Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 6/3/09 Section: News

Rebecca Chadd

Rebecca Chadd, who was chosen to receive the Julia McCullough-Smith Award for outstanding graduating female, said her initial interest in Western stemmed from her love of the welcoming campus atmosphere and the dance program.
Chadd thanks her parents and four siblings for their continued support, friendship and teaching.
"Despite the prestigious title (of the award), I am still the same life-loving girl that I was when I first stepped foot on this campus," Chadd said. "I give thanks and glory to Jesus Christ, who above all else has taught me to be the woman I am today."
Looking back over her four years, she said she recollects only fond memories.
"Having grown immensely as a student of life, Spanish and the arts, what I've learned here will no doubt be with me wherever I go," Chadd said.
Graduating with a B.A. in Spanish, a B.S. in Dance, and an International Studies minor, Chadd is aiming to stay involved with dance and choreography and hopes to start an Oregon-based modern dance company within the next few years.


Christopher Hamilton

Christopher Hamilton, recipient of the 2009 Delmer Dewey Award for outstanding graduating male, said he sees the recognition as "a testament to the gifts that God has given me and the work that He has done through me during my time at Western."
After transferring to Western at the beginning of his junior year in fall 2007, Hamilton said connections with Campus Crusade for Christ helped transform his life and make his experience at Western "the best two years of my life."
Hamilton discovered purpose for his life through his little brother, who was born with Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba Syndrome, "which essentially means he has a big head, poor muscle tone and a cognitive delay," Hamilton said.
After graduating with a B.S. in Public Policy and Administration and a Legal Studies minor, Hamilton will start law school at Willamette University College of Law this fall. He plans to use his law degree to advocate for students with disabilities and work to improve their educational experiences.

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