Alvernia University Honors Convocation 2023 Program

ALVERNIA UNIVERSIT Y Honors

Order of Ceremonies

Welcome Mary Ellen Wells, JD, LLM Interim Provost

Invocation Darryl Mace, Ph.D. Vice President for Mission, Diversity and Inclusion

Remarks Glynis Fitzgerald, Ph.D. President-Elect

Student Speaker Regina Rossi

2022/2023 Senior Scholar

Presentation of Awards

College of Business, Communication, and Leadership

Business Tufan Tiglioglu, Ph.D., Chair

Communication Caroline Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., Chair

Leadership Evelina Panayotova, Ph.D., Chair

College of Health Sciences

Athletic Training Thomas Franek, Ph.D., Chair

Healthcare Sciences Thomas G. Porrazzo, Ph.D., Chair

Doctorate of Physical Therapy Christopher Wise, DPT, Chair

Nursing Deborah A. Greenawald, Ph.D., Chair

Occupational Therapy Elizabeth Bentz, OTD, Chair

College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Criminal Justice Rosemary McFee, M.Ed., Chair

Education Elena Lawrick, Ph.D., Chair

Humanities Corey Harris, Ph.D., Chair

Psychology & Counseling Di You, Ph.D., Chair

Social Work Cynthia Corbin, MSW, Program Director

Ohenewaa White, BSW, Program Director

College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics

Academic Director David Shoup, Ph.D.

Fine & Performing Arts Nathan Thomas, Ph.D., Chair

Sciences Eric Recktenwald, Ph.D., Chair

Mathematics Matt Prudente, Ph.D., Chair

Presentation of Honor Cords to Graduates

College of Health Sciences Dean, Patricia Reger, Ph.D.

College of Business, Communication, and Leadership Dean, Travis Berger, Ph.D.

College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences Dean, Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D.

College of Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Dean, Rodney Ridley, Ph.D. Arts, and Mathematics

Graduates of the Alvernia Honors Program

Director of Honors Program Janae Sholtz, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Philosophy

University Awards

Sr. Donatilla Faculty Award Christopher Wise, DPT. Professor of Physical Therapy

Teaching Excellence Faculty Award

Christopher Wise, DPT. Professor of Physical Therapy

Undergraduate St. Bernardine Faculty Award Travis Berger, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Business, Communication, and Leadership

Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Patricia Reger, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Health Sciences

Rodney Ridley, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics

Graduate St. Bernardine Faculty Award

Travis Berger, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Business, Communication, and Leadership

Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Undergraduate Teaching Excellence Award

Travis Berger, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Business, Communication, and Leadership

Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Rodney Ridley, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Sciences, Technology, Engineering Arts, and Mathematics

Graduate Teaching Excellence Award

Travis Berger, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Business, Communication, and Leadership

Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Holleran Center Awards Darryl Mace, Ph.D.

Vice President for Mission, Diversity and Inclusion

O’Pake Institute Awards Rodney Ridley, Ph.D.

Director, O’Pake Institute for Ethics, Leadership & Public Service

Student Scholar Athletes Bill Stiles, M.Ed.

Director of Athletics & Recreation

Saint Ignatius of Loyola Award Bret Krotee, M.Ed.

Veteran Center Coordinator and Director of Undergraduate Admissions

COL (ret) Deb Geiger ’83

Veteran Center Advocate

Senior Scholar Erin Way, Ph.D.

Chair, Academic Standards Committee

Student Undergraduate Research Fellows Erin Way, Ph.D.

Director of SURF Program

Fromm Interfaith Award Darryl Mace, Ph.D.

Vice President for Mission, Diversity and Inclusion

Peace & Justice Student Award Darryl Mace, Ph.D.

Vice President for Mission, Diversity and Inclusion

Benediction Darryl Mace, Ph.D.

Vice President for Mission, Diversity and Inclusion

College of Business, Communication and Leadership

Business

ACBSP Student Leadership Award: presented to a business student who demonstrates outstanding leadership through his or her activities while at Alvernia University.

Excellence in a Business Major: This award is presented to the student who demonstrates superior academic performance and potential for professional accomplishment in their perspective field.

Master in Business Administration Award of Excellence: This award is given to a graduating MBA student for commitment to academic excellence and Franciscan ideals..

Communication

Digital Media & Multimedia Production Award: This is presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding skills in the creation and design of multimedia production including video, text, graphics, and interactive content.

Wolfpack Media Award for Excellence in Digital Media Award: This award is presented to graduating seniors who illustrate high academic excellence and extensive participation in activities that promote an interest in the discipline.

Professor Elizabeth DeMeo Award: This award is presented to the graduating senior with the highest-grade point average and who demonstrates excellence and extensive participation in activities that promote an interest in the discipline.

Dr. Richard Law Composition and Research Writing Award: This award recognizes the best piece of student writing by a student in COM 101: Composition and Research.

College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences

Humanities

High Achievement Award: presented to a senior who maintains a grade point average of 3.5 in a particular field of humanities, as well as a cumulative grade point average of 3.3.

Outstanding Mock Trial Student Competitor: The Outstanding Mock Trial Student Competitor award recognizes a student who exemplifies civility, justice, and leadership. The student embodies Alvernia’s values of collegiality and humility as they provide leadership to their teammates. The award recipient shows their dedication to Mock Trial in their performance in the courtroom and the time committed to preparing the case. Above all, the recipient of this award is an outstanding competitor, dedicated team leader, and ethically conscious member of the Mock Trial community.

Outstanding Student in the Humanities Award: This award is given to a student (or students) who majors in one of our disciplines, has achieved a G.P.A. of at least 3.7 in their major, has a cumulative G.P.A. of at least 3.3 overall, and who, in the opinion of the department faculty, has demonstrated superior ability, leadership, and study of the Humanities.

Education

Outstanding Undergraduate Education Major: presented to a graduating senior who earns the highest-grade point average and demonstrates the greatest accomplishment in the education department.

Outstanding Student Teacher: This award is given to the graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding performance in the field.

Master of Education Award of Excellence: presented to a graduate for commitment to academic excellence and Franciscan ideals.

Criminal Justice

Academic Excellence Award: presented to a graduating senior with the highest-grade point average in criminal justice, who holds true to the mission of the major, stipulated by the faculty of the department.

Sister Pacelli Award: presented to a graduating senior in criminal justice for dedication to the core Franciscan values of service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation, and collegiality.

Saint Michael the Archangel Award: presented to a graduating senior in criminal justice for overall dedication, a quality of the Patron Saint of Law Enforcement.

Psychology & Counseling

Academic Excellence: presented to a senior who demonstrates the highest academic achievement.

Internship Excellence Award: presented to a senior who demonstrates exceptional skills in an internship placement. Research Excellence Award: presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates exceptional skill in applied research and psychological content areas.

Outstanding Service Award: presented in recognition of a student’s outstanding achievement in the area of service.

Outstanding Addictions and Mental Health Treatment

Academic Award: presented to a senior AMHT student in recognition of overall outstanding academic performance.

George Vogel Outstanding Addictions and Mental Health Treatment Academic Award: presented to a student from our Adult Education in recognition of overall outstanding academic performance.

Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling Award of Excellence: This award is presented to a graduate in the MACC program for commitment to academic excellence and Franciscan ideals.

Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling Internship Excellence Award: presented to a graduate in the MACC program who demonstrates exceptional skills in an internship placement.

Social Sciences

Outstanding Social Work Academic Award: presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates overall outstanding academic performance.

Dr. Phyllis Hay Research Award: presented to a senior research project that reflects Social Work’s value and commitment to the contribution of knowledge to the field of Social Work.

College of Health Sciences

Athletic Training, Healthcare Science, & Physical Therapy

Athletic Training Academic Excellence Award: presented to the senior student with the highest-grade point average in the athletic training program.

Healthcare Science Academic Excellence Award: This award is presented to the senior student with the highest-grade point average in the healthcare science program.

Doctor of Physical Therapy Academic Excellence Award: This award is presented to the student who has achieved the highest GPA in the graduating class.

Nursing

Outstanding Clinical Performance Award: presented to a graduating nursing student who has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of clinical nursing performance.

Nursing Leadership Award: presented to a graduating nursing student who has demonstrated leadership among peers in service to the community and the profession while maintaining high standards of academic and clinical performance.

Nursing Excellence Award: presented by the Upsilon Zeta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society to a graduating senior (traditional pre-licensure program) who best exemplifies the qualities of professional nursing while consistently maintaining high academic achievement.

The Spirit of St. Francis Award for Nurses: The Spirit of St. Francis Award is given to a student or students in the Nursing Department who fulfill the motto, “To Learn, To Love and To Serve.” Shauna has demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment to conscientious learning, always toward the goal of giving the best care to people, versus achievement to glorify self.

Leaders in Learning Award: This award is presented to a graduating nursing student who demonstrates outstanding academic and clinical performance, exemplifies the qualities of a Franciscan scholar, and whose service to the university, community, and profession has earned the respect of peers and the faculty.

Excellence in Community Health Nursing Award: This award is presented to a graduating senior student from the pre-licensure BSN program in recognition of outstanding performance of nursing care within community settings and a genuine appreciation of the importance of delivering quality nursing care to promote individual and population health in settings outside of acute care hospitals.

Occupational Therapy

Health Science Academic Excellence Award: presented to one student in the five-year combined Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program for academic excellence at the completion of the undergraduate phase of studies.

Health Science Clinical Excellence Award: presented to an undergraduate occupational therapy student in recognition of outstanding performance during clinical placements.

Health Science Service Award: presented to one student in the five- year combined Bachelor of Science in Health Science and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program for service to the university, community and profession.

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy - Clinical Excellence Award: This award is presented to one student graduating from the Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program in recognition of outstanding performance during their clinical fieldwork placements.

Master of Science in Occupational Therapy Academic Excellence Award: This award is presented to one student at the completion of the MSOT program for academic excellence and commitment to Franciscan values.

College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics

Science & Mathematics

Sr. Alodia Award: presented to a graduating senior who demonstrates outstanding scholastic achievement, community service and dedication to the sciences.

Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award: presented to a graduating senior who has completed an exceptional research project in mathematics or science research.

Outstanding Internship Award: presented to a graduating senior who has completed an internship experience, received an outstanding review from the agency’s supervisor, and submitted an excellent experiential portfolio.

Outstanding Academic Excellence Award: presented to the senior who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement in the College of STEAM.

Fine and Performing Arts

Alvernia University Chorus Award for Excellence in the Choral Arts: This award is presented to an outstanding graduating senior who is being recognized for their overall commitment to the Alvernia University Chorus and the vocal arts.

Carol N. Schwanger Award for Outstanding Service to the Arts: honors the long-time Chair of the Fine and Performing Arts and Professor Emerita, Carol N. Schwanger. The award goes to the Alvernia student who has made significant contributions to multiple disciplines in Alvernia’s arts programs.

Outstanding Artist: Carol N. Schwanger Award for Outstanding Service to the Arts” honors the long-time Chair of the Fine and Performing Arts and Professor Emerita, Carol N. Schwanger. The award goes to the Alvernia student who has made significant contributions to multiple disciplines in Alvernia’s arts programs

Academic Excellence in Visual Art: This award goes to the student with the highest GPA within the Art Minor curriculum.

Terpsichore Award for Artistic Growth in Dance: The Terpsichore Award for Artistic Growth in Dance goes to the Alvernia student who has shown the most artistic development in concert dance

University Awards

Student Awards

Holleran Center Community Engagement Award: presented to graduating seniors who have completed 500 hours of service to the community as Alvernia students.

Holleran Center Outstanding Service Award: presented to the graduating senior who has completed the most hours in service to the community. The recipient of this award will receive a monetary award made to a charity of his or her choice.

Boscov Collegiate Scholar Award: Named in honor of Albert Boscov, a true force in the Reading Community and the first donor towards our Reading Collegiate Scholar Program. This award is given to a graduating member from the Reading Collegiate Scholar Program, in recognition of their academic excellence and engagement both on campus and in the community.

The Fromm Interfaith Scholarship: Established by Michael and Susan Fromm to encourage interfaith understanding and dialogue among Alvernia’s students and to foster this important work in the greater community.

The Franciscan Peace and Justice Award: The Franciscan Peace and Justice Award is given to a graduating senior who demonstrates a spirit of service and leadership in academic and co-curricular activities; promotes diversity and respect for all people; is dedicated to engagement in the community, especially with the poor and marginalized; and is actively committed to building a global community rooted in the values of social justice and peace.

The O’Pake Graduate Fellowship in Leadership: Named in honor of former State Senator and Alvernia Trustee Michael O’Pake, this award is given to one or two students in graduate leadership education programs who have demonstrated excellence in their studies and who are actively engaged in research related to leadership studies. Fellows receive a stipend to support research activities related to their academic program.

The O’Pake Undergraduate Leadership Award: This $500 award, named in honor of former State Senator and Alvernia Trustee Michael O’Pake, is presented to two undergraduate students who have displayed growth as campus leaders by participating in positions of leadership on campus and have inspired others through their leadership talents.

Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award: Two student athletes, one male and one female, are recognized annually for maintaining the highest-grade point average after four years as Alvernia athletes.

St. Ignatius of Loyola Award: The Saint Ignatius Award is bestowed upon a military student who has exemplified selfless service, high moral courage and character, and a commitment to intellectual excellence without expectation of material reward or public recognition.

Senior Scholar Award: The Senior Scholar Award is a $10,000 scholarship toward Alvernia senior year tuition presented to one student. The recipient must maintain a 3.7 GPA, submit a letter.

Faculty Awards

Sister Mary Donatilla Faculty Award: The Sister Mary Donatilla Faculty Award is awarded to a full-time faculty member who has given long service to the university in teaching, advising, service and support. The Honors and Awards Committee selects the recipient.

Teaching Excellence Award: This award recognizes excellence and/or innovation in teaching among faculty at Alvernia. The awardee, nominated by students and/or alumni, must be a full-time faculty member with at least two complete years of service at the university. It is recommended that the recipient share his or her teaching expertise with other faculty members formally through a faculty workshop, or informally through mentorship of junior faculty members.

Saint Bernardine Faculty Award: This award recognizes an adjunct instructor for excellence in teaching.

Real World Learning Faculty Award: The award is given in recognition of a faculty member who demonstrates excellence in providing real world experiences for our students.

Alvernia University Board of Trustees

CHAIR

Gregory J. Shemanski Custom Processing Services, Inc. President & Owner

VICE CHAIR

Michael Duff Penske Truck Leasing

Senior Vice President

PRESIDENT

John R. Loyack Alvernia University

UNIVERSITY COUNSEL

Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn

SECRETARY

John R. McCloskey, D.B.A.

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

Carl Anderson, Jr.

James Boscov

William Combs, III

Salvatore M. Cutrona, Sr.

Jess F. Cwiklinski*

Raymond Dee*

P. Michael Ehlerman

Frank A. Franco, M.D.*

John M. Arnold, Jr. PPC Lubricants, Inc. Chairman, CEO & Owner

Paula Barrett, CPA/ABV, CVA, CGMA

Reinsel Kuntz Lesher

Partner - Retired

Michael J. Caron, GTS

Welco - Retired

Kevin P. DeAcosta ‘00

The Highlands of Wyomissing President & CEO

Richard Allen Ehst Customers Bank

Retired Pres., CEO/CDO

Michael Fromm Fromm Electric Supply Corp. President & CEO

John H. Gallen, Jr.

EthoSource & Wyatt Seating Owner & President

Patricia C. Giles

Wyomissing Foundation, Inc. Foundation President

Sr. Madonna Marie Harvath, OSF

Bernardine Franciscan

Sisters Congregational Counselor

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Bernard Fromm

John W. Gruber, M.D.

Kathleen D. Herbein ’95

Carolyn R. Holleran

T. Jerome Holleran

Joanne Judge, Esq.

Steven Keiser ‘80

Chris Kraras

Leroy Kline*

Ellen Huyett Community Volunteer

Steven Koons ‘05 Cotton & Company, LLP Partner

Daniel Langdon East Penn Manufacturing, Inc.

Retired CEO

Sr. Sandra Lyons ‘69

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters

Rachel Anne Maher, DMD ’94 Dentistry for Children Pediatric Dentist

Stephen Najarian SN Companies Partner

Sr. David Ann Niski, ’66

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Executive Director

David W. Patti Customers Bank Director of Communication & Marketing

Sr. John Ann Proach ‘74

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Retired

Rev. Msgr. Felix A. Losito*

The Hon. Linda K. M. Ludgate ’77

Thomas Martell

The Hon. Thomas McMahon

Janice B. Miller

Carole Neag

Estate of Michael O’Pake*

Richard A. Purcell

Kevin St. Cyr

Jeffrey R. Rush Fulton Bank President Commercial Markets

Peter Rye Brentwood Industries, Inc. President

Jeanne L. Savage ’88 Community Volunteer

Barry L. Schlouch Schlouch Incorporated Owner, President

Lucine E. Sihelnik ‘13

Douglas Tieman Caron Treatment Centers Retired - President and CEO

Michael Tobash Tobash Insurance Agency & Financial Services

Owner, Former PA House of Rep. Member

Paul F. Trunk Berk-Tek & Nexans LAN Division N. America President & Vice President

Richard Tschiderer*

The Hon. Mary Ann Ullman

John D. Wanner ‘82

Alfred J. Weber

Chester M. Winters

Robert T. Wright*

*Deceased

David Turner Met-Ed FirstEnergy Co. Regional Manager, External Affairs

John P. Weidenhammer Weidenhammer Systems Corp

President

Sr. Shaun Kathleen Wilson, OSF ’69

Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Director, McGlinn Conference & Spirituality Center