Idaho State University will confer 2,363 degrees and certificates at 2012 commencement on May 5

A total of 2,283 graduates will receive 2,363 degrees and certificates during Idaho State University's spring commencement ceremonies, which will begin at 10 a.m. May 5 in Holt Arena.

Seventy-five students will receive multiple certificates and/or degrees.

In addition to the presentation of these degrees and certificates, three distinguished faculty members will be acknowledged, 10 alumni will be recognized for their professional achievement, and 13 outstanding students will be recognized.

The breakdown of graduates includes 41 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, six Doctor of Education degrees, four Doctor of Arts degrees, seven Doctor of Audiology degrees, 30 Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees, six Educational Specialist degrees, 82 Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, 550 master's degrees, nine Graduate School certificates, 1,193 bachelor's degrees, 306 associate degrees, and 129 certificates from the College of Technology.

Michael J. Byrne, past president of the ISU Foundation Board of Directors and current chair of the Board, will be awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters. Byrne grew up in Rigby and earned both his accounting and MBA degrees at Idaho State University. He is retired as a senior partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he worked with several multinational corporations such as Nike, Inc., Chevron, Phelps Dodge, Avery Dennison, Edison International and many others. He currently resides in Rigby and Puerto Penasco, Mexico.

Faculty members to be recognized for distinguished service are Susan Goslee, assistant professor of English, Distinguished Teacher; Jared Papa, service learning coordinator/clinical assistant professor, physician assistant studies, ISU-Meridian, Distinguished Service Award; Maria Wong, associate professor of psychology, Distinguished Researcher.

Ten alumni will be honored with ISU 2012 Professional Achievement Awards from their respective colleges and divisions, and the Idaho State University Office of Alumni Relations and the ISU Alumni Association. They are Stephen L. Beckley, from Fort Collins, Colo., College of Arts and Letters, Fine Arts and Humanities; Jason Bohne, Frederick, Md., College of Arts and Letters, Social and Behavioral Sciences; James W. Mahar, Pocatello, College of Science and Engineering, Natural and Physical Sciences; Frank A. Angelo, Avon, Conn., College of Science and Engineering, Engineering; Brent Fauré, Pocatello, College of Education; Gary D. Campbell, Houston, Texas, College of Business; Darwin Pugmire, Meridian, College of Technology; Peter See-Kong Woo, Indio, Calif., College of Pharmacy; Enid Davis, Idaho Falls, Division of Health Sciences; and Alene Harrison, Orem, Utah, Division of Health Sciences, School of Nursing.

Outstanding Student Award recipients for 2012 are: Princess C. Young, Mountain Home, College of Business; Shalene M. Summers, Idaho Falls, College of Education; Kirstin J. Kooda, Idaho Falls, College of Pharmacy; Kelsey J. Petersen, Twin Falls, College of Arts and Letters, Fine Arts and Humanities; KC L. Harding, Boise, College of Arts and Letters, Social and Behavioral Sciences; Matthew D. Smitheram, Montpelier, College of Technology; Lacey Rahmig, Soda Springs and Shelley, Division of Health Services; Michael R. Shafer, Boise and Bakersfield, Calif., School of Nursing; Jariullah Safi, Rabwah, Pakistan, College of Science and Engineering, Engineering; Jeremy A. Farrell, Salt Lake City, College of Science and Engineering, Natural and Physical Sciences; Misty M. Strain, Moscow, Graduate School, Master's Candidate; Kai-yi "Clark" Huang, Tainan City, Taiwan, Graduate School, Doctoral Candidate; and Chandrasekhar Potluri, Eluru, India, Graduate School, Doctoral Candidate.

Misty Roberts, a graduating senior in dietetics, will perform the national anthem. Susan Goslee, 2012 Distinguished Teacher, will place the faculty mace. Institutional reader will be John Gribas, professor of communication and rhetorical studies. Deb Stone, president of the ISU Alumni Association board of directors, will welcome alumni. The "Alma Mater Hymn" will be performed by music performance graduating senior Jared Johnson, baritone, on vocals, and music performance graduating senior Derek Schaible, on piano.

Idaho State University President Arthur C. Vailas, will greet the audience and confer the degrees. ISU Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Barbara Adamcik will recognize the distinguished faculty. Associated Students of ISU President Shaun Stokes will deliver remarks.

Presentation of graduates will be by the University deans: Kandi Turley-Ames, College of Arts and Letters; Deborah Hedeen, College of Education; Kregg Aytes, interim, College of Business; Linda Hatzenbuehler, executive dean, Division of Health Sciences; George Imel, College of Science and Engineering; Scott Rasmussen, College of Technology; Paul Cady, College of Pharmacy; and Nicole Hill, interim, Graduate School.

A reception for graduates and their guests will follow the ceremony on the floor of Holt Arena. Interpreting service for people with hearing disabilities will be provided by the Idaho State University Disabilities Services.

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