University of Delaware Graduates, 4.0 at Frostburg: Laurel College Standouts

Below, find a roundup of the latest honors, degrees, and noteworthy accomplishments from Laurel-area students in higher education. Descriptions are courtesy of the institutions named and/or students' family members. 

Berklee College of Music: James Walters of Laurel participated in Berklee College of Music's 2013 Commencement held recently in Boston at Boston University's Agganis Arena. Walters received a Degree in Music Production and Engineering from President of Berklee College of Music, Roger Brown. Berklee president Roger H. Brown presented honorary doctor of music degrees to music legens Carole King, Willie Nelson, and Annie Lennox -- all multiple Grammy Award-winners, among their many accolades. Lennox delivered the commencement address to the graduating class and an estimated audience of more than 4,000 guests at the Agganis Arena.

Frostburg State University: The following students from the area have been named to the dean's list at Frostburg State University in recognition of outstanding academic achievement for the spring 2013 semester. To be eligible, a student must undertake a minimum of 12 credit hours and earn a cumulative semester grade point average of at least 3.4 on a 4.0 scale:

• Abena Abu of Laurel
• Christina Alessandrini of Laurel
• Valentina Amaris Villa of Laurel
• Samantha Arnold from Laurel, MD, with the distinction of a 4.0 grade point average.
• Annabelle Busia of Laurel
• Megan Collins of Laurel
• Shawnessa Devonish of Laurel
• Ruth LaCourse from Laurel, MD, with the distinction of a 4.0 grade point average.
• Caitlin Lovend of Laurel
• Erienne McEldowney from Laurel, MD, with the distinction of a 4.0 grade point average.
• Fred Nyachieo of Laurel

In the 142nd commencement ceremonies at Frostburg State University in May, the following area residents were among the nearly 800 total candidates for degrees.

• Megan Collins of Laurel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in English.
• Ryan Kasprzyk of Laurel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.

Gettysburg College: Lee Friedman of Laurel has been placed on the Gettysburg College Dean's Honor list for outstanding academic achievement in the Spring 2013 semester. Students with a quality point average of 3.60 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for a semester's work are placed on the College's Dean's Honor List.

Lauren Kauffman of Laurel has been placed on the Deans' Commendation List for outstanding academic achievement in the Spring 2013 semester. Students with a quality point average in the range of 3.300 to 3.599 for a semester's work are placed on the College's Deans' Commendation List.

Hudson Valley Community College: Akeem Jordan of Laurel is a member of the Class of 2013 at Hudson Valley Community College. Jordan graduated from the Individual Studies program. The 59th Commencement ceremony was held Saturday, May 18, in the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium on the Hudson Valley campus in Troy, NY. Jordan was one of 2,333 students, the largest graduating class in the college's history, eligible for graduation.

Savannah College of Art and Design: Two Local residents have been named to the Dean's List at the Savannah College of Art and Design for spring quarter 2013. Full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or above for the quarter receive recognition on the Dean's List:

• Bailey Parater of Laurel
• Tara Walters of Laurel

University of Delaware: On a morning marked by wispy clouds in a blue sky, more than 21,000 people—graduates and their families and friends—braved gale force winds to celebrate the University of Delaware's 164th Commencement, held Saturday, May 25, at Delaware Stadium. Graduating students from our area included:

• Christopher Cherupil of Laurel
• Laura Simpler of Laurel