Commencement
SPRING SEMESTER 2025
PENN STATE ERIE, THE BEHREND COLLEGE
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025
Commencement
SPRING SEMESTER 2025
PENN STATE ERIE, THE BEHREND COLLEGE
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2025
WE
WELCOME YOU TO PENN STATE BEHREND’S SPRING COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY.
Commencement, the solemn but joyful recognition of the graduates’ years of study, is an important occasion to the college, and its faculty, staff, students, and guests. The ceremony will be streamed live at behrend.psu.edu so that graduates’ family members and friends who are unable to join us at Erie Insurance Arena tonight may be included in our celebration.
Please silence all mobile devices prior to the Presentation of Colors. When the Processional begins, we ask that you rise to welcome the graduates. Remain standing until all the candidates have reached their seats and during the singing of the National Anthem.
To commemorate this milestone occasion, a professional photograph is taken of each graduate. This photo may be purchased online from Lifetouch. Text the ordering code 448511GY25 to 90738 or scan the code printed on page 12 of this program to receive notice when your commencement photos are available to view.
To avoid congestion and to maintain decorum in the ceremony, we ask that family members refrain from approaching the stage when taking pictures.
Commencement takes time and yet has special significance for each individual and family. Members of the audience are asked to remain in their seats throughout the ceremony so they do not disrupt the program or interfere with the special moments of others. Commencement is our most important occasion, and we ask you to respect its significance to the college community and to those who are being honored.
Everyone stands for the singing of the Alma Mater. Guests should remain seated throughout the Recessional to allow faculty, staff, and graduates to exit the arena.
Thank you for your cooperation. We hope that you will enjoy the ceremony and celebrate the achievements of our students.
Commencement Program
PRESENTATION OF COLORS | Pride of Pennsylvania Army ROTC Battalion Color Guard
ACADEMIC PROCESSIONAL | Behrend Ceremonial Brass and Percussion Ensemble, Tess Jones, Conductor Excerpts, Pomp and Circumstance, Edward Elgar; March of the Priests, W.A. Mozart; Hail the Conquering Hero, G.F. Handel
NATIONAL ANTHEM Please stand
GREETINGS | Dr. Ralph M. Ford, Chancellor and Dean
WELCOME | Samuel Rosario ’25
FACULTY ADDRESS | Dr. Kenneth Louie, Associate Professor of Economics; Director, Economic Research Institute of Erie
GREETINGS FROM THE COUNCIL OF FELLOWS | Tesha Nesbit ’93, Chair, Council of Fellows
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS | Tim NeCastro, President and CEO, Erie Insurance
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES
Schreyer Honors College | Dr. Greg Filbeck ’13, Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs School of Science | Dr. Alicyn Rhoades ’01, Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies and Interim Director, School of Science School of Humanities and Social Sciences | Dr. Melanie Hetzel-Riggin, Director, School of Humanities and Social Sciences School of Engineering | Dr. Timothy Kurzweg ’94, James R. Meehl Director, School of Engineering Black School of Business | Dr. Ozgun Demirag, Director, Black School of Business Fox Graduate School | Dr. Alicyn Rhoades
Readers: Andrea Konkol ’00, ’03, Director, Enrollment Management; and Kelly Wertz Shrout ’92, Director, Student Affairs
INTERLUDE | Behrend Ceremonial Brass and Percussion Ensemble
Now is the Month of Maying, Thomas Morley
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES | Robert D. Metzgar ’60, Penn State Trustee Emeritus
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INDUCTION | Kimberly Kaercher ’99, Penn State Behrend Alumni Society
ALMA MATER Please stand and join in | Penn State Behrend Choir
FAREWELL | Michaela Florence ’25
RECESSIONAL | Behrend Ceremonial Brass and Percussion Ensemble Selections from LaDanserye, Tilman Susato, and Crown Imperial, William Walton
Commencement Marshals
COLLEGE MARSHAL
Dr. Ashutosh Deshmukh, Distinguished Professor of Accounting and Management Information Systems
FACULTY MARSHALS
Dr. Omar Ashour, Professor of Industrial Engineering
Dr. Michael Campbell, Distinguished Professor of Biology
Dr. Charisse Nixon, Professor of Psychology
Dr. Craig Warren, Professor of English
Dr. Darren Williams, Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Dr. Jessica Zhao, Professor of Finance
Dr. Jun Zhou, Professor of Mechanical Engineering
STUDENT MARSHALS
Alec Dennis, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Matthew McDonough, School of Science
Ali Ostowar, Black School of Business
Marley Persch, School of Engineering
Alice Puzarowski, Fox Graduate School
Keri Saulino, Schreyer Honors College
Program Notes
ACADEMIC PROCESSION
The mace, which symbolizes the University President’s authority, is carried at the head of the academic procession by the College Marshal. It was carved by a local artist from native fiddleback maple and is engraved with the University seal and Glenhill Farmhouse.
ACADEMIC DRESS
Academic dress had its beginnings in the Middle Ages. When the English universities were taking form in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, the scholars were also clerics and adopted robes similar to those of their monastic orders. The use of academic costume in the United States has been continuous since colonial times. A uniform system was not widespread, however, until about 1895, when the well-defined code of the Intercollegiate Commission was adopted by nearly all institutions of higher learning.
The gown worn by those in the procession represents the degree held. The academic gown has pointed sleeves for the bachelor’s degrees, short or regular sleeves for the master’s degrees, and round, full sleeves for the doctorate. The doctoral gown has trimming—usually black velvet—on the sleeves.
The standard academic cap is the mortarboard, usually the color of the gown. Undergraduates wear the tassel on the right side of the cap until the moment the degree is conferred.
THE HOOD
Hoods are usually worn only for the master’s degree or the doctorate, with the doctoral hood being the longer of the two and marked by distinguishing panels. Hoods are lined with the colors of the college or university in which the degree was granted. In tonight’s ceremony, Dr. Alicyn Rhoades, Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, drapes the hoods over the candidates’ shoulders.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
Bachelor’s degrees are conferred by the University after the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 120 credits in a four-year major. The associate degree is conferred after the satisfactory completion of a minimum of 60 credits in one of the two-year majors.
SCHREYER HONORS COLLEGE
The Schreyer Scholars program is Penn State’s University-wide Honors program. Students who have completed the requirements of the program, including an Honors thesis or comprehensive examination, receive an Honors degree. Scholars graduating with an Honors degree receive a bronze medal designed by John A. Cook, professor of art emeritus and noted medalist. The medal, which bears the inscription “Intellectual Curiosity—Integrity of Purpose—Scholarly Achievement,” is presented tonight by Dr. Greg Filbeck, Vice Chancellor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Students graduating with an Honors degree are noted with a double dagger (††) in this program.
EVAN PUGH SCHOLARS
Evan Pugh Scholars are students who were in the upper 0.5 percent of their respective classes. All have been full-time students for at least four semesters prior to selection. The award is named for Evan Pugh, Penn State’s first president (1859–1864). Evan Pugh Scholars are noted with numbers (3) in this program.
SCHOLASTIC DISTINCTION
Undergraduate candidates with academic distinction are in the top 12 percent of their graduating class in their college. The 12 percent is divided into 2 percent Summa Cum Laude, 4 percent Magna Cum Laude, and 6 percent Cum Laude. Distinction is subject to the candidates’ satisfaction of minimum criteria. Students graduating with scholastic distinction are noted with an asterisk (*) in this program.
Student Speakers
SAMUEL ROSARIO | Welcome
Samuel Rosario, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, is graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He has served as a resident assistant, and he received the 2024 Pride of the Lion Award and 2024 Outstanding Collaborative Program Award. He completed an engineering internship at Wabtec in Erie. After graduation, he will return to Wabtec as part of the company’s LEAD program in engineering.
Student Marshals
ALEC DENNIS
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Alec Dennis, of Erie, is graduating summa cum laude with dual degrees in Political Science and Psychology. An Evan Pugh Scholar, he received awards for Political Science and Scholarly Achievement in Psychology this year and a Writing Award in 2024. He was an intern and volunteer at Susan Hirt Hagen CORE. He plans to attend law school.
ALI OSTOWAR Black School of Business
Ali Ostowar, of Olomouc, Czech Republic, is graduating summa cum laude with an Honors degree in Management Information Systems. An Evan Pugh Scholar, he received the Archie K. Loss Undergraduate Thesis Award and MIS award this year. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in artificial intelligence at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.
ALICE PUZAROWSKI
Fox Graduate School
Alice Puzarowski, of Erie, is graduating with a master’s degree in Project Management. She received the Master of Project Management award this year. She earned a bachelor’s degree in General Arts and Sciences from Penn State Behrend in 2020. She plans to continue working in research administration at Behrend.
MICHAELA FLORENCE | Farewell
Michaela Florence, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, is graduating magna cum laude with dual degrees in Business Economics and Marketing. This year, she received the Eric A. and Josephine Walker Award and Business Economics and Marketing awards; in 2022, she received the Outstanding First-Year Student award. She was named a Delta Sigma Pi Regional and Provincial Collegian of the Year. She will pursue an MBA at Behrend this fall.
MATTHEW McDONOUGH School of Science
Matthew McDonough, of Pittsburgh, is graduating summa cum laude with a degree in Mathematics. An Evan Pugh Scholar and member of the Men’s Basketball Team, he received the award for Most Promising First-Year Student in Mathematics in 2023. His future plans include an MBA at Behrend and a career as a data analyst or statistician.
MARLEY PERSCH School of Engineering
Marley Persch, of Hudsonville, Michigan, is graduating with an Honors degree in Polymer Engineering and Science. She received the award for Polymer Engineering and Science this year and the Jake Boyle Memorial Award in 2024. After graduation, she will join the Commercial Leadership Program at Conventus Polymers.
KERI SAULINO
Schreyer Honors College
Keri Saulino, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is graduating summa cum laude with an Honors degree in Environmental Science. A member of the Women’s Tennis Team, she received an award for Environmental Science Research in 2024 and awards for Writing and Outstanding First-Year Student in Chemistry in 2022. She is pursuing a career in conservation or sustainability.
Faculty Speaker
DR. KENNETH LOUIE
Associate Professor of Economics
Director, Economic Research Institute of Erie
Dr. Kenneth Louie is an associate professor of economics and director of the Economic Research Institute of Erie, an outreach effort of the Black School of Business. He specializes in macroeconomics, international economics, and labor economics, and his current research includes a grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate work on the “human-technology frontier” as part of an effort to position the United States as a leader in global science and engineering.
As director of the Economic Research Institute of Erie, Dr. Louie has provided analysis and commentary on issues related to the Erie economy for local, national, and international news organizations, including The Wall Street Journal, CBS News, NBC News, CNBC, and NPR.
Dr. Louie has been a Fulbright Scholar to China and a Visiting Professor at the Johns Hopkins-Nanjing Center for Chinese and American Studies in Nanjing, China.
He received his master’s and doctoral degrees in Economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his bachelor’s degree in Economics from Northwestern University.
He has received the Excellence in Teaching Award from the National Society of Leadership and Success, as well as several awards from Penn State Behrend, including the Council of Fellows Excellence in Teaching Award, the Guy W. Wilson Award for Excellence in Academic Advising, and the Council of Fellows Excellence in Outreach Award. He has also received the Innovating through Collaboration Award and the Impact on Practice Award from the Black School of Business.
Commencement Speaker
TIM NECASTRO
President and CEO, Erie Insurance
Tim NeCastro is the president and CEO of Erie Insurance, an auto, home, business, and life insurance company based in Erie. It operates in twelve states and the District of Columbia, has more than seven million policies in force, and is the largest employer and only Fortune 500 company in Erie County.
NeCastro joined Erie Insurance in 1996, starting a career that has spanned finance, services, and sales. In 2014, NeCastro led Erie Insurance’s entry into its twelfth state, Kentucky. He was appointed president and CEO in 2016. Prior to joining Erie Insurance, NeCastro worked for The Plastek Group in Erie as director of finance, and as senior manager at accounting firm Ernst & Young.
An Erie native, NeCastro is a graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Gannon University. He is the founding board president of the Erie Downtown Development Corporation, which is transforming the downtown core of Erie through real estate development. He also serves on the executive committee of the board for the Erie Community Foundation and as board chairman for Infinite Erie, a coalition that is working to create more than $1 billion in transformational change throughout Erie County. Additionally, he is a board member for Team Pennsylvania and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association; is the treasurer and a council member for The Pennsylvania Society; and is on the advisory council for the Robert Irvine Foundation.
NeCastro and his wife, Lisa, are currently serving as co-chairs for United Way of Erie County’s “Uniting for Education” endowment campaign to support the organization’s Community Schools model, a strategy to break down barriers that low-income students face and help set them up for future success.
School of Science
BACHELOR’S DEGREES
Biology, B.S.
Kassidy Rae Adams
Haley Lynne Allen
Isaac E. Andrulonis**
Ryan Frederick Ashe
Hannah L. Barnes
Sydnee Ann Barnett
Kristofer Blake Blankenberg
Ghana M. Chapagai
Jason Chen
Ian Christopher Costello
Victoria A. Dietrich
Matthew William Jamison
Cody Andrew Kearns
Jacob Kent Kessler
Ripley Blake Kindervater
Audra Rae Kuzma
Carra Leigh Leavitt
Abigayle True Lipscomb
Brady Mathew Marshall**
Matthew Joseph McCullough**
Anna Medina
Colby David Migliorisi
Siddhartha Neupane
Blake Thomas Olson*
Sejla Omanovic
Spencer James Ort
Trinity Paige Prestash*††
Caroline Grace Scott
Hedaya Sharbaji
Ryan Sickeri
Chelsea Spatara
Timothy L. Stainbrook2 ***
Sophia Marie Tallon
Olivia Tilton
Emma Jane Whiteman
Nyla Karis Zorbas
Chemistry, B.S.
Thomas Joseph Chrzanowski
Trevor Hamm
Jonah Dale Higley*
Derek Joseph Hillhouse
Andrew Scott Sanner
Evan Thomas Swanson
Nick Wong
Environmental Science, B.S.
Kristen Grace Anderson1 ***
Joshua Mark Buhl
Madison Rae Camp
Chelsey Rae Engelhardt
Chloe Elizabeth Greco
Sum Wing Harris
Ivy Freya Joy Laffan**
Makenzie Jean Rummings
Keri Elizabeth Saulino***††
Jiayi Shen*
Interdisciplinary Science and Business, B.S.
Maria Nicole DiToppa
Jenna M. Fischli
Joshua Tal Kuplen
Maxwell Joseph Rohl
Mathematics, B.S.
Emme Baldwin
Margaret Colegado Dobell
Ignatius Martin Elliott*
Alexander Edward Lilly
Matthew Robert McDonough2***
Raquel Anden Rhoads*
Shanhong Wei
Nursing, B.S.N.
Sidney Carolyn Batsa
Megan Elizabeth Bienkowski
Alexa Faye Brown
Alesia Anne Chase
Jennifer Rachel Corklin
Hannah Jean Dippold
Samuel John Ellison
Kailyn Fedak
Kaitlyn D. Fleeger
Kelsie Fletcher
Alexis Elizabeth Furyes
Sydney Grace Gilbert
Casey Nicole Grabowski
Samantha Taylor Hartman
Samantha Catherine Hohman
Katelyn Renae Holmes
Sarah Anne Kalkowski
Madison Marie Kappeler
Courtney Kegerreis
Angelina Marie Krasinski
Maria Lampros
Andrew Jacob Maser
Vanessa Riley McGhee
Zishan Munir
Madelyn Michele Neil
Rebekah Eva Pangborn
Owen Zachary Rocha
Emily Catherine Rzepka
Julia Kathleen Skolnik
Hailey Maureen Surita
Noelani Nariko Takei
Andrea E. Uber
Madison M. Wager
Grace Nicole Warsitz
Sierra MacKenzie Williams
Physics, B.S.
Ari Nestor Connerty-Singer
Evan James Payne
Miles Renbarger
Secondary Education in Mathematics, B.S.
Nathan Mark Bennett
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
BACHELOR’S DEGREES
Creative Writing, B.F.A.
Steviee Geagan
Digital Media, Arts, and Technology, B.A.
Justin Banko
Reece C. Cullen***
Tyler Chrisitian Dollard
Tyler Michael Gaydos
Lyndon Paul Herschell
Alyssa Joslyn Hopple**
Kayla Anne Hopple**
Jordan Michael James
Caleb Alexander King
Railey Jack Kranz
Shaun Massenburg
Samantha Ann Moniot
Chelsea Elysia Quijas
Savannah Rose Ricks
Josiah Avery Ruiz
Lindsey M. Wood
Elementary and Early Childhood Education, B.S.
Maryssa Anne Bratt
Olivia Anne Cornwell
Emma Cunningham
Isaac Peter DeGregorio
Allison Elizabeth Freer
Emma Erika Gotham
Isabelah Irene Hedderick
Rachel Ann Kaulis
Kameran Michele Mayes
Erin Ohler
Farran Elise Parker
Abigail Elizabeth Rhodes
Sophia Marie Sorrentino
Jolyne Danielle Struble
Jessica Gerard Tarasovitch**
Mackenzie Veglia
Kyleen Elise Woodward
Mackenzie Elizabeth Zuech
English, B.A.
Samantha Nicole Darrell**
Naomi Lamb
Melia May Lenkner
Amy Morgan Love*
Joel N. Wilson
General Arts and Sciences, B.A.
Rachel D’Angelo
Arina Kathleen Dillinger
Gabriela Neff
Morgan Ellen Snopkowski
History, B.A.
Kyle Francis Alonge
Alexander Robert Cozad
Drew Charles Donofrio
Hannah Madaline Elizabeth Gullifer
Megan Celeste Guthrie
Jacob Owen Mannion
Lukas Michael Smith
Media and Communication, B.A.
Alyssa Garner
Alec James Huckabone
Michael Brennan Manning
Kaijia Arianna McNair
Jordan Ashley Morschhauser
Christopher Profaca
Samantha Marie Sommer
Krystyna Aleksandra Szymczak
Political Science, B.A.
Alec James Dennis2***
Carlina Lynn Edinger*
Kaylee Jewel Harrison**
Justin Alexander Lopez-Beltran
Jacob Owen Mannion
Nicklas Charles Richar
Psychology, B.A.
Audrey Decker
Hannah Walid Khamis**
Lyssabeth Casey Linden*
Amy Morgan Love*
Rayne Lynn Minier
Aarati Poudel
Emma Elisabeth Snyder
Psychology, B.S.
Lillian Rogue Camp
Paige Kay Cochran
Serrena Michele Conklin**
Carson D. Delon#
Alec James Dennis2***
Sophia Elizabeth DiPlacido**††
Hanna Marie Long*
Alyssa Michelle Mooney
Amy Marie Newcomer*#
Conner Garrett Schnupp
Jordan Lee Svensson
Amanda L. Weber
Criminal Justice, B.S. (Capital College)
Morgan Radwick
Psychology, B.A. (College of Liberal Arts)
Meghan Angeline Hall
Natalie Paige Humes
2025 CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES
School of Engineering
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Electrical Engineering
Technology, A.ENGT.
Christopher Butler
BACHELOR’S DEGREES
Computer Engineering, B.S.
Jason R. Bollinger
John Raymond Fennel
Daniel Gayoso
Joseph Edward George*
Ryan Grabowski
Landon Carter Jennings Grafton
Nicholas Groll
Mason Gulu
Yiming Guo
Ezequiel Alexander Moreno
Alfonzo Manuel Palerm
Lucas Everett Peterson
Computer Science, B.S.
Nathan Bergman
Ian Gregory Burd
Allison Elaine Flatt
James Andrew Harley
Benjamin Jack Harmon
Alexander Harris
Miles Kota Hoffman
Nicholas Riley Hunnell
Joseph Letko
Maxim Melnik
Peter Luke Mica
Logan H. Mullen
Nicholas A. Novak
Tanvi Pabbati
Hrishikesh Rajaputra
Cory Adain Ross
Jonathan Matthew Sedlak
Vitesh Sharma
Jared Evan Smithbauer
Matthew Szarmach
Austin Paul Turner
Angelina Krystal Valentin
Carl Yangfan Zhang
Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, B.S.
Rahaf Abed H. Alsaedi
Timothy Latham
Tyler Duwyane Murdick**
Alexander Renshaw
Cassia A. Robert
Garrett Michael Sedoris
Electrical Engineering, B.S.
John Jay Abraham
Nathaniel William Beisel
Emma Ann Cavalline
Christopher Paul Cheetham
Patrick Lee Clark
Sean Michael Duckett
Daniel Edinger
Jahmai Edwards
Jachob D. Haines
Joseph James Houck
Trinity Xandra Ives2***
Yuchen Liu
Dylan Cole Mattocks*
Eliya M. Melnik
Vitaliy Momot
Carl Murzynski
Jane Partin
Andrew Joseph Reiland
Samuel Jose Rosario
Luke Jerome Sorg
Adam Elliott Straw
Connor Richard Swab
Maya Ruth Volpe
Industrial Engineering, B.S.
Caleb Dailey
Rachel Mireille Gau
Olivia Renee Getty
Emmanuella Iwere
Zachary Allen Koch
Aaron Henry Kovatch Ramos
Benjamin John Tandlmayer
Catherine R. Wuerstle
Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
Anthony Joseph Antonucci
Coy James Bardwell
Dylan James Bellomy2***
Matthew A. Bernardi
Theodore Stephen Boehm
Stephen Brooks
Andrew Richard Burda
Carter John Clement
Susan Copus
MacKenzie Rae Crable
Nicole Evelyn Croushore††
Benjamin Anthony DiMatteo
Jacob Charles Gajewski**
Dennis Keith Hakanen
Anna Maree Havrilesko
Matthew Alex Henn
David Joseph Hilty
Bennett Kerr
Michael Joseph Koleck
Matthew James Kowalsky***
Jacob Lee Krantz
Megan Elizabeth Krulisky
Jonathon William Laier
David Michael Lasch
Nathan Garrett Lee
Alexander Charles Legnine
Alex Richard Lindquist
Lucas Francis Makai
Brody Paul Mangel
Jocelyn Nicole Manson
Wyatt Charles McGeary
Evan Connor Meister
Victoria Mott
Rebecca Mae Neiser
Reese Sloan Novosel
Michael John Pazuchanics
Collin Petry
Andrew Stephen Prouty
Tyler Evan Pugh
Thomas Reichle
Adam Benjamin Sacherich*††
Jacob Matthew Sack
Jake Christopher Sciorilli***
Ellen Shade††
Gavin Scott Shawfield
Michael Schumacher
Jonathan William Simpkins
Steven Richard Sinka
Thomas Joseph Succop
Braedon Anthony Vehovic
Jonathan Vilsack
Jonathan Carter Vioral
Bryce Edward Walker
Nicholas J. Watkins
Nicholas Peter Wilson
Jacob T. Zuber
Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.
Jenna Jolie Engel
Oak C. Gaertner
Marshall P. George
Angelo Elvidio Giunta
Tyler Vincent Hazenstab
Olivia Jane Hodapp
Samuel Thomas Kaul
Caleb Gallagher Kemp
Jocelyn A. McNany
Blaise Joseph Miller II
Eric M. Obringer
Vincent Richard Oddo
Tanner D. Pasinski
Haden M. Peters*
Noah Riley Pierce
Evan Robert Prinkey
David Scheftic
Elliott Cole Weigand
Alexander Zariczny
Plastics Engineering Technology, B.S.
Colin Stephen Deeter*
Myranda Jean Findlay
Isabel Giovina Mannella
Daniel James McMaster
Madison Shauna Messmer
Noah Walter Morningstar
Sydney N. Svetkovich
Polymer Engineering and Science, B.S.
Riley Camryn Bak
Ryan Patrick Bell
Riley Jayne Donahue
Marina Nicole Eshbaugh
Kanav Garg
Marley Persch††
Software Engineering, B.S.
Zahra Jawad M. Alkhalaf
Samvrith Srinivas Anagolum
Chase Nicholas Anderson*
Griffin John Apida
Glenn Anthony Bartkowiak
Jerod Bond
Brayden Boyer
Lloyd Byrne
Connor Duncan Campbell
Kira Elizabeth Carr
Kyle J. Collamer*
Jared Jacob Daniel**
William Thomas Deasy
Joseph Lynn Elgin
Saket Sai Esarapu
Hayden Christopher Fisher
William Vigar Freeburn
Christina D. Garrett
Sean Gilbert
Christopher George Greenblatt Jr.
Tanmay Gupta
Erik Alexander Gutschmidt
Katie Sue Killian
Hyelin Lee
Hong Fai Lei
Ryusei Andres Makiguchi
Anurag Mallya
James C. Marasco
Omeed Mariani
Ethan Luis McDonough
William Miller
Mathias E. Nebiyou
Ghali Ouaritini
Hatvikkumar H. Patel
Manav G. Patel
Timothy N. Patin
Kathryn M. Richardson
Nathanael E. Robbins
Christian Franklin Robinson
Shane Scarcella
David Scott
Michael Martin Shires*
Dhruv Shrivastava
Sean Spencer
Jan Adriel Santos Tanglao
Benjamin Lewis Tilzey2***
Derek Tran
Nicole Vadillo
Brian Karimi Wachira
Sean Christopher Weeks
2025 CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES
Black School of Business
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
General Business, A.S.
David Julian Anderson
Julian Sima Funaki
Cameron Joseph Klebacha
Tate William Tasker
BACHELOR’S DEGREES
Accounting, B.S.
Sarah Anne Atherholt
Blaise Burton
Branden Ross Butler
Ismael Carnica
Evan W. Dean
Xander Dowlin
Matthew Donald English
Austin T. Fitzgerald
Tristin Nicholas Hain
Grace Marie Jones
Kaylee N. Kujawa
Joseph Scott Lang
Conrad Kahle Lloyd**
Andrew Momot
Ronan Jeffrey Murphy
Jason Jung Northcott
Chase Robert Palmer
Oliver McCarl Petsch
Aidan Paul Piazza
Hailey Porter*
Aaron James Samluk
Cody Savoia
Adam Sciara
McKenna Nicole Shorts
Chloe Rebecca Simmons
Hannah Sisson
Rachel Skoczlas
Kai Bernard Williams
Business Economics, B.S.
Chandler Warren-Anthony DeBarros
Noah Luke Esper
Michaela Chryslin Florence**
Emil Scott George
Mitchell Scott Headley#
David Andrews Ibiyeomie
Padraig S. McGrail
Gabriel Jonah Zielinski*††
Finance, B.S.
Abena Nyarko Ababio
Hayden Patrick Adams**
Sarah Anne Atherholt
James Harold Bass
Jaren Daniel Beigh
Alta Elizabeth Bialon
Matthew J. Boltralik
Connor Patrick Bradley
Dillon Bradley
Owen Cain
Ismael Carnica
Payton Jordan Colbert
Alex Colbey
Jesse James Dahlberg
David Defazio Jr.
Mallory Lauren Donofrio
Colby Garrett Edmondson
Devante A. Edwards
Matthew Donald English
Noah Luke Esper
MD Eyazuddin**
Jon James Faulkner
Austin T. Fitzgerald
Terrance W. Freeman
Tara Elizabeth Garcia
Gregory Giandalone
Hunter Douglas Hanaway
Anshrah Hashmi
Christopher Heffelfinger
Steven Herring***
Ciera Hill
Samuel L. Howell
Birgir Hrafnsson*
Donald Richard Hughes Jr.
Jordan Michelle Irvine***
Brandt Alekzander Johnson3***
Roman Michael Johnson
Grace Marie Jones
John Brindle Juliano
Kimberly Hannah Kazi
Kevin Gerard Kenny Jr.
Prajwal Khanal
Benjamin Scott Kienholz
Mathew Raymond Koebert Jr.
Joseph Scott Lang
Michael Charles Lichtenwalner*
Conrad Kahle Lloyd**
Padraig S. McGrail
Matthew Shawn Muldowney
Ronan Jeffrey Murphy
Gienie Mae Camacho Oquendo
Rishe Paridas
Dhruvika Shailesh Patel
Geri Pecaku
Oliver McCarl Petsch
Tyler Phillips
Ethan Pitts
Alanna Monique Reeves
Jerad Wesley Rice
Xander Thomas Robertshaw
Jonathan Daniel Rom
Zachary P. Rosswog
Victor Salinas Jr.
Dalya Sallit
Aaron James Samluk
Logan Kelly Schwartz
Ernest M. Searle IV**
Carson John Seneta
Nathaniel Moses Shelton
Caroline Marie Snowdon
Nicholas Stauffer
Ethan Susen
Leander Jude Tauro
Kody Thomas
Subiksha Underhill
Adrian Lamont Vance
Elijah Guthrie Wellington
Alexis T. Whitman
Grace Helen Zeigler
Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies, B.S.
Emily P. Campbell
Jordan Robert DePrator
Zachery Egan
Weston Eppley
Stephanie R. Helman
James John Lobdell
Skylar Grace Merry
Riley James Novotny
Nikolai Alexander Osborne
Anna Marie Smith
Adrian Lamont Vance
International Business, B.S.
Kristy Guerrier
Mairim Irizarry Perez
Grace Marie Jones
Kathryn Nicole LaMorte
Conrad Kahle Lloyd**
Hailey Marie Rupp
Victoria Si Ru Zhang
Danielle Zibiri
Management Information Systems, B.S.
Hasan Ibrahim Aljawad
Moshe Allen
Chase Burdick
Branden Ross Butler
Amber Carr**
Nicholas Coan*
Blake R. Cooper
Mallory Lauren Donofrio
Brandon Michael-Thomas Glueck*
Bassel Homsi
Dave Ryan Jean Paulemon
Emma Maye Mailliard*
Douglas John Nesselhauf Jr.
Ali Kodratallah Ostowar2***††
Hailey Porter*
Anthony Sutton
Tyler Work
Victoria Si Ru Zhang
Marketing, B.S.
Benita Bowden
Chandler Warren-Anthony DeBarros
Sophia Elizabeth DiPlacido**††
Ryan Festa
Michaela Chryslin Florence**
Kristy Guerrier
Joseph James Hammel III
Mairim Irizarry Perez
Kathryn Nicole LaMorte
Rachel Majewski
Lexie A. Moore
Jordan Ashley Morschhauser
Samuel Joseph Petrarca
Lily Ann Pulvino
Ariana Rose Quam
Hailey Marie Rupp
Johnathan Alfred Swann
Project and Supply Chain Management, B.S.
MYazan Abu Haltam
Hasan Ibrahim Aljawad
Amber Carr**
Nicholas Coan*
Blake R. Cooper
Zachery Egan
Joshua Galbiati
Isaac Ian Mastel
Colin David Metzler
Nathan Miano
Joshua E. Morse
Douglas John Nesselhauf Jr.
Riley James Novotny
Ryan Patterson
Gavin Cole Sebastian
Anna Marie Smith
Madeline Jane Swartz
Leyton Lewis Vrono
Tyler Work
Christopher Reno Wright
Danielle Zibiri
Business, B.S. (Intercollege)
Lilian M. Ghannoum
Health Policy and Administration, B.S. (College of Health and Human Development)
Lilly Anne Buzard
Marketing, B.S. (Capital College)
Faith Michelle Black
2025 CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES
Fox Graduate School
MASTER’S DEGREES
Clinical Psychology, M.A.
Angel Mora
Quality and Manufacturing Management, M.M.M.
Christopher William Carrozza
Luke John Davies
Timothy Joseph Snyder
Business Administration, M.B.A.
Zachary Jerome Cassady
Thomas Ty DiRienzo
Ryan Reed Fried
Aaron Graham
David Graham
Donovin Jones
Paula Ann Ledney
Joshua Richard McGee
Manav Jagdish Patel
Pratik Richard Rajel
Vijay Sylvestine
Joseph Lamar Thomas
Luke Matthew Warner
Garrett Watson
Marshall Jacob Zeyfang
Project Management, M.P.M.
Martin Brett Alvarez
Pamela Jean Barrett
Andrew Bassan
Lauren Michelle Carden
Jose Ruben Carrasco
Piotr Zbigniew Choinski
Anthony J. Cottle
Nevin Damri
Michael Joseph Difabio Jr.
Claudine Fondungalla Agendia
Jason Lawrence Galla
Andrew Holmstrom
Andrew Michael Hudy
Christopher P. Kajewski
Kelson M. Marisa
Courtney Rae McMahon
Keri Lynn McMullin
Nicholas N. Melendez
Suhaib Mohammed
Robert Vincent Mulvey
James Michael Murphy
Tyler Ross Nice
Alice Lynn Puzarowski
Maria A. Samaan
Mark Dale Shelley
Padma Sairam Reddy Tanuboddi
Cecelia Elaine Dawn Thompson
Meredith Anne Fleming
Tompkins
Robert John Walter
Mohamed Wardighi
This program contains the list of candidates for graduation as of April 28, 2025, and academic distinction notations as of February 27, 2025 Subject to completion of all degree requirements, degrees will be conferred as indicated upon the individuals listed herein and upon such others as may meet the requirements.
This publication is available in alternative media on request. The University is committed to equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment for all persons. It is the policy of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment and free of discrimination against any person because of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender, perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information or political ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802-5901, Email: oeoa@psu.edu, Tel (814) 863-0471. UBR EBO 25-223
HOW TO ORDER PHOTOS OF GRADUATES
To commemorate this milestone, a professional photograph is taken of each Penn State Behrend graduating student during the spring commencement ceremony. This photo may be purchased online from Lifetouch. To opt in to view commencement photos, scan the QR code at left or text the ordering code 448511GY25 to 90738.
About Penn State Behrend
Penn State Behrend, a four-year and graduate college of Penn State, offers students the resources and opportunities of a major research university in a welcoming student-centered learning environment. As part of Pennsylvania’s land-grant university, the college works to advance the economic, social, and intellectual welfare of our region through research and outreach.
Penn State Behrend was established in 1948 with Mary Behrend’s gift of her 400-acre Glenhill Farm. She made the gift in memory of her husband, Ernst, co-founder with his father and brother of the Hammermill Paper Company, which became part of International Paper.
The college now offers nearly 50 degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's degree levels. From the first class of 146 students at what was then known as the Behrend Center, enrollment has grown to nearly 4,400 students learning on campus and online in Behrend programs offered through World Campus. Behrend alumni now number 40,000.
Penn State Behrend ranks among the top public educational institutions in Pennsylvania for studentto-faculty ratio, first-year student retention rate, and
graduation rate, according to data published by U.S. News & World Repor t.
More than 1,200 of the college’s students live on campus in traditional-style rooms or in suites or apartments. There is an abundance of activities for students to get involved in outside the classroom, including 140 student clubs and organizations, twentyfour NCAA Division III teams, and intramural sports.
Today’s 854-acre campus includes Knowledge Park, giving companies housed there access to the college’s strengths in applied research and technology transfer, while providing internship and job opportunities for students and graduates.
Research is a critical area of focus for the college. Annually, Penn State Behrend funds undergraduate research opportunities, and faculty members participate in more than $8 million of sponsored research. In outreach, the college has more than two dozen centers, programs, and initiatives serving business and industry, area youth, and the community. Each year, the Penn State Behrend contributes more than $175 million to the Commonwealth’s economy.
Penn State Behrend Council of Fellows
Penn State Behrend Council of Fellows members serve as valued advisers to the college Chancellor; as advocates for the mission, vision, and activities of the college; and as ambassadors for the college in the Erie region, across the country, and around the world.
Council members represent a cross-section of business, industrial, service, and community organizations and contribute their professional expertise and personal insights to conversations about the future direction of Penn State Behrend.
Members may provide counsel on matters ranging from strategic planning and community and business relations to fundraising and alumni affairs.
The business of the Council is managed by a Board of Directors.
Focused activities of the group are undertaken through four committees: Executive; Governance; Communications and Engagement; and Development.
COUNCIL OF FELLOWS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair: Tesha Nesbit
Director Emeritus: Gary L. Clark
Director Emeritus/University Trustee
Emeritus: Robert D. Metzgar
Directors:
Samuel P. Black III
Bishop Dwane Brock
Dr. Christopher C. Clark
Michael Colpoys
Dr. Ralph M. Ford
Dr. Priscilla H. Hamilton
Thomas C. Hoffman II Esq.
Karen Burton Horstman
Brian M. Kupchella
J. Scott McCain
Ann Karmazon Scott
Matthew W. Totzke
Ashleigh E. Walters
Gregory M. Yahn
Dr. Halina M. Zyczynski
Executive Director: Andrea Konkol
Ex Officio Director: Kimberly Kaercher
Secretary/Treasurer: Britt Daehnke
VISION OF A BEHREND GRADUATE
Penn State Behrend has a history and future of developing thinkers, creators, and innovators who build opportunities out of challenges, competence out of curiosity, and proficiency out of potential.
We produce graduates who are prepared for success in their professions, passionate about their work, and committed to lifelong learning; who are open to new experiences and diverse perspectives; and who possess interdisciplinary knowledge and a global and ethical outlook—all critical to thriving in an ever-changing world.
We empower our students through highly engaged instruction, research, and out-of-class opportunities, combined with a distinctive Open Laboratory model of learning and discovery that connects students to business, industry, alumni, and community partners— giving them real-world experiences while benefitting these partners.
With purpose, we develop graduates who are widely recognized for the contributions they make to their professions, to their communities, and to the world around them.
PENN STATE ALMA MATER
By Fred Lewis Pattee
For the glory of old State, For her founders, strong and great, For the future that we wait, Raise the song, raise the song.
Sing our love and loyalty, Sing our hopes that, bright and free, Rest, O Mother dear, with thee. All with thee, all with thee.
When we stood at childhood’s gate, Shapeless in the hands of fate, Thou didst mold us, dear old State, Dear old State, dear old State.
May no act of ours bring shame, To one heart that loves thy name, May our lives but swell thy fame, Dear old State, dear old State!