2026 COMMENCEMENT
Graduates and members of the audience are asked to remain in their seats throughout the ceremony so that they do not interfere with the special moments of others. During the ceremony, please turn off all cell phones and mobile devices. Thank you.
COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM
Order of Procession
The Faculty Marshals
The Faculty and Administration of the University
The Graduate Marshals
The Graduates of the University
The Trustees of the University
The Dais Party
Dais Party
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
1. Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D. President
2. Rev. Michael Kesicki ’83 University Chaplain
3. Sarah Ewing, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Student Experience
Syed Mohammad Kaif Mandabaigari President, Student Government Association
Megan Woller, Ph.D. President, Faculty Senate
Kelly Fennessy Meredith ’08 President, Gannon University Alumni Association
Karinna Vernaza, Ph.D. Dean, College of Engineering and Business
Lori Lindley, Ph.D. Dean, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
Kimberly Cavanagh, DHSc, PA-C Dean, Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences
Processional*
“Pomp and Circumstance: March No. 1”
Sir Edward Elgar
Posting of the Colors of the United States and Gannon University*
Gannon University’s ROTC Pride of Pennsylvania Battalion
National Anthem*
“The Star-Spangled Banner”
By: Francis Scott Key
Call to Commencement
Sarah Ewing, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Student Experience
Invocation*
Rev. Michael Kesicki ’83
University Chaplain
Welcome
Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D.
President
Presentation of Degree Candidates
Lori Lindley, Ph.D., Dean
College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy
Kimberly Cavanagh, DHSc, PA-C, Dean Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Karinna Vernaza, Ph.D., Dean College of Engineering and Business
Master of Business Administration
Master of Healthcare Administration
Master of Science
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Master of Science in Computer and Information Science
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Master of Science in Engineering Management
Master of Science in Environmental Science and Management
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Lori D. Lindley, Ph.D., Dean
College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences
Master of Arts
Master of Education
Master of Public Administration
Master of Science
Master of Science in Criminalistics
Kimberly Cavanagh, DHSc, PA-C, Dean Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences
Master of Athletic Training
Master of Physician Assistant Science
Master of Science
Conferral of Degrees
Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., President
Alumni Association Welcome
Kelly Fennessy Meredith ’08
President, Gannon University Alumni Association
Conferral of Distinguished Student Awards
Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., President
Kappa Gamma Pi
Prayer of Sending Forth
Rev. Michael Kesicki ’83
University Chaplain
*All who are able are asked to stand.
Prayer of Sending Forth
Rev. Kesicki: Lord God, You accompany us at each moment of our journey through life.
Continue to guide our graduates in the paths they have chosen.
May your truth purify their values.
May your wisdom enlighten their decisions. May your goodness be the foundation of their relationships.
May your love be the consolation of their souls. Be at their side in difficulty.
Prompt their generosity in prosperity.
Deepen their humility in success.
All respond: Amen
Academic Regalia in American Universities
In 1895, the Intercollegiate Commission presented to American institutions of higher learning the Intercollegiate Code. Today, this code provides for three types of gowns. Those for bachelors are made of black material and have long, pointed sleeves. The master’s gown is made with an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist. The rear part of its oblong shape is a square cut and the front part has an arc cutaway. The doctor’s gown is made with bell-shaped sleeves and like the master’s gown, it is designed so that it can be worn open or closed.
The black oxford cap is worn for all degrees, but only the doctor’s cap may be made of velvet. Only doctors and presidents of colleges may wear a gold tassel on the cap.
Rev. Kesicki: May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
All respond: Amen
It is the hood which is the most important and distinctive feature of the American code.
The doctor’s hood, of black cloth, is four feet in length and made with a wide panel. The master’s and bachelor’s hoods are three-and-one-half feet long and three feet wide.
The binding or trim of all hoods is of velvet, two, three and five inches wide for the bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees, respectively.
The color of this velvet trim indicates the department or faculty to which the degree pertains, each department having been assigned a different color by the Intercollegiate Code. The lining of the hood reflects the official colors of the college/university.
Arts, Letters, Humanities - White
Business - Drab
Communications & Theology - Red
Education - Light Blue
Engineering - Orange
Health Sciences - Sage
Healthcare & Public Administration - Peacock
Law - Purple
Medical Sciences - Green
Nursing - Apricot
Philosophy - Royal
Political Science & Social Work - Citron
Public Health - Salmon
Science - Gold
HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT
The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L.
The Most Reverend Lawrence Thomas Persico, tenth bishop of the Diocese of Erie, has dedicated nearly five decades to priestly ministry and leadership in the Catholic Church, with an enduring commitment to Catholic education and the formation of young people.
Born November 21, 1950, in Monessen, Pennsylvania, he was raised in a close-knit, faith-centered family in the steel valley of southwestern Pennsylvania. He attended Saint Cajetan Elementary School and Saint Joseph Hall, the diocesan high school seminary in Greensburg. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from Saint Pius X Seminary in Erlanger, Kentucky, and a Master of Divinity from Saint Vincent Seminary in Latrobe. In 1982, he received a licentiate in canon law from The Catholic University of America.
Bishop Persico was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Greensburg on April 30, 1977. Over the next three decades he served in numerous leadership roles including assistant chancellor, vice chancellor and chancellor of the diocese, while also serving as pastor of Saint James Parish in New Alexandria. In 2005 he was appointed vicar general and moderator of the curia, positions that required both pastoral sensitivity and administrative leadership.
On July 31, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Monsignor Persico the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Erie. He was ordained and installed at Saint Peter Cathedral on October 1, 2012. His episcopal motto, Veritas in Caritate — “Truth in Love” — reflects his approach to ministry rooted in compassion, integrity and service.
Throughout his time as bishop, Bishop Persico has been a strong advocate for Catholic education and the mission of Catholic universities. As Bishop of Erie, he serves as chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Gannon University, providing guidance in preserving the university’s Catholic identity and supporting its commitment to academic excellence, service and the formation of the whole person.
In that role he has worked closely with university leadership, faculty and students, supporting initiatives that strengthen the university’s mission and expand opportunities for students seeking both intellectual and spiritual growth.
Beyond his work with Gannon University, Bishop Persico has served on several national and regional boards and remains active with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference.
Having reached the canonical age of 75 in 2025, Bishop Persico has submitted his resignation to the Holy Father as required by Church law and continues to serve the Diocese of Erie while awaiting the appointment of his successor.
The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L.
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
Bishop Persico was awarded an honorary degree and delivered his Commencement Address at the undergraduate Commencement ceremony earlier this afternoon.
CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES
Doctoral Studies
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Doctor of Philosophy
Matthew P. Stinson
Doctoral Dissertation: Addressing Cultural Change in a Presidential Transition: A Mixed Methods Study of Small, Private, Highly Residential, Liberal Arts Institutions
MOROSKY COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND SCIENCES
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Rachel Anne Beckman
Doctoral Capstone Project: A Cognitive Aid to Guide Pediatric Medication Dosing
Brooke Nicole Carroll
Doctoral Capstone Project: Effects of E-Cigarette Use on Anesthesia Care
Zachary Lincoln Clark
Doctoral Capstone Project: Lights Out: An Anesthesia Initiative for Energy Conservation in the Operating Room
Alexa L. Gianfrate
Doctoral Capstone Project: Lights Out: An Anesthesia Initiative for Energy Conservation in the Operating Room
Calvin Alphanso Gilbert
Doctoral Capstone Project: Point-of-Care Gastric Ultrasound (POCUS-GU) for Patients on GLP-1 Agonists Undergoing Anesthesia
Erin Elizabeth Gorman
Doctoral Capstone Project: Dexmedetomidine in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols for Reducing Opioid Consumption
Keum Ok Han
Doctoral Capstone Project: An Educational Initiative to Promote Safe Multimodal Sedation Practices During Monitored Anesthesia Care in Obese Adults
Aleksey S. Kharkovskiy
Doctoral Capstone Project: An Educational Initiative to Promote Safe Multimodal Sedation Practices During Monitored Anesthesia Care in Obese Adults
Chelsea Lauren Marterella
Doctoral Capstone Project: Pain Management in the Operative Period with Individuals Who Have Substance Use Disorders
Jacob Anthony Martinez
Doctoral Capstone Project: Nothing by Mouth: A Patient-Centered Approach for Better Outcomes in the Adult Population Undergoing Elective Surgery
Isabelle Lampe Meehl
Doctoral Capstone Project: The Effectiveness of Standardization of Pediatric Airway Emergency Supplies
Lacey Rae Rovnak
Doctoral Capstone Project: A Cognitive Aid to Guide Pediatric Medication Dosing
Kristen Marguerite Shaffer
Doctoral Capstone Project: Dexmedetomidine in ERAS Protocols for Reducing Opioid Consumption
Andrew James Skuta
Doctoral Capstone Project: Effects of E-Cigarette Use on Anesthesia Care
Vanessa Lee Stenulis
Doctoral Capstone Project: Lights Out: An Anesthesia Initiative for Energy Conservation in the Operating Room
Tristen S. Stewart
Doctoral Capstone Project: Simulation-Based Training for Management of Laryngospasm
Kaitlyn Jo Strubel
Doctoral Capstone Project: The Effectiveness of Standardization of Pediatric Airway Emergency Supplies
Shreya Umredkar
Doctoral Capstone Project: The Utilization of Blood Pressure Monitoring and Intravenous Cannulation of a Restricted Limb in Post-Surgical Breast Cancer Patients
Zachary Charles Wigton
Doctoral Capstone Project: Simulation-Based Training for Management of Laryngospasm
Bridget Colleen Wu
Doctoral Capstone Project: Non-pharmaceutical Strategies for Preoperative Anxiety
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Cara Elizabeth Bako
Dylan Scott Bisel
Adna Borovina
Jacob A. Brooks
Kelly Carr
Dallas Ashley Christmas
Jordan Dean Crosby
Wisdom Dowds
Brock David Farley
Colette Jean Fischer
Alivia Garrity
Thomas Paul Gilbert
Alison L. Gregori
Julia Josephine Jorden
Cassidy Paula King
Michael Koenig Laubscher
Trevor Christian Luce
Davi Moreira Martins
Matelyn Rose McAfoos
Andrew Brennan Meyer
Montana Marie Muller
Carl Natale
Jacob A. Petit
Ryan Francis Popovich
Jacob Edward Przybylski
Hailey Ann Roadway
Corey D. Shields
Jacob Matthew Soles
Sady Danielle VanAlstine
Rachael Ward
Colin Watts
Jenna Nicole Wortman
Michael J. Zinkowski
Megan Joe Zukowski
CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES Graduate Studies
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND BUSINESS
Master of Business Administration
Elijah M. Banks
Kirt Mayankkumar Brahmbhatt
Anthony R. Caljean III
Olivia Ann DeFoggia
Fanny Laura Corinne Fatras
Lillie Noel Fritz
Anthony Harris
Chase Holmes
Askarbek Kodirov
Master of Healthcare Administration
Ancy Abraham
Yaa Obiriwaa Afari
Didier Augusto Cardona Villalobos
Heather R. Fernandez
Babita Gautam Sapkota
Master of Science
Millenium Gottam
Pattarapong Ramungthong
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Nardos Filimona Bisrat
Paige Leann Johnson
Joseph Lloyd Lyons
Meena Momand
Lindsey K. Monroe
Rakesh Namindla
Matthew Charles Nichilo
Harshkumar Sureshbhai Patel
Niti Kiritkumar Patel
Saurav Bhikhabhai Patel
Zeel Mehul Patel
Ha Thi Thu Pham
Keyurkumar Dipakbhai Prajapati
Rahul Singh
Peyton Harold Riley
Haley Rose Rohrbach
Heather A. Seuffert
Karl Steinbach
Airine George
Grace M. Harrick
Albin Kalarickal Shaju
Ahmad Maqsood
Nissy Jacob Mathew
Olivia Lee Mills
Nafeese Calief Morgan
Ahmad Imran Samadi
Aiswarya Sasi
Kasey M. Smith
Pooja Sadhupati
Jojin Saramma Johny
Rahul Maddela
Ali Asgher Raju
Master of Science in Computer and Information Science
Aishwarya
Ali Jabbar Al-Fatlawi
Baalqasim Ayidh S. Alshehri
Meshari Hezam Alshehri
Tejeswara Rao Anakapalli
Md Anisur Rahman Chowdhury
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Ammar Abdullah Aloqayli
Aliaksandr E. Kotau
Vishnu Vardhan Gade
Akash Gummadi
Anh Thu Ho
Jisna Johny
Surya Sindhu Nandyala
Chanakya Narayanam
Onyekachukwu Joy Okafor
Sai Teja Tata
Sai Srinivas Chowdary Tummala
Venkata Sai Dinesh Vundavalli
Meir Yerbol
Leping Li
Kuntal Manojbhai Mehta
Master of Science in Engineering Management
Deep Mahesh Kadam
Saitharun Madipadaga
Harsh Patel
Master of Science in Environmental Science and Management
Haleigh Elizabeth Manning
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Anjali Navinkumar Patel
Andrew J. Samuels
Williams Adaawen Aniabey
Nasser Khalid M. Alkhalifah
Andrew C. Wiley
COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCE
Master of Arts
Ammiela O. Agayev
Marit Lee Bakken Barber
Master of Education
Brittany Marie Alibrando
Christan Baker
Jodie M. Camillo
Walter Preston Chevalier
Madison E. Christ
Katherine Colton
Cynthia Drewen
Kyra Elizabeth Halpin
Master of Public Administration
Mohammed Ahmed S. Alamourat
Arkan J. Aldosari
Ganitha Gandham
Master of Science
Jamison Lynn Lacey Boozer
Sarah Beth Crosby
Jonathan Micheal DiPrinzio
Master of Science in Criminalistics
Richard J. Benedict
Hoang Long Nguyen
Megan T. Revell
Meagan Elizabeth Kaufer
Danielle Nicole Kosslow
Taylar Eberly
Benjamin C. Mooney
Karlie Dawn Nagy
Spencer William Nagy
Lindsey Marie Pullin
James Donald Schoonover
MacKenzie Smith
Heidi M. Thomas
Benjamin James Timon
Madyson Anne Wakeley
Dillon Shane Walker
Justin Walter
Alyssa C. Wood
Md Riaz Hossain
Saddam Hossain
Hayley Marie Miller
Kaitlyn Morgan Reigel
Savanna Rai Henry
Lauren Elizabeth Miller
Grace Emilienne Mitchell
Demarko Antwan Polk Jr.
Morgan Faith Shelhamer-Welker
Hailee Danielle Trotter
Makenze Marie Carder
Keosha N. Johnson
MOROSKY COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND SCIENCES
Master of Athletic Training
Joseph Edward Dolansky Jr.
Master of Physician Assistant Science
Tiffanie M. Abraham
Anna Isabella Bachinski
Ashley Lauren Baskerville
Christina Grace Blacksten
Gabrielle Paige Boden
Sylvia L. Brawley
Molly Ann Butler
Carter John Combs
Catherin Ruth Daniel
Maria Angelica Duchi
Samantha Jo Ehrensberger
Aubree Maria Etling
Sydney Laurel Fletcher
Elisabeth Kylee Gural
Mahnoor Hashmi
Muhammad Hassan
Martin Pan Hong
Elizabeth Mae Horvat
Master of Science
Madison Margaret Abbott
Celia M. Amenta
Caroline Anne Armbruster
Marissa Babb
Natalie Jane Boyd
Hannah Elizabeth Diley
Maggie Jeanne Eaglen
Jacob Farenchak
Brenna Marie Patriarca Ely Robert Personius
Madeleine M. Horvath
Samantha Annette Karl
Anya Kirsten Knappenberger
Sophia Marie Kordas
Abigail Rose Kutchma
Aiden Alexander Kutchma
Carly Ann Laratonda
Emily Marie Lemmon
Hannah Reanne Mass
Taylor McConnell
Alexis Noelle Meara
Pilar Mediavilla
Magdelyn Joan Meyer
Juliet Cecelia Pastore
Hannah Mary Peck
Hannah Zoe Popovich
Courtney Christina Rhoades
John Christopher Roan
Julia Ann Roth
Grace Elise Rydzynski
Anastasia Rose Schang
Matthew Edward Schneggenburger
Madison Nicole Schunk
Alyson Nicole Seeley
Amanda Sky
Caroline Ashley Stevens
Jillian Keli Suhr
Audrey Jane Thompson
Torianna Todd
Victoria Tuong Anh Truong
Rebecca G. Vober
Mackenzie Lynn Williams
Julia Rose Wilson
Julia Marie Wonsettler
Abbey Zinz
Alyssa Nicole Fligger
Amanda Noelle Huff
Collin Noel
Gianna Carmella Runco
Lauren Jeannine Rupert
Elissa Kate Scheel
Brianna Marie Schnitzer
Rachel Leigh Sellers
Jamie Lynn Seneca
Amanda Nicole Simon
Debra R. Spaid
Emma Nichole Waltemyer
Hannah Elizabeth Whiteford
Kayley Wiles
Cassie Lynn Yorgey
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Graduate Studies
For Excellence in...
Emily Elizabeth Aul
Education, Curriculum, & Instruction
Andrew J. Samuels
Environmental Science and Management
Paige Leann Johnson
Biomedical Engineering
Jenna Nicole Wortman Doctor of Physical Therapy
Didier Augusto Cardona Villalobos
Healthcare Administration
Kappa Gamma Pi Nominees
Michaela Rose Giambrone
Business Administration
Joseph Edward Dolansky Jr. Athletic Training
Ammar Abdullah I. Aloqayli
Engineering Management
Ganitha Gandham
Public Administration
Madison Margaret Abbott
Occupational Therapy
Hailee Danielle Trotter
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Amaan Ateeq Khan
Business Analytics
Megan T. Revell
Strategic Communication
Erin Elizabeth Gorman
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The following students were nominated for the Kappa Gamma Pi National Catholic College Graduate Honor Society for academic excellence and service leadership.
Yaa Obiriwaa Afari
Emily Elizabeth Aul
Didier Augusto Cardona Villalobos
Jisna Johny
Samantha Annette Karl
Hayley Marie Miller
Rakesh Namindla
Pattarapong Ramungthong
Aiswarya Sasi
Alyson Nicole Seeley
Bridget Colleen Wu
GANNON UNIVERSITY
MISSION
Gannon is a Catholic, Diocesan university dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Our faculty and staff prepare students to be global citizens through programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and professional specializations. Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, we offer a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility.
A digital version of this program can be found at www.gannon.edu/commencement.