Outstanding ASU grads ready to take on the world
More than 6,000 students will turn their tassels to the left and have their degrees conferred at the Arizona State University commencement ceremonies, Dec. 15.
Among them are several outstanding graduates, from future educators to public service professionals, to groundbreaking entrepreneurs and musicians. It’s no question that the crowd gathered this December in Wells Fargo Arena will be walking away with diplomas in their hands and abundant opportunities ahead.
Read on for individual stories of some of these extraordinary dreamers and doers.
Cecilia Chou, bachelor's, global health and music
Cecilia Chou combined her passion for music and science at ASU by double majoring in piano performance and global health. She's been selected as a Dean's Medalist and will be given special recognition at the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences convocation ceremony.
Mollie Connelly, master's, English
Mollie Connelly experienced history, adventure and excitement while pursuing her master’s degree, spending a majority of her time in the library. Connelly's applied project allowed her to develop a collection of 60 rare manuscripts from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
Laurie Dutton, bachelor's, education
Laurie Dutton, a December graduate and 2014 Outstanding Teacher Candidate, isn't wasting any time before making a difference as a professional educator. In January, she'll have her own classroom teaching seventh-grade science in Mesa, Arizona.
Jonathan Gregoire, doctorate, musical arts
Jonathan Gregoire, who is receiving a doctorate in music (organ performance), has already landed a job as the associate director of music and principal organist at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas.
Joseph Keller, bachelor's, geography
Geography graduate Joseph Keller excelled in his studies while continuing his career as a pilot. He has been recognized by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as the Fall 2014 Dean's Medalist for the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning.
Judy Robles, bachelor's, communication
Judy Robles, the mother of NCAA wrestling champion and ASU alumnus Anthony Robles, will accept the fall 2014 Jose Ronstadt Outstanding Award on Dec. 17 at ASU's Hispanic Convocation, as she graduates alongside her 23-year-old son, Nicholas.
Telpriore “Greg” Tucker, doctorate, chemistry
From chemist to mentor to entrepreneur, doctoral graduate Telpriore “Greg” Tucker has forged his path to a future in sustainable transportation. Curiosity and perseverance led to his doctorate in chemistry with an emphasis in electrochemistry and its uses for renewable energy, as well as his popularity as a mentor to K-12 students and university undergraduates.
dillon vaughn, bachelor's film and media production
Dillon Vaughn's time at ASU was supplemented by a unique student job: print room assistant at the ASU Art Museum, where he worked closely with the museum’s print collection manager, Jean Makin, to care for the more than 5,000-item collection held in the Jules Heller Print Study Room.