UW President Sternberg to Speak at Keith and Thyra Thomson Honors Convocation

October 4, 2013
Man and woman
Seniors Josh Heyer and Rachel Smullen will discuss their undergraduate research at the Keith and Thyra Thomson Honors Convocation. (UW Photo)

President Bob Sternberg of the University of Wyoming is the keynote speaker for the College of Arts and Sciences annual Keith and Thyra Thomson Honors Convocation Friday, Oct. 11, at 4 p.m. in the A&S auditorium.

The convocation recognizes students who have made the President’s, Dean’s or Freshman honor rolls the previous academic year. The procession begins at the Wyoming Union and is led across Prexy’s pasture by the UW Western Thunder Marching Band Drum Line, conducted by Brad Williamson, UW director of marching and athletic bands. Individuals attending the event should go directly to the A&S auditorium.

Considered one of the leading researchers and authors in psychology and psychiatry, Sternberg also holds tenure at the rank of professor in the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences, and a secondary such appointment in the Department of Professional Studies in the College of Education. He also is an honorary professor at the University of Heidelberg in Germany.

In addition to Sternberg’s address, the UW Chamber Orchestra will perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto.”

Two undergraduates will present their research. Josh Heyer of Windsor, Colo., a senior majoring in geography, environment and natural resources, and Spanish, will present “An Investigation of Climate and Drought in the Rio Conchos Watershed.” Heyer’s research was funded by the McNair Scholars program and EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research).

Rachel Smullen of Gold Hill, Ore., a senior majoring in physics and astronomy, will discuss “Finding Satellite Galaxies.” She conducted research, funded by a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates grant, with Janine Plott at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona this past summer.

Named for Wyoming political leaders Keith and Thyra Thomson, the honors convocation is a time-honored A&S tradition. This year, the college remembers Thyra Thomson, who died in June and whose generosity and foresight helped to make it possible for A&S to continue to celebrate academic excellence.

For more information, call the Arts and Sciences Dean's Office at (307) 766-4106.

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