Best of the Best

Kara D. Morwood

Baylee K. Schmitt

Lisbeth J. McCulfor

Kara M. Gerka

Gabrielle A. Keller

Sam E. Rhoades

BEST OF THE BEST USF names six valedictorians

While the annual USF Commencement was canceled in May 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the university announced its six valedictorians.

Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership Kara D. Morwood

Morwood is a Bachelor of Business Administration major and the daughter of David and Kandis Morwood. Putting to good use her minor in Risk Management and Insurance, and skills from the Experiential Program with Integrated Cooperatives, Morwood plans to continue working as a claims operation associate at MedPro Group, a leading healthcare insurance carrier in Fort Wayne.

School of Creative Arts Baylee K. Schmitt

Schmitt received a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Pre-Art Therapy and Psychology and a minor in Studio Art. She is the daughter of Ron and Bonnie Schmitt. She plans to continue in education, pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree.

School of Health Sciences Lisbeth J. McCulfor

McCulfor is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing major and the daughter of John and Lori Nelson. She has a love for working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and plans to work part time for the pro-life organization Created Equal while pursuing a part-time job as a NICU nurse.

School of Liberal Arts and Sciences Kara M. Gerka

Gerka is a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physician Assistant Studies and Biology dual major and received an Associate of Science in Pre-Pharmacy and Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies. She is the daughter of Edward and Mary Jo Gerka and was a member of the women’s basketball team. She plans to pursue a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at USF.

Gabrielle A. Keller

Keller is a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education major with a minor in mild intervention. She is the daughter of Ken and Sheryl Keller. She has been a member of the women’s golf team and president of Kappa Delta Pi, the National Honor Society for Education at USF, and plans to become an elementary or special education teacher.

Sam E. Rhoades

Rhoades is a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Physician Assistant Studies major and the son of Jack and Rita Rhoades. He plans to continue his education at USF in the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program.