Brigham Young University
David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies
Convocation
April 24, 2025
2:00 p.m.
BYU Music Building Concert Hall
Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—
That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
—Doctrine and Covenants 88:78–80
Program
University Representative Renata A. Forste International Vice President
Organist Sheri L. Peterson
Welcome V. Stanley Benfell Director of the Kennedy Center
Invocation Alexa Mercedes Camargo
Student Address Alyse Erekson
Performance
BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble “Oberek”
Alumni Address Emily and Aaron Sherinian
Performance
BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble “Lúčnica”
Presentation of Diplomas Administration and Faculty Coordinators
Benediction Alyse Ann Frogley
Convocation Program Notes
Sheri Peterson, a gifted professor at BYU, holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in organ performance. An experienced organist, teacher, and mentor, she has taught university-level music theory courses as well as group and private organ lessons. She has also presented at workshops, including the BYU Organ Workshop, and is beloved by her students for her enthusiasm and support. With more than 40 years in church music, Sheri has performed with symphonies, choirs, the Utah Baroque Ensemble, Messiah productions, BYU devotionals, and numerous recitals and concerts.
Alexa Camargo is the daughter of Carlos and Lisa Camargo of Eagle Mountain, Utah. She is graduating in Latin American Studies and Spanish Studies and is the valedictorian in Latin American Studies. She served a Spanish-speaking mission in the Washington, DC, South Mission where she loved serving the Latino community in Virginia. Alexa participated in experiential learning programs in both Mexico and Chile and represented BYU in the Model Organization of American States (OAS) program for two years. She is a recipient of the Elva Pedersen Jorgensen Scholarship. Alexa teaches Spanish at the Provo Missionary Training Center and loves both music and museums. She intends to pursue a career where she can use her Spanish language skills and knowledge of Latin America to serve Latin American communities.
Alyse Erekson is the daughter of Carolyn and Keith Erekson from Salt Lake City, Utah. She is graduating in International Relations and Economics and is the valedictorian in International Relations. She grew up in El Paso, Texas, and chose International Relations because of her interest in global issues and desire to work in international development. During her time at BYU, Alyse has worked on research projects in Malaysia and Tanzania. She played violin in the BYU Symphony Orchestra for four years and has served in a number of student associations, including Students for International Development. After graduation, Alyse plans to pursue a PhD in Economics with a focus on economic development.
The International Folk Dance Ensemble, established in 1956, is celebrating its 68th year as a performing arts group. Renowned for their vibrant ethnic traditional dress and diverse dance selections, they have performed in more than 57 countries, including at the Olympic Opening Ceremonies in 1988 and 2002. Since 1964, they have gained international fame at prominent folk-dance festivals, representing American traditional dance heritage and promoting cultural appreciation, collaboration, and world peace. The ensemble’s artistic director is Jeanette Geslison.
Poland: Oberek
Oberek and Kujawiak are two of Poland’s five national dances. Oberek is a vibrant and exciting couple dance which is balanced here with the romantic Kujawiak couple dance.
Choreography: Jeanette Geslison
Music: “Poznánski Oberek,” “Wesele w Jezioranach,” and “Wczesne popołudnie” (traditional); recorded by Kapela Ludowa Pd Feliks Dzierzanowski
Aaron Sherinian is managing director of the Church Communication Department for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Previously, he was the senior vice president of global reach of Deseret Management Corp, and he has more than 20 years of experience in public relations and communications in corporate, philanthropic, and diplomatic sectors, both in the United States and globally. He received bachelor’s degrees in political science and Italian at BYU and a master’s degree in international affairs from Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. He was one of the three founders of the Kennedy Center’s International Advisory Board nearly 20 years ago.
Emily Sherinian has 25 years of experience designing and implementing global public health programs with the US Agency for International Development and FHI 360. She specializes in leadership development, training, and strengthening community health systems in Africa. She received bachelor’s degrees at BYU in Linguistics and Spanish, and earned a master of public health degree in global health from the Milken Institute School of Public Health at The George Washington University. She serves as a board member for the International Society.
Emily and Aaron have four children and currently reside in Utah, after living in Washington, DC, and around the world. Their oldest daughter, Julia, completed her freshman year at BYU and is serving a Mandarin-speaking mission in Boston. The Sherinians’ BYU fandom extends all the way to their dog, aptly named Cosmo.
Slovak Republic: Lúčnica
“Forever young” best describes this set of two dances from Slovakia: Verbunk and Syracovy. Lúčnica also is the name of the Slovak National Folklore Ballet.
Choreography: Ervin Varga
Additional choreography: Jeanette Geslison
Music: Traditional
Musical arrangement: Peter Jantosciak
Alyse Frogley is the daughter of Drew and Marcie Frogley from Meridian, Idaho. She is graduating as the valedictorian in American Studies. She studied abroad at the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies, where she developed many of her closest friendships at BYU. She also published a brief at the Ballard Center for Social Impact, which is one of the most fulfilling things that she did during her university years. Alyse worked as an editor for the Americana student journal, held leadership positions in the Anti-Human Trafficking Club, Free the Facts, and American Studies Student Council, and was part of intramural championship teams in both basketball and flag football. She is passionate about Russian literature. After graduation, Alyse will work for the National Center on Sexual Exploitation and pursue a law degree.
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
American Studies
BACHELOR OF ARTS
DECEMBER 2024
Sara J Anderson
Kendall Alison Isom
APRIL 2025
Julia Warner Ballif
Alyse Ann Frogley*
Wyatt Mitchell Johnson
Cole Robert Nisson
Richard Lynn Scott
Samuel Conrad Scow
JUNE 2025
Anya Neomie Searle
AUGUST 2025
Maren Brooke Hamilton
General Studies
BACHELOR OF GENERAL STUDIES
DECEMBER 2024
Kyler J. Curtis
Edward Kenneth Whittemore
APRIL 2025
Rachyl Devenport
Madeline Dorothy Murdock
Maren Paget
Karen Adele Willardson
JUNE 2025
Jillian Damstedt Shaw
AUGUST 2025
Teresa A Dix
Ancient Near Eastern Studies
BACHELOR OF ARTS
DECEMBER 2024
Helaman Reed Bennion
Emily Buss
Catherine Bailey Keller
Michael William Abel Ryan
APRIL 2025
Truman Turley Callens
Cambree Lyn Fogg
Abraham Nash Geigle
Julia Marie Hausman
Christopher Jones Miner
Jarom Andrew Moore