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Show 4- NEWS THE VOICE OF DIXIE STATE COLLEGE OF UTAH - DIXIE SUN WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2005 DSC officials select two valedictorians BY KAILEE HEGER Dixie Sun Staff Writer With graduation quickly approaching, Dixie State College administrators recently selected this years valedicto- rian speakers from a handful of eligible students. After a detailed selection process, the 2005 valedictorian commencement speakers were chosen to be Alex Snyder and Diane Eckman Winger. Both students will present their addresses at the DSC Commencement Exercises on May honored and excited for the opportunity. Snyder will be graduating with an associates degree in He first began his studies at DSC in fall 2003 after graduating from Dixie High School. He has scholarreceived a ship to the University of Utah where he plans to work toward his bachelors degree in civil engineering. Afterward, Snyder wants to earn his masters degree in business administration before starting his own civil engineering firm in St George. Even though his favorite DSC course was interpersonal communication, Snyder said he is interested in following his love for designing constructional landscapes as he continues munity. He served as a DSC Ambassador for three semesters beginning in fall 2003. Also, as a returning member of the Snyder served as the vice president of spirit this year. As he prepares to graduate, Synder recommended all students seize the opportunities at DSC and take advantage of what the professors have to including Student of the Semester for mathematics and Outstanding Sophomore Science Student. Snyder said he has always believed it is important to be involved in the school and com school in 2001. As a mother of three and wife of 25 years, Winger said she is excited to now find a teaching job in Washington County. n 6. Snyder and Winger are only two of DSC valedictorians. Lee Caldwell, vice president of academic services, said the other nine names will not be released to the public until the Ftebel Awards on May 5. Snyder was selected as one of five associate degree representatives while Winger was named the bachelors degree recipient to speak at graduation. As they prepare their speeches, both said they feel 1 offer. Form relationships with your instructors, Snyder said. Dixie is a good personal place but a very quality education" Winger also said she hopes students enjoy the process. Love it while youre there, Winger said. "Dont worry enjoy learning." Winger wall be graduating with her bachelors degree in elementary education. She earned her associates degree in fall 2003 after beginning . . his schooling. While at DSC, Snyder received multiple awards usas SLllSJSi II teSXsnili in filmic I it I - 3 li z4 - Less than 1 She said her childhood dream was to become a teacher, but her schooling was put on hold while raising her children. Now Wingers third son is preparing to graduate from Pine View High School as she plans to finish at DSC. She said he will continue his studies at DSC, the college all four family members attended at one pomt in time Because of her husbands employment, Winger and her family have lived in six different states and three foreign countries including France, Canada and Indonesia. She said during that time she never lost sight of her goal and desire to eventually teach. Winger said she believes to be on the threshold of accomplishing this lifelong dream is nothing less than a miracle. After being away from school for so long, it's nice to be back, Winger said. Throughout her years at DSC, Winger received the Outstanding Education Student of the Semester Award in fall 2003. She also is currently serving on the Selections Committee to select a new college president. Caldwell said all the valedictorians were interviewed to be chosen as a speaker, but due to time constraints during commencement, only two were selected. He also said every valedicto- J ' rian qualified for the honor based upon his or her high cumulative GRA, vigorous academic schedule, and completed credit hours. Each student will be recognized at graduation by receiving a DSC ring. Come next year, Caldwell said the graduation policy regarding honors and valedictorians will change. He said the changes will mainly consist r of a moving GPA average and the number of credits needed on the bachelors level. Caldwell said he believes the change will work better, creating a smooth transition from year to year. It will also focus primarily on what students have achieved while specifically attending DSC. mile from campus five-yea- (ctM'iu r D. IsfilrsSJSj T3B33 38113 Final mascot voting begins, ends this week BY STANTON ROSEMAN Dixie Sun Dixie State College officials announced yesterday they will conduct final voting for the new mascot this week, with voting polls closing Monday. DSC spokesperson Chris Taylor said students can vote for their top choice of the six selections The six were finalized and announced earlier this month after a three-wee- k online voting process hosted at www.dixie edu. Students can vote on campus each school day beginning today. Voting booths are on the Encampment Mall diagonal and will be open between 9 a m. and 12.30 p.m. Artist depictions are available at the voting booths of each mascot option. A coyote, roadrunner, scorpion, red hawk, drag-onreptil- and sunblaze remain as possible options for the new icon to represent DSCs Rebel mascot. Alumni, faculty, staff and community members can vote online for their selection. Jake Hunt, student body president and member of the Mascot Selection Committee, said he felt a physical vote conducted on campus and not online is more accurate for students. He said it was not an option to offer both an online and a physical vote because addresses accompanying the online votes could not be verified with legitimate students. Taylor said the results will be presented to to the College Council, which will make the final recommendation to the Board of Trustees. The Trustees will approve or disapprove the councils decision. Students can cast their final vote for the new mascot this week Monday at the Encampment Mall. |