The following local students graduated from Western Carolina University in the spring semester of 2011.

• Christopher Richard Petersen of Columbus received a bachelor of science degree in entrepreneurship;

• Rachael Lynn Haynes-Wood of Mill Spring received a master of science degree in human resources;

• Gail Morton/Louise Spitznogle of Mill Spring received a MA degree in education in comp education/special education learning disabilities;

• Karley Leigh Pace of Saluda received a master of health sciences degree in health sciences;

• Janine Marie Paris of Saluda received a bachelor of fine arts degree in art, Cum Laude;

• Joshua Dewese Durham of Tryon received a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice;

• Robin McEntire Foster of Tryon received a MA degree in education in comp education/special education learning disabilities;

• Michelle Rene Marino of Tryon received a bachelor of science/nursing degree in nursing – Capstone Summa Cum Laude.

The university conferred degrees on approximately 1,035 students who completed their studies during the spring semester. A total of 309 undergraduate students received academic honors, with 76 graduating summa cum laude (with highest honors), 114 graduating magna cum laude (with high honors), and 111 graduating cum laude (with honors).

– article submitted by Randall Holcombe