Photographer: Maire McMahon ’15
Working through adversity and meeting people from different walks of life are just a few of the many experiences Shannon Killeen will take away from Winona State University. But she says that what really made her college experience worthwhile, and what really makes her proud to graduate from WSU, is knowing she’s part of a community of people who are passionate about working together to better our world.
The Cottage Grove, Minnesota, native went from wanting to leave college her freshman year to getting involved all across campus and becoming a vital part of the energy that drew her to WSU in the first place.
“WSU has helped me achieve my goals by providing me with opportunities to expand my mind and with experiences that have helped me to understand who I am and the impact I can have in this world,” Killeen said.
Killeen graduates with a nursing major and communication studies minor. She plans to continue her education, travel, and work as a nurse.
During her time at WSU, Killeen was actively involved with Student Senate as the College of Nursing and Health Sciences senator for five years. She also acted as a member of the Student Services Committee, student coordinator of the American Red Cross Blood Drive, and the chair of the Community Affairs Committee. Killeen acted as the Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA) Campus Coordinator for one year, a delegate for four years, and as a lobby corps member.
A member of the WSU’s Student Health Insurance Task Force, Killeen was also part of the Wellness Exchange for Lifelong Learners Conference Program Planning Team; the Sexual Violence Advisory Committee; and was a member of Lambda Pi Eta, Nu Pi Chapter, the honor society of The National Communication Association.
Killeen’s involvement on campus exemplifies her ideals. “My generation and everyone has the power to make this world a better place and to create positive change for humanity,” she said.
Killeen leaves her peers with this advice: “Do what makes you happy in this world. It is okay to make mistakes and to fall flat on your face. What counts is that you get up.”
For more information on the Spring 2014 WSU Commencement ceremonies, visit: http://www.winona.edu/registrar/commencementhome.asp.
We are so proud of this young lady Shannon Killeen. It is an amazing thing to see a young ,nervous and dare I say frightened young high school graduate touring colleges to pick just the right one or is this the right one ? To Winona State University and the students and the faculty and the people of this community that makes this a place for learning and growing , opportunity and hope in the future for all its members, I would like to say , Thank You ! This truly was the right one. A University that took a young girl and challenged her and developed her into a young women with goals and dreams and an education filled with hope and purpose. What a wonderful and marvelous thing has occurred as a young mind has matured and allowed me as a parent to be an observer as our children grow into responsible and amazing people. To Shannon and her peers, I say Congratulations, a job well done! The future is yours to change, do it well.