CHARLESTON — Mersadeez Barrett has been recognized as one of Eastern Illinois University’s most distinguished seniors for 2025. Selected by the EIU Alumni Association Board of Directors, this prestigious honor is awarded to graduating students who have enriched the campus community through exceptional leadership, academic achievement, and active involvement in University life.
To be considered for the Distinguished Senior Award, students must have had a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be graduating in Spring, Summer, or Fall 2025. Recipients are chosen based on outstanding character and their contributions to EIU through academics, extracurricular involvement, and service to the campus and surrounding community.
Barrett, of Danville, was honored during a special awards ceremony held on April 26, at the Tarble Arts Center on EIU’s campus.
This recognition reflects Barrett’s commitment to excellence and lasting impact on the EIU community.
Local students named to UAF lists
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has announced the students named to the deans’ and chancellor’s lists for the spring 2025 semester. The lists recognize students’ outstanding academic achievements.
Students receiving a 3.9 grade point average or higher are placed on the chancellor’s list, while those receiving a grade point average of between 3.5 and 3.89 are named to the deans’ list.
Honors list students include: Veronica Sasseen of Danville, chancellor’s list; and Vashti Skinner of Perrysville, Ind., deans’ list.
UAF is a Land, Sea and Space Grant institution and is the leading doctoral degree-granting institution in the state of Alaska. Since it was founded in 1917, UAF has been internationally recognized for research relating to the Arctic and sub-Arctic in areas such as biology, geophysics, engineering, natural resources and climate.
Steward graduates from Emporia State
Shyanne MacKenzie Steward of Covington, Ind., was one of over 500 students who graduated from Emporia State University in May 2025.
Steward graduated with a Master of Science in Art Therapy Counseling.
Emporia State University in Emporia, Kan. offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.