Hastings College held its 137th Commencement on Saturday, May 13, 2023. During the ceremony, the College awarded degrees to 211 undergraduates and seven Master of Arts in Teaching graduates. Graduates represented 19 states and 13 countries.
Baccalaureate photos are available here and are free to download; the video is here.
Commencement photos are available here and are free to download; the video is here.
The student Commencement speaker was graduating senior Emma Downing ‘23, a history and Spanish major from Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was a member of the Honors Program and Scott Scholars program, and was named a Bronco Award recipient at Honors Convocation this spring. A Dean’s List student, Downing was a member of Alpha Chi, Phi Alpha Theta, Model UN, the Hastings College Lecture Series Student Symposium and the handbell choir. She also spent a semester studying abroad at Queens University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Downing is the daughter of Trudie Downing, and is supported and loved by countless other relatives, family members and friends.
Degree Recipients
Degree recipients are included below.
Graduation honors are awarded to those students with outstanding academic records in their undergraduate work. Degrees with distinction are awarded as follows: Summa Cum Laude, overall GPA of 3.97 or higher; Magna Cum Laude, overall GPA of 3.94 or higher; and Cum Laude, overall GPA of 3.85 or higher.
Students who graduated with High Distinction in their major(s) earned a 3.85-4.0 grade point average, while students awarded Distinction earned at least a 3.7 grade point average in their major(s).
Note: The order of the list below is Bachelor Degrees – United States, Bachelor Degrees – International, Master of Arts in Teaching.
Listings are by state and city.
Bachelor Degrees – United States
Alaska
Wasilla
Wyatt Lee Anderson — Criminology
Arkansas
Sherwood
Daelyn Maxwell Fairrow — Community Health & Wellness
Arizona
Mesa
Kaeden Elizah Markham — Community Health & Wellness
California
Lodi
Dylan Lee Crawford — Community Health & Wellness
Mission Viejo
Gates Johnson — Business Administration, Finance
San Jose
Courtney Deshon Lane — Business Administration
Stockton
Lauren Kay Gahn — Wildlife Biology
Yorba
Linda Kavika Keeling Aholelei — Business Administration, Finance
Colorado
Arvada
Theresa Elizabeth Price — Business Administration, Economics
Preston Spencer Shelton — Business Administration, Computer Science
Aurora
Breanna Mackenzie Brennan — Wildlife Biology
Nicholas Keith Moss — Business Administration
Matthew Vincent Pettinger — Psychology
Paola Ramirez Castañon — With High Distinction in Secondary Education and Spanish Education
Bailey Angela Schwartzkopf — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Psychology
Mareena Alyss Womack — Business Administration
Boulder
Christian Kehn — Computer Science
Briggsdale
Toby Cockreham — Computer Science, Mathematics
Brighton
Jarron Jeffrey Martinez — Physics
Broomfield
Keeley Mae Garland — Psychology
Adam Louis Saville — Business Administration
Colorado Springs
Emma Scott Downing — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in History and Spanish
Amani Sherree Monroe — History
Denver
Maribel Perla Espinoza — Sociology
Drew Martel — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Business Administration and Marketing
Mireya Rivas — Criminology
Malik Cory Thorpe — Exercise Science
Eaton
Justine Flynn — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Business Administration
Fort Lupton
Hayden Fells — Exercise Science
Nicholas Noah Martinez — Business Administration, Marketing
Anthony Conrad Simone — Health Systems
Golden
Matheson Robert Baird — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Biology
Rachel Marie Ney — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Psychology and Spanish
Cassandra Pine — Communication Studies
Greeley
Hattie Wray Sheets — With Distinction in Special Education
Haxtun
Dawson Jean Knode — Cum Laude with Distinction in Biology
Highlands Ranch
Paul Richard Baker Rodriguez — Wildlife Biology
Claire Diana Hubbard — With High Distinction Health Systems and Psychology
Limon
Savannah Skye Frasier — Psychology
Littleton
Braiden Lee Fritz — Business Administration
Florencio Dail Gomez IV — Business Administration
Keatyn Rae Maes — Elementary Education
Kaley Marie Summers — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Elementary Education and Special Education
Aiden Crouch Wong — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Computer Science and Mathematics
Longmont
Ashley Elizabeth Ward — Health Systems
Parker
Tyler Brian Seeley — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Mathematics and Physics
Peyton
Mikhala Elizabeth Jorgensen — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Elementary Education
Strasburg
Courtney Bel Manahan — Biology
Westminster
Dominique (Nikki) deSeriere — With Distinction in Communication Studies
Brianna Ruth King — Biology, Spanish
Elias Arthur Uhrich — With Distinction in Accounting
Wray
Virginia Jean Deam-Nein — Secondary Education, Health & Physical Education
Florida
Fort Myers
Stefphon Alexander Sherman — Digital Design & Development, Marketing
Idaho
Castleford
Shawn Douglas Poulson — Business Administration
Indiana
Noblesville
Savannah Viola Joy Congrove — Secondary Education and Distinction in Health & Physical Education
Iowa
Council Bluffs
Hali Marie Hansen — With Distinction in Exercise Science
Kansas
Bazaar
Landry Diane Hinkson — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Communication Studies
Effingham
Victoria Mae Caplinger — Political Science
Enterprise
Shelby Lauren Banks — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Elementary Education
Lebanon
Emma Lea Enochs — Biology, Music
Perry
Samantha Worthington — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Mathematics
Smith Center
Gracen Brooke Hutchinson — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Health Systems
Kourtney Ann Stewart — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Exercise Science and Distinction in Psychology
Wichita
Zachary Kyle Hole — Studio/Digital Art, Exercise Science
Minnesota
Crookston
Rachel Ann Hefta — Biology
Hermantown
Brendan Alexander Dally — With High Distinction in Psychology
Missouri
Kansas City
Carlo Devone’ Terrell — Psychology, Sociology
Nebraska
Alexandria
Brianna Mae Barton — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Art Education, Elementary Education and Secondary Education
Alliance
Sydnie Lucille Waldron — Business Administration and High Distinction in Studio/Digital Art
Amherst
Jaydin Dawn Schake — Marketing
Arapahoe
Savanah Faith Ellis — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Studio/Digital Art and International Relations
Aurora
Ryan Michael Hunter — Physics
Beatrice
Carley Elizabeth Leners — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Exercise Science
Bennington
Karson David Gansebom — Business Administration
Bridgeport
Eric David Stevens — History
Broken Bow
Logan Samuel McCullough — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Computer Science
Burwell
Hallee Elaine Mann — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Health Systems
Campbell
Jocelyn Wahl — Studio/Digital Art
Central City
Koby Scott Brandenburg — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Exercise Science
Dyllan Jay Lee — With High Distinction in Business Administration
Ceresco
Luke Lawrence Fairbanks — Health Systems
Columbus
Joseph Lawrence Campbell Jr. — Digital/Studio Art
Winton Lindell Gassmann — Accounting, Business Administration
Logan Patricia Schilling — With Distinction in Marketing
Deweese
Jayden Matthew Jorgensen — Business Administration, Marketing
Doniphan
Hope Elizabeth Kohmetscher — Health Systems
Elkhorn
Noah Richard Miranda — Criminology
Tyler Andrew Renner — With High Distinction in Business Administration
Elm Creek
Allison Rose Bauer — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Exercise Science
Fairbury
Charly Danielle Lufkin — Sociology, Theatre
Jenna Marie Tiemeyer — With High Distinction in Health Systems
Firth
Keegan Michael Goracke-Johnson — With High Distinction in Exercise Science
Fort Calhoun
Avery Elisabeth McKennan — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Secondary Education and Distinction in Biology Education
Stephanie Jean-Marie Mlynarik — With High Distinction in Studio/Digital Art
Geneva
Sydney Jo Schelkopf — Mathematics Education and High Distinction in Secondary Education
Glenvil
Rachel Grace Hinrichs — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Communication Studies and Marketing
Aviana Marie Papazian — Digital Design & Development, Studio/Digital Art
Gothenburg
Patrick James Hudson — With High Distinction in Spanish Education and Distinction in Secondary Education
Grand Island
Jason Robert Bachle — Cum Laude with Distinction in Business Administration
Sydney Paige Holmes — With Distinction in Health Technology
Sara Helen Kruse — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Digital Design & Development
Katie R. Martikainen — With High Distinction in Elementary Education and Special Education
Abbigeal Marie Nielsen — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Criminology
Taeler Nielsen — Criminology
Mia Christine Pemberton — Health Technology
Kathryn Ann Rohweder — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Elementary Education
Savannah Georgia Thornton — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Accounting and Business Administration
Hastings
Caroline Nora Anderson — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Accounting and Business Administration
Bryce Bliska — Computer Science
Anna Grace Cafferty — With High Distinction in Elementary Education
Benedict Ivan Clark — Biology
Jaden Nicole Cozart — Business Administration
Alana Marie DeBellis — Music
Blake Andrew Hessler — Mathematics and High Distinction in Finance
Keith S. Howard — Business Administration
Destani Jewel Knapp — With Distinction in Psychology
Shelby Marie Lagueux — Mathematics and Distinction in Computer Science
Trent Quoc Lam — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Computer Science and Digital Design & Development
Ryan Lewis — Community Health & Wellness
Odeth Mendez Peraza — Health Technology
Luisa Alejandra Najera Torres — International Relations
Tyler Read Ohrman — Cum Laude with Distinction in Chemistry
Keymi Parra Cabrera — Business Administration
Rachel Jessica Plock — Sociology
Madelyn Jacy Redding — With Distinction in Health Systems
Alyssa Remy — Biochemistry
Allyson Elizabeth Rowe — Health Systems
Hannah Rose Theisen — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Special Education
Rachel Marie Thomson — With High Distinction in Accounting and Business Administration
Ashton Michael Valentine — Cum Laude with Distinction in Physics
Dustin Alan Velasquez — Mathematics-Pre Actuarial Science
Danny Vuong — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Accounting
Kathryn Webster — Business Administration
Hickman
Jessa Eden — Communication Studies
Juniata
Brant Robert Collingham — Exercise Science
Hailey Elizabeth Moore — With High Distinction in History and Theatre
Kearney
Jayden Marlissa Eby — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Elementary Education and Special Education
Jessica Nichole Kuehn — With Distinction in Health Technology
La Vista
Maxenstein Griffel — With High Distinction in History
Lawrence
Lane Michael Heikkinen — Business Administration and Distinction in Marketing
Lexington
Andy Rojas — Criminology
Lincoln
Wren Michael Allen — Physics
Natalia Jade Dick — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Psychology
Bragan Tod Meyer — Business Administration
Litchfield
Christopher Scott Paitz — Business Administration
Lyons
Dustin Emmett Burgett — Accounting, Finance
Madrid
Hayley Jenae Homan — Business Administration
McCook
Paxton Paul Terry — Biology
Mitchell
Cassidy Lynn Coalson — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Studio/Digital Art
Murdock
Zachary Thomas Rust — Business Administration
Nelson
Elizabeth Anne Tillmans — Business Administration
North Loup
Hayden Robert Grint — Biology
Omaha
Jennifer Alonso — Studio/Digital Art
Jacob Joseph Anania — With High Distinction in Elementary Education
Kyleigh Rae Boever — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Elementary Education
Claire Michele Larson — Health Systems
Ivan James Linenberger — History & Philosophy, Sociology
Mackenzie Loseke — Business Administration
Tyler Jordan Mase — Business Administration
Kelsey Nicole Peterson — With High Distinction in Elementary Education
Trenton Marcus Smith — Exercise Science
Jaisee Kay Stinson — With High Distinction in Secondary Education and Distinction in Health & Physical Education
Matthew Thomas Urbanski — Cum Laude with Distinction in Wildlife Biology
Anna Elaine Wilwerding — With High Distinction in Studio/Digital Art
Ord
Jesse Ulrich — Business Administration
Overton
Braden James Kizer — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Exercise Science
Ivey Ann Zimmerman — Music, Music Education and High Distinction in Secondary Education
Papillion
Teeya Olson — With High Distinction in Studio/Digital Art
Paul Connor Plowcha — Computer Science and High Distinction in Psychology
Pierce
Ashley Makayla Pedersen — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Elementary Education and Special Education
Pleasanton
Tyler Matthew Pawloski — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Health Systems
Ravenna
Callie Shay Dennison — Communication Studies
Shelby Rose Schroeder — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Elementary Education and Special Education
Sidney
Alaina Jaelyn Kuhns — With Distinction in Finance
Springfield
Evan Glen Kingston — With High Distinction in Exercise Science
Stanton
Bailey Jean Patterson — Magna Cum Laude with High Distinction in Accounting and Business Administration
Sutton
Victoria Michelle Hofmann — Computer Science
Kinser Jamison Rafert — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in History
Treygan Alan Rafert — Secondary Education, History Education
Syracuse
Tanner Ryan Loecker — Health Systems
Thedford
Tyler Delaine Rath — Physics
Marlee Raye Taylor — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Business Administration, Finance and Marketing
Tobias
Breanna Michelle Boyce — With High Distinction in Marketing and Distinction in Business Administration
Valentine
Turner Deon Tinant — With Distinction in Business Administration and Finance
Wolbach
Colby Ann Grossart — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Biochemistry
Wood River
MaKenzie Peters — Cum Laude with High Distinction in Health Systems
York
Grace Michelle Sinsel — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in English Education, English Language Arts Education and Secondary Education
New Jersey
Millville
Phillip I. Cisrow Jr. — Business Administration
New Mexico
Albuquerque
Tristin Wade Duff – Biochemistry
Los Alamos
Justin Craig Martin — Cum Laude with Distinction in Biochemistry
Tennessee
Franklin
Natalie Michelle Watson — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Criminology
Texas
Pleasanton
Johnny Alfred Zamora — With High Distinction in Finance
Sugar Land
Beasley Kelechi Ihegworo — Health Systems, Psychology
Washington
Steilacoom
Johnathan Logan Wegleitner — Accounting
Wyoming
Casper
Garrett Allen Clasen — Mathematics, Physics
Bachelor Degrees – International
The Bahamas
Nassau
Dominica Kristen Lotmore — With Distinction in Digital Design & Development
Kiante Tiara Stuart — Summa Cum Laude with High Distinction in Communication Studies and Marketing
Jhaliyah Cindya Lewis — With High Distinction in Health Technology
Barbados
Cave Hill
Xhané Mandisa Greenidge — Exercise Science
Brazil
Porto Alegre
Rodrigo Luigi Braga — Exercise Science
England
Broxbourne
Christopher Marcus Pantelli — Business Administration
Reading
David Anthony Laughton Panter — Exercise Science
Uttoxeter
Jackson H. Brown — Exercise Science
Germany
Horb
Lukas Götz — Business Administration, Finance
Wurzburg
Paul Konradin Obrusnik — With High Distinction in Psychology
Honduras
Puerto Cortes
Jair Alejandro Arita Osorio — Business Administration
Jersey
St. Brelade
Natasha Rachel Keen — Exercise Science
Northern Ireland
Bangor
Ross William Murphy — Business Administration
Norway
Krokelvdalen
Mats Solem Bakkeland — Economics and Distinction in Business Administration
South Africa
Dundee
Edrich Nortje — With Distinction in Business Administration
Spain
Málaga
Matthew Stanley James — Exercise Science
Master of Arts in Teaching Graduates
California
Stockton
Keilen Pedro Mocencio — English Language Arts Education
Colorado
Brighton
Dakotah Paige Willems — History Education
Iowa
Rockwell
Tyler Summers — Health & Physical Education
Nebraska
Gothenburg
Riley Aaron Ostendorf — Health & Physical Education
Texas
New Braunfels
Kionasina Aggie-Marie Nu’u — Health & Physical Education
Canada
Windser, Ontario
Shawn Alexander Hunter — Business, Marketing & Information Technology Education
England
Gosport
Will Pointon — Health & Physical Education
