Margaret Vaitkus of Sawyer, Mich., has been named the Northern Michigan University Languages, Literatures and International Studies 2020-21 outstanding graduating senior. She is graduating May 1 with degrees in Spanish and fisheries and wildlife management.
Vaitkus was captain of the NMU Swim and Dive Team. Although her plans to study in Spain were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, she has used her Spanish language skills to connect with people of all ages, from YMCA campers to her swim and dive teammates.
According to Vaitkus' biography for the award, her language study has empowered her to teach herself Lithuanian in order to keep the language alive in her family. She's attending Indiana University-Bloomington to pursue an MPA-MSES in environmental policy and natural resource management.
NMU's virtual commencement will be held at 10 a.m. EST Saturday, May 1. Bryan Terrell Clark, a Broadway performer who played George Washington in Hamilton, will be the keynote speaker. Learn more about commencement and access a link to watch it live at www.nmu.edu/commencement.