KU News Release

School of Education announces top graduate, undergraduate awards

LAWRENCE — Twelve University of Kansas students were honored May 17 at the 17th annual School of Education convocation at the Lied Center.

Rick Ginsberg, dean of education, presented the awards. Chancellor Robert Hemenway spoke at the convocation, which was part of spring commencement activities.

Amanda Wolkowitz, a doctoral student from Overland Park, received the Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation award for her dissertation, “A comparison of classical test theory and item response theory methods for equating number-right scored to formula scored assessment.” The honor includes a cash award of $1,200. Wolkowitz earned her doctoral degree from the Department of Psychology and Research in Education. Her faculty adviser is William Skorupski, assistant professor of psychology and research in education.

Lisa Barret Mann, who completed her master’s degree in special education in May, received the Outstanding Master’s Project for her work, “Evidence-based interventions for Aspergers Syndrome.” The honor includes a $750 cash award. Mann’s adviser is Richard Simpson, professor of special education.

Ten graduating seniors received Senior Leadership Awards. The awards recognize exemplary leadership through involvement in the school, university or community activities. Each received an engraved pewter Jayhawk statue.

Award recipients are listed below by hometown, major, parents’ names (when available), previous schools attended and award.

GRANT COUNTY
From Ulysses 67880
Chase Ketchum, graduating senior in secondary education, son of Danny and Beverly Ketchum; Ulysses High School; Senior Leadership Award.

HARVEY COUNTY
From Newton 67114
Le Tran, graduating senior in unified early childhood education, daughter of Lan Duong and Loc Tran; Newton High School; Senior Leadership Award.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Olathe 66061
Sarah Elizabeth Zimmerman, senior in elementary education, daughter of Steven and Susan Zimmerman; Olathe North High School; Senior Leadership Award.

From Olathe 66062
Matthew Thomas Argubright, graduating senior in elementary education, son of Thomas and Virginia Argubright; Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Overland Park; Senior Leadership Award.

From Overland Park 66212
Stephen Durick, graduating senior in health and physical education, son of William and Sandra Durick; Shawnee Mission South High School; Senior Leadership Award.

Amanda Wolkowitz, doctoral student in curriculum and instruction and educational psychology and research; bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison; master’s degree from Northern Illinois University; Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award.

From Overland Park 66213
Catherine Tung, graduating senior in elementary education, daughter of Chan and Grace Tung; Blue Valley Northwest High School; Senior Leadership Award.

From Overland Park 66221
Emily Claire Williams, graduating senior in secondary education, daughter of Charles and Ann Williams; Blue Valley West High School; Senior Leadership Award.

From Overland Park 66223
Lisa Barrett Mann, master’s degree student in special education; bachelor’s degree from University of Maryland-College Park; Outstanding Master’s Project.

ALASKA
From Eagle River 99577
Kimberley Rose Meyen, graduating senior in unified early childhood education, daughter of Bradley and Kathleen Meyen; Chugiak High School; Senior Leadership Award.

IOWA
From Alton 51003
Kourtney Frederes, graduating senior in community health education, daughter of Elmer and Sue Frederes; Moc-Floyd Valley High School, Orange City, Iowa; Senior Leadership Award.

TENNESSEE
From Memphis 38117
Laura Shelby Albert, graduating senior in elementary education, daughter of Erwin and Sylvia Albert; Ridgeway Junior-Senior High School; Senior Leadership Award.

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