College Credits: Aurora Student Joins Committee That Plans Homecoming

AURORA, IL — We're keeping track of all the major higher education accomplishments of students in the area. Send your submissions to emily.rosca@patch.com.

SNHU announces summer 2023 president's list

It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Summer 2023 President's List. The summer terms run from May to August.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

• Tiffany Mcguire of Aurora (60505)
• Eli Worley of Aurora (60506)

— Merit Pages News

Aurora student awarded degree from University of Alabama

Ashton Howser of Aurora, IL (60502), has received the following degree(s) from The University of Alabama: Master of Science. UA awarded over 1,257 degrees during its spring commencement ceremonies.

— Merit Pages News

Doctor of osteopathic medicine student from Aurora celebrated at white coat ceremony

Mohammad Ahmad, a student in Des Moines University's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, was a participant in the university's 2023 White Coat Ceremony on Sept. 15. Ahmad is from Aurora, IL.

Among the members of the program's Class of 2027, Ahmad received the white coat as a symbol of the training aspiring health professionals receive and the accompanying responsibilities they've accepted for their future roles.

Across the country, the White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage for students as they begin their medical education and prepare to become compassionate, competent health care providers. Participating in DMU's ceremony were 149 students in the College of Health Sciences' Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Doctor of Occupational Therapy and Doctor of Physical Therapy programs; 56 students in the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery's Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program; and 226 students in the College of Osteopathic Medicine's Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.

— Merit Pages News

Aurora student joins executive committee planned Homecoming 2023

Ijeoma Ogbonna is having a busy week and enjoying every minute of it.

The University of Iowa student from Aurora, IL who is majoring in political science and economics is a member of the executive committee that has planned and is now executing Homecoming 2023 on the UI campus and in the greater Iowa City community.

Ogbonna's title is block party director and this is Ijeoma's third year on the leadership or council.

The executive council is comprised of 16 student leaders and Chris Hawkins, Homecoming advisor. The group works year-round to collaborate with the entire campus and community to prepare for homecoming week which began last Sunday, continues through Saturday with the annual Homecoming football game at Kinnick Stadium, and includes like the Multicultural Block Party on Tuesday, Iowa Shout on Thursday, and the annual Homecoming Parade Friday.

"I'm looking forward to organizing the Homecoming Block Party and connecting with diverse and underrepresented parts of campus life," said Ogbonna.

— Merit Pages News

Local residents named to dean's list at Biola University

Approximately 1,500 students were named to the Biola University Dean's List in spring 2022. Biola students are placed on the dean's list to honor those with a GPA of 3.6 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credits and whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.2.

The following local residents were named to the dean's list:

• Annika Baker of Aurora, IL (60502) majoring in Mathematics
• Mihaela Baker of Aurora, IL (60502) majoring in Writing for Film & Television
• Katherin Lokshin of Aurora, IL (60504) majoring in English

"Inclusion in Biola University's Dean's List is reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional performance in their academic studies. This honor signifies hard work, engagement, and investment in scholarship," said Dr. Tamara Anderson, Tamara Anderson, Senior Associate Provost. "These attributes are the building blocks of continued success, not only in the classroom, but in the workplace and in the student's personal lives. We celebrate these students and their achievement, looking forward to their future accomplishments."

— Merit Pages News

Roster set for women's soccer team at UW-Whitewater

Nicole Dawson from Aurora, who is studying Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has earned a roster spot on the Warhawk women's soccer team for the 2023 season.

"I'm extremely excited about the 2023 season and have been extremely impressed by the level of play and intensity shown by the players during the beginning parts of preseason," said head coach Dan Montanye. "Our passion for excellence and attention to detail will guide this team to achieve great things this season."

— Merit Pages News

Aurora student plays volleyball at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Emma Bludgen from Aurora, who is studying Human Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, has earned a roster spot on the Warhawk volleyball team for the 2023 season.

The Warhawks are ranked eighth in the nation in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association/TARAFLEX Division III Poll. The team owns a 13-2 record heading into the weekend.

— Merit Pages News