Twenty-two Clarion University students have been named to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. They will be recognized at the 8th Annual Reinhard Awards Ceremony in April.
The concept of Who's Who came from Pettus Randall. In 1934, Randall was an undergraduate student at the University of Alabama, preparing to enter law school. He had been an outstanding student in all aspects of academic and campus activities and as a result had been tapped into various campus honor societies. Although Randall valued these honors bestowed by his alma mater, he was unable to accept them because membership dues and initiation fees would have increased his financial burden.
He then conceived of an honors program without dues or fees that would select and recognize outstanding students for their academic accomplishments and scholastic contributions. While still pursuing his studies, Randall created Who's Who Among Students In American Universities and Colleges, a biographical volume that honors the nation's most noteworthy students of higher learning.
Selections to Who's Who Among Students are made each fall by individual schools. Campus nominating committees, created to nominate the upper-classmen and graduate students eligible for the program, are composed of representatives from the faculty, administration and student body.
Criteria for selection include: grade point average, participation and leadership within school organization and extracurricular activities, community involvement, future leadership ability and/or potential, and individual college requirements.
Clarion University students named to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges include:
Emily Byrtus, a senior art/graphic design major, a daughter of John and Sally Byrtus of Waterford and a graduate of Ft. LeBeouf High School.
Jessica Carbaugh, a senior early childhood education/elementary education major, a daughter of Tammie Carbaugh of Clarion and Kevin Carbaugh of Polk and a graduate of Clarion High School.
Lyle Clark, a junior rehabilitative science major, a son of Russell and Denise Clark of Vandergrift and a graduate of Kiski Area High School.
Danielle Dittmer, who graduated in December from Clarion University with a B.A. degree in sociology with a psychology minor, a daughter of Steve and Dawn Dittmer of Butler and a graduate of Butler High School.
Esther Estes, who graduated from Clarion University in December 2009 with a B.S. degree in early childhood/elementary education. She resides in Sandy Lake and is a graduate of Grove City High School.
Douglas Gisewhite, a junior chemistry major, a son of Raymond Gisewhite of Clearfield and the late Kathy Gisewhite and a graduate of Clearfield High School.
Lindsay Graffius, a graduate student seeking her master's of business administration degree, a daughter of Rick and Rose Graffius of Punxsutawney and a graduate of Punxsutawney High School.
Kristin Gruver, a junior speech pathology and audiology major, a daughter of Keith and Susan Gruver of Mayport and a graduate of Redbank Valley High School.
Michelina Hilliard, a senior library science major, a daughter of Reynold and Deborah Hilliard of Butler and a graduate of Butler High School.
Caitlin Jones, a senior English major, a daughter of Mark and Kathleen Jones of Latrobe and a graduate of Derry High School.
Deanne Khazraie, a junior elementary education/special education major, a daughter of Donna Rizzo of Crescent Township and Davoud Khazraie of Long Island, N.Y., and a graduate of Moon High School.
Kaitlyn Marhefka, a junior speech pathology major, a daughter of James and Karen Marhefka of Mineral Point and a graduate of Central Cambria High School
Brittany McKee, a graduate student seeking a master's degree in speech language pathology and a daughter of James McKee of Hubbard, Ohio.
Jennifer Miller, a senior secondary education/social studies major, a granddaughter of Judith Mckool of Johnstown and a graduate of Conemaugh Township High School.
Ryann Press, a junior psychology major, a daughter of Brian and Kolleen Press of Smethport and a graduate of Smethport High School.
Heather Puhalla, a senior management and international relations major, a daughter of James and Melinda Puhalla of Aliquippa and a graduate of Center High School.
Megan Reho, a junior speech language pathology major, a daughter of Pete and Lorri Reho of Acme and a graduate of Connellsville High School.
Mary Rosko of Johnstown, a junior secondary education/social studies major and a graduate of Bishop McCort High School.
Courtney Smith, a senior business/management major, a daughter of Toni Smith of Confluence and a graduate of Turkeyfoot Valley High School.
Joseph Stanley, a junior secondary education/social studies major, a son of Lori Maxin of Mckees Rocks and a graduate of Montour High School.
George Strano, a senior elementary education/special education major, a son of Ellen and George Strano of Ambridge and a graduate of Ambridge High School.
Megan Swartz, a senior special education major, a daughter of Sheri Swartz of West Middlesex and a graduate of West Middlesex High School.
Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.
