Outstanding Graduates and Merit Scholars

Ivie Claire Young

BA in French, Department Overall Outstanding Graduate

I am very honored to have been chosen as an outstanding graduate in the World Languages & Cultures Department this semester. French has always been a big part of my life since I started immersion in the first grade, and it has shaped my experiences in many ways, educational and otherwise. The French program here at Weber State, along with incredible support from my professors, has only expanded my love for language. It feels very surreal to be at the end of this chapter of my life. I look forward to additional enriching educational experiences as I pursue a Masters degree in Art History (hopefully) in France so that I may continue to use and learn the French language.

Jackson Bennett Niederhauser

BA in French, Outstanding Graduate

Avery Elise Knaub

BA in German, Outstanding Graduate

I am honored to have been chosen as an outstanding graduate for the German degree at Weber State. German language and culture hold deep, personal significance for me, and my studies at Weber State have allowed me to better cultivate my love for these things. German started out as my minor. I had hopes to study abroad during my undergrad, and I took German courses each semester to maintain my proficiency. It was through the conversations with my professor, Dr. Peckenpaugh, that I was able to take advantage of the opportunities before me and change my minor in German to a Bachelor of Arts in German. My commitment to this second degree opened up a rich world of possibilities: I studied abroad in Bayreuth, Germany, and made lifelong friends. I got a job at Weber State tutoring in German. I gained new confidence in my abilities. The academic, professional, and personal life skills I have cultivated due to this degree are invaluable. I am very grateful for the attention and guidance Dr. Peckenpaugh and my other professors have directed me to the path I am on.

Haley Poll

BA in Spanish, Outstanding Graduate

I pursued a dual major in Spanish and Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising. I believe that both of these skills will be beneficial to have in the workplace. I plan to pursue a career in marketing in the future, but for now I have applied to teach English in Spain and live abroad for several months. Having the Spanish degree to complement my other education has opened a lot of doors for me that I never thought possible. I am honored to have been selected as an outstanding graduate and I'm grateful for the education I've received at Weber State University. I have loved my experience with both the Communication and World Languages & Cultures departments.

Kimberly Birt Gunn

BA in Spanish Translation, Outstanding Graduate

Studying in the Department of World Languages & Cultures has been a transformative experience. Returning to college after a mission was hard. I was concerned with what my major should be and worried if I would make the correct choice or not. After taking one class from the department, I knew this was the direction I needed to follow. Studying under the direction of knowledgeable professors has given me a deeper appreciation for diverse culture and language dialects. Each of the classes I have taken has refined my translation skills and has prepared me to go out into the world and use my acquired knowledge to bless and improve the lives of others. Currently, I plan to continue teaching at the English Language Center of Cache Valley. I will use my translation and interpretation skills to further help immigrants adjust to living in a new country. I hope that through my efforts, I will share with others the joy of speaking languages and the importance of understanding one another. I plan to let my love for language and culture guide the rest of my life.

Ariadne Berthon

BA in Spanish Translation, Merit Scholar

Durante mi tiempo en la universidad, he tenido experiencias enriquecedoras tanto dentro como fuera del aula. He sido estudiante de pre-medicina y traducción. Los cursos desafiantes y las oportunidades de aprendizaje práctico en este departamento han ampliado mi comprensión en el campo de la traducción e interpretación. Los profesores han sido fundamentales en mi desarrollo, brindándome orientación y apoyo constantes. Con una sólida base académica y experiencias valiosas, mis planes para el futuro incluyen dedicarme a la traducción o interpretación en el ámbito médico-sanitario, donde espero combinar mi pasión por los idiomas con mi interés en la salud para hacer una diferencia significativa.