Penn State Beaver held its spring commencement Friday, May 3, in the gymnasium. Eighty-two students received master’s and baccalaureate degrees.
The academic processional and recessional, and convention of proceedings were led by Tiffany MacQuarrie, instructor in English, and president of the Beaver campus Faculty Congress.
Donna J. Kuga, director of academic affairs, presented degrees, which were conferred by Chancellor Gary B. Keefer in conjunction with John Feraco, president of the Penn State Beaver Advisory Board and manufacturing leader for NOVA Chemicals Inc.
The commencement speaker was Beaver campus alumna Elizabeth M. Zona, an anesthesiologist with West Penn Allegheny Health System, Forbes Regional Campus. She attended Beaver campus before receiving her bachelor’s degree in science/pre-med from Penn State's University Park campus. She attended the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine for four years, then served a four-year residency at Pittsburgh’s Mercy Hospital and UPMC Mercy.
Keith R. Poleti, president of the Beaver Valley Area Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, 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 gymnasium following commencement.
Master’s of Education Degree in Teaching and CurriculumThis program was offered at Penn State Beaver through a collaborative agreement with Penn State Harrisburg, The Capital College.
Candidates were presented by Donald Deep, program coordinator.Emily N. Ackerman, PittsburghLaurel L. Brest, New CastleKelly L. Butera, CoraopolisMichelle D. Daniels, New BrightonDanielle E. Myers, Henrico, Va.Cara C. Pertile, Cranberry TownshipAmy E. Winner, Beaver FallsKristin M. Zyskowski, Coraopolis
Bachelor of Science in Administration of JusticeCandidates were presented by Mari Pierce, assistant professor of administration of justice.Raisa H. Bhasin, Moon TownshipBeth Ann Franchi, WampumAnthony M. Houghton, RochesterRyan J. Hudacsek, FreedomAbigail L. LeGore, HanoverBrittany L. Main, Ellwood CityJames A. Musgrave, BadenDarius Q. Prince, West MifflinLindsey M. Scialdone, Ellwood CityJulian R. Taylor, Monaca
Bachelor of Science in BusinessCandidates were presented by Daniel Smith, instructor in business.Vincent M. Beatty, RochesterMichelle K. Beckman, GirardStephen E. Bezak, PittsburghSteven J. Dusicsko 3, Lake City (Graduating with Distinction – GPA 3.78)Shaneeka L. Evans, Rock Island, Ill.Marissa B. Halstead, HookstownBrittany A. Kincaid 3, Monaca (Graduating with Distinction – GPA 3.78)Sarah M. Klesser 2, Aliquippa (Graduating with High Distinction – GPA 3.87)Michelle N. Korzen, CoraopolisThomas R. Lewis, AliquippaJolyn R. Matheny, New BrightonGregory D. Napierski, Moon TownshipJessica L. Onoffrey, RochesterJordan DJ Sawtelle, PittsburghEthan P. Shriver, AvellaKeith W. Simon-Warneke, Rochester, N.Y.Shayna L. Stubenbort, McKees RocksJacob J. Szemanski, Jefferson HillsCory A. Wagner, Monaca
Bachelor of Arts in CommunicationsCandidates were presented by John Chapin, professor of communications.Pasquale C. Coppola, PittsburghJennifer A. Durbin, Cranberry TownshipNathan A. Haluszczak, PittsburghOlivia L. Skonieczny, BadenDaniel J. Trzcianka, BadenKimberly A. Villella, Freedom
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Penn State HarrisburgCandidates were presented by Mari Pierce, assistant professor of administration of justice.Amanda L. Kimble, Monaca
Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and TechnologyCandidates were presented by Neelam Dwivedi, instructor in information sciences and technology.Adam J. Falkowski, Beaver FallsNathan D. Flowers 3, Darlington (Graduating with Distinction – GPA 3.78)Bridgette R. Kerr, Ellwood CityKyle D. Ludwig 2, Greenville (Graduating with High Distinction – GPA 3.87)Taimour A. Malik, PittsburghAdam P. McMillen, New BrightonDaniel Plakosh, MidlandAndrew P. Searight, AliquippaJoshua D. Williams, Cranberry Township
Bachelor of Science in NursingCandidates were presented by Maureen J. Dunn, instructor in nursing.Michelle A. Balog, AliquippaHolly A. Baranyk, AliquippaJenefer L. Barry, RochesterNadine M. Bauduin, ClintonMelissa S. Coleman, AliquippaKristina J. Langley, East Liverpool, OhioSarah G. Long, CoraopolisEileen M. Nikithser, BeaverAllison Novak, New BrightonKaren Toothman, East Palestine, OhioJaci L. Trosky, Enon Valley
Bachelor of Arts in PsychologyCandidates were presented by Kevin Bennett, senior instructor in psychology.James J. Barum, McKees RocksAdam M. Cannon, SewickleyRachel A. Choflet, FreedomMegan L. Kelley, SewickleyKyung M. Kim 3, Monaca (Graduating with Distinction – GPA 3.78)Melissa N. Manzella, AliquippaIleana V. Muhlach, Guaynabo, Puerto RicoHayley L. Peters, MonacaKera R. Recce, Ellwood City
Bachelor of Science in PsychologyCandidates were presented by Kevin Bennett, senior instructor in psychology.Alisha M. Hilfinger, Beaver FallsKaty A. Kerr, BeaverKristina R. Mangie 3, Monaca (Graduating with Distinction – GPA 3.78)Kaela R. Martin, AliquippaAnthony A. Mignanelli, BeaverRuth S. Santiago, AliquippaCatherine C. Sittig, AmbridgeMegan E. Sovich, AliquippaMatthew L. Tabit 1, Aliquippa (Graduating with Highest Distinction - GPA 3.95)