Friedman, Monrad to lead graduates at 2003 Commencement

Tuesday, January 28, 2003, By News Staff

Friedman, Monrad to lead graduates at 2003 CommencementJanuary 28, 2003Karen Trendell

Joshua D. Friedman and Nissa A. Monrad’s accomplishments as Syracuse University students will be recognized when they serve as the Senior Class Marshals for the University’s 149th Commencement. They will lead the procession of graduates during the Sunday, May 11 ceremony in the Carrier Dome. To be selected a class marshal is among the most prestigious honors at SU, awarded on the basis of academic achievement, involvement in student organizations and campus and community service.

Friedman, the son of Les Friedman and Judy Gellman-Friedman of Toronto, Canada, is a senior majoring in film drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts and philosophy in The College of Arts and Sciences.

He is the recipient of several awards, including the Marion A. Jones Senior Scholarship and the Kodak Film Grant in fall 2002. He was named in the 2002-03 edition of “Who’s Who Among Students In American Universities and Colleges” and was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society in fall 2001. He was also inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society in fall 2000.

He has served as a peer advisor for the College of Visual and Performing Arts. He was selected for the 2002-03 Judicial Affairs Board and Peer Education Team delegated by the Trustees and Chancellor; and was also elected to the Judicial Review Board. He is a member of the College Democrats and is an active member of Hillel and Jewish Student Union Chapters. He is also a former director, crew and cast member of SU LIVE for Time Warner Cable and UUTV.

Monrad is the daughter of Glenn and June Monrad of Chesterfield, Mo. She is a senior majoring in chemical engineering in the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science.

She is a 2002-03 Remembrance Scholar, and is also a member of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society; Phi Kappa Phi University Honor Society; Golden Key International Honour Society and University 100. Monrad was the recipient of the Donald Othmer Sophomore Academic Excellence Award, and belongs to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and K-12 Outreach.

Monrad has served as an Academic Excellence Workshop Facilitator for the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science.

The selection committee was chaired by Lena-Rose Orlando, assistant director for student affairs. Committee members include Mary Jo Custer, director for student affairs and associate to the senior vice president and dean of student affairs; Eric F. Spina, associate dean and associate professor in the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science; Rommel Abad, a graduate student representative; and Jessica Cordova, a sophomore in the School of Education.

Marshals for each of the University’s schools and colleges have also been announced; they are selected annually to lead the procession of graduates from his or her school or college into the Commencement ceremony. This year’s college marshals are:

  • School of Architecture– Architecture majors Sarah Anne Mossien and Nicholas Saponara.
  • College of Arts and Sciences– Biology and psychology major Nina S. Babu , biology major John A. Coppola and biology and policy studies major Peter J. Neuburger.
  • School of Education– Music education major Erin L. Althen and Kristin McAllian, majoring in inclusive elementary and special education.
  • L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science-Aerospace engineering major Alexis Larson and electrical engineering major Zachary M. Thomas.
  • The Graduate School-Mass communications major Patrick Lee Plaisance.
  • College of Human Services and Health Professions-child and family studies major Latoya Leatrice Lawrence and social work major Ashanta R. Williams.
  • School of Information Studies-John K. Frei III and Chino N. Ovalles, both majoring in information management and technology.
  • College of Law– law major Nathan E. VanderWal.
  • School of Management-Marketing management majors Ryan E. Brook and Kathryn McCollough.
  • The Maxwell School-Octavio A. Hinojosa Mier, majoring in public administration.
  • S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications– broadcast major Alyssa Colonna and television-radio-film major Corey L. Marsh.
  • College of Visual and Performing Arts-Retail management major Zuliah Echevarria and Kelly J. Frye, who majored in surface pattern design.
  • University College-Organizational leadership major Seth Francis Cowen.
  • SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry are environmental studies major Jennifer Cash and environmental and forest biology Katrine A. Viscio.