2009 graduate profiles
Following are profiles of some of ASU’s incredible graduates for 2009. For contact information, e-mail sarah.auffret@asu.edu.
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Katrina survivor finds new life at ASU. Erica Lampkin attended classes for one week at the University of New Orleans before the storm slammed her hometown. She pulled herself together and came to ASU to begin her freshman year again. It’s changed her life for the better. She’s graduating magna cum laude. Read more |
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Ginamarie Berger was in her office on the 77th floor of the World Trade Center north tower when the first jet crashed into it on 9-11. Traumatized, she was nurtured back to life by family and friends and now the 28-year-old feels lucky to be alive, throwing herself into volunteer work with gusto. Read more |
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Danielle McBurnett is graduating as a registered nurse at 17. Raymond Singh is also 17, graduating with a degree in aerospace engineering. Both of these remarkable students are the youngest ever to graduate in their demanding programs, yet they are remarkably grounded. Read more: Danielle McBurnett | Raymond Singh |
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Eight years ago the odds seemed against Guadalupe Ramirez when she came from Mexico speaking only Spanish, so she was dropped a year behind in high school. Now a U.S. citizen, she is graduating with a master’s in aerospace engineering at 23 and has become a mentor for other students. Read more |
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Lisa Fernandez helped Barack Obama get elected. She’s only 22, but she founded the Arizonans for Obama committee two years ago, creating Facebook groups, posting flyers and mobilizing students to support him. Now getting her degree in political science, she’s thrilled to welcome the president to ASU. Read more |
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Father’s paralyzing injury in an auto accident 18 years ago motivated her to become doctor. Adrienne Azurdia has been accepted to eight medical schools. Read more |
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First generation student hired by investment banker Goldman Sachs in New York City. Jazmin Medina is graduating with honors in finance. Read more |
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Son’s death in Iraq motivated Carol Bruno to complete her PhD. The registered nurse says losing son Jason was a shock but his character and bravery inspired her. Read more |
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Kishan Lara grew up in a Native American community that felt exploited by researchers. Now she is the first in her tribe, the Hupa/Yurok of California, to earn a PhD. Read more |
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Stjepan Rajko has a breadth of passionate interests. Now he’s combining two of them by getting a master’s in dance and a PhD in computer science. Read more |
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Littisha Bates was inspired to attend college by hearing Obama speak at her high school graduation. The first-generation student from Chicago is getting her PhD. Read more |
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Son of an undocumented immigrant, honors grad & Calif. native Jeff Zetino helped pass a law protecting autistic children and defeated a payday loan ballot proposition. Read more |
