ANN ARBOR—Stephanie Dionne, who will earn a B.S. degree in microbiology at the University of Michigan, will be the student speaker at the University’s winter commencement at 2 p.m. Dec. 16 in Crisler Arena.

More than 2,000 students expect their degrees this winter. Short story writer and novelist Charles Baxter will give the commencement address.

Dionne, a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta and Delta Epsilon Iota honor societies, is also the president of the Golden Key National Honor Society. She is a group facilitator for Women’s Studies 100: Introduction to Women’s Issues; a clinical research assistant at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, and served as a research assistant in the Department of Anesthesiology in the U-M Medical School.

Dionne is executive producer for the V-Day College Campaign, an anti-rape/ anti-violence campaign.

The Nova Scotia, Canada, native coaches the U-M synchronized swimming team, and served as team captain.

Dionne served a two-year commitment with the Americorps Service Scholars. While a member, Dionne founded and coordinated a program of tutoring at-risk urban elementary students. As a freelance writer Dionne has been published in several professional publications.

Dionne originally planned a career in music; she studied piano performance and music theory at Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Pa., putting her other love, science, on the backburner, she says. After realizing she could be involved with her music without a college degree, she decided to concentrate on science.

Dionne received her associate’s degree at Schoolcraft College in Livonia. While there, she served as a senior computer consultant for Ford Motor Company. She transferred to U-M in 1999 and knew right away she had made the right choice. “The diversity and opportunities are unparalleled.”

Dionne says that speaking at commencement is a huge honor. “I have wanted to do this since the day I got here; it is a chance to address my fellow students and at the same time represent them.”

Dionne’s speech reflects her enthusiasm for the school. “My speech is about remembering what it was that brought us to this University in the first place and holding on to that innate sense of curiosity.”

Jill Granger, a research associate in anesthesiology, worked with Dionne at the Medical School. “Stephanie is the kind of woman who can ‘roll with the punches’ with real flair. I have seen her top-notch work ethic in action while she put herself through school and overcame major hurdles.” Granger describes Dionne as, “a well-rounded career woman of the future.”

Dionne plans to enroll in graduate school at U-M. Eventually she hopes to become a clinical research scientist and study women’s health issues on an international scale.

She is the daughter of Daniel and Claudia Dionne of Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is married to Francis Sherk.

Stephanie DionneCharles BaxterAlpha Epsilon DeltaV-Day College Campaignsynchronized swimming teamAmericorps