MACOMB, Ill.  -  Fifty-eight Western Illinois University student athletes were awarded degrees at the class of 2010 graduation ceremonies held in Western Hall, May 14-15.

The student athletes earned bachelor degrees in 32 different majors with a representative from each of Western's 20 NCAA sponsored sports in attendance.

“Earning a degree is the number one goal for our student athletes,” Western Illinois Associate Director of Athletics Josh Moon said. “We want to thank all of our graduating seniors for their contributions to Western Illinois and wish them all the best as they head off into the professional world.”

Among the 1,931 students, Fighting Leatherneck golfer Shane Kwaterski and softball player Lori Pankratz were chosen to serve as a graduation marshals during their respective undergraduate commencement ceremonies. The honor is granted based on grade point average and is limited to only eight students per ceremony, totaling 24 graduation marshals. Graduation marshals guide and lead students, faculty and the stage party throughout the entire ceremony.