WWU students walk the Ivy path

Best friends and fellow graduates Shelby Dorfman (left), of Chicago, help Lauren Yelton, of Fort Worth, Texas, with her cap before graduation at William Woods University on Saturday, May 6, 2017.
Best friends and fellow graduates Shelby Dorfman (left), of Chicago, help Lauren Yelton, of Fort Worth, Texas, with her cap before graduation at William Woods University on Saturday, May 6, 2017.

Before joining a group of William Woods students graduating Saturday, Hannah Romaker sat down with her graduation cap and attached several photos of her brother, Tyler, to the flat surface.

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Tyler also was a college student - and a member of the University of Missouri marching band and ROTC - but he died in a motorcycle accident on Sept. 2.

"He was supposed to graduate next weekend," she said during a pause, in the Ivy Chain Ceremony. "I'm wearing him on my hat so he can walk with me."

Romaker, from Warrenton, is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in American Sign Language interpretation,but already got a BA in ASL interpretive studies. She said she was thinking of Tyler and missing him.

Angela Johnson, a staff member at WWU, was in the sunshine helping coordinate the traditional Ivy Chain Ceremony, a final walk across the bridge over Senior Lake.

"My son Austin is graduating today," she said, beaming. "I'm very proud of him."

She said he's graduating with a degree in exercise science and a minor in coaching.

Her co-worker, Sarah Schaefer, was helping with the string of ivy - hundreds of feet long. She kept her eyes on the graduates as they processed down the hill to the bridge.

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"We like to see them go and grow," she said.

On Saturday, William Woods conferred 243 undergraduate and 597 graduate degrees. Degrees proffered included Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Work, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Education Specialist and Doctor of Education.

Haley Pifes, of Oklahoma City, graduated with a double major: ASL interpretation and ASL studies - with a minor in English.

"It took four and a half years," she said, adding she is moving to Springfield while waiting for results of her certification test, and she hopes to interpret in high-risk settings.

Randall Stacy, hometown Detroit, also received a degree in ASL interpreting and is now going for his master's.

"I'm really excited to be graduating," he said. "My dream? That's a hard one. Probably to interpret in the legal and mental health areas."

Ashley Ann Parisi, of O'Fallon, received a BS in athletic training. She is interested in football, soccer, baseball, "the whole nine yards," she said.

She loves all things Disney - and is off to Florida in pursuit of a career with the Mouse.

"They have an athletic training sports center down there," Parisi said. "Hopefully I can get a job there."

Jessica May Gilbert is headed back to San Diego to pursue a master's.

"I got a BA in ASL interpretation, deaf studies and psychology," she said, adding her master's will be in school counseling. "I'm excited."

Gilbert said her four years studying at William Woods won't be forgotten.

"It was a good experience," she said. "I like the hands-on experience on a small college campus."