The Dux Program 2016

THE DUX*

WMU-Cooley Law School
DUX Honorees
July 14, 2016
The Tampa Club

THE DUX 2016

THE OCCASION

“Dux” is Latin for leader. Western Michigan University Cooley Law
School at Tampa Bay strives, through its professional instruction and
tutelage, to create leaders and trailblazers in the practice of law. To
celebrate those who ascend to high levels of academic success,
achieved by way of a demonstration to a commitment to scholarship,
time management, and civil association, Professor Karen D. Fultz and
Tampa Bay Campus Director, Dionnie Wynter, developed this
evening’s annual honor event admirably known as “The Dux”.

Tonight we celebrate with our students who have been recognized, at
the end of Hilary Term 2016, for their academic ranking in the top
10% of their respective classes. Student invitees at this year’s event
are members representing the following classes: The Harlan Fiske
Stone Class, the Fred Moore Vinson Class and the Earl Warren
Class. In addition to toasting to the occasion and the student invitees’
achievement, we also make sure to pause and congratulate the family
members who join in the sacrifice and commitments that contribute
to the student invitee’s accomplishment of their goals here at Cooley.

Professor Fultz and Director Wynter would like to personally extend
their felicitations to the student invitees and their families and look
forward to welcoming every Dux.

*Professor Karen Fultz lectures in Torts and Equity and Remedies.
*Campus Director Dionnie Wynter oversees the day to day operations of the campus. She also serves as an adjunct faculty
member.

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THE DUX 2016

Mr. Arash Aminpour, Son of Amir & Zari Aminpour

University of South Florida, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

Mr. Aminpour grew up in the Tampa area and attending WMU-Cooley Law School gives him the
opportunity to stay local and to build relationships within the legal community. In five years, he sees
himself as an attorney practicing here in Tampa.

Ms. Sarah Barnett, Daughter of Ken and Bonnie Barnett

Hofstra University, Bachelor of Science, Legal Studies

 2015 & 2016 Dux Honoree 
Ms. Barnett is a wife, mother, Cooley student, and a leader in her growing online fitness business. She
chose WMU-Cooley Law School because it was the best fit for her needs and the needs of her family. Five
years from now, she sees herself working in civil litigation and working towards becoming a certified
mediator. Her husband and family are her support system that makes her success in law school possible.

Ms. Dericka Y. Burke, Daughter of Marilyn Jenkins & Derrick Chisolm

University of South Florida, Bachelor of Arts, Criminology

Ms. Burke considers herself a realist. She learned how to take the most grandiose of dreams and balance
them against the realities of life. In five years, she sees herself litigating at an employment law firm. She
came to WMU-Cooley Law School for the great scholarship opportunities and to learn hands-on skills. Her
faith and family are most important to her; they are both the reasons for her success thus far and the
reasons that it will continue.

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THE DUX 2016

Ms. Shiela R. Burke, Daughter of Collin, Barbara, & Madeline Roberts

Full Sail University, Bachelor of Science, Entertainment Business

 2014, 2015 & 2016 Dux Honoree 
Ms. Burke married her high-school sweetheart, Enrique, and they have two children: Deon and Enrique
Jr. She is also a classically trained pianist. She attends WMU-Cooley Law School because of the practical,
hands-on exposure and resources that it provides to prepare its students to become successful attorneys.
In the next five years, she sees herself as a member of The Florida Bar practicing law as an in-house
attorney.

Ms. Christie M. Coston, Daughter of Jim Coston & Charlene Wendland

University of South Florida, Bachelor of Science, Business Management
Ms. Coston is currently working as a trial witness for an asset management company. Her experience in
this role inspired her to pursue a law degree and a career in civil litigation. She made the decision to
attend WMU-Cooley Law School because of the flexible class schedule, location, and scholarships. She is
grateful to have this opportunity and looks forward to starting her career as an attorney.

Ms. Anna-Marie R. Cunningham,

Daughter of Felipe & Aida Rodriguez
University of Tampa, Bachelor of Liberal Studies
Ms. Cunningham chose WMU-Cooley Law School because she was impressed with the many options
offered to obtain a law degree. Family is extremely important to her, so it was crucial that they not be
displaced. She is so very happy that Cooley picked her!

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THE DUX 2016

Mr. Matthew L. DeMint, Son of Richard & Jodi DeMint

University of South Florida St Petersburg, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science

 2015 & 2016 Dux Honoree 
Mr. DeMint enjoys working with other law students and lawyers to help solve problems. WMU-Cooley
Law School gives him the opportunity to do exactly that. He looks forward to working in the real world to
provide advice as a solo practitioner. His parents have been a great help in making him the person that he
is today and helping him pursue his goals.

Ms. Theresa L. Ferriolo, Daughter of John & Bonnie Ferriolo

University of South Florida, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and Communications

Ms. Ferriolo is a young professional, aspiring to make positive changes to her community and our planet.
Five years from now, she sees herself as a practicing environmental attorney helping to protect our
natural resources while creating a more sustainable future. She attends WMU-Cooley Law School because
she appreciates the vast opportunities that she has available to her and she values the flexibility that
Cooley has to offer. Her parents, partner, and friends are the most important people in her life and
without their support she would not be where she is today.

Ms. Simone D. Genus, Daughter of Huan & Dorseth Genus

Monroe College, Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Management

 2014, 2015 & 2016 Dux Honoree 
Ms. Genus is a goal-oriented, determined person who continually strives towards self-improvement. She
is fortunate to be pursuing her law school journey at WMU-Cooley Law School because Cooley gave her
an opportunity that other law schools were not willing to give to her. She took advantage of the
opportunity, worked hard, and has achieved much success. In the future, she intends to make her legal
career be about the pursuit of justice; to be ethical, professional, and responsible in her decisions; and to
be a fierce advocate for good, whether through her professional duties to her clients, or through
community service and outreach.

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THE DUX 2016

Ms. Leigh A. Grooms,

Indiana University, Bachelor of Science, Human Resources & International Business

Ms. Grooms is strongly committed to running her real estate company and being a successful law student.
The rest of her time is spent with her children, family and friends, traveling as much as possible and
volunteering in the community. Law school has always been something that she knew she would
eventually do and, as a working mom, WMU-Cooley Law School is a perfect fit. Her children and friends
inspire her to grow and be a better person every day. She recognizes the power that the law has on
people's lives and wants to be a part of it, truly making a difference.

Ms. Jessica L. Hopkins, Daughter of Bill Letson & Belinda Hall

University of South Florida, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
Ms. Hopkins has been a resident of Tampa since 2007. Once she decided to attend law school, she knew
WMU Cooley Law School was the law school for her and she hasn't regretted her decision. Cooley has
given her more than she could have ever imagined. Not only has Cooley provided her with the necessary
foundation for success, but it has also landed her a great judicial externship with the Twelfth Judicial
Circuit in Arkansas, and it is where she met her wonderful husband, with whom she now has the most
beautiful son.

Ms. Sara Koser, Daughter of Joan & Robert Koser, M.D.

University of South Florida, Bachelor of Arts in History & Anthropology
Ms. Koser attends WMU-Cooley Law School because she is confident that she will gain the skills necessary
to carry out her desire of becoming an attorney. Whether her time at Cooley eventually leads her to the
path of advocacy, the path of representing accident victims, or even the path of discovering unfair and
unequal contract revisions, she knows that she will be using her education to benefit others. She would
not be here today celebrating her academic achievements without the support and love of her fiancé,
Madisson, who has been her number one cheerleader since her first day of being a Juris Doctor
candidate.

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THE DUX 2016

Mr. Frank Lacitignola, Son of Peter & Elivira Lacitignola

United States Military Academy at West Point, Bachelor of Science, Engineering

Mr. Lacitignola is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with extensive experience in the Middle East and
South Central Asia. WMU-Cooley Law School has helped him to begin realizing his life goal of returning to
the public sector in efforts to contribute to the national security of our nation. He will always be grateful
and indebted to Cooley, it’s superb faculty and staff, and to all his classmates.

Ms. Sheila M. Lake, Wife of Noel D. Lake

Eckerd College, Bachelors in American Studies & Political Science

Mrs. Lake is an advocate for equality and justice. She is attending WMU-Cooley Law School to obtain her
Juris Doctor in the hopes that it will provide her with a platform to effectively advocate for equality and
justice, with particular emphasis on children and minorities. In five years, she intends to run for City
Council as a beginning step toward making a difference in the daily lives of underprivileged and
disadvantaged members of the community.

Mr. Nicholas Langenkamp, Son of Mark and Sue Langenkamp

University of South Florida, Bachelor of Arts, English Literature
 2015 & 2016 Dux Honoree 

Mr. Langenkamp is the oldest of nine children and a drummer with Longbow, the family band. He wants
to be a lawyer as they are, to quote his father, "the guarantors of freedom." He is interested in criminal
law and, since becoming a drummer, he has become very intrigued with intellectual property law.

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THE DUX 2016

Mr. David R. Lee, Son of Joseph & Rita Lee

University of Toronto, Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Mr. Lee is from Canada. Five years from now, he plans on returning home and hopes to work in some
form of litigation.

Mr. Derek T. Matthews, Son of Mark & Kate Matthews

George Washington University, Bachelor of Science, Biology, Pre Med
 2015 & 2016 Dux Honoree 

Mr. Matthews lives in Valrico with his three children and his wife, Rhonda, without whom none of this
would be possible. He works as a District Manager in the pharmaceutical industry and has a clinical
medical background. Derek would like to use his legal degree to work with Industry in Corporate
Compliance.

Ms. Rosina M. Mayo, Daughter Vincent & Sandra Ermilio

St. Leo University, Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
Ms. Mayo grew up in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and moved to Florida for college. She is the
current President of the Mock Trial Board and Community Service Chair for Phi Delta Phi. Ms. Mayo
works for an agency contracted with Department of Children and Families. She has worked in the child
welfare field for the past thirteen years, but sees herself taking on an entirely new adventure in the
future. Her desire is to work in Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, and Wills and Probate Law. This
adventure will start in Pennsylvania, mainly her home town of Philadelphia.

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THE DUX 2016

Ms. Natalie A. McSwane, Daughter of Ed & Bonnie Williams

New Mexico State University, Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice & Government

2015 & 2016 Dux Honoree 
Before law school, Ms. McSwane worked as a Deputy Sheriff until she had her daughter, Lacey. Although
she loved her career, it wasn't the best option for her new family. She and her husband decided pursuing
a career as an attorney would be a great option because law is her passion. She worked as a reserve officer
for the University of Florida for approximately two years before she decided to attend WMU-Cooley Law
School. In the future, she sees her family living in Panama City, Florida, working with a great law firm.

Ms. Amanda Mendez, Daughter of Juan Carlos Mendez & Isolina Franco

University of Florida, Bachelor of Science, Political Science
Independent, ambitious, and determined are just a few words Ms. Mendez would use to describe herself.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, she moved to Florida to attend college at University of South Florida.
She decided to go to WMU-Cooley Law School based on the great faculty and the convenient location. In
five years, she sees herself proudly serving her country in the United States Air Force as a Judge Advocate
General.

Ms. Daniela E. Mendez, Daughter of Leonardo Speing & Nestora Terrero

University of South Florida, Bachelor of Arts, Criminology
Ms. Mendez couldn’t have made it this far without the support of her loving husband, family, and friends.
She chose to come to WMU-Cooley Law School for the flexible class schedule and scholarship
opportunities. She would love to work in the Executive Office of Immigration Review of the United States
Department of Justice.

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THE DUX 2016

Mr. Daniel J. Munzner, Son of Robert & Rosalie Munzner

Chaminade University, Bachelor of Arts, Historical & Political Studies
 2015 & 2016 Dux Honoree 

Mr. Munzner is career military and currently a Sergeant with the Polk County Sheriff's Office. He is at
WMU-Cooley Law School to get a degree with a focus on administrative and constitutional law so that he
can help give back to the people with whom he has served over the years. In five years, he hopes to be in
solo practice, consulting and representing agencies and agency members with their legal needs. Most
important to him is his family: his wife, Kim, and his daughters, Kayleigh and Kaitlin.

Mr. Ken H. Ono, Son of Hirofumi & Setsuko Ono

University of Georgia, Bachelor of Arts, Real Estate & Japanese
Mr. Ono works as a paralegal in Morgan and Morgan's Mass Tort Department. When law school is not
demanding his attention, he is an avid golfer and enjoys sports in general. He sees himself practicing law
in either Georgia or Florida but is unsure about which field. His family, especially his sister, Clarissa, has
helped and motivated him through his career by being an exemplary person with her quiet strength to
persevere in the face of adversity and being content with the results when you always give it your all.

Mr. Jarrod D. Prater, Son of Dwayne & Jackie Prater

University of Florida, Bachelor of Arts, History
 2014, 2015 & 2016 Dux Honoree 

Mr. Prater chose WMU-Cooley Law School mainly because of the professors having real-life experience
practicing in the subjects they teach. It was during some of these courses that he developed an interest in
real estate. Because of this interest, he chose the concentration of Business Transactions and hopes to
practice in real estate law after his legal education is completed.

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THE DUX 2016

Ms. Cynthia L. Pritchett, Daughter of Ran & Viv Van Donselaar

Central College, Bachelor of Science, Political Science
Ms. Pritchett chose WMU-Cooley Law School because of the schedule flexibility, which allowed her to
continue working full-time while attending law school. She is blessed by the support of her Mom, Viv, and
her "adopted" parents, Scott and Lorraine. Her dream job would be living overseas, practicing
International Law in England, France, or Australia.

Mr. Lee T. Ruiz, Son of Joe & Chris Ruiz

University of South Florida, Bachelor of Arts, Spanish
 2015 & 2016 Dux Honoree 

Mr. Ruiz is driven and passionate about being successful and assisting those in need. He has had to
overcome many physical, medical, and mental challenges to arrive at the point in which he finds himself
today. He hopes to be a model for those who face difficulties in their lives to continue the struggle and
overcome. The most important people in his life are his parents, his girlfriend, and especially his late
grandmother. In five years, he sees himself married, with kids, and culminating into a future "changer" of
the world and impacting the society in which we live.

Mr. Timothy F. Saitta, Son of Timothy & Margaret Saitta

Southern Illinois University, Bachelor of Science, Management
Mr. Saitta is a former Human Resources professional with aspirations of becoming a trial attorney and
perhaps, a judge. He is at WMU-Cooley Law School because he appreciates the practical instruction and
the ability to study year-round. Five years from now, he sees himself working hard. Those who support
and care about him are the most important in his life and it is for them that he will work hard to become
the best attorney that he can.

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THE DUX 2016

Mr. Justin W. Sblano, Son of Judy & Wayne Sblano

University of West Florida, Bachelor of Science, Political Science & Pre Law

Mr. Sblano is an avid distance runner. He lived in Pensacola for the past five years, pursuing his
Bachelor's and Master's degrees, where he specialized in American Politics. Foregoing a Ph.D. for now, he
is at WMU-Cooley Law School pursuing a Juris Doctor, where he is much closer to where his family lives
in Citrus Springs, Florida.

Mr. Sean M. Spiering, Son of Robert & Denise Spiering

The University of Tampa, Bachelor of Science, Criminology & Philosophy
 2015 & 2016 Dux Honoree 

Mr. Spiering enjoys the process of understanding legal concepts and applying them. He looks forward to
becoming licensed so that he can continue his ongoing thirst for legal knowledge as a licensed
professional. Those people who are focused, passionate, and hard-working are the people he looks up to
the most.

Ms. Katherine A. Taylor,

Daughter of Paul & Caren Taylor, Mary McGillicuddy, Tricia Molzow
Florida Gulf Coast University, Bachelor of Science, Legal Studies
Ms. Taylor is at WMU-Cooley Law School to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming an attorney. In five
years, she hopes to become a successful attorney that has the ability to help those who have helped mold
her into the person she is today, and to use what she has learned and experienced as a law student to
help others in need. The most important people in her life include her family, her fiancé, Jason, his family,
and her friends.

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THE DUX 2016

Mr. George G. Triantis, Son of Mary & Gus Triantis

University of Maryland, Bachelor of Arts, Government & Politics

Mr. Triantis’ brother, Ulysses, is a recent graduate of WMU-Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, and
practices in Maryland. His uncle was a member of one of the first graduating classes of The Thomas M.
Cooley Law School in Lansing over forty years ago, so it has become a family tradition to attend Cooley
Law School. He hopes to one day see himself as corporate counselor for a large company.

Mr. Eric J. Watson, Son of Steve & Joyce Darrisaw

University of West Georgia, Bachelor of Arts, History

Humanity is his weakness. Protecting our society from its inherent dangers motivates Mr. Watson to
become an advocate for those who cannot protect themselves. WMU-Cooley Law School has provided
him with an education, fraternity, and the experience that he needed to shape himself into becoming a
prosecutor within the next five years. Through God’s will, he will protect the society that he loves.

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THE DUX 2016

Also Honored

Ms. Carolina Arias

Ms. Stacy L. Forehand

 2015 & 2016 Dux Honoree 

Mr. Thomas F. Gilbert

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THE DUX 2016

Past DUX Graduates
Where Are They Now?

Mr. Aleksey Boohoff,

Charles Evans Hughes Class Graduate, April 2016
Mr. Boohoff is preparing to sit for the Florida Bar Exam. He is currently working at Boohoff Law Firm in
Brandon.

Ms. Robyn Crawford,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Ms. Crawford is a member of The Florida Bar and is an Assistant State Attorney at the State Attorney’s
Office of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Bryan R. Devolder,

William Howard Taft Class Graduate, January 2016
Mr. Devolder is the Managing Attorney at Devolder Law Firm, PLLC. He and his wife, Elizabeth, also
operate a business, Devolder Legal Learning, that provides academic coaching for Cooley students.

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THE DUX 2016

Ms. Elizabeth Devolder,

Charles Evans Hughes Class Graduate, April 2016
Ms. Devolder is preparing to take the Florida Bar Exam. She and her husband, Bryan, operate a business,
Devolder Legal Learning, that provides academic coaching for Cooley students.

Mr. Anthony J. DiPierro,

William Howard Taft Class Graduate, January 2016
Mr. DiPierro is a member of The Florida Bar.

Ms. Nicole Engebretsen,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Ms. Engebretsen is a member of The Florida Bar and is an Associate Attorney with Badawi Law in Tampa.

Ms. Lauren Frieder,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Ms. Frieder is a member of The Florida Bar and is an attorney with Christopher Ligori & Associates in
Tampa, Florida.

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THE DUX 2016

Ms. Tiera Henry,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Ms. Henry is a member of The Florida Bar and is an Associate Attorney with Pycraft Law, LLC, in St.
Augustine, Florida.

Ms. Sarah J. Harris,

William Howard Taft Class Graduate, January 2016
Ms. Harris is a member of The Florida Bar.

Ms. Nicole Gehringer,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Ms. Gehringer is a member of The Florida Bar and is a Judicial Staff Attorney with the Thirteenth Judicial
Circuit Court in Tampa, Florida.

Mr. James Klinedinst,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Mr. Klinedinst is a member of The Florida Bar and is an Assistant Staff Judge Advocate with the United
States Air Force.

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THE DUX 2016

Ms. Elena Krekovic,

William Howard Taft Class Graduate, January 2016
Ms. Krekovic is a member of The Florida Bar.

Ms. Danica Malloy,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Ms. Malloy is a member of The Florida Bar. She recently moved to England and is studying to qualify for
her solicitors license.

Mr. Mark Messerschmidt,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Mr. Messerschmidt is a member of The Florida Bar and is an Associate Attorney at La Cava & Jacobson,
P.A., in Tampa, Florida.

Mr. Michael Mewborn,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Mr. Mewborn is a member of The North Carolina State Bar.

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THE DUX 2016

Ms. Christina Mitchell,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015

Ms. Mitchell is a member of The Florida Bar. She is an Account Support Representative/Legal Consultant
at United Delta Technologies in Tampa, Florida.

Ms. Jennifer Mulhern,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Ms. Mulhern is a member of The Florida Bar. She is currently a Director at Florida Neurologic
Rehabilitation.

Mr. Aaron Rothstein,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Mr. Rothstein is a member of The Florida Bar. He is currently an Assistant State Attorney in Brevard
County, Florida.

Ms. Maryam Saleh,

William Howard Taft Class Graduate, January 2016
Ms. Saleh is a member of The Florida Bar. She is currently a student at Medill School of Journalism at
Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois.

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THE DUX 2016

Ms. Sumayya Saleh,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015

Ms. Saleh is a member of The Florida Bar. She is a Staff Attorney at The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court in
Tampa, Florida.

Mr. Shea Sandusky,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Mr. Sandusky is a member of The Florida Bar. He is an Attorney for Children’s Legal Services in
Bradenton, Florida.

Mr. Michael Schmiz,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Mr. Schmiz is a member of The Florida Bar. He is an Attorney at the Law Office of Michael Schmiz, P.A., in
Brandon, Florida.

Mr. Edward Stickles,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Mr. Stickles is a member of The Florida Bar. He is an Assistant State Attorney at the State Attorney’s Office
of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit.

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THE DUX 2016

Ms. Iris Timm,

Robert Trimble Class Graduate, April 2015
Ms. Timm is a member of The Florida Bar. She is an attorney in Celebration, Florida.

Mrs. Lisa A. Westberry,

William Howard Taft Class Graduate, January 2016
Ms. Westberry is a member of The Florida Bar and is employed at Barry A. Cohen, P.A., in Tampa, Florida.

Mr. Gregory B. Wimsett,

John McLean Class Graduate, August 2015
Mr. Wimsett is a member of The Florida Bar.

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THE DUX 2016

Acknowledgements

Ms. Karen Fultz

Associate Professor

Ms. Dionnie S. Wynter

Campus Director

Ms. Amy Bandow

Deputy Campus Director

Mr. Tony Alvarado

Enrollment & Student Services Coordinator

Ms. Laura Bare

Career and Professional Development Coordinator

Ms. Amber M. Thomas

Administrative Assistant

Ms. Codi Coslet

Faculty Secretary

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THE DUX 2016

Thank you to our generous sponsors:

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