WT Attebury Honors Program Graduates Celebrated at Reception

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, cchandler@wtamu.edu

CANYON, Texas — Ten West Texas A&M University honors students were recognized at a graduation reception Wednesday.

Members of the Attebury Honors Program were celebrated at a Nov. 16 reception in WT’s Alumni Banquet Hall. The program, established in 2001, is celebrating its 20th year of providing an enriched learning community for some of WT’s best and brightest students.

“Today we celebrate 10 more graduates who have learned within the program and contributed to the academic prowess of their peers and West Texas A&M University,” said Carolyn Baum, Attebury Honors director and instructor of communication, at the reception. “We will recognize each honors graduate as well as each capstone advisor whose dedicated time is the key to knowledge and experience. We are grateful for everything each of you do for the students and the program.”

The students have taken specially designed courses under faculty from across the University, completed a capstone project unique to their skills and majors, and displayed leadership in their respective disciplines, Baum said.

Those honored included:

• Kayla Arnold, senior theater design and technology major from Killeen;
• Chloe Ellison, senior computer information systems major from Electra;
• Elizabeth Foster, senior music education major from Levelland;
• Monica Ghosh, senior biology and communication studies major from Canyon;
• Lynn Herron, senior biochemistry major from Pampa;
• Breuklyn McDaniel, senior political science major from Amarillo;
• Adela Miranda, senior political science major from Canyon;
• Nathan Parker, senior plant, soil and environmental science major from Ferris;
• Alyson Sadegur, an August graduate in business administration from Amarillo; and
• Sierra Stammen, senior equine industry and business major from Allen.

The graduating seniors will receive a special designation in the commencement program and a medallion at the Dec. 11 commencement ceremonies.

Attebury Honors students initially enroll in honors sections of core curriculum courses taught by honors faculty that encourage development of exceptional written and oral communication skills with expanded content.

After taking courses within their major, students enroll in upper-level interdisciplinary honors seminar courses, where they critically consider local and global issues both past and present. Students are mentored throughout their degree by honors faculty from across the institution and complete an honors capstone research project or experience that showcase their unique talents. 

Honors students also receive peer mentoring, priority registration and support for engagement in research conferences, internships and study abroad, and live in an honors-only residence hall.

The Attebury Honors program currently includes 135 students. It was endowed in 2007 by William H. and Joyce Attebury.

The honors program is part of the rigorous educational environment laid out in the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World. That plan is fueled by the historic, $125 million One West comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Photo: Mentors and Attebury Honors students celebrated at a Nov. 16 reception include, from left, Dr. Erik Crosman, Adela Miranda, Kayla Allison, Dr. Carolyn Bouma, Alyson Sadegur, Anne Medlock-Ely, Lynn Herron, Monica Ghosh, Elizabeth Foster, Sierra Stammen, Nathan Parker, Carolyn Baum and Dr. John Pipkin.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. With enrollment of more than 10,000, WT offers 60 undergraduate degree programs, 40 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 15 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WTAMU—