News Release
May 18, 2017
Contact Lisa Hall 425-352-5461 / lhall7@uw.edu
Lingling Yuan, Kyra Laughlin, Erica Qiao to receive medals at University of Washington Bothell commencement
Lingling Yuan, Kyra Laughlin and Erica Qiao
BOTHELL, Washington – A summa cum laude graduate who doesn’t look back at grades, the founder of a sexual assault education group and the president of two student clubs will be honored with medals at the University of Washington Bothell’s June 13 commencement ceremony.
Lingling Yuan receives the President’s Medal, which recognizes the graduating senior with the most distinguished academic record. Kyra Laughlin and Erica Qiao receive the Chancellor’s Medal, which recognizes inspirational seniors for their commitment to learning.
Yuan, graduating with summa cum laude honors with a degree in interdisciplinary arts, decided not to focus solely on grades. Instead, she pushes ahead and expresses herself through her art. Yuan hopes to enter the K-8 certification program at UW Bothell and become a teacher. “I feel early education is really important,” she said. “That’s why I hope to work with kids.”
Laughlin, who is graduating with a degree in gender, women and sexuality studies, founded Sexual Assault and Violence Education (S.A.V.E.) to increase awareness and to support survivors. The organization won a T-Mobile grant after her presentation at UW Bothell's Equity and Inclusion Conference. After graduating, Laughlin will continue on campus, working on her master’s degree in cultural studies.
As president of Students Affecting Change, Qiao led this spring’s food drive that collected 700 pounds of soup, pasta and other nonperishables for the Hungry Huskies Food Pantry. As president of the Pre-Health Society, Qiao arranged events and volunteer or mentor opportunities for students planning careers in the health field. Graduating with a degree in biology, Qiao plans to attend medical school.
“Lingling, Kyra and Erica represent what’s best at UW Bothell – academic excellence and learning by building relationships and engaging with the community on campus and beyond,” said Chancellor Wolf Yeigh. “All three are committed to continuing their education and service to the public.”
About UW Bothell: UW Bothell provides access to an exceptional University of Washington education to students in a small campus environment that fosters student achievement. Offering more than 55 undergraduate and graduate degrees, options, certificates and concentrations, UW Bothell builds regional partnerships, inspires change, creates knowledge, shares discoveries and prepares students for leadership in the state of Washington and beyond.
