LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures recognized 28 students for academic excellence, language proficiency and outstanding service at its annual honors reception April 15.

Among the recipients was freshman Zachary Christopher Ceman, Phillipsburg, son of Christopher Ceman and Joanne Niemczyk. He received an award for excellence in elementary Polish. He is a graduate of Phillipsburg High School.

* * *

SALINA -- Nearly 220 Kansas Wesleyan University degree candidates and fall 2007 graduates were eligible to participate in commencement day activities Saturday.

Among those who received bachelor's degrees are Ashley Coker, Hays; Lori Haas, La Crosse; Kelli Berg, Logan; and Brent Deibert, Hoxie.

* * *

MANHATTAN -- Tina Krafft, senior in animal sciences and industry from Phillipsburg, was named agriculture student of the Month for April at Kansas State University. She will receive a $100 scholarship from the Kansas Farm Bureau, the student of the month sponsor.

* * *

LAWRENCE -- More than 165 members the Class of 2008 will be recognized as top scholars during commencement at the University of Kansas on May 18.

Among them are the following northwest Kansas students:

* Carlie S. Bittel, Hays, daughter of Susan Bittel, Elizabeth M. Watkins-Emily Berger Scholar.

* Zachary Leon Fischer, Hill City, son of Vera Fischer, Ronald E. McNair Scholar.

* Melissa N. Luiso, Kensington, daughter of Nick and Margaret Luiso, Elizabeth M. Watkins-Emily Berger Scholar.

* * *

Sigma Alpha Lambda announces that Casey Lee Filbert, Hays, has been recognized as a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda, National Leadership and Honors Organization at University of Kansas.