EAU CLAIRE -- Seniors Julie Rothamer and Robyn Smith have been chosen to speak at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire spring commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 24.

Rothamer, a communication arts major from Spencer, will speak at the morning ceremony for graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences and those receiving master's degrees. Her speech titled "Opportunities" reflects her belief that most problems can be made into opportunities.

"Every occurrence in life can be an opportunity," said Rothamer. "My dad is the person who encouraged me to focus on opportunities rather than problems."

Rothamer is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and served as the organization's president during her junior year. She also is a member of Mortar Board, Alpha Lambda Delta and Phi Kappa Phi. She has secured a job with the regional office of Valvoline Instant Oil Change in Plymouth, Minn., and will work as an employment recruiter following graduation.

Smith, an honors nursing student from Chippewa Falls, will deliver her speech at the afternoon ceremony for graduates of the College of Business and the College of Professional Studies and receive her bachelor of science degree in nursing.

In her speech, Smith describes her appreciation for education and experiences as a non-traditional student. She returned to college in 1992 as a wife, mother of four, and part-time employee.

"Just like the nursing profession, education is a combination of many different threads," Smith said. "My professors, classmates and family have all contributed threads which have created a beautiful tapestry of experiences; without each thread my tapestry would be incomplete."

For the past year, Smith has worked as a student intern in the Trauma, Neuroscience and Pediatrics Department at Luther Hospital. She also is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, a nursing honor society, and the Eau Claire Student Nurses Association. She plans to pursue a master's degree in nursing in the fall at UW-Eau Claire and will continue working at Luther Hospital as a registered nurse. In the future, Smith hopes to continue working in trauma care and enjoys working with families.

Spring commencement ceremonies will begin at 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday, May 24, in Zorn Arena.

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SRS/JB

Updated: May 16, 1997