Penn State Beaver held its spring commencement May 8 in the Student Union Building auditorium. Forty-nine students received baccalaureate and nursing degrees.
The academic processional and recessional and convention of proceedings were led by Michael Hay, associate professor of chemistry, and president of the Beaver campus Faculty Congress. Professor Carey McDougall, presented degrees, which were conferred by Interim Chancellor Donna J. Kuga in conjunction with John Feraco, president of the Beaver campus advisory board and director of expandable styrenics, NOVA Chemicals Inc.
Feraco also served as the evening’s commencement speaker. He attended Penn State University Park where he received a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1988. He earned his master’s degree in business administration from Robert Morris University in 1997. Feraco was appointed to the Beaver campus advisory board in 2005 and elected president in 2010.
Michael Hamilton, president of the Beaver Valley Area Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association and a Penn State graduate, offered a welcome to the new graduates on behalf of the Alumni Association. A reception prepared by the Office of Housing and Food Services was held in the Student Union Building Lodge following commencement under the direction of Jeremy Lindner, director of housing and food services.
The following degrees were awarded:
Bachelor of science in administration of justiceCandidates were presented by Mari Pierce, assistant professor of administration of justice.-- Laura A. Daley, Beaver Falls-- Rico T. Elmore, Pittsburgh-- Stephen A. Galmarini, New Castle-- Whitney G. Groscost, Monaca-- Kalynn D. Hill, Pittsburgh-- Marissa A. Jobe, Industry-- Joshua D. Krizan, Beaver Falls-- Tyler J. Madden, Moon Township – graduated with high distinction-- Brittany E. Mineard, Beaver Falls-- Leah M. Nyoh, Monaca-- Wesley I. Parkhurst, Midland-- Brian M. Presto, Baden-- Blair R. Sheffield, New Brighton-- Justin D. Skidmore, Georgetown-- Trey P. Trieschock, Canonsburg-- Trisha L. Van Winkle, Rochester
Bachelor of science in businessCandidates were presented by Daniel W. Smith, instructor in business.-- Markus E. Allen, Monaca-- Tyler P. Blake, Crescent-- Rachel A. Borrell, Downingtown-- Jason A. Garmen, Beaver Falls-- Joshua G. Hogenmiller, Cranberry Township-- Chun Lin, Freedom-- Marjorie A. Marcellus, New Brighton-- Elizabeth N. Pompe, Burgettstown-- Kelvin L. Schnarrenberger, New Brighton-- Amber J. Warman, Cranberry Township-- Dylan J. Winkle, Aliquippa
Bachelor of arts in communicationsCandidates were presented by John Chapin, professor of communications.-- Jennifer L. Bacvinskas, Pittsburgh-- Christian Best, Brooklyn, New York-- Julianne E. Bosley, Aliquippa – graduated with distinction-- Colby L. Hill, Aliquippa-- Monica M. Pitcher, Beaver-- Kayla R. Wagner, Monaca
Bachelor of science in information sciences and technologyCandidates were presented by Abhijit Dutt, instructor in information sciences and technology.-- Harrison W. Boyd, Vanderbilt – graduated with highest distinction-- Joshua R. Gerard, Aliquippa-- Gary J. Miller, Butler-- Zachariah R. Shaffer, Beaver Falls-- Christopher M. Yeager, Conway-- Brendan K. Yukner, Beaver Falls
Bachelor of arts in media studiesCandidate was presented by John Chapin, professor of communications.-- Caitlyn R. Arroyo-Myers, Washington
Bachelor of science in nursingCandidate was presented by Michelle Kurtyka, instructor in kinesiology and assistant to the director of academic affairs.-- Shafaq Tankersley, Wexford
Bachelor of arts in psychology – College of The Liberal ArtsCandidate was presented by Marissa Mendoza-Burcham, assistant professor in psychology.-- Elicia F. Skiba, Aliquippa
Bachelor of arts in psychology – University College Candidates were presented by Marissa Mendoza-Burcham, assistant professor in psychology.-- Natalie M. Gamble, McKees Rocks-- Danielle E. Lusty, Cranberry Township-- Anne C. Sayre, Baden
Bachelor of science in psychologyCandidates were presented by Marissa Mendoza-Burcham, assistant professor in psychology.-- Brandon L. Cahall, Pittsburgh-- Timothy J. Crusan, Ellwood City-- Tiffany J. Pecora, Beaver Falls-- Michael J. Strati, Beaver Falls
For information about baccalaureate degree programs or the nursing degree completion program at Beaver campus, which is offered by Penn State Shenango, contact the Admissions Office at br-admissions@psu.edu or 877-JOIN-PSU, or visit www.beaver.psu.edu.