Schererville graduates celebrate

ANGOLA, Ind. – Trine University's commencement ceremony is just around the corner and one group of students is already celebrating their endeavors.

Students enrolled in Trine's School of Professional Studies in Schererville held a senior celebration on Friday, April 19.

R. Keith Howard, vice chancellor of Student Affairs for Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, Northwest region, addressed the students with a speech about momentum in education and the United States ranking on the international education front. Ivy Tech is a partner institution of Trine.

Soon-to-be graduates and their guests dined at cloth-covered tables on a meal provided by area businesses that sponsored the event. (A complete list of event sponsors is at end.) Appetizers of burger bites, assorted pickles and fresh fruit were served before a meal of chicken, pasta, sides dishes, salad and pies and cakes.

"The community and businesses here have been very supportive of this campus and our students," said Rebekah Morin, campus director. "This celebration would not be possible without the many contributions from our sponsors."

In addition to providing a full meal, event sponsors also provided gifts for the graduates. Each senior student received a bag emblazoned with the Trine logo that was filled with gift cards and presents, along with information about graduate programs.

Seniors include:

Mary Cripe, Schererville, Bachelor of Business Administration in management

Carlis Dawson-Smith, Merrillville, Bachelor of Applied Management

Bryant Johnson, Merrillville, Bachelor of Science in criminal justice

Jennifer Kasza, Cedar Lake, Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting

Rebekah Morin, Hobart, Master of Science in leadership

Laura Perez, East Chicago, Bachelor of Applied Management

LaDonna Ricard, Merrillville, Bachelor Applied Management

Robin Surber, Michigan City, Bachelor of Science in criminal justice

Tammy Taylor, Hammond, Bachelor of Applied Management

Christopher Vincent, Gary, Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting

Steven White, Hobart, Bachelor of Applied Management

Akisha Williams, Gary, Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting

Sponsors for the celebration were:

All in one Party Rental & Sales, Merrillville

Baker's Square, Schererville

Ciao Bella Ristorante, Schererville

Costco, Merrillville

Dicky's Barbecue Pit, Schererville

Dunkin' Donuts, Schererville

'Round the Clock, Schererville

Smash Mouth Burgers & Pizza, Schererville

Teibel's Family Restaurant, Schererville

Walgreen's,  Merrillville