MARQUETTE — United States Olympic Education Center short track speedskaters Cherise Wilkins (Syracuse, N.Y.) and Levi Kirkpatrick (Hills, Iowa) graduated from Northern Michigan University on Saturday, Dec. 11.

            Wilkins, who is in her sixth season with the USOEC program, graduated with a degree in entrepreneurship. She eventually wants own an ice cream shop in Rhode Island.  

            “Cherise is someone who always carries a smile, is very friendly and a great person to be around,” said Jeff Kleinschmidt, director of the USOEC.

            Kirkpatrick, a fifth-year USOEC resident athlete, graduated with a sports science degree and will pursue a master’s degree in sports administration.

            “I was able to watch Levi mature into a hardworking and driven young man,” said Kleinschmidt.

            Both student athletes will be vying for a spot on the U.S. World Team Thursday through Saturday (Dec. 16-19) while competing at the U.S. Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah.