DISTINGUISHED STUDENTS HONORED — Pictured are from left, are Mateo Longoria IV, Ashlee Louise Muschalek, Dr. Terisa Remelius, vice president for student affairs, Kara Leigh Simnacher and Justin A. Thompson. Four graduates at Texas A&M University- Kingsville’s summer commencement ceremony received the Distinguished Undergraduate Student Award sponsored by the Student Government Association. Only one bachelor’s degree student from each college receives the award.

To be nominated, a student must be a graduating senior with no less than 60 credit hours earned at Texas A&MKingsville. The student must have at least a 3.5 grade point average and must be involved in extracurricular activities. The student also must have the endorsement of the dean of the college from which he/she receives a degree.

This summer’s recipients are Ashlee Louise Muschalek, College of Arts and Sciences; Mateo Longoria IV, Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences;

Kara Leigh Simnacher, College of Education; and Justin A. Thompson, Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering.

Hailing from Edna, Muschalek earned a degree in communication sciences and disorders. She served as assistant vice president and vice president of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association-Texas A&MKingsville chapter. Muschalek was included in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and has been on the President’s List. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Psi Chi National Honor Society and Lambda Sigma Society. Muschalek received the Presidential Silver Scholarship, the Texas Valedictorian Scholarship and the ALCOA Foundation Son’s and Daughter’s Scholarship. She completed her studies with a 4.0 grade point average.

Longoria, from Falfurrias, graduated with a degree in agricultural science. He is a member of the Texas Wildlife Society Student Chapter and Collegiate FFA. Longoria also is a member of ATA Agricultural Honor Society and has been on the Honor Roll and Dean’s List. He was the recipient of the STARS Scholarship and is graduating with a 3.62 grade point average.

Simnacher, of Victoria, received her degree in kinesiology. She was included in Who’s Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges and has been on both the President’s List and Dean’s List. Simnacher is a member of the HKN Club and was inducted into the Phi Epsilon Kappa Honor Fraternity. She graduated with 3.82 grade point average.

Thompson is from Alice and earned a degree in industrial technology. He has been on the Dean’s List and is a member of Epsilon Pi Tau. Thompson graduated with a grade point average of 3.65.