West Central Reporter

Western Illinois University recently celebrated the academic achievements of its spring semester graduates, including 54 student-athletes who completed their studies. Among these graduates were individuals recognized for their academic excellence with honors such as department scholars, Centennial Honors Scholar, and various levels of Latin honors.

Director of Athletics Paul A. Bubb expressed his pride in the graduating class, stating, "This time of year we get to see the rewards of our student-athletes and their academic accomplishments, which are just as important as their accomplishments in their chosen sport. I could not be prouder of all our graduates and wish them all continued success."

Graduation ceremonies took place at Western Hall on Friday and Saturday, with additional events held at WIU's Quad Cities campus in Moline on Sunday.

The honored student-athletes included departmental scholars like Lorena Castellanos from Women's Tennis in Finance, Gabriela Drager from Softball in Marketing, and Gabriela Galindo Rubio from Women's Golf in Economics. Zwandi Harrison was named a Centennial Honors Scholar representing Women's Track and Field.

The Magna Cum Laude honorees featured athletes from diverse sports disciplines such as tennis player Agatha Carbonell Garcia and basketball player Kennedy Flanagan. Summa Cum Laude graduates included Kennedy Bauer from Volleyball and Anna Deets from Women's Basketball.

Additionally, those graduating Cum Laude encompassed Lorena Castellanos from Women's Tennis and Ludovick Choquette from Football.

A comprehensive list detailing each graduate's sport, degree field, and level of distinction was made available following the ceremonies.