RELEASED: May 26, 2005

DANVILLE, KY—With tassels turned, diplomas in hand and '95 Hondas loaded, the class of 2005 is embarking on a new journey. Click here for photo page.

Chemistry major Marina Dickens from Lexington, Va., will pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry at Duke University. She credits her professors and classmates with helping her get there.

"Centre made me learn to think and challenge myself," Dickens says. "I knew that I was smart enough to succeed, but I didn't know how I was going to make a difference. Being at Centre and interacting with the students and faculty here has encouraged me to push my own boundaries. Centre prepared me so well that I got into all the schools I applied to, and I had to make tough choices."

Cassie Silk, a biology major from Lexington, is also headed to medical school. She will start her career working in the Cardiac Care Unit at Kosair Children's hospital in Louisville.

"I'm definitely a different person at 22 and a senior than I was at 18 and a freshman," she says. "Centre has given me the opportunities to gain confidence in myself as a student, a leader and as a person. Through my activities I've learned valuable social skills and leadership skills that I know have made me able to be outgoing and seek new opportunities."

Ashley Kingsolver, a religion major from LaGrange, Ky., who will begin law school at the University of Kentucky this fall, says, "When I first came to Centre, I was a scared little high schooler with very little self-esteem and even less courage to do the things I wanted to do. Now, I feel that I have the strength to accomplish any goals I set out for myself. Centre teaches you to aim for the stars and instills in you the belief that you'll reach them some day." Kingsolver's aunt, writer Barbara Kingsolver, delivered the commencement address.

Ashland, Ky., native Ryan Steed, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, will study biomolecular chemistry at the University of Wisconsin.

"Centre has made me much more disciplined in terms of academic work," he says. "More importantly, my experiences here have given me a greater appreciation for God, life and the opportunities that have been given to me. I've met wonderful students, exceptional professors and my soon-to-be wife, all of whom have shaped the rest of my life."

Kathryn Noel, a double major in French and English from Harrodsburg, Ky., plans a career in either advertising or pharmaceutical sales. Noel says she cherishes the relationships she's developed during her years at Centre.

"Centre has helped me to make friends that I know I'll keep for a lifetime," she says. "Without Centre I'd never have made the wonderful connections with people (alums as well) that I've now made. Nor would I have ever had the opportunity to receive such a truly beneficial education."

David Crowley from Madisonville, Ky., has a job waiting for him at Woodlawn Children's Home in Danville.

The double major in psychology and anthropology/sociology says, "Centre has made me realize the things that I enjoy about life. I was given the chance to have a great internship at the Comp Care Children's Program and realized what I wanted to do with my life. The past four years at Centre have brought a lot of awesome people in my direction and I'll greatly miss those individuals when I can't see them everyday."

Centre guarantees internships for its students as part of the Centre Commitment. (For more information, click here [http://www.centre.edu/web/admission/publications/centrecommitment.html].)

English major Erin Henegar from Maryville, Tenn., will continue her education at the University of Wisconsin studying environmental education.

"Interactions with my peers in class and the personal relationships I have with several of my professors have helped me grow," she says. "I've found the ability to go and talk to my professors about any problem I have has been one of the most helpful and valuable aspects of my college career."

Katie Kelley, a psychology major from Bardwell, Ky., will spend her summer on campus conducting research with Brent White, Matton Professor of Psychology at Centre.

"Centre opened my eyes to many different kinds of people and has taught me to appreciate and enjoy them. Centre has given me a well-rounded foundation for whatever I choose to do after college."

Louisville native Michael McGee, a double major in history and international studies who plans to pursue law school after graduation, says, "I've become an outgoing, social person who now enjoys new experiences," McGee says. "I'm proud of the fact that I can now try things for the first time, to take chances I wouldn't have considered taking prior to my experiences at this school."

Biology major Ben Rambicure from Lexington, Ky., will attend medical school at the University of Kentucky.

"I've become more confident in my abilities because of my accomplishments here, and I credit my Centre education with getting me into medical school," Rambicure says.

Atlanta elementary education major, Danielle Norman, will start her career as an assistant volleyball coach at Oglethorpe University in Georgia.

"The best part of Centre has been the people and the experiences," she says. "I have met so many wonderful and amazing friends."

Dave Cupery, a double major in international studies and economics from Harbor Beach, Mich., is headed to Yosemite National Park after graduation.

"The friends I've made have given me wonderful memories and lessons to live by," he says. "And the professors here have worked extremely hard to ensure that I not only am equipped to perform well in whatever career field I choose but also as a citizen and friend."

- end -

Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/

For news archives go to http://www.centre.edu/web/news/newsarchive.html.

Back to News and Events Home Page