception will become a tradition.
Contact:
Brenda Alling, Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9601, brenda_alling@vancouver.wsu.edu