Anchorage native Dieter Brandner receives honors upon graduation from Whitman College

WALLA WALLA, WA (06/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Dieter Brander of Anchorage, Alaska was honored with an award upon his graduation from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash.

Brandner was selected to receive the Cynthia Ann Lechner Biology Award, an annual award given to one member of the senior class who has displayed academic excellence in the field of biology.

In addition to this award, Brander was elected as a new member of the Whitman chapter national research society Sigma Xi. This honor is given to students who have completed original research in either the pure or applied sciences. Whitman's Sigma Xi chapter was established in 1962.

Brandner is a 2009 graduate of Stellar Secondary School. He received a B.A. in Biology and a minor in chemistry during the Whitman commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19.

Whitman College is an independent, non-sectarian residential college fostering intellectual vitality, confidence and leadership in its 1,450 students. Also noted for its commitment to environmental principles, Whitman is characterized by intellect, down-to-earth sensibilities, collaboration over competition and an active lifestyle.