First speech communication major wins award

by Janah Valenzuela
Staff Writer

With only two weeks left until graduation, Audrey Butcher has proven her commitment to reaching her goal with, as she put it, unconditional support from her family and the University of La Verne speech communication department.

On May 24, Butcher will make history when she becomes the University of La Verne's first ever recipient of a bachelor of arts in speech communication. The department that was started just two years ago.

Butcher was also the department's first academic award recipient in Saturday's ceremony.

"We're really proud of her because she not only is the first in her major, but she's had to work extra hard to get out in four years," said Diana Butcher, Audrey's mother.

"She's been really focused all her life," Diana Butcher said. "When she wants something, she usually gets it. She's real accustomed to what happens when you go for what you want."

Butcher came to ULV in 1999 after graduating from St. Lucy's Priory High School and declared liberal studies as her major. Her real goal, however, was to become a speech pathologist.

It was fall of her junior year when the University introduced the new speech communication major.

"When the school offered the new major, I was determined to change my major and still graduate on time," Butcher said. "I knew that I had a huge challenge to face, but I was determined to focus on the goal of pursuing the major."

"I had to take four classes at three different schools last summer, which left me with no summer break," Butcher said, "but I knew that the outcome was going to be worth the sacrifice."

Additionally, Butcher said she had to take 18 units every semester after changing her major, and had to pass every single class to finish on time.

"I have always been impressed with her dedication and her motivation to help others," said Ian Lising, instructor of speech and debate. "I see only good things for her and her future."

A student involved in numerous campus activities, Butcher also had to balance her time between playing basketball for the University's team and her membership in Sigma Kappa sorority.

Butcher's academic adviser said it was fortunate that the major came along when it did because it fit right into her plans.

"We had worked on the best directions for her academically and this was a perfect fit," said her adviser Eric Bishop, director of academic advising and enrollment management.

"Since I've known Audrey, she has always thrown herself into everything fully," Bishop said. "I have the highest regard for her as a student and as a person. She is a great representative to be the program's initial graduate."

Butcher said she was excited to receive her award on Saturday and be honored by her advisers whom she respects and admires.

"It's also nice to get recognized for all my hard work throughout the past year-and-a-half, after changing my major," she said.

After graduation, Butcher plans to enter a master's program in speech at Cal State Fullerton and then pursue a career in speech pathology, working with young children.

"I get great satisfaction helping others and seeing the difference I make in their lives," Butcher said.

"She leaves ULV with practical communication skills and theoretical background that will surely bode well for her later," said Jeanne Flora, assistant professor of speech communication. "Audrey's communication skills are a lifelong skills that employers appreciate and respect."

When asked how she felt about being the first ULV graduate in her major, Butcher laughed and replied, "I'm ecstatic ... I want my own building, the Audrey Butcher Speech Communication Building!"