Graduates in the Spotlight: Commencement ceremonies are May 4-6

The University of Akron will confer 2,709 undergraduate and graduate degrees to the members of the Spring Class of 2012. Commencement ceremonies are scheduled May 4 at 7 p.m., and May 5 and 6 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St. The School of Law Commencement will be Sunday, May 13, at 2 p.m. in Thomas Hall.

Among the students receiving diplomas are Mark Hedegore and Kristina Kehoe, who are being singled out for an additional honor. They have been chosen to speak on behalf of the Spring 2012 Class as student responders.

Hedegore, who will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony on May 6, is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, summa cum laude. He is actually beginning a second career after working as a financial analyst.

"The fields are about as far apart as you can get," he says. "After a few years as an analyst, I decided that I want a career in which I interact more with people. My degree in dietetics will allow that, and the two degrees together will open more doors for me."

Kehoe, who will speak at the 2 p.m. ceremony on May 6, will receive a B.S. in Exercise Science, magna cum laude. Like Hedegore, she has a desire to help others.

The honors student combined her love of dance and science in pursuing her undergraduate degree, which has prepared her for the next step in reaching her career goal. In June, Kehoe heads to Ohio State University to start a three-year program to earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree.