Baker Proud Fall 2017 - 22

Ready to Soar: Spring Commencement 2017

aker University honored more than 300 undergraduate and 200 graduate students in May
during the 2017 commencement ceremonies.
Undergraduate degrees for the School of
Professional and Graduate Studies were conferred Saturday morning, May 13. Graduate degrees for the School of
Education and School of Professional and Graduate Studies
were conferred Saturday afternoon, May 13.
On Sunday afternoon, May 21, Baker conferred degrees
to undergraduates in the College of Arts and Sciences,
School of Education, and School of Nursing. During that
ceremony, several awards were presented to students and
faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences.
Outstanding Seniors
Four graduating students were honored with Outstanding Senior awards. Chad Phillips, Wichita, Kansas; Brittney Harmon, Americus, Kansas; Luke Miltz, Lecompton,
Kansas; and Gavin Webster, Independence, Kansas; all
received the award.
Nomination criteria included superior achievement in
the fields of academics, leadership, service, cocurricular

activities, and off-campus educational opportunities. Nominations were reviewed and decided on by a committee of
faculty, staff, coaches, and students.
Fran Jabara Leadership Award
Two College of Arts and Sciences graduates, known
for their strong academic commitment, were recognized
with the 2017 Fran Jabara Leadership Award. Olivia Beins,
Baldwin City, Kansas, and Gavin Webster, Independence,
Kansas, received the honors, presented by Gary Irick,
chair of the Department of Business and Economics.
Kopke Award for Distinguished Teaching
Known for inspiring students inside and outside the
classroom, Dr. Chris Todden, associate professor and director of exercise science and public health, was awarded
the Jennie Howell Kopke and Verda R. Kopke Award for
Distinguished Teaching. The award annually recognizes
a Baker faculty member who has a record of excellence
in teaching and in transforming students into scholars,
who brings honor to the university, and who exhibits good
moral character.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Baker Proud Fall 2017