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Trustees Approve Academic Degrees and Honorary Degrees

The Board of Trustees of the University of Southern Indiana, in its regular meeting on March 6, 2008, approved undergraduate and graduate degrees for over 1,200 students who will be completing degree requirements this year. The trustees also approved awarding four honorary degrees at the May 11, 2008 Commencement ceremony.

Three of the honorary degree recipients have had significant impact on the development of the University, and the fourth is a local businessman and University friend.

A role model for women, Sherrianne M. Standley, vice president emerita for Advancement, will deliver the Commencement address and receive a Doctor of Laws degree.

Standley is an Evansville resident who retired last year after an illustrious 31-year career influencing the University’s growth and development. She is active on numerous civic boards and is president of the YWCA of Evansville. She is the chair of the Evansville New Markets Tax Credit Governing Board and a member of the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Merit and Pension boards. She is a life member of Keep Evansville Beautiful which she served as director, vice chair, and chair. She serves on the USI Foundation Board of Directors and is active in the USI Varsity Club and USI Foundation President’s Associates. She is a former trustee of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Other honorary degrees will be awarded to Bruce and Carol Baker of Warrick County and Victor V. Schriefer, Jr. of Evansville.

Bruce Baker has more than 18 years of service to the Board of Trustees, the longest tenure of any USI trustee. He served as chair of the board for two terms, from 1992 to 1997 and from 2006 to 2007. He also was vice chair of the board and chair of the Finance Committee for two years and vice chair of the board and chair of the Long Range Planning Committee for nine years. He built and operates Newburgh Health Care. He will receive a Doctor of Laws degree.

An ambassador for the University, Carol Baker has a flair for welcoming University visitors and friends to events. She is a member of the USI Foundation Board of Directors and is active on the University home committee

Both Bakers are active at Main Street United Methodist Church in Boonville. They are recipients of the Suzanne Nicholson Leadership Award from the USI Foundation. Carol will be awarded a Doctor of Laws degree.

A retired Sterling Brewery quality control manager, Schriefer will be awarded the Doctor of Science degree. A generous contributor to the USI Foundation, Schriefer is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Rolling Hills Country Club, Masonic Temple, Scottish Rite, Hadi Shrine, Eagles, and Kennel Club. He worked at Sterling Brewery for approximately 23 years.

When nominating the honorary degree candidates, President H. Ray Hoops said, “With all they have done for the University of Southern Indiana, it is fitting that they receive the highest honor the University can bestow. They have been outstanding representatives of USI to the community, the region, and the state.”

In other business, the trustees approved changing the name of the physical education program to the kinesiology program to better reflect the curriculum required for the degree. That change will take effect in August 2008.

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