CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland State University held its annual commencement ceremonies on Saturday at the Wolstein Center with the event featuring 44 student-athletes wearing caps and gowns to receive their degrees.
In addition, a trio of student-athletes were named CSU Outstanding Seniors as Samantha Butterbaugh (Cross Country/Track & Field), Sierra Davidson (Women's Basketball) and Jamie VanDeWerker (Women's Swim & Dive) were all honored with the special recognition.
Butterbaugh finished her career with a 3.94 cumulative grade point average, earning a degree in speech and hearing and health sciences. As a four-year CSU Athletic Academic honoree, Butterbaugh was named to the Cleveland State Dean's List six times, while also picking up the Cleveland State Athletics John McLendon Award as a senior.
A two-time Horizon League All-Academic Team honoree, Butterbaugh also helped the cross country team earn NCAA All-Academic Team accolades every season of her career.
As a three-season student-athlete, Butterbaugh competed on the cross country, indoor track and field and outdoor track and field teams for the Vikings. Last fall, Butterbaugh helped the cross country team to its best finish at the Horizon League Championship, as the Vikings finished fourth and picked up a trio of all-league accolades.
Davidson, who graduated in just three years, finished her psychology degree with a 3.94 cumulative grade point average. As a sophomore and junior, Davidson was appointed to serve as a student member of the Cleveland State University Board of Trustees, and was also heavily involved with the CSU Student-Athlete Advisory Council.
A five-time Cleveland State Dean's List honoree, Davidson also picked up CSU Athletic Academic honors every year of her collegiate career.
Davidson was a member of the women's basketball team, helping the Vikings to one of their best seasons in recent history during the 2017-18 campaign, as Cleveland State finished the year with a 19-11 record.
VanDewerker completed her degree in pre-physical therapy with a 3.98 cumulative grade point average – earning the Cleveland State Athletics President's Award for the highest GPA among graduating seniors.
As a member of the Cleveland State Honors College, VanDewerker was named to the Dean's List seven times throughout her career and earned CSU Athletic Academic honors all four years.
VanDewerker was an integral member of the women's swimming and diving team, most recently setting a school record in the 100 Backstroke at the Horizon League Championship, while also swimming part of the 200 Medley and 400 Medley relays that also set program records.
Below is a list of CSU student-athletes who took part in this year's graduation ceremony.
Ashanti Abshaw, Women's Basketball
Katie Bainbridge, Women's Soccer
Shadae Bosley, Women's Basketball
Samantha Butterbaugh, Cross Country & Track
Kenny Carpenter, Men's Basketball
Kristin Catalano, Softball
Nick Corba, Wrestling
Larissa Czupik, Women's Swimming
Jamie Daniels, Women's Soccer
Sierra Davidson, Women's Basketball
Kait Gairing, Softball
Matthew Gebbett, Men's Fencing
Jamarcus Hairston, Men's Basketball
Terrell Hales, Men's Basketball
Mercedes Hobbs, Women's Basketball
Mackenzie Joecken, Softball
Sophie Kelner, Women's Golf
Gina Kilner, Volleyball
Karen Kosik, Women's Track
Jon LaValle, Men's Swimming
Patrick Luth, Men's Golf
Pavle Majerle, Men's Soccer
John Martin, Wrestling
Matt McAdoo, Men's Golf
Alexis Middlebrooks, Volleyball
Katie Mihalik, Volleyball
Sarah Mok, Women's Fencing
Mirko Radosevic, Men's Tenis
Cameil Ruffing, Women's Fencing
Jana Schober, Women's Tennis
Bridget Smik, Women's Cross Country
Robert Stark, Wrestling
Patrick Tippen, Men's Swimming
Aubrie Tone, Softball
Madisen Tretter, Women's Swimming
Marquia Turner, Women's Basketball
Emily Turski, Women's Golf
Jamie VanDewerker, Women's Swimming
Grant Wethington, Men's Swimming
Jessica White, Women's Track
Parese Williams, Men's Lacrosse
Mel Woodard, Softball
Bobby Word, Men's Basketball
Tobie Zeller, Women's Swimming
