Commencement 2024 (Twenty-Ninth Graduating Class)

COMMENCEMENT

TWENTY-NINTH GRADUATING CLASS

MAY 10, 2024

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College offers an inclusive, supportive, and affordable environment that empowers students to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in work, life, and the pursuit of lifelong learning.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT: DR. STEVEN NUNEZ

To the Class of 2024, family, and friends, welcome to the twenty-ninth commencement exercises for Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.

We collectively stand proud as we celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates. We recognize the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice it took to complete their education.

It is notable that the word “commencement” means “beginning”, and not “ending.” It is why so many commencement speeches include phrases like “this is only the beginning of your journey” or “this is the beginning of an exciting, challenging, and rewarding phase of your life.” Education should be about a means to an end, not the end. And as such, we celebrate your new beginning.

Graduates, I hope that you understand that this is not the end of your education - you will be reinventing yourself throughout your life and it is my hope that you will never stop the love of learning. Perhaps you will earn a more advanced degree – or maybe you will partake in additional on the job training – or maybe you will take music lessons to learn to play the guitar. Education is more than just training for a profession – it can bring enjoyment, color, and texture to your life. I am proud that Pennsylvania Highlands served you during this time in your life.

With humble beginnings 30 years ago, Pennsylvania Highlands has made lasting impressions on the surrounding communities. It is due to the tireless work of many that this place stands on firm ground today.

We thank the Cambria County Commissioners, the College’s sponsor, for believing in the transformative power of education and how a highly educated and trained workforce is vital for the community. We must thank current and former members of the Board of Trustees for their commitment to an institution that literally had to be grown from the first employee up. We must thank the selfless volunteers of the Pennsylvania Highlands Foundation Board of Directors who help raise money to support our students and this College. Certainly, we have much gratitude to the College’s faculty and staff who have taught, mentored, encouraged, and cared for our students these past years. Thanks to all of you for your contributions to, and belief in, this great institution.

As the fifth president of Pennsylvania Highlands, I recognize what it took for each of you to make this institution what it is today. Thank you.

On a final note, I look forward to the coming years, with anticipation, to hearing stories of success beyond Pennsylvania Highlands.

Enjoy your time. Congratulations again, graduates.

Dr. Steven Nunez

President, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER: HANNAH DADURA

Hannah Dadura is a 2022 graduate of Conemaugh Township Senior High School. Hannah is the daughter of Greg and Emily Dadura.

While attending high school, she was the Treasurer of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), was the business manager for the yearbook, and participated in cheerleading.

As a student at Pennsylvania Highlands, Hannah served as the Student Senate President and was the President/Student Coach of the Black Bear Cheer Team. She also worked part-time as a server and cover shift manager at Eat’n Park.

Hannah has devoted countless hours of her time volunteering at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College events, including the Johnstown Halloween Parade, Safe Trick or Treat, numerous playground clean-ups, and New Student Orientation. As the Student Senate President, Hannah was the Student Trustee and served on the Academic Affairs/Student Services Committee. Hannah actively participated as a member of the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Board of Trustees.

After graduating from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, Hannah plans to enter the workforce utilizing her Business Management degree.

WELCOME

Dr. Barbara Zaborowski Dean of Library Services and Special Projects

PROCESSIONAL

Music performed by Eloise Romano “Pomp and Circumstance” Marches Op. 39 No. 1, Elgar

COLLEGE MARSHAL AND MACE BEARER

Gregory Paonessa President of Faculty Senate Instructor, Computer Technology

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS AND PLATFORM PARTY

Dr. Steven Nunez President

GREETINGS

Scott W. Hunt President Commissioner Cambria County Commissioners

Greg Winger Chairperson of the Board of Trustees

Gregory Paonessa President of Faculty Senate Instructor, Computer Techology

ORDER OF EXERCISES

INTRODUCTION OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Dr. Steven Nunez

President

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Hannah Dadura

President of Student Senate

Member of the Graduating Class

PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES

Dr. Cynthia Doherty

Vice President of Academic Affairs

CONFERRAL OF DEGREES

Dr. Steven Nunez

President

CLOSING REMARKS

Dr. Barbara Zaborowski

Dean of Library Services and Special Projects

ALMA MATER

RECESSIONAL

Music performed by Eloise Romano Symphony No. 9, Finale: Ode to Joy, Beethoven

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE

NAME MAJOR DATE

Trinity Ashanti Akoto Liberal Arts and Sciences Aug.2024

Madison Marie Bender Liberal Arts and Sciences ‡ May 2024

Alexander Benford

Noah Christopher Best

Charles E. Blake III

Hailey Ann Bolen

Liberal Arts and Sciences • Aug. 2024

Liberal Arts and Sciences - May 2024

History ‡Σ

Liberal Arts and Sciences * May 2024

Liberal Arts and Sciences Aug. 2024

Summer Nicole Boring Psychology May 2024

Grant William Bossler

Liberal Arts and Sciences - May 2024

English ‡

Kaitlynn Breth Psychology May 2024

Skylar Renee Brougher Liberal Arts and Sciences ◊ May 2024

Lauren Burrell Liberal Arts and Sciences ◊* May 2024

Lauryn Calhoun Social Work ΦΣ Aug.2023

Adam Jay Cann

Arts and Sciences ΦΣ Aug.2023

Jonathan David Chaney Liberal Arts and Sciences May 2024

Austin Conrad

Abigail Faith Cramer

Skye Cramer

Patyn Rylee Crisswell

Arts and Sciences • Aug. 2023

Arts and Sciences May 2024

2024

Arts and Sciences * May 2024

Emma Lynn Csehoski Liberal Arts and Sciences * May 2024

Jenna Rose Dagostino Liberal Arts and Sciences Dec. 2023

Abigail Digon

Shane Matthew Dixon

Edward M. Drzewiecki

Kyleigh R. Duranko

Emma G. Engleka

2024

2023

Arts and Sciences * May 2024

• May 2024

Aidin Maurice Fortson Liberal Arts and Sciences May 2024

Gianina Marie Galli

Addison Joan Glover

Abigail Anne Gontis

Liberal Arts and Sciences - May 2024

English •

Liberal Arts and Sciences * May 2024

Liberal Arts and Sciences May 2024

Mary Jeannette Psychology May 2024

Desmond Gordon

Katelyn Graham

Liberal Arts and Sciences - English Aug. 2023

Autumn Hardy Education ◊Φ May 2024

Nichole Myra Harrity

Liberal Arts and Sciences ‡ Aug. 2024

Mya Havyer Education May 2024

Jordyn M. Heuston Education ‡ Dec. 2023

Riley Elise Holsopple

Liberal Arts and Sciences ◊* May 2024

Sarah M. Hostetler Education ‡ Dec. 2023

Kellie Howard

Liberal Arts and Sciences ‡ Dec. 2023

Liam R. Hritz-Crotzer Psychology • May 2024

Ean Ernie Jaber

Paige A. Jones

Ethan Michael Kaufman

Elijah M. Ketley

Liberal Arts and Sciences ◊Σ May 2024

Liberal Arts and Sciences ◊ Dec. 2023

Liberal Arts and Sciences Aug. 2024

Liberal Arts and Sciences - Biology May 2024

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE (CONTINUED)

NAME MAJOR

DATE CONFERRED

Elliot M. Knepper Liberal Arts and Sciences ◊ May 2024

Xenia Elizabeth Kobal Liberal Arts and Sciences * May 2024

Darron J. Koss Liberal Arts and Sciences Dec. 2023

Kent John Krisay, Jr.

Joshua A. Krumenacker

Liberal Arts and Sciences Dec. 2023

Liberal Arts and Sciences May 2024

Samantha M. Kusner Liberal Arts and Sciences May 2024

Autumn R. Lehman Liberal Arts and Sciences May 2024

Katelyn Faith Long

Dalton J. Lynch

‡ΦΣ May 2024

Arts and Sciences * May 2024

Juliana Manno Liberal Arts and Sciences Dec. 2023

Levi Marsh Liberal Arts and Sciences May 2024

Laurell Christine McClurkin Liberal Arts and Sciences * May 2024

Zoe McGee

Arts and Sciences Dec. 2023

Kathleen R. McNally Liberal Arts and Sciences - May 2024

Tracy Loren McNatt

Bodhi M. McVicker

Carly J. Mezzelo

Aniyah Unique Moore

Andrew James Mowery

Brice W. Mroczka

Kate Mueller

Sara Kay Oakman

Arts and Sciences * May 2024

2024

2024

Carmyne O’Connor Liberal Arts and Sciences * May 2024

Elethia Marie Ramos Olvera Liberal Arts and Sciences Dec. 2023

Michael Collin Oyaski

Chloe Rayne Polenik

Inez M. Price

Gracie Anne Randolph

Ethan E. Reese

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Aug. 2023

May 2024

May 2024

◊ May 2024

Arts and Sciences ◊ May 2024

Jacob Logan Scanlan Liberal Arts and Sciences Aug. 2024

Jaclynne Joyce Schario

Σ May 2024

Nathan P. Schilling Liberal Arts and Sciences ‡Φ Dec. 2023

Lauren Schrift Liberal Arts and Sciences Aug. 2024

Charles Semelsberger Liberal Arts and Sciences Dec. 2023

Jenna Serafin Liberal Arts and Sciences ‡ May 2024

Marissa Shawley

Shaelyn Silko

Arts and Sciences

May 2024

◊ May 2024

Jacqueline Smith Liberal Arts and Sciences - May 2024 English ◊

Luke Daniel Smith

Tessa Snavely

Arts and Sciences Aug. 2023

‡ΦΣ May 2024

Christina Nichole Sparks Psychology ◊ΦΣ May 2024

Sarah Lynn Stiteler Liberal Arts and Sciences ‡Φ* May 2024

Ashlynn Stoll

Liberal Arts and Sciences ◊ Dec. 2023

Hannah Grace Subich Psychology May 2024

Austin W. Svencer

Liberal Arts and Sciences May 2024

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024

ASSOCIATE OF ARTS DEGREE (CONTINUED)

NAME MAJOR

Lexington Tanaka

DATE CONFERRED

Liberal Arts and Sciences •* May 2024

Kate M. Twigg Education Dec. 2023

James J. Vasilko Jr. Education ◊ May 2024

Alyssa Walkingshaw

Liberal Arts and Sciences • Aug. 2023

Alexis Wallace Liberal Arts and Sciences Aug. 2023

Abbigail Marie Warfield Education ◊ΦΣ May 2024

Eden Karianna Marie Watts

Shemilla White

Jensen Wiewiora

Liberal Arts and Sciences May 2024

Liberal Arts and Sciences * May 2024

Early Childhood Education ◊Φ May 2024

Jade Isabelle Williams Education ◊ May 2024

Charizma Rose Wilson Psychology ◊ May 2024

Logan A. Yakymac

Liberal Arts and Sciences ◊Φ* May 2024

Arionna Younkin Liberal Arts and Sciences May 2024

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE

NAME MAJOR DATE CONFERRED

Mohammed Ahmed

Hannah Angiolieri

Emily Ann Belinda

Management Σ May 2024

Dec. 2023

Management Aug. 2024

Scott Matthew Berardinelli Criminal Justice • May 2024

Lydia E. Bezilla

Rebecca K. Bickle

Kendra Lea Blazer

Colton Bollman

Chase Brenneman

Jenelle H. Brodbeck

Julia G. Burkhard

Madison Jade Burkholder

Hannah N. Cameron

Laura Childs

Owen Clark

Kayla M. Clifford

Timothy Hale Collins

Austin M. Craycraft

Morgan Elizabeth Crocefoglia

Dahrianna Marie Cuello

Danielle Kristine Culbert

Hannah Jane Dadura

Patricia J. Danner

Cameron Elyse Detterbeck

Aleeta Marcelle Diehl

Cindy K. Dillon

Kayla Dively

Dawn M. Dobrowolski

Lori Rose Eamigh

Emily Taylor Evans

Ryan J. Fabin

Autumn Skye Facci

Hayley Fieg

Kaley Storm Fleck

Cody Goggin

Makala Ann Graham

Marcus A. Grisetti

Nikki Reese Gunther-Geesaman

Destany Hammel

Technology May 2024

Coding and Billing ‡ΦΣ May 2024

May 2024

Technology May 2024

Management Σ May 2024

May 2024

Justice May 2024

Coding and Billing •ΦΣ May 2024

Aug. 2024

Management ◊ Aug. 2023

Technology - May 2024 Cyber Security

‡Σ May 2024

Aug. 2024

- May 2024

2023

2024

Aug. 2024

Management • Aug. 2024

Coding and Billing May 2024

2023

May 2024

2023

Coding and Billing ‡ May 2024

May 2024

Production Σ Dec. 2023

Coding and Billing ◊ May 2024

Management ◊ May 2024

Dec. 2023

Σ Aug. 2024

Technology ‡Φ May 2024

- May 2024 Cyber Security

Management

May 2024

Management Aug. 2024

Service Assistant Σ May 2024

Technology - May 2024 Cyber Security ◊

Karli Hanik Information Technology - May 2024 Cyber Security ◊Φ

Kelly Hearn Accounting ‡ May 2024

Anna Louise Emma Hersh Accounting Aug. 2024

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE (CONTINUED)

NAME MAJOR

Bryce Alan Hessler

Andrew M. Hoover

Spencer Garrett Hoover

Samantha Marie Horner

Mary Jane Hudson

Calvin McCullough Jacobs

Jesse James

Tracey Faye Jeske

Mellanie Jones

Wyatt Kephart

Ashley Elizabeth Kichman

Gavin James Kimmel

Makayla Klein

Kaden Klonicke

Trinity J. Klucik

Grace I. Krumenacker

Mikel Raven Kuchenbrod

Jordan Matthew Lafferty

Ryan J. Lenz

Qiana M. Lucas

Harlee MacDonald

Sara McDowell

Hannah Michelle McGeary

Meghan Elizabeth McMullen

DATE CONFERRED

Management ◊ Dec. 2023

Justice May 2024

◊ May 2024

Coding and Billing ◊ May 2024

Management Σ May 2024

2024

2024

Aug. 2024

2024

Aug. 2024

Management May 2024

Coding and Billing May 2024

Technology May 2024

Management ◊Φ May 2024

Layken Miller Radiologic Technology May 2024

Makara Lynn Miller

Sean L. Miller

Courtney Musser

Shane Nicewonger

Samantha Ruby Oklamchak

Valerie Nicole Pinella

Sadie S. Platter

Seth Plummer

Taylor Nicole Rapsky

Anthony Rizzo

Katelynne Dawn Robertson

Nicholas Santos Salguero

Brady D. Schafer

Karly Denae Schiffel

Technology May 2024

Management ‡ May 2024

Production May 2024

May 2024

Technology

May 2024

Coding and Billing • May 2024

Coding and Billing May 2024

Technology - May 2024 Cyber Security Σ

Management Aug. 2024

Technology - May 2024

Agriculture Aug. 2024

Production Aug. 2024

Management Dec. 2023

Coding and Billing ◊ May 2024

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE (CONTINUED)

NAME MAJOR

Brooke Shee

Haley Marie Shipley

DATE CONFERRED

Accounting ‡ May 2024

Medical Coding and Billing May 2024

Jessica L. Shockey Accounting ◊Φ May 2024

Megan A. Shoemaker

Mackenzie R. Shuke

Spring Shultz

Sierra Smay

Wyatt James Snair

Makayla Sprankle

Joshua J. Stem

Arianna Nicole Stephens

Alexes Swanger

Jude Robert Tomaselli

Mason Andrew Toth

Brittany Marie Waite

Emily Warner

Michael Ryan Wilks

Kaelyn M. Williams

Natasha Lee Wilt

Joziah E. Wyatt-Taylor

Radiologic Technology • May 2024

Medical Coding and Billing May 2024

Radiologic Technology ‡ May 2024

Media Production Dec. 2023

Information Technology - May 2024 Cyber Security ◊

Business Management May 2024

Business Management Dec. 2023

Radiologic Technology May 2024

Paralegal Studies Σ Aug. 2024

Business Management • May 2024

Business Management ◊ May 2024

Radiologic Technology ◊Σ May 2024

Business Management ‡ May 2024

Business Management Aug. 2023

Business Management Dec. 2023

Radiologic Technology May 2024

Business Management • May 2024

Dylan Young Information Technology - May 2024 Cyber Security

Morgan Zimmerman

Business Management • May 2024

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE

NAME MAJOR

Hind Achouri

Shae Willis Alderfer

Seth Dillon

Melissa S. Johnson

Miranda Bailey Kiser

Dellano Jordan Mahr

Priscilla Ortiz

Krish Arvindkumar Patel

Danika Polka

Matthew Paul Rozum

Jola Samuels

Trinity A. Stewart

Alexandria Nicole Walls

Olivia Rose Weyandt

Madison Marie Wirfel

DATE CONFERRED

Business Administration Σ May 2024

Computer Science Dec. 2023

Business Administration ‡ΦΣɧ May 2024

Pre-Health Professions Aug. 2024

Pre-Health Professions ◊ Dec. 2023

Computer Science Σ Aug. 2024

Computer Science ‡ May 2024

Computer Science ◊ May 2024

Business Administration ‡ May 2024

Computer Science ◊ May 2024

Pre-Health Professions Dec. 2023

Business Administration ◊ May 2024

Pre-Health Professions Aug. 2024

Pre-Health Professions May 2024

Business Administration ◊ Dec. 2023

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2024

CERTIFICATE

NAME MAJOR

Hind Achouri

Kendra Lea Blazer

Tyler N. Brown

DATE CONFERRED

Bookkeeping May 2024

Bookkeeping Aug. 2024

Substance Abuse Treatment Dec. 2023

Taylor Lee Cross Direct Support Professional May 2024

Nicole P. Davis

Dawn M. Dobrowolski

Kyle L. Feliciano

Hayley Fieg

Caden J. Gennett

Nicole E. Guinivan

PA Director Credential Aug. 2023

Bookkeeping May 2024

Bookkeeping May 2024

Bookkeeping Aug. 2024

Pre-Health Professions Aug. 2024

PA Director Credential Aug. 2023

Nikki Reese Gunther-Geesaman Direct Support Professional Σ May 2024

Nikki Reese Gunther-Geesaman Substance Abuse Treatment Σ Dec. 2023

Kelly Hearn

Bookkeeping May 2024

Jeffrey Allan Hewitt Pre-Health Professions Aug. 2023

Alana Hinton

Spencer Garrett Hoover

Allee Shae Keagy

Gavin James Kimmel

Makayla Klein

Pre-Health Professions Aug. 2023

Bookkeeping May 2024

Bookkeeping May 2024

Bookkeeping May 2024

Bookkeeping Aug. 2023

Grace Krumenacker Bookkeeping Aug. 2024

Bob Lichtenfels Business Management for May 2024

Harry D. Lonas Bookkeeping May 2024

Tammie J. Lynch

PA Director Credential Dec. 2023

Jalimaris Morales Bookkeeping Aug. 2024

Christopher L. Norman

Jennifer M. Novella

Kelsey M. Shedlock

Jessica L. Shockey

Michael Ryan Wilks

LEGEND

Business Management for May 2024 Manufacturing

Bookkeeping May 2024

Pre-Health Professions Aug. 2023

Bookkeeping Aug. 2024

Business Management Aug. 2023

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

ACADEMIC REGALIA

The academic attire worn by platform guests and participants comes from a tradition beginning in medieval Europe. At times when the general type of clothing worn was the robe or gown, colors and materials showed individual rank or wealth. As trades, professions, guilds, and universities developed, distinctive variations came about to identify affiliations.

Universities gradually modified the gowns, capes, hoods, and caps into distinctive forms that would identify levels of academic achievement. In the 1890s, American colleges and universities agreed upon a somewhat uniform application of the academic regalia. Typically, scholars with a Bachelor’s Degree wear the unadorned black robe. Those with a Master’s Degree wear a hood lined with the colors of their college and trimmed with the color specifying their academic discipline area. The Doctoral Degree robe adds three velvet bars on each sleeve. The doctoral hood is more ornate.

Faculty and staff members wear the traditional attire of the college or university that conferred their degree.

THE MACE

Once a weapon in medieval combat, the mace evolved over time into a symbol of rulership and became associated with the pride of a nation and its origins. Later, the mace was adopted by universities as a symbol of the power of the academic quest for truth and wisdom. It is carried at academic processions not only to bring authority to ceremonial occasions but also to symbolize the unity and aspirations of the College community.

COLLEGE MEDALLION

The President of a college during academic ceremonies wears the College Medallion as a symbol of the leadership responsibilities vested in that office. The medallion is circular in form and includes the name of the College enclosing the shield of the College. The graceful, unbroken lines of the circle represent the unending process of education.

ACCREDITATION

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 215-662-5606. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency, which is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on recognition of Post-secondary Accreditation.

COLLEGE COMMUNITY LEADERS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Greg Winger, Chairperson

Dr. Janet Grady, Vice Chairperson

Carl DeYulis, Secretary/Treasurer

James Foreman, Public Relations Officer

Linda Thomson, At-Large Office

Jennifer Anderson

John Augustine II

Rev. Reginald Floyd

Jacqueline Kulback

Lladel Lichty

Jennifer Mitchell

Mike Puruczky

Brett Smith

Dr. Leah Spangler

Carissa Itle Westrick

Hannah Dadura, Student Trustee 2023-2024

FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jeffrey Wood, President

David Mordan, Vice President

Mike Lynch, Treasurer

Ed Porada, Secretary

Mike Artim

Nancy D’Aniello

Ellis Griffith

John Kubinsky

Tim Leventry

Traci Naugle

John Polacek

Doug Puchko

Roberta Ream

Linda Thomson (ex-officio)

James Foreman (ex-officio)

COLLEGE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Dr. Steven Nunez, President

Trish Corle, Vice President of Student Services

Dr. Cynthia Doherty, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Gary Boast, Associate Vice President of Technology & Analytics

Susan Fisher, Associate Vice President of Administration

Omar Strohm, Associate Vice President of Finance

Dr. Barbara Zaborowski, Dean of Library Services and Special Projects

ALMA MATER

Nestled in the Allegheny Highlands is our home. Integrity and excellence, these values here are grown. Education, our foundation, answering the call. Service to communities, opportunity for all!

Fellow scholars, new found friends, we Black Bears roar and sing. Gathered here in harmony and echoed from the peak –Penn Highlands, hail to thee!

A MESSAGE FROM THE

The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation Board of Directors extends our warmest congratulations to each and every one of you. Today marks a momentous occasion.

As you celebrate this milestone, we invite you to reflect on the role that the College Foundation has played. Our mission is to provide support for the College and its students through scholarships and other initiatives.

Nonetheless, the College Foundation is more than just a source of funding. We are a community of individuals who believe in the transformative power of education, and we are committed to helping our students achieve their dreams.

As you move forward into the next phase of your lives, we encourage you to stay connected. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply sharing your experiences with others, you have the power to make a difference in the lives of future students.

Above all, your hard work, dedication, and perseverance are testaments to your resilience and commitment to excellence. We are honored to have been a part of your journey.