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The following 2010 graduates were recognized for their academic achievements:

Class of 2010 Valedictorian: The bachelor’s degree valedictorian is Meisha Janell Bray (Hancock, MI).

Class of 2010 Summa Cum Laude Honors Graduates: These students earned an overall 3.9-4.0 GPA. The summa cum laude bachelor’s degree candidates are Philip Dean Bercot (Hancock, MI), Meisha Janell Bray (Hancock, MI), Jillian Rae Dolkey (Wetmore, MI), Nicole Marie Frantti (Calumet, MI), Daniel Marc Grille (Wallace, MI), Beth Helen Keskimaki (Chassell, MI), Pamela Ann Kotila (Dodgeville, MI), Matthew James Krueger (Pewaukee, WI), Bonnie Jean Loukus (Lake Linden, MI), Laura Suzanne Metcalf (Gwinn, MI), and Kenneth Eric Tolkkinen (Calumet, MI).

The associate degree summa cum laude candidates are Kirsti Nicole Labelle (Houghton, MI) and Theodore William Testolin (Vulcan, MI).

Class of 2010 Magna Cum Laude Honors Graduates. These students earned an overall 3.700-3.899 GPA. Magna cum laude bachelor’s degree candidates are Jaimianne Theresa Amicucci (Mahopac Falls, NY), Christina Maria Andres (Grand Rapids, MI), Ellen Anton Bonzell (Ontonagon, MI), Lana Marie Bosak (Underwood, MN), Marc Tiger Marcotte (L'anse, MI), Amy Ann Messer (Howell, MI), Tara Marie Nancarrow (Estero, FL), Nicole Lynn Outinen (Lake Linden, MI), Romana Marie Vosecky (South Range, MI), Michael Thomas Williams (Allegan, MI), and Danielle Chloe Wilson.

The associate degree magna cum laude candidate is Erin Renee Johnson (Calumet , MI).

Class of 2010 Cum Laude Honors Graduates. These students have earned a 3.50-3.699 overall GPA. Bachelor’s degree cum laude candidates are Sarah A. Anderson (Houghton, MI), Jessie Rae Arens (Atlantic Mine, MI), Claire J. Faville (Dollar Bay, MI), Kathryn Ann Fredianelli (Hancock, MI), Becky Ann Kangas (Lake Linden, MI), Leann Ruth Macomber (Calumet, MI), Matthew Joseph Marchel (Grand Forks, ND), Emily T. Marcotte (Marquette, MI), Roxanne Marie McCabe (Laurium, MI), Roberta Lynn Rosenberger (Hancock, MI), Lauren Rae Strong (Gladstone, MI), Jeffrey Scott Vater (Hancock, MI), and Alicia Lee Wanhala (Lake Linden, MI).

The associate degree cum laude candidates are) Andrea Michael Graves (Munising, MI), Whitney Lynn Nielsen (Fenton, MI), and Jessica F. Nylund (Crystal Falls, MI).

Sampo Society Membership is awarded to graduating students with a cumulative GPA of 3.75-4.0 who have demonstrated leadership, commitment, achievement, initiative, and involvement in the cultural and intellectual life of the campus and community. This year’s recipients are Theodore William Testolin (Vulcan, MI), Erin R. Johnson (Calumet, MI), Pamela Ann Kotila (Dodgeville, MI), Bonnie Jean Loukus (Lake Linden, MI), and Laura Suzanne Metcalf (Gwinn, MI).

The Sisu Award is awarded to students who have shown courage, fortitude, and perseverance in overcoming hardship to achieve academic and personal success. This year’s recipients are Samantha (Sami) Jo Horst (Crystal Falls, MI), Pamela Ann Kotila (Dodgeville, MI), and Sean Edward McBride (Tampa, FL).

Continuing Finlandia University students received the following scholarships and awards:

The Kenneth and Lois Seaton Scholarship is awarded to a Copper Country area junior/senior student in a bachelor’s degree program. This year’s recipient is Jill Marie Codere (Hancock, MI).

The Philip and Loret Ruppe Community Service Scholarship is awarded annually by the Ruppe family to commemorate the service of former Congressman Phil Ruppe, a Houghton native, and his late wife, Loret Ruppe, who served as head of the Peace Corps and ambassador to Norway. The scholarship recognizes students for outstanding volunteer efforts and service to the college campus and local community. This year’s recipients are Sadie Marie Hebert (Iron River, MI) and Allyson Marie Tincknell (Negaunee, MI).

The Samuel Westerman Scholarship is awarded to an upper-level nursing student from the Upper Peninsula who is returning to Finlandia as a full-time student. Recipients demonstrate financial need, are active in volunteer service to the University or community, and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0-3.49. This year’s recipient is Ryan Michael Bessolo (Calumet, MI).

The Virginia Fund Scholarship is awarded in memory of Mrs. Richard R. Smith to a freshman woman who plans to continue as a student at Finlandia for the 2010-10 academic year. The scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement and overall contribution to campus life. This year’s recipient is Jamie Lynn Clishe (Baraga, MI).

The David Lauren Jokela Endowed Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a continuing student who has demonstrated leadership, service to others, a caring attitude, and ‘sisu.’ This year’s recipient is Mallory Ellen Torola (Calumet, MI).

For additional information, please contact Finlandia University Acting Provost Dr. Cameron Williams at 906-487-7368.

Finlandia University, founded in 1896 as Suomi College, is the only private university in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and one of 28 colleges and universities affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. It is the only remaining university in North America founded by Finnish immigrants. Located in Hancock, Finlandia University is a learning community dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual growth and service. Bachelor and associate degrees are earned by students in two schools and two colleges serving the disciplines of art and design, business, liberal studies, and health sciences. Visit the university’s website at www.finlandia.edu.