June 15, 2012

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University honored its Outstanding Graduates for the 2011-2012 academic year at spring Commencement Saturday, June 9.

Faculty members from each academic department select one graduate to honor as the Outstanding Graduate of the year. Selection is a high honor based on grades, research and writing, service to the campus and community, and promise for the future.

Erin Craven, WWU's Outstanding Graduate in Communication, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Communication and a minor in French. After being admitted to WWU with distinction in 2008, Craven received the President's Scholarship and made several appearances on the President's List honor roll. Her Intercultural Communication research paper was nominated to be included in Scholars Week. On campus, Craven was a Compass 2 Campus youth mentor, a volunteer with KUGS radio and Intercollegiate Volleyball Fan of the Year. She also participated in intramural softball and volleyball and was an intern with the WWU Athletic Department where she led and helped develop the Junior Viking and Ball Kid programs. After graduation, she plans to join AmeriCorps to work in community outreach and youth development in hopes of eventually pursuing a career in athletics, particularly youth sports programs. A graduate of Emerald Ridge High School, Craven is the daughter of Michael and Kelly Craven of Puyallup.