Local residents among 1996 graduates
Fifteen local residents received bachelor’s degrees during Bates’ 130th commencement exercises on Monday, May 27, in an outdoor ceremony on the main quadrangle. The distinguished Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe delivered the commencement address to an audience of some 3,000.
AUBURN
Lori A. Shaw Blackwelder of 149 Lake St. earned a bachelor of science degree with an interdisciplinary major in biopsychology. A dean’s list student, she was nominated to Sigma Xi, the scientific research honor society, and conducted research with John Kelsey, professor of psychology. She also worked as a volunteer in the family practice clinic at Central Maine Medical Center. A graduate of Plano Senior High School, she is the wife of Thomas Blackwelder.
Nancy Audet Bullett of 23 Towle Ave. graduated with a bachelor of arts degree, magna cum laude, in women’s studies and political science, earning honors in both subjects. She was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society; earned dean’s list status in each of her semesters at Bates and was named a Dana Scholar and a Ruggles Scholar. A graduate of St. Dominic Regional High School, she is now special initiative coordinator and HIV prevention coordinator for the AIDS Coalition of Lewiston-Auburn.
Brent Robert Radcliffe earned a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy. He was a dean’s list student. A graduate of Holderness School in Plymouth, N.H., he is the son of Claire and Russell Radcliffe, both of Auburn.
FARMINGTON
Eric William Cullenberg of 6 Fairview Ave. earned a bachelor of arts degree in East Asian languages and cultures. A dean’s list student, he spent his junior year studying in Japan, was a member of the popular vocal group the Deansmen and performed a solo in a College Choir concert. He is a graduate of Mt. Blue High School and the son of Sharon and Ronald Cullenberg.
GILEAD
Shilo Lee Hutchins earned a bachelor of arts degree in sociology. A dean’s list student, she served as captain of the field hockey team and played varsity softball. She spent part of her junior year studying in Australia and was a volunteer at Tri-County Mental Health Services and the Sexual Assault Crisis Center. A graduate of Telstar Regional High School in Bethel, she is the daughter of Elaine and Jeffery Hutchins.
GREENE
Jo Ann Darling graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology and women’s studies, earning honors in both subjects. A dean’s list student, she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. She has been active in numerous community and social-action organizations, including the Auburn Historical Society, the Josselyn Botanical Society and the Maine Archeological Society. A graduate of Stambaugh (Mich.) High School, she is the wife of Leslie Eastman.
Karen Ann LeComte of Key Hill Road earned a bachelor of science degree with an interdisciplinary major in biopsychology. A dean’s list student, she was elected to Sigma Xi, the scientific research honor society. She conducted research with Nancy Kleckner, assistant professor of biology; worked as an athletic trainer and was a member of the Health Sciences Society. She has been accepted at the University of Vermont Medical College. A graduate of Salem (N.H.) High School, she is the wife of David LeComte of Greene and the daughter of Arlene and Richard MacLean of Crofton, Md.
LEWISTON
Benjamin Michael Clark of 2 Elaine Ave. graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. He was a dean’s list student. A graduate of Lewiston High School, he is the son of Elaine and Brian Clark.
Melissa Joan Margarones of 210 College St. earned a bachelor of arts degree in English. She was a member of the Representative Assembly, the Student Health Link and the rugby club, and she served as a campus tour guide and a mathematics tutor for middle-school students. She spent part of her junior year studying in France. A graduate of Governor Dummer Academy in Byfield, N.H., she is the daughter of Viola and John Margarones.
NORWAY
Brian Andrew Ketchum of 29 Huntington St. earned a bachelor of arts degree in economics. A graduate of Oxford Hills High School, he is the son of Rosalie and Roger Ketchum.
POLAND
Danagra Georgia Ikossi of Poland Corner Road graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in biological chemistry. A dean’s list student, she served as co-coordinator of the riding club. She is a graduate of Hebron Academy and the daughter of Dr. Maria Ikossi.
RUMFORD
Matthew Scott Irish of 2360 Swain Road graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English. A dean’s list student, he was a member of the baseball and football teams. He is a graduate of Mountain Valley High School and the son of Janice and Lewis Irish.
RUMFORD POINT
James Daniel Ippolito of Route 5 earned a bachelor of arts degree in English. A dean’s list student, he was a member of the varsity ski team and a staff reporter for the college newspaper, The Bates Student. He is a graduate of Mountain Valley High School and the son of Jolan and James Ippolito.
SABATTUS
Angela Rolande Martin of Fisher Farm Road graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English. A dean’s list student, she conducted research with Stanton Wortham, assistant professor of education, and Laurie Teal, assistant professor of English. She was a publications assistant in the Office of College Relations and a substitute teacher for the Lewiston School Department. A graduate of Lewiston High School, she is the daughter of Albert and Ginette Martin and the late Madeleine Martin.
TURNER
Jessica Stover Talbot of Poplar Hill Road, formerly of Bowdoinham, earned a bachelor of arts degree with an interdisciplinary major in environmental science. A dean’s list student, she was a member of the Environmental Coalition and the Freewill Folk Society, and she spent part of her junior year studying in Nepal. She is a graduate of Mt. Ararat School, Topsham, and is the daughter of Jennifer and James Talbot.
