31 COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES Robert Lewis Lauren McKinney-Wise ROBERT LEWIS is graduating with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry. Robert failed out of college when he was 18 and it took him a long time to realize that it was something he needed. He returned to school at 28 years old with a renewed maturity and focus to succeed. He credits his family with always cheering him on and listening to his occasional rant about chemistry. While at PSU, he was a part of the S-STEM program, which not only provided him with funding but with a cohort of STEM students to commiserate with and work together to tackle challenges. He says the program had a huge impact on his ability to succeed at PSU. Robert is headed to the University of Rochester in New York to pursue a doctorate in Chemistry. He wants to work in renewable energies to help in the fight against climate change. His time at PSU has been some of the best years of his life and he is grateful to everyone who has been a part of his journey. He would like to thank PSU Professors Theresa McCormick, Erin Shortlidge, Rick Hugo, Suzanne Estes; April Ann Fong and Stacey Fiddler at Portland Community College; Scott Zellmer; and his friends and family. LAUREN MCKINNEY-WISE is graduating with a bachelor's degree in Geography and a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Lauren was drawn to geography because it encompasses the interaction of place, people, and culture. Learning about GIS has helped her understand that maps are tools of communication, storytelling, and power, and she's interested in helping to make GIS and map-making accessible to community members as powerful tools for advocacy and social change. Lauren, who struggled to finish high school, credits the advice of teachers and peers with helping her learn to thrive in college. At Portland State, she met some amazing instructors, who encouraged her to continue to grow through extracurriculars, challenging projects, and volunteer work. They helped her realize that the power for success was within her all along — not because she was special, but because she tried even when she didn't believe that she could succeed. One of her most memorable experiences was planning the Cartography Symposium with the PSU GIS Club. Lauren will be returning to PSU in the fall to pursue a master's in Geography. She would like to thank her husband, Jeff; her family, and her geography and GIS professors: David Banis, Christina Friedle, Geoffrey Duh, and Randy Morris. STUDENT SPEAKERS
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