It was nothing mind-blowing, Shawn Frazier says. But the experience was one of  his best as a WSU student.  He, along with two kinesiology program classmates and Professor Lawrence Bruya, worked until after midnight in a teaching assistants’ office tucked away in Smith Gym. They ordered pizzas and talked while working on a student journal that Shawn edited.

“One of the biggest strengths of my program is how well everyone works  together, whether for studying or group projects,” says Shawn, who was an undergraduate teaching assistant.  “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working there, specifically with Dr. Bruya. He’s an incredible mentor, prioritizing the student above all else.”

Shawn plans to be a physical therapist. The first-generation college graduate was among those singled out as highlight students at Saturday’s commencement in Pullman.  You can see WSU  President Elson S. Floyd praising him at the 40-minute point in the video of the ceremonies.

Among our other stellar graduates was Eva DiDonato, an elementary education major whose high grade point average won her the privilege of being the College of Education banner bearer.

By the way, Pullman is the only one of the four WSU campuses that has a fall-semester commencement. It’s an especially pleasant affair.  Smaller than the springtime extravaganzas, it has the extra sparkle of holiday lights and some extra Cougar crimson in poinsettia form.

You’ll find a few more photos on our college Facebook page.