LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Charles Patrick, chancellor and chief academic officer of Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus, conferred academic degrees on 124 candidates for graduation during the 48th commencement ceremony on May 6 in the campus Community Center.
The event’s honored speaker was Penn State alumnus Mark Kempic, chief transformation officer for NiSource, a leading natural gas and electric utility company. Kempic has over 35 years of experience in the energy industry. He previously served as president of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Columbia Gas of Maryland. He holds an associate's degree in solar heating and cooling engineering from Penn State, a bachelor's degree in computer and information science from the University of Pittsburgh, and a law degree from Capital University School of Law.
“Every story you’ve ever connected with, every professor you’ve ever admired, every small thing that you’ve ever accomplished can be the catalyst for a future action,” said Kempic in his address. “I want you to think about those small things that may have happened to you during your years at Penn State Fayette. I want you to hold on to them, because they will serve you well in the future.”
Kempic worked the night shift at Columbia Gas through a cooperative program to pay for his education. He credited his time as a Fayette student for his practical expertise, his humility, and his love of “continuous learning.”
“The world changes and shifts beneath our feet. The rules aren’t the same from one day to another, one presidential administration to the next,” he said. “In the midst of all these changes, what do you have? Your education, and the small things you’ve picked up here and elsewhere along your life’s journey.”
The Laurel Highlands Senior High Air Force Junior ROTC gave the presentation of the colors, and the National Anthem was performed by the V. F. W. Post 8543 Band. Sharon Harrold, assistant teaching professor of biology, served as commencement marshal. She will retire this semester after 11 years at Penn State Fayette.
Kirstan Webb, recipient of a baccalaureate degree in administration of justice, gave the student response. Webb graduated summa cum laude at the top 2 percent of her class.
“Whether it’s the caring and genuine professors and staff or the close-knit classes, there is something undeniable here at Penn State Fayette that creates a bond like no other,” said Webb. “We came to this campus as strangers, but we became family.”
A full gallery of photos from 2018 Commencement are available to view and download.
The following candidates for graduation, arranged by degree, participated in Penn State Fayette’s commencement ceremony:
Associate in Business Administration
- Jayme E. Frey
- Tyler P. Henry
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Caitlyn M. Brown
- Katelyn N. Byers
- Olivia V. Crutchman
- Jacob A. Harris
- Richard D. Holan Jr.
- Tanner A. Huffman
- Abby M. Keefer
- Ethan S. Kenney
- Megan K. Means
- Nathaniel C. Muellerleile
- Derek A. Murray
- Spencer M. Perieff
- Angeleena T. Raimonda
- Paul V. Rathway
- Brittney N. Ross
- Brogan A. Rowe
- Danielle L. Sheraskey
- Taylor R. Smith
- Kody J. Thomas
Associate in Electrical Engineering Technology
- Paul W. Fyock
- Jarrod M. Sutton
- Cody L. Weimer
- Logan D. Wrona
- Raymond D. Ziringer
Associate in Human Development and Family Studies
- Jonathan H. Martin
Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
- Nicole R. Barber
- Rebekah L. Bricker
- Erika L. Butter
- Zariah I. Chitan
- Bethany I. Coldren
- Katelyn J. Collier
- Kira N. Doaks
- Marissa D. Engle
- Brooke F. Gales
- Suzzanna J. Goodwin
- Jacqueline M. Halapy
- Marqus A. Lewis
- Valerie R. Mikesic
- Rachael K. Mitchell
- Haley J.M. Moreland
- Joseph M. Onesi
- Lauren H. Porterfield
- Raelynn A. Rice
- LaKeisha D. Spells
- Malory A. White
- Tamra L. Yates
Associate in Information Sciences and Technology
- Geoffrey T. Salitrik
Associate in Letters, Arts, and Sciences
- Claire E. Prigg
Associate in Mining Technology
- Ryan J. Titus (Veteran)
Associate in Physical Therapist Assistant
- Lauren B. Adams
- Rachel A. Byers
- Kaylie N. Eutsey
- Taylor R. Ferris
- Marquel L. Formato
- Monica R. Joseph
- Emily M. Keslar
- Chelsey M. Lewis
- Melissa Nolan
- Tyler E. Ruda
- Ashley M. Shipp
- Brittany R. Tanner
Bachelor of Arts in Administration of Justice
- Andrea M. Cobb
- Joshua Kwasney
- Michael Perdomo
- Alaura D. Rasel
- Pedro A. Tavarez
- Robert M. Wallace (Veteran)
Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice
- James T. Amoroso
- Cheyenne M. Berens
- John R. Blocker
- Angel D. Fulton
- Tess N. Gibbs
- Suzzanna J. Goodwin
- Gerald W. Myers
- Kelsey M. Rudzienski
- Holly A. Scarpa
- Felicia J. Thompson
- Matthew D. Vanderhoff
- Kirstan A. Webb
Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communication
- Jenna E. Fleming
- Brianna R. Harr
- Paige A. Malenock
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Cassandra E. Ackerman
- Matthew A. Bradley
- Danielle L. Brnilovich
- Sabrina C. Chao
- Nicole A. Clark
- Shaina V. Comiskey
- Tara L. Cope
- Ashley R. Davies
- Kevin W. Dudeck
- Lynne R. Farkas
- Emily C. Fordyce
- Anna E. Goodwin
- Cordessa E. Griglack
- Micah A. High
- Jonathan E. Keffer
- Andrew P. Lapinski
- Mia A. Lawrence
- Jennifer L. Maraugha
- Danielle R. McBurnie
- Shane E. Miner
- Bethany N. Mitchell
- Lisa M. Mitchell-Cole
- Sierra J. Schroyer
- Amanda L. Sutton
- Allison P. Thomas
- Julie M. Thorpe
- Cassey M. Tyrpin
- Brandi L. Umbaugh
- Stephanie L. Venersky
- Misty D. Whoolery-Pratt
- Caitlyn A. Williams
- Kara E. Zimscosky
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Angelia Workman
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Ryan A. Baker
- Haley M. Brothers
- Cara A. Jackson
- Sammantha J. Snyder
- Jordan S. Stash
- Brittanie N. Watson
- Joseph L. Yourchik