ISU-Meridian will confer 235 degrees and recognize Student Excellence honorees at May 12 commencement; Dr. Joseph H. Williams to speak

Idaho State University-Meridian Health Science Center will graduate its largest class ever May 12, conferring 235 degrees at the Boise Center, 850 W. Front Street. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m.

Most of the degrees will be awarded in the health professions and health sciences. Eighteen Renaissance High School students will receive Associate of Arts degrees in general studies through a partnership with ISU and Meridian’s Joint School District No. 2.

Joseph H. Williams, M.D., a surgeon and founding member of Idaho Urologic Institute, will deliver the commencement address.

ISU-Meridian Associate Vice President Bessie Katsilometes will introduce the campus’ seven Student Excellence Award finalists and announce the top honoree.

The 2014 finalists and their academic programs are:

• Karine Maynard, Speech Language Pathology
• Kristin Moore, Public Health 
• Anthony Nelson, Pharmacy
• Cory Nelson, Pharmacy
• Mujalin Cherry Thuntarug, Physician Assistant Studies
• Sarah Weber, Audiology
• Emilia Yañez, Nursing, undergraduate

Also recognized at commencement will be ISU-Meridian pharmacy student John Malamakal, recipient of a 2014 Outstanding Student Achievement Award, and Assistant Clinical Nursing Professor Kelly Pesnell, one of five ISU professors to receive the 2014 Master Teacher Award.  Graduates are encouraged to share their memories on social media at #isugrads.

Here’s the breakdown of graduate, professional and undergraduate degrees: two Doctor of Philosophy (Counselor Education and Counseling); four Doctor of Audiology; 33 Doctor of Pharmacy; 12 Master of Counseling; nine Master of Physical Education/Athletic Administration; 30 Master of Physician Assistant Studies; six Master of Public Health; 40 Master of Science (Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing and Speech Language Pathology); one Master of Training and Development; 73 Bachelor of Science (Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Communication Sciences and Disorders); seven Associate of Science (Sign Language Studies, Emergency Management and Fire Services Administration), and18 Associate of Arts (General Studies).

The ISU-Meridian Health Science Center offers more than 25 graduate and undergraduate programs in the health professions and sciences. Visit www.isu.edu/meridian.