Idaho State University confers record number of degrees in Treasure Valley at May 7 commencement

BOISE—Idaho State University awarded a record number of degrees in the Treasure Valley at commencement May 7 at the Boise Centre, and counseling student Carmen French was recognized as the top honoree for the 2018 ISU-Meridian Student Excellence Award.

Students celebrated their accomplishments with cheering, reflection and a touch of  humor. One student decorated her cap to read “The Most Expensive Hat I’ll Ever Own.”  

ISU President Arthur Vailas congratulated students and their families, who packed the Boise Centre’s Grand Ballroom, and spoke of the role of higher education in improving the lives of future generations. 

“Tonight is an important moment in your life history. Idaho State University is an institution committed to opportunity... go out into the world and seize that opportunity,” he told graduates.  

Boise resident French, who was awarded a master’s degree in mental health counseling, was one of eight finalists for the ISU-Meridian Student Excellence Award, which honors academic excellence, research and community involvement. The other seven nominees and their disciplines are Matea Burns, audiology, Caldwell; Rebekah Dunkley, pharmacy, Boise; Jason LaFlamme, pharmacy, Meridian; Megan Mize, speech language pathology, Nampa; Katie Mondada, physician assistant studies, Boise; Giovanna Marquez Napoles, sign language interpreting, Emmett; and Jennifer Netherton, nursing, Meridian. 

Other students and faculty honored were Heather Walser, recipient of the ISU Alumni Association’s 2018 Outstanding Student Achievement Award representing the College of Pharmacy; Dustin Destler, who received the Kasiska Division of Health Sciences Graduate of Distinction Outstanding Leader Award; clinical assistant pharmacy professor, Glenda Carr, who  received the 2018 Distinguished Service Award and Amy Hardy who received a 2018 Outstanding Service Award. Hardy is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. 

Of the 315 degrees and certificates conferred in the Treasure Valley, 73 were Associate of Arts degrees in general studies awarded to Renaissance High School students through a partnership with ISU and the West Ada School District. 

Here is a breakdown of degrees. 

Graduate and professional degrees:

Two (2) Doctor of Philosophy (counselor education and counseling); Seven (7) Doctor of Nursing Practice; Six (6) Doctor of Audiology; 32 Doctor of Pharmacy; 13 Master of Counseling; One (1) Master of Business Administration; Six (6) Master of Physical Education/Athletic Administration; 35 Master of Physician Assistant Studies; Eight (8) Master of Public Health; and 26 Master of Science (Speech-Language Pathology); One (1) Master of Health Education.  

Undergraduate degrees and certificates:

Ninety three (93) Bachelor of Science (Communication Sciences and Disorders, Fire Services Administration, Health Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Nursing, Physical Education, Psychology, Sign Language Interpreting, Workforce Training and Leadership); seven (7) Associate of Science (Paramedic Science, Emergency Management), Five (5) Paramedic Certificate, 73Associate of Arts (General Studies). 

ISU-Meridian offers more than 30 graduate, undergraduate and online programs. Most are in the health sciences. 

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ISU-Meridian Student Excellence and Alumni Association Outstanding Student honorees, top row from left, Giovanna Marquez Napoles, Jason LaFlamme, Rebekah Dunkley, Carmen French, Megan Mize. Sitting from left, Katie Mondada, Matea Burns, Heather Walser and Jennifer Netherton.