51łÔąĎÍř

Skip to main content

Congratulations to the WGST Class of 2019!

Faculty, staff, alumni, family and friends gathered together in Old Main Chapel on a snowy spring day to celebrate our graduates and recognize our scholarship and award winners. This year, we had 23 students graduate with a bachelor's degree in women and gender studies, 25 earn a minor, three receive the undergraduate certificate in women and gender studies, and six students complete the graduate certificate. Assistant professor Dr. Kristie Soares led this year's ceremony, which included a short speech by department chair Dr. Lorraine Bayard de Volo, and student speeches by Jamie Ramge, Jackson Reinagel and Casey McAndrew.
The ceremony was followed by a lively reception in the Heritage Center, giving faculty a chance to meet the proud friends and families of our graduates.
Congratulations to all of our graduates! We are proud of your accomplishments and look forward to see how you all change the world.

WGST Majors 2019

WGST Majors in the Cottage before Commencement

Completing the Major in
Women & Gender Studies:

Hannah Cates Bernick
Hannah is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in both women and gender studies and economics, with an emphasis in public policy; as well as a minor in political science. She is a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She would like to thank her parents for always prioritizing her education, her sister, Lucy, for keeping it real with her, and her roommates, Jamie and Maddie, for getting her through her senior year.

Katelin Bishop
Katelin has earned a degree in women and gender studies with a minor in media studies. She would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her, as well as encouraging her to follow her dreams. Katelin would like to thank her family, most importantly, for continually telling her that “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Paul Budge
Paul is graduating today with dual degrees in both political science and women and gender studies. After graduation, he will be attending law school.

Giulia Ferrero
Giulia is graduating with majors in sociology, ethnic studies, and women and gender studies, as well as a minor in business and the global gender and sexuality studies certificate. She is a member of the Triota Honor Society, and made the Dean’s List in Fall ’16. She will be attending Columbia University in the fall to complete a master’s in advanced clinical social work. Giulia would like to thank her family and friends for their unconditional support, and thank the Department of Women and Gender Studies for providing a positive learning environment.

Lauren Gilfenbain
Lauren has earned a bachelor’s degree in women and gender studies, with minors in both sociology and ethnic studies, and the certificate in global gender and sexuality studies. After graduation, she plans to heal, and pursue a graduate or law degree in California. She would like to thank her family, friends, and the amazing professors in the women and gender studies, ethnic studies and sociology departments that have facilitated her learning and have allowed her to grow into the woman she is today.

Mallory Cole Hale
Mallory is graduating with degrees in women and gender studies, and International Affairs, summa cum laude, with minors in political science and Arabic. Mallory is a 2018 recipient of the Jacob Van Ek Award, and has recently been given the Chancellor’s Recognition Award for earning all A’s throughout their college career. They will be attending law school at the University of California-Berkeley as a Henderson Scholar within the Thelton E. Henderson Center for Social Justice. They would like to thank Shoshana Pollack, their parents, and their cat for endless emotional support; as well as the entire WGST department, especially Dr. Wyrod and Dr. Misri. 

Karina Hillman
Karina is graduating with a double major in political science and women and gender studies. She is a member of the Gender Justice League, an officer of the Hiking Club, and the leader of Buffs for Reproductive Rights, the Planned Parenthood Generation Action student group. After graduation, she will be working as a co-conspirator for Terra Incognita Media, a non-profit media company working to decolonize the outdoor industry. She would like to thank the Gender Justice League, Dr. Wyrod, and the women and gender studies faculty for redefining social responsibility both within and outside of the university. She would also like to thank her family and partner for their support.

Elizabeth Hope Leahey
Elizabeth has earned bachelor’s degrees in both sociology and women and gender studies, while maintaining a 3.7 cumulative GPA. After graduation, she will be working as a child visitation facilitator in Jefferson County, Colorado. She would like to thank her amazing family for supporting her in her dreams throughout her life and college career. She says she couldn’t have done it without the help of her Mom, Dad, John, Megan and Chris! She loves you and thanks you for all you have done for her.

Casey Elizabeth McAndrew
Casey is graduating with a degree in women and gender studies, and after graduation, she plans to change the world! She would like to thank her family, friends, her many therapists, and all the badass women and non-binary folks who inspire her every day.

Hayden Elise Morano
Hayden has completed degrees in both psychology and women and gender studies. She worked as a research assistant in the cognitive development center at 51łÔąĎÍř. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in criminal psychology. She hopes to use what she has learned in her WGST courses and apply this to future education and any career opportunities to create more inclusive environments, and view the world through a critical intersectional lens. She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her constant change of plans and constant lateness. She especially wants to thank her parents for their unwavering love and support regardless of what she does, her wife for life, Ellen Kate, and Dr. Harper for giving her endless opportunities.

Brit Nuckles
Brit is graduating with bachelor’s degrees in political science and women and gender studies. They are a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Sigma Alpha. Brit is the recipient of the Jeffrey D. Stephens Memorial Scholarship in Arts and Sciences; the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer Alumni Association scholarship; The Lucile Berkeley Buchanan Scholarship; and the Positive Futures Scholarship. They will be attending law school in the fall at American University in D.C.  Brit would especially like to thank their partner, Sara Khaleeq, their father, Steve, and his partner, Iva.

Silvia Marie Peckham
Silvia has earned her bachelor’s degree in women and gender studies, with a minor in Hindu and Urdu. Silvia is a United States Navy Veteran, has made the Arts & Sciences Dean’s List, and is involved in the Theatre & Dance department as a playwright, director, assistant dramaturg, crew, and performer. She plans to pursue a master’s in theatre and a graduate certificate in women and gender studies. She would like to thank the women & gender studies faculty and staff for all of their understanding, compassion and support.

Jamie Marion Ramge
Jamie has completed a double major in women and gender studies and communication. She is the two-time recipient of the Tyler J. Stevenson Memorial Scholarship; a recipient of the Academic Leadership Award in the College of Media, Communication and Information; and the founder of Ability Alliance, a club for students with disabilities. She would like to thank her mother, father, brothers, friends, and the classmates and teachers who have made her education about so much more than a degree.

Jackson Milo Reinagel
Jackson is graduating with a degree in women and gender studies, with certificates in LGBTQ studies, and peace and conflict studies. Jackson is a Van Ek Scholar, and the founder of Theta Pi Sigma’s Zeta chapter. He plans to continue his activism at CU while earning a master’s in media and public engagement. He would especially like to thank the incredible staff and faculty that make this department a home on campus.

Megan Saks
Megan is graduating today with a bachelor of arts degree in women and gender studies. While at CU, she has been recognized on the Arts & Sciences’ Dean's list every semester; and she has worked with the Brazen Project, advocating for abortion access and fighting stigma on campus. She plans to continue to cultivate a commitment to justice after graduation, and would like to thank her family, blood relatives and beyond, for their unfaltering love and support. She says she simply could not have done it without you all.

Effie Shannon
Effie is a women and gender studies major and a sociology minor. She is a member of the gender justice league and enjoys gardening in her free time. She plans on going to grad school for criminology so she can advocate for incarcerated people. She would like to thank her parents, Mark and Susan, and her cat Lucifer.

Alexa Sweet
Alexa has completed a double major in women and gender studies and psychology with a minor in education. Her plans include joining Teach for America, as she would like to be an elementary teacher in order to help and inspire kids, and make a difference in the education system. She wants to use the knowledge gained from WGST to create a more inclusive and welcoming classroom environment. She would like to thank her friends and family, especially her mom and grandma for supporting her with everything she has done up until now. She is excited for what is to come!

Alex Theisen
Alex is graduating with degrees in psychology and women and gender studies, as well as the certificate in LGBTQ studies. Alex has also been very helpful to the department, working with us as a student employee for the past two years. After graduation, they plan to become a therapist for LGBT families. Alex would like to thank Jade, Ash, their family, and their cats.

Also completing the Major in Women and Gender Studies:
Cora Kilgo
Emma Maeuser

Annie O'Brien
Suzannah Ranzo
Olivia Schmich

WGST Majors 2019

Congratulations Women and Gender Studies Class of 2019!

Commencement Photo & Video Gallery

WGST 2019

WGST Commencement attendees, in the Cottage before the ceremony


[video:https://youtu.be/0lYXx06LaCg]

Watch now: WGST Commencement


[video:https://youtu.be/nQUg6hOXe7Q]

Watch now: Student Commencement Speeches

WGST Faculty 2019

WGST Faculty in attendance

WGST 2019

A snowy processional walk to Old Main

WGST 2019

Dr. Soares and Dr. Bayard de Volo lead the procession to Old Main

WGST 2019

Graduates express themselves through their caps

WGST 2019

WGST Majors waiting to line up

WGST 2019

Jamie Ramge delivered a moving speech

WGST 2019

Jackson Reinagel's speech included an invitation to his 'Knowledge is Power' workshop

WGST 2019

Casey McAndrew giving her student commencement speech