Pitt-Bradford Commencement 2022 Program

Commencement 2022

University of Pittsburgh Bradford

The First of May, Two Thousand and Twenty-Two Two o’clock in the afternoon

The National Anthem O say can you see by the dawn’s early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Alma Mater Alma Mater, wise and glorious, Child of Light and Bride of Truth, Over Fate and Foe victorious, Dowered with eternal youth, Crowned with love of son and daughter, Thou shalt conquer as of yore, Dear old Pittsburgh, Alma Mater, God preserve Thee evermore!

Dear Graduates, Congratulations! All of us at Pitt-Bradford are very proud of what you have accomplished and are happy to celebrate this special day with you and your family and friends.

As you prepare to begin the next phase of your journey, I hope you will do so with confidence because, with your Pitt-Bradford education and your University of Pittsburgh degree, you are well prepared to take on any challenge, achieve any goal, and surpass any expectation.

Though you have now graduated, you will always be a member of our Pitt-Bradford family. Please stay in touch with us to keep us updated on your achievements and how you are making a positive impact in your profession and your community. I also encourage you to stay connected through the Pitt-Bradford Alumni Association.

Regards,

Interim President Esch

PROGRAM PRELUDE Ray Sprout, organist John Maguda, trumpeter

Various Composers

PROCESSIONAL

“March” from the Overture to the Occasional Oratorio G. F. Handel

OPENING OF COMMENCEMENT Matt Kropf, Ph.D. Grand Marshall and President of Faculty Senate NATIONAL ANTHEM WELCOME

Richard T. Esch, MBA Interim President

PRESENTATION OF ALUMNI AWARD OF DISTINCTION

Mr. Esch

PRESENTATION OF PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF DISTINCTION

Mr. Esch

INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER

Mr. Esch

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

Livingston Alexander, Ed.D President Emeritus University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

RECOGNITION OF GRADUATES and CONFERRAL OF DEGREES David Fitz, Ph.D Interim Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs CLOSING COMMENTS ALMA MATER

Mr. Esch

CLOSING OF COMMENCEMENT RECESSIONAL

Dr. Kropf

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STUDENTS RECEIVING ASSOCIATE DEGREES Associate of Arts Associate of Science Alannah Marie Allen Lillian Dorothy Baldwin Jacob Andrew Billisits Abbie Jane Buerkle Briana Jean Butler Kyle Joseph Carey Alyssa Marie Colsher Hailey Elizabeth Dynesko Jean Marie Farley Wendy S. Fitch Kaycie Marie Gedrich Travis Richard Gleason Danielle Nichole Haight Caitlyn Elaine Hoffmann Kendra Jean Hubler Jack H. Kellam Patricia Catherine Lucas Anna Louise Mallison-Austin Lynn Frances Meyer Alissa Zenae Miller William J. Miller II Terryn Mackenzie Minotti Alexis T. Montgomery Joshua David Munday Maddison Cierra Nicklas Rhyan Anissa O'Neil Aekta Patel Jack David Pecora Arthur Richard Peterson III Alicia Grace Reese Julie Rudolph Joshua Allen Schneider Madelyn May Sunderlin

Nursing Nursing Nursing Liberal Studies Nursing Information Systems Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Liberal Studies Information Systems Nursing Nursing Liberal Studies Petroleum Technology Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Information Systems Liberal Studies Nursing Information Systems Nursing Nursing Nursing Petroleum Technology Engineering Science Nursing Nursing Engineering Science Nursing 3

James Thompson Taylor IV Gracie Walters Sydney Lin Whitfield Beth Anne Williams Dania Zavala-Garcia

Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing Nursing

STUDENTS RECEIVING BACCALAUREATE DEGREES Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science in Nursing Meaghan Brianna Adams Taylor Anne Adams Edem Kwame Agbemabiese

Biology Environmental Studies Computer Information Systems & Technology Health and Physical Education Biology History-Political Science Exercise Science Psychology Exercise Science Psychology Health and Physical Education Applied Mathematics and Economics Athletic Training Business Management Health and Physical Education Communications Biology Sociology Radiological Science Biology Exercise Science Exercise Science Forensic Science Radiological Science

Tyler Afonso Aires David Enyinnaya Ajiri Cory Michael Anastasia Katherine Banks Anderton Shaquan Umar Bagot Sarah Patricia Baldauff Prionna Princess Battle Morgan Lynn Bellush Joseph Bernazzoli Emily Marie Bethel Branden Boateng Mackenzie Elizabeth Bonyak Adam Christopher Boyer Olubumi Adeniyi Braimah Deniesha Marissa Brown Kaylie Maddison Bukowski Alyssa Morgan Burdick Alena Christine Carnegie Kaitlyn Michelle Case Kylee Joelle Case Sarah Michelle Causer 4

Jennifer Lynn Cecchetti Early Level Education (PreK-4) Jarod F. Chaffee Psychology Brandon D. Charnisky Business Management Nikita Chowdhury Biology Mitchell Joseph Clayton Accounting Emily Christine Cleveland Health and Physical Education Rachel Elisabet Close Communications Kendra Lynne Colegrove Psychology Kalie Mae Cowburn Early Level Education (PreK-4) Madigan Elizabeth Dalton Business Management Dominique G. D'Amore Chemistry Matthew Ryan Davis Sport & Recreation Management Melanie Marie Davis Forensic Science Floyd Anh Do Business Management Samuel John Dreistadt Environmental Studies Victor Xavier Elias Criminal Justice Olivia Louise Feightner Hospitality Management Cassidy Lynn Fenner Business Management Maximillian Jael Ferguson Business Management Alexander Matthew Fetter Business Management Gabrielle Nicole Fogg Early Level Education (PreK-4) Je'Tiah S. Foster Criminal Justice and Psychology Rebecca J. Fuller Sociology Kellen Jena Gaither Psychology Alicia Sue Garrett Biology Bianca Merced Gonzales Psychology Brianna Lynne Goodell Sociology Isaac Andrew Gralak Exercise Science Gianna Maria Granito Criminal Justice Matthew William Hair Health and Physical Education Caleb Joel Hansen Computer Information Systems & Technology Nicholas Joseph Harrington Computer Information Systems & Technology Jack William Hasbrouck Broadcast Communications Cade Francis Hayden Broadcast Communications Grace E. Heckman Psychology Hannah ViPonte Hibbs Nursing Nathan Christopher Higbie Business Management 5

Hailey Christine Hoch Early Level Education (PreK-4) Kacie Nicole Hodgdon Exercise Science Emily Ann Hodge Accounting and Business Management Hannah Marcia Evelyn Hopkins Exercise Science Kaitlyn Ann Hulings Biology Jordan Machal Iorfida Business Management Rosanna Leigh Jackson Business Management Shakira Unique Jackson History-Political Science Maggie Caylynne James Environmental Studies Kamal Emmanuel Jamison Psychology Katelyn May Jones Psychology Anna Rebekah Kafferlin Nursing Lauryn Murphey Kahle Athletic Training Gabrielle T. Kassimu Accounting Pressley Lynne Keane Psychology Carly Michelle Keenan Criminal Justice Sydni Renee Keesler Exercise Science Jack H. Kellam Environmental Studies Brent Patrick Kennedy Business Management and Sport & Recreation Management Gregory Edward Kessel Computer Information Systems & Technology Brock Thomas Klaiber Business Management Joshua Ryan Krepps Exercise Science Matthew Charles Kwiatkowski Accounting Kristen Lindsey Laemmer Sociology Jack Leinhauser Exercise Science Amanda Elizabeth Little Interdisciplinary Arts Timothy Joseph Henry Magro Health and Physical Education Ankit Malik Biology Gianna Rose Mangoni Criminal Justice Kaitlyn Marx Athletic Training Jarett Bradley Mathes Applied Mathematics Kaegan Lee-Ann Matthews Nursing Emma Grace McClaren Nursing Ashton McGriff Nursing 6

Jacob Ryan McNabb Business Management Anna Kathleen McNickle Nursing Lucas De Maar Teodoro McQuain Criminal Justice Adjoa Ode Mensah History-Political Science and International Affairs Yaa Achiaa Mensah Biology Victoria N. Merrick Hospitality Management Anantha Nag Metta Biology Noah Davis Meyers Chemistry Michelle LeeAnn Michali History-Political Science and Social Studies Education 7-12 Alexander Ronald Miles Business Management and Economics Mark Samuel Miller Social Studies Education 7-12 Michael Clifford Miller Chemistry Sara Ann Miller Radiological Science Hannah Elizabeth Mohacey Biology Elizabeth M. Morini Radiological Science Paiton Grace Murgitroyde Environmental Studies Ty'jae Le'Ray Murray Computer Information Systems & Technology Chelsea A. Myers Criminal Justice Mitchell Newara Computer Information Systems & Technology Lyndsey Joan Niegowski Biology Sarah I. Niegowski Exercise Science William J. O'Boyle Computer Information Systems & Technology Gofacks Abena Ohene Biology Shiyou Ou Computer Information Systems & Technology Akshit Pathania Computer Information Systems & Technology La-Shainnia Nicole Peaker Psychology Jack David Pecora General Studies Bailey Skye Perkins Exercise Science Claire Elizabeth Perovich Exercise Science Arthur Richard Peterson III Energy Science and Technology Thomas William Phenicie III Early Level Education (PreK-4) 7

Ronisha Jasmine Polen Psychology Hannah Katherine Powers Psychology Callum Price Psychology Boaz Gilson Quinones Computer Information Systems & Technology Shayla Maria Ransome Exercise Science Rachel M. Raubenstrauch Communications Crosby Noah Ravert Applied Mathematics Chase Colin Rider Health and Physical Education Matthew T. Ristau Accounting Gina Marie Roselli History-Political Science Emily A. Royea Exercise Science Taylor Marie Samuelson Psychology Drayson Carleton Sanders Computer Information Systems & Technology Dominic Anthony Santarelli Biology Corinn Meghan Schaible Radiological Science Alexis Marie Schofield Exercise Science Elizabeth Brooke Schoonover Computer Information Systems & Technology Madison Eva Sera Radiological Science Kleron Kurt Serano History-Political Science Jacob M. Sheldon Health and Physical Education Courtney Jean Short Biology Dolcey Marie Shunk Chemistry Tyler Gregory Singer Biology Bridgit Michelle Smith Sociology Kelly Marie Smith Accounting and Business Management Ryene Michelle Snow Health and Physical Education Colin David Snyder Criminal Justice Hunter Michael Sostakowski Business Management Jacob Adam Soulas Biology Chase Jaden Stevens Computer Information Systems & Technology Aaron Michael Stoddard Biology Samantha Marie Stoltz Business Management Andre Dahmyr John Strange Psychology

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Business, Computer & Information Technology and Business Management Nursing Applied Mathematics Psychology Business Management Early Level Education (PreK-4) Accounting Exercise Science Computer Information Systems & Technology Psychology Nursing Business Management Criminal Justice Exercise Science Psychology Criminal Justice Exercise Science Biology Computer Information Systems & Technology Communications Biology Business Management Radiological Science Writing Accounting Biology Health and Physical Education Computer Information Systems & Technology Sport and Recreation Management

Lisa Cook

STUDENT RECEIVING MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK DEGREE Social Work

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PBAA ALUMNI AWARD OF DISTINCTION

Rhett Kennedy ’92, former director of facilities management at Pitt-Bradford, spent nearly his entire career serving his alma mater in numerous leadership roles and supporting and mentoring the students under his care.

Four years after earning his Bachelor of Arts in communications from PittBradford, Mr. Kennedy began working at his alma mater as director of residential life and housing, overseeing residence life, judicial affairs, housing and summer conference housing.

After serving in that role for three years, he was named assistant dean of student affairs and director of housing, then was promoted to associate dean in 2002, assuming the additional responsibilities of health services, dining, Greek life, the ID Center, and campus ministries.

Seven years later, Mr. Kennedy was named director of auxiliary services for both the Bradford and Titusville campuses, which added even more responsibilities to his portfolio, including the Panther Shop, Mail Center and Marilyn Horne Hall.

In 2020, after a national search, Mr. Kennedy brought his vast experiences in campus building management and his attention to detail to his new role as director of facilities management.

During his lengthy career at Pitt-Bradford, he also worked closely with his colleagues in several other capacities. He was a Freshman Seminar instructor and guest lecturer; was the advisor for Alpha Phi Omega, national service fraternity; and was a member of the Sustainability Committee.

Mr. Kennedy also was continually active in the Bradford community. From 20112015, he served as a member of Bradford City Council, overseeing the Bradford City Fire Department, ambulance services and

Board of Health, and the Department of Property Maintenance.

He served as president of the Friendship Table, the Bradford and Olean (N.Y.) YMCA, and the Bradford Rotary Club; was chairperson of the board of the Area Transportation Authority of North Central Pennsylvania; and was a lector at St. Bernard Church.

Mr. Kennedy also coached the Bradford Area High School women’s tennis team and was a coach, referee and field maintenance volunteer for the Bradford Community Soccer Club.

In addition to his bachelor’s degree from Pitt-Bradford, Mr. Kennedy holds a Master of Arts in student affairs in higher education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

He and his wife, Kara, live in Bradford and have four sons. Their oldest son, Brent, graduates today with a bachelor’s degree as a double major in sport and recreation management and business management.

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COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER and PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF DISTINCTION Dr. Livingston Alexander, professor and president emeritus, served as Pitt-Bradford’s president for 15 years and dedicated his entire career to supporting students and mentoring faculty and staff at several universities.

Under Dr. Alexander’s leadership from 2003 to 2018, Pitt-Bradford saw remarkable growth.

More than 30 academic majors and minors were added. Students were successfully recruited from all over the United States, helping to diversify the student body and transition Pitt-Bradford into a residential campus, resulting in the addition of four residence halls, construction of a fifth, and the development of a more robust campus life experience. Several other facilities were built or developed, including the Harriett B. Wick Chapel, the CSI House, the Kessel Athletic Complex, and the acquisition of the Seneca Building, which became home to the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center.

Additionally, more than $33 million was raised in two completed capital campaigns.

campus also was recognized by the Obama Administration for excelling in enrolling and graduating students who qualify for federal Pell grants and has been named a Military Friendly School and Military Friendly Spouse School for the additional support faculty and staff provide to studentveterans and their families.

Seven years into his Pitt-Bradford presidency, Dr. Alexander also was named president of Pitt-Titusville.

Dr. Alexander, ever mindful of supporting student success, helped to create a campus culture that focused on student success. As a result, several student support services were developed, including the Academic Advising Center, the Academic Coaching and Tutoring Center, and the Math and Writing centers. Additionally, PittBradford received federal TRIO grants for programs that served students who were first-generation, under-represented and/or disadvantaged.

His career in higher education has spanned more than 40 years. He began his career as a psychology professor then moved into administrative roles at several institutions, including associate vice president for academic affairs at Western Kentucky University; vice president for academic affairs at Troy State University in Montgomery, Ala.; and provost and vice president for academic affairs at Kean University in New Jersey.

During his presidency, Pitt-Bradford received – and continues to receive – national visibility, including recognition from The Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, Washington Monthly, and the Colleges of Distinction. The

Dr. Alexander wrote about his many years in higher education, as well as growing up in the Jim Crow south, in his memoir, “Chasing the Silver Lining,” which was published in late 2021.

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PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF DISTINCTION One characteristic of higher education is that it is shaped by society at the same time it is shaping society. It is people, working both within and outside higher education, and not just the institutions themselves, who make significant contributions to the broader community, either by advancing higher education or by fostering values important to higher education. It is important that higher education accord these individuals appropriate recognition.

The Pitt-Bradford Presidential Medal of Distinction advances this premise for those people associated with Pitt-Bradford and those connected with the college’s service region.

PAST RECIPIENTS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF DISTINCTION 1991 Dr. Robert B. Bromeley* Virginia L. Miles*

2007 Madeline Miles

1992 The Honorable John E. Peterson

2008 Harvey L. Golubock* Harry R. Halloran Jr.*

1993 Harriett B Wick Sarah B. Dorn*

2009 Dr. William Conrad The Stackpole-Hall Foundation

1994 Dr. Robert C. Laing*

2010 Dr. James V. Maher Thomas R. Bromeley

1995 Samuel Gregg Jr.*

2011 George B. Duke

1996 William F. Higie*

2012 Rev. Leo Gallina

1997 Robert D. Galey* Lester Rice*

2014 Chancellor Mark Nordenberg

1998 Howard L. Fesenmyer* Henry P. Pruch*

2015 Craig A. Hartburg 2016 Greg Booth

2000 Marilyn Horne

2017 Al Filoni*

2002 Edwin Clemens*

2018 Pitt-Bradford Advisory Board

2004 Dennis Lowery*

2019 Dr. Patricia Beeson

2005 Dr. Richard E. McDowell 2006 The Honorable John M. Cleland

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* Deceased

The Colors of Scholarship The history of the academic gowns and regalia worn at Commencement goes back as far as the 12th century. Although scholars in the United States wore academic regalia year‑round as late as the 19th century, the display of regalia today is reserved for special academic occasions. The cut of the robes, the colors worn, the fabric of the caps, all have special meaning.

Central to each costume is the robe. Except for certain colleges (e.g., Harvard and Yale), the robes for the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees are black. A different color is recommended for associates degree holders, and at Pitt‑Bradford that color is dark blue. The associates and bachelor’s degree robe both have pointed, open sleeves.

The master’s degree sleeve is closed, with a slit for the wrist. A bell‑shaped sleeve denotes a holder of a doctoral degree. Additionally, the doctoral gown has velvet trim down the front and three velvet bars on each sleeve. The velvet may be black or reflect the color of the discipline.

The most colorful part of the academic costume is the hood, the large shawl‑like collar that drapes down the back of the robe. The color of the satin lining in the back represents the institutional colors where the degree was earned. The University of Pittsburgh hood has a blue‑and‑gold chevron design. Beginning at the front of the neck, a velvet border extends down the back and outlines the lining. For those receiving their baccalaureate degrees, a white border signifies a bachelor of arts, while gold indicates a bachelor of science.

The velvet borders on master’s and doctoral hoods display the color of the scholars’ discipline. A white band can represent arts, English, letters, literature, sociology or history.

The color for business is drab tan. Brown is worn by the fine and performing arts, pink is worn by musicians, and economics is represented by copper. Education scholars wear light blue, crimson represents communications and journalism, and speech is denoted with silver. Engineers wear orange, and nurses wear apricot. Library science is represented by lemon yellow, while mathematics, criminology and all sciences wear science gold. Sage green is for physical education, and magenta represents continuing education or student affairs. Traditionally, dark blue was worn only by philosophers, but now may be worn by anyone who has earned the Ph.D. Pitt‑Bradford graduates who are members of honor societies wear cords, stoles or medallions that drape down the front of their gowns. Members of Alpha Lambda Delta, the Freshman Honor Society, wear red, white and gold cords. Blue and white cords signify membership in Pi Gamma Mu, the International Honor Society in Social Sciences. Psi Chi is the National Honor Society in Psychology; its members wear gold cords with gold and blue tassels. Members of the Honors Fraternity for Sport and Exercise Science, Phi Epsilon Kappa, wear gold stoles with the fraternity’s initials and flower on the front. Red and green cords represent Beta Beta Beta, the National Biological Honor Society. The cords worn

by Alpha Sigma Lambda, the National Honor Society for Students in Continuing Higher Education, are burgundy and antique gold. Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, signifies membership with its black and red cords. Students in Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Society, display a bronze medallion on a black neck ribbon.

Caps come in two varieties, the more familiar mortarboard, known as the Oxford cap, and the softer beret‑type Cambridge cap. Velvet is reserved for holders of the doctoral degree. Pitt‑Bradford graduates wear the mortarboard, but caps worn by faculty are dictated by the institution from which they earned their highest degree.

Tassel color may reflect the discipline, but only those with a doctoral degree may wear gold tassels. Although there are no standards for where the tassel on the cap is to be worn, tradition at many schools, including Pitt‑Bradford, suggests that the tassel be kept on the right until the degree is actually conferred, at which time the tassel is moved to the left.