News

Graduation ceremonies for campuses throughout the Baker College system will be held this weekend.

This year, a record number of Baker graduates — over 3,600 — will receive certificates and Associate, Bachelor, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees.

Among the 392 students who will receive their degrees from Baker College of Owosso, will be the first 10 graduates from the early childhood education bachelor’s degree program class. In addition, four Owosso campus staff members will graduate on June 11: Beth Smithingell, a business administration bachelor’s degree; Doug Ferrier, a business administration associate degree; Diane Denard, an MBA; and Jill Frieling, an MBA.

Baker College of Muskegon graduates receiving special honors at Friday’s ceremony in Muskegon include Stephany Yack of Muskegon, who is the recipient of the Muskegon Chronicle Award presented to the most outstanding member of the graduating class. Yack will graduate with a bachelor of elementary teacher preparation degree, language arts. As a student teacher, Yack used her bilingual skills to build important relationships with Spanish-speaking students and their families.

Other outstanding graduate award winners at the Muskegon campus, selected by Baker’s faculty, include:

• Zen Hanger Business Administration Award — Michelle Kruzel, from Grant, Associate of Business degree, administrative assistant/secretary
• Education and Human Service Award — Phillip Keller, from Sparta, Associate of Applied Science degree, early childhood education
• Health Sciences Award — Stephanie Johnston, from Morley, Associate of Applied Science degree, veterinary technician
• Applied Science Award — Whitney Saylor, from Holland, Associate of Applied Science degree, culinary arts
• Information Technology Award — Thomas Thompson, from Fremont, Associate of Applied Science degree, computer networking technology
• Bachelor Degree Award — Shannon Edwards, from Grant, Bachelor of Business Administration degree, accounting

Four students from Baker College of Clinton Township will be recognized for receiving honorable mention in the 2010 Michigan Association of Teacher Educators (MATE) Student Teacher of the Year competition. They are: Jennifer Damaska, from Shelby Township; Stefanie Johnson, from St. Clair Shores; Dana Lipsett, from Roseville; and Michelle Rusnica, from Sterling Heights.

Congratulations to all of our graduates and their families!