One Hundred and Fifty-Second
Commencement Events
Thursday, May 8, 2025
6 p.m.
Nursing Convocation
Frank Arts Center Theater
Friday, May 9, 2025
3 p.m.
Pinning of the Teacher Education Candidates Frank Arts Center Theater
Saturday, May 10, 2025
10 a.m.
Graduate Commencement Ceremony
James A. and Evelyn R. Butcher Center
10:30 a.m.
Pinning of the Bachelor of Social Work Candidates Erma Ora Byrd Hall Auditorium
11 a.m.
Graduate Reception Butcher Center Plaza
hosted by the Shepherd University Alumni Association
1:50 p.m.
One Hundred and Fifty-Second Baccalaureate Commencement
James A. and Evelyn R. Butcher Center
Alumni Reunion & Post-Commencement Reception Butcher Center Plaza hosted by the Shepherd University Alumni Association
2025 Commencement Photos
The Grad Team will once again provide photographs of this special occasion. You can pre-register at www.thegradteam.com/shepherd/ and will receive a notification when the photographs are available.
Share your favorite moments on your socials!
We love to see our Ram Fam sharing their special day! Tag @shepherdu on Instagram and Shepherd University on Facebook or use our official commencement hashtag #SURamGrad
School of Graduate and Professional Studies
Dr. Richard A. Stevens, Jr., Associate Provost, Faculty Affairs
Master’s Degree Candidates
Master of Arts, Appalachian Studies
Jodi Anne Davis .......................................................................................................................................................................Edinburg, Virginia
Kelly Amanda Ghareeb Martinsburg, West Virginia
Martinique Caroline Gray Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia
Benjamin Patrick Trogdon Richmond, Virginia
Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
Heather Elizabeth Huggett Winchester, Virginia
Dominic Francis Rettaliata .............................................................................................................................................. Sykesville, Maryland
Master of Arts in Teaching
Jocelynne Anne Lowans Martinsburg, West Virginia
Deborah Elizabeth Burwell Charles Town, West Virginia
Concetta Teresa DeLuca Carroll .......................................................................................................................... Greencastle, Pennsylvania
Alexander Patrick Farris Winchester, Virginia
Magdelyn Gabrielle Girod
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Lawren Diana Hill ......................................................................................................................................................... Hagerstown, Maryland
Caitlyn Kelly Kulp
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Mallery Lyn Latgis ........................................................................................................................................................ Ridgeley, West Virginia
Lexi Nicole Putnam Frederick, Maryland
Jessy Shipman Capon Bridge, West Virginia
Michelle C. Voigt ...................................................................................................................................................Capon Bridge, West Virginia
Master of Business Administration
Matthew Richard Bednarski Martinsburg, West Virginia
Cameron Colwell Winchester, Virginia
Austin David Crebs ..................................................................................................................................................... Wheeling, West Virginia
Marietou Haba Diallo Hagerstown, Maryland
Tanner Liam Northcraft Dixon Frederick, Maryland
Garrett Scott Donham Martinsburg, West Virginia
Caitlin Grace Donnelly Newark, Deleware
Zachary Austin Doyle ............................................................................................................................................................. Easton, Maryland
Brady Collins Fields
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Erika Marie Gerard Ranson, West Virginia
Tara Lee Goodale ................................................................................................................................................... Martinsburg, West Virginia
Dalton Richard Jackson Martinsburg, West Virginia
Amelia Colleen Jenkins Martinsburg, West Virginia
Matthew Aaron Johnson Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Jessica Lyn Karcz Sykesville, Maryland
Jean-Emmanuel Kouadio .............................................................................................................................. Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Benjamin Cole Lambert Romney, West Virginia
Brenden James Lewis Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Tanner Lee Lucas Martinsburg, West Virginia
Ty Allen Lucas Martinsburg, West Virginia
Olivia Josette Lundy Carbon, Indiana
Julie D. Mendez Clarksburg, West Virginia
Larissa Fatou Mendy Abidjan, West Virginia
Jena Mikela Mills .................................................................................................................................................Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Michael Andrew Morissette ..................................................................................................................................................... Quitman, Texas
Benjamin Robert Nutzman.............................................................................................................................................. Purcellville, Virginia
Sidrick Kwaku Ofori ................................................................................................................................................... Gaithersburg, Maryland
Bukola Fatimat Okeleye ......................................................................................................................................... Hedgesville, West Virginia
Leah Suellen Owens Boonsboro, Maryland
Giancarlo Antonio Pacheco Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Enelio Yovanie Pena Moorestown, New Jersey
Jason Tyler Pennybacker Wheeling, West Virginia
Leslie Isabella Frost Quodala August 2025 CAndidAte Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Paige Ashley Reynolds Sharpsburg, Maryland
Rhonda Kay Roman Sharpsburg, Maryland
Olivia Jeanette Rosick Round Hill, Virginia
Emily Jean Samide Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Christopher Joseph Silka Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Julia Elizabeth Snyder Sharpsburg, Maryland
Master of Education, Educational Leadership
Lauryn Paige Fridley Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia
James Donovan Morgan Frye Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia
Sierra Nichole Godfrey Kearneysville, West Virginia
Christina Genny Hans Hedgesville, West Virginia
Kristina Tazewell Kandalis Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Yanira Luz LaFleur Falling Waters, West Virginia
Katie Rose Laing .................................................................................................................................................................. Jefferson, Maryland
Emily Lynn McIntyre ................................................................................................................................................... New Market, Maryland
Andrea Kay Monsma ............................................................................................................................................ Martinsburg, West Virginia
Lindsay Marie Reightler ..................................................................................................................................... Schnecksville, Pennsylvania
Matthew Boyd Sneathen ............................................................................................................................................. Augusta, West Virginia
Diana Elizabeth Strazzula Charleston, West Virginia
Paola Cristina Torres Falling Waters, West Virginia
Anthony Wayne Wright Inwood, West Virginia
Jullianna Marie Yates Ranson, West Virginia
Master of Science, Data Analytics and Information Systems
Jean-Emmanuel Kouadio .............................................................................................................................. Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Laurie Leigh Bourdeaux August 2025 CAndidAte Lewisburg, West Virginia
Amy Elizabeth Fowler Middletown, Maryland
Simone Julienne Hardy ........................................................................................................................................ Martinsburg, West Virginia
Angel Marie Medina ....................................................................................................................................................... Inwood, West Virginia
Ashley Marie Simmons ................................................................................................................................................ Hagerstown, Maryland
Damien Pierce Unger ........................................................................................................................................... Martinsburg, West Virginia
Baccalaureate Commencement Honoree
Hoppy Kercheval Baccalaureate Commencement Speaker Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Recipient
Anative of Summit Point, West Virginia, Kercheval graduated from Jefferson High School and attended Shepherd College (University) for a year before transferring to West Virginia University (WVU), where his broadcasting career began. While he was a student at WVU, Kercheval served as a news anchor and reporter at WAJR in Morgantown and, after earning his bachelor’s degree, he took over as the news director, quickly establishing himself as a leading broadcaster in the state.
Kercheval co-founded West Virginia MetroNews, a state-wide radio network where he served as news director until his promotion to vice president of operations in 1991. Two years later, he created MetroNews Talkline, a daily talk show that covered West Virginia news, sports, and politics that quickly became the network’s signature program.
He also built his reputation in West Virginia politics by moderating numerous political debates with candidates from around the state and became the go-to for many national reporters seeking insights into the Mountain State.
Over the years, Kercheval has received considerable recognition for his role in broadcasting, including receiving the Mel Burka Award from the West Virginia Broadcasters Association and being inducted into the West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Even after his retirement in January, Kercheval continues to share his observations on state issues with appearances on Talkline.
Additionally, he works as a media consultant for WVU Medicine and serves on the Board of Directors for the Bonnie and Bill Stubblefield Institute for Civil Political Communications at Shepherd University.
Baccalaureate Degree Candidates
Regents Bachelor of Arts
Sarah Elizabeth Akers Cum LAude .......................................................................................................................... Martinsburg, West Virginia
Baylee M. Allanson Petersburg, West Virginia
Aubrey Paige Austin Cum LAude Ijamsville, Maryland
Sara Michelle Baitinger Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Julie M. Becraft-Shehan August 2025 CAndidAte ...................................................................................................Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Emilee Cailyn Benson August 2025 CAndidAte Hedgesville, West Virginia
Brystal Amber Belmonte Charles Town, West Virginia
Samantha Mae Bianco Columbia, Maryland
Rosalind Dorothy Bland ..................................................................................................................................................Winchester, Virginia
Katie Leigh Bochinski Ranson, West Virginia
Meaggen Dawn Brown Winchester, Virginia
Maria Josephine Castiglia Keyser, West Virginia
Tarynn Michelle Cave .................................................................................................................................................. Hagerstown, Maryland
Molly Marie Cox Martinsburg, West Virginia
Amanda Michelle Deener Middletown, Maryland
Matthew Giovanni Diovatelli Charles Town, West Virginia
Ally Marie Everhart .......................................................................................................................................................... Knoxville, Maryland
Hannah Marie Fair ............................................................................................................................................... Martinsburg, West Virginia
Jeremy Joseph Fauber Falling Waters, West Virginia
Jesse Wayne Feddon Martinsburg, West Virginia
Alyssa Abigail Freeman ................................................................................................................................. Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Cheyenne Maire Furneaux ........................................................................................................................... Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Carissa Leighann Harris Lovettsville, Virginia
William Garrett Hutchinson Culpeper, Virginia
Joseph Stewart Keys ...........................................................................................................................................Kearneysville, West Virginia
Minh Hien Kilbride Cum LAude ............................................................................................................................. Charles Town, West Virginia
Brian L. Kimble San Pedro, California
Madeline Bautista Lamphier Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Karen Christina Lewis-Dryden Martinsburg, West Virginia
Natalie Rose McGeachy ....................................................................................................................................................Winchester, Virginia
Camryn Leigh Monroe Leesburg, Virginia
Robyn Lynn Moseley-King August 2025 CAndidAte Martinsburg, West Virginia
Abbey Christine Mullins Cum LAude Sykesville, Maryland
Ashleigh Renae Nick .............................................................................................................................................. Bunker Hill, West Virginia
Elizabeth Olson Henrico, Virginia
John Arthur Pistole, Jr. Lovettsville, Virginia
Samuel Jacob Plasterer Hagerstown, Maryland
Stephanie Marie Poe ..........................................................................................................................................Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Mikayla Danielle Popkin Martinsburg, West Virginia
Carson Rose Powell Purcellville, Virginia
Whitney Nicole Riccio Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Eider Rivera-Barrenechea .................................................................................................................................. Martinsburg, West Virginia
Jarod Cameron Robinson Laurel, Maryland
Shaelynn Seburn Hedgesville, West Virginia
Autumn Renee Smith August 2025 CAndidAte Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Logan Snyder ......................................................................................................................................................... Martinsburg, West Virginia
Jeremiah Jerome Taylor Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Tanner R. Tharp Martinsburg, West Virginia
Colby John Vollmer Gainesville, Virginia
Maguire Michael Willard .................................................................................................................................... Martinsburg, West Virginia
*Denotes that a special honor was earned. Honors listed on page 23.
13.
Bachelor of Music in Performance
*Annalise Aardema Jackson summA Cum LAude Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
*Charity Elizabeth Meyer summA Cum LAude Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Henry Michael Cantley Emmitsburg, Maryland
Levi Jacob Parker Bunker Hill, West Virginia
Gabriella T. Tedeschi August 2025 CAndidAte Sharpsburg, Maryland
Bachelor of Science
*Alexandra Paterson Alward summA Cum LAude Frederick, Maryland
*Clarence Wilson Decatur summA Cum LAude Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
*Katie Mae Keckler summA Cum LAude Hagerstown, Maryland
*Russell Allen McClanahan summA Cum LAude Charleston, West Virginia
*Leah Nicole Shaw summA Cum LAude Fairmont, West Virginia
Khalid Ahmed Alsadek Cum LAude Irvine, California
Chrislynne Sadie Bard Frederick, Maryland
Riley V. Barry Cum LAude Inwood, West Virginia
Jacob Tyler Bowen .......................................................................................................................................................... Inwood, West Virginia
Justice Marie Brown ............................................................................................................................................ Martinsburg, West Virginia
Justin Marshall Butcher mAgnA Cum LAude ...........................................................................................................Kearneysville, West Virginia
Jonathan Andrew Campbell ............................................................................................................................. Charles Town, West Virginia
Nicholas Charles Cockrell .................................................................................................................................... Bunker Hill, West Virginia
Kaelyn Cecilia Lane Corun ................................................................................................................................... Hedgesville, West Virginia
Lauren Elizabeth Cummings ........................................................................................................................... Charles Town, West Virginia
Grace Elizabeth Demmert mAgnA Cum LAude ........................................................................................................ Martinsburg, West Virginia
Lucas Matthew Driver Falling Waters, West Virginia
Zachary Tyler Feinstein mAgnA Cum LAude Westminster, Maryland
Joshua Ryan Fishel mAgnA Cum LAude Martinsburg, West Virginia
Katherine Evelyn Grace Gardner Sterling, Virginia
Eli James Hall Hansford, West Virginia
Rebecca Marie Hays summA Cum LAude Cascade, Maryland
Hunter Shea Hayward Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Maria Margarita Housey Berryville, Virginia
Ian Henry Kelly Charles Town, West Virginia
Virginia T. Mason New Bern, North Carolina
Autumn Lynn McClung Belington, West Virginia
Kenna Rose Morrison Lovettsville, Virginia
Nicholas Wayne Osborne Cascade, Maryland
Kiersten Leigh Pollard Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
Daniel Ramirez Martinsburg, West Virginia
Elisabeth Anna Grace Rankin Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Allison Nicole Sawicki Cum LAude Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
Stephen Edward Scharf ............................................................................................................................................. Silver Spring, Maryland
Lexia Scotto-D’abbusco ....................................................................................................................................... Martinsburg, West Virginia
Hadley Virginia Skalkeas .................................................................................................................................... Martinsburg, West Virginia
Sydney Elise Snyder ..................................................................................................................................................... Hagerstown, Maryland
Emma Lardner Winn ........................................................................................................................................... Martinsburg, West Virginia
Bachelor of Social Work
Adrienne Rose Borgman Cum LAude ..................................................................................................................... Martinsburg, West Virginia
Hannah Leigh DiNolfi summA Cum LAude ......................................................................................................................... Sharpsburg, Maryland
Julia Rose Fravel summA Cum LAude .................................................................................................................................... Inwood, West Virginia
Samantha Jean Jones Hoffmann .....................................................................................................................Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Aaron Micheal Kline mAgnA Cum LAude ............................................................................................................... Falling Waters, West Virginia
Lily Frances Riggle ........................................................................................................................................................ Mathias, West Virginia
Leah Patricia Stambaugh mAgnA Cum LAude .......................................................................................................................Winchester, Virginia
Ashley Stotler Cum LAude
Hedgesville, West Virginia
Damien Layne Yates mAgnA Cum LAude Hedgesville, West Virginia
16. *Denotes that a special honor was earned. Honors listed on page 23.
Aidan Christopher Greaney New Windsor, Maryland
Jacob Terry Adam Gruber ..................................................................................................................................Kearneysville, West Virginia
Jared Christopher Hall Eastlake, Ohio
Donte Shane Harrison Washington, D.C.
Emilee Brooke Hedrick mAgnA Cum LAude ..................................................................................................................... Franklin, West Virginia
Hakeem Holland August 2025 CAndidAte Baltimore, Maryland
Anna Elizabeth Hunt Cum LAude Ravenswood, West Virginia
Natalea Symone’ Johnson August 2025 CAndidAte Fayetteville, North Carolina
Timothy Matthew Johnson Cum LAude Martinsburg, West Virginia
Ian Joseph King Cum LAude ............................................................................................................................... Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Bryce Mackenzie Kirk summA Cum LAude Franklin, West Virginia
Chelsea Madison Kreps summA Cum LAude Williamsport, Maryland
Jacob Thomas Kuninger .................................................................................................................................................. Frederick, Maryland
Erin Ryan Lamehart August 2025 CAndidAte Hagerstown, Maryland
Logan Scott Lee Haymarket, Virginia
Abbi Danielle Lewis summA Cum LAude ............................................................................................................................ Hagerstown, Maryland
Kimberly Grace Losquadro mAgnA Cum LAude Middletown, Maryland
Brendan David Martin August 2025 CAndidAte Myersville, Maryland
Davis Aaron Lowman .................................................................................................................................................. Hagerstown, Maryland
Hugo Cesar Martinez Cum LAude Martinsburg, West Virginia
Anthony Eugene Mayo, Jr Cum LAude Hagerstown, Maryland
Jean Marie McCauley Buckhannon, West Virginia
Robert Logan McLain Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Mathew Paul Mehosky August 2025 CAndidAte ................................................................................................................Hedgesville, Maryland
Hunter Ski Miller Martinsburg, West Virginia
Meredith Grace Milleson mAgnA Cum LAude Springfield, West Virginia
Zakkary Michael Moss .................................................................................................................................................. Inwood, West Virginia
Mason Allison Newton Mt. Airy, Maryland
Harold Lee O’Neal Baltimore, Maryland
Samantha Aileen Paiz August 2025 CAndidAte ........................................................................................................ Martinsburg, West Virginia
Katherine Nicole Paredes Frederick, Maryland
Peyton Lee Parker Cum LAude Inwood, West Virginia
Miranda Michelle Payne Inwood, West Virginia
Juan Alessandro Perla Ashburn, Virginia
Sarah Elizabeth Peternel .................................................................................................................................... Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Jacob William Pifer Cum LAude Inwood, West Virginia
Daniel Joseph Quintana August 2025 CAndidAte Haymarket, Virginia
Tyler Scott Remsburg August 2025 CAndidAte................................................................................................................. Hagerstown, Maryland
Jack Thomas Rosnage St. Leonard, Maryland
Zachary Noah Shadoan Hedgesville, West Virginia
Trevor O’Neil Sharp ............................................................................................................................................... Bunker Hill, West Virginia
Meghan Noelle Shipley Middletown, Maryland
John Alexander Silder Potomac, Maryland
Kaitlyn Summer Smith ....................................................................................................................................... Martinsburg, West Virginia
Sophia Elizabeth Spindle Inwood, West Virginia
Caroline E. Stevenson Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Alexis Michelle Stone Ranson, West Virginia
Trammell James Stuckey August 2025 CAndidAte Martinsburg, West Virginia
Grace Olivia Summerbell .................................................................................................................................... Saint Albans, West Virginia
Paul Ross Teter mAgnA Cum LAude Romney, West Virginia
Geo-Di Marvin Tolbert Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Samantha Elizabeth Triplett ............................................................................................................................... Bunker Hill, West Virginia
Adam J. Turner Martinsburg, West Virginia
Malik Da’Shaun Turner Washington, D.C.
*Denotes that a special honor was earned. Honors listed on page 23.
19.
Paola Gabriela Del Valle Suárez Martinsburg, West Virginia
Amanda Lynn Derby ............................................................................................................................................ Martinsburg, West Virginia
Brandon Nicholas Dew Cum LAude Martinsburg, West Virginia
Joi Fairweather Tamarac, Florida
Chelsea Ann Hood White Post, Virginia
Geri Lynn Franklin Gerrardstown, West Virginia
Lillian Grace Funke ........................................................................................................................................ Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Ana Garcia August 2025 CAndidAte
Silvia V. Garcia-Santaclara
Falling Waters, West Virginia
Falling Waters, West Virginia
Adrianna Lee Garner Boonsboro, Maryland
Marli Noel Giles Gaithersburg, Maryland
Maggie Faythe Gregory .................................................................................................................................... Falling Waters, West Virginia
Angelina Guadalupe Guzman Kearneysville, West Virginia
Bailey Lynn Hansing Charles Town, West Virginia
Samantha Lynn Hepner Falling Waters, West Virginia
Kaitlyn Nicole Hoover Cum LAude Keedysville, Maryland
Kylie Lynn Inners ............................................................................................................................................... Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
Mallory Elaine Jacobs Ranson, West Virginia
Robert Tuff Jernigan Stephens City, Virginia
Waldron Sahyid Johnson
Charles Town, West Virginia
Patrick Kityo August 2025 CAndidAte Hedgesville, West Virginia
Nicole Sorajini Lewis ............................................................................................................................................. Hedgesville, West Virginia
Jessica Lee Lidbeck Martinsburg, West Virginia
Ilse Grisel Luna Medina Gerrardstown, West Virginia
Emma Paige Lynch Cum LAude Martinsburg, West Virginia
Mia Isabella McCormick Sharpsburg, Maryland
Latia Nicole Mckenzie ......................................................................................................................................... Martinsburg, West Virginia
Gisselle Maria Melchor Martinsburg, West Virginia
Mireille Carole Meniago Tchako Hagerstown, Maryland
Michaela Nichole Nelson Charlestown, West Virginia
Mabel Udeka Nnabude Martinsburg, West Virginia
Wendy Xiomara Orozco .............................................................................................................................................. Hagerstown, Maryland
*Ryleigh Nicole Palmer Cum LAude Hagerstown, Maryland
Sophia Marie Pell ...............................................................................................................................................................Winchester, Virginia
Madison Catherine Reck Waterford, Virginia
Camryn Alyssa Row Cum LAude Hagerstown, Maryland
Kristina Lynn Schoell .......................................................................................................................................................Winchester, Virginia
Thierry Jade Simic Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Megan Leigh Smallwood ................................................................................................................................................. Lovettsville, Virginia
Whitney Lane Smith Martinsburg, West Virginia
Melissa Ruth Tartt Charles Town, West Virginia
Shannon Bishop Tate .................................................................................................................................................. Clear Spring, Maryland
Kallia Zae Thompson Martinsburg, West Virginia
Allison Hope Tippett ......................................................................................................................................... Charles Town, West Virginia
Emalee Rose Travagline Sparrows Point, Maryland
Madison Paige Unger Hedgesville, West Virginia
Shannon Ashley Vernick ................................................................................................................................................ Front Royal, Virginia
Destinee Keriece Vorous Martinsburg, West Virginia
Carly Ann Waddington ................................................................................................................................................ Walkersville, Maryland
Simon Anthony Waldron Ranson, West Virginia
Olivia Bess Watson Cum LAude Martinsburg, West Virginia
Taylor Renee Willie ........................................................................................................................................................ Mount Airy, Maryland
Mykaela Leane Wyand Greencastle, Pennsylvania
Gracie Ann Zimmerman Cum LAude ............................................................................................................................ Williamsport, Maryland
*Denotes that a special honor was earned. Honors listed on page 23.
Graduation with Honors
Honors are awarded according to these criteria: highest honors, Summa Cum Laude, 3.850 to 4.000; high honors, Magna Cum Laude, 3.700 to 3.849; and honors, Cum Laude, 3.500 to 3.699. To graduate with honors in the Regents Bachelor of Arts degree program, a student must have 80 semester hours of traditional credits, with 32 of these credits earned at Shepherd University.
Joseph McMurran Scholars
The tradition of selecting academically outstanding undergraduates as Joseph McMurran Scholars, in honor of the first principal of the University, began at Shepherd in 1962. To be selected as a McMurran Scholar, Shepherd’s highest academic honor, a student must meet a number of criteria, including maintaining a grade point average of 3.86 (on a scale of 4.0) or higher. Graduating seniors who have been selected as Joseph McMurran Scholars are:
Jillian Allen
Alexandra Alward
Rebekah Banasik
Abigail Bartlett
Baxter Bickey
Delaney Bittner
Karli Brown
Alecia Burgess
Anna Cockerham
Liam Dardick
Amya Davis
Clarence Decatur
Hannah Fraley
Alicia Glaves
Emma Harbour
Alexander Heath
Shelby Henson
Shayna Hepner
Mirian Hernandez
Kayleigh Hess
Sage Holzinger
Talia Holzinger
Cheyenne Hooker
Britney Huntley
Lauren Kimball
Kelsey King
Samuel Lake
Oliver Leonard
Maria Leppo
Susannah Lisk
Charity Lundberg
Carter Marcian
Charity Meyer
Mason Miller
Emily Moran
Ethan Mullican
Honors Program
Autumn Osborne
Nayeli Plata-Candelario
Caitlyn Reinhardt
Joanna Schoonover
Lindsay Smith
Dylan Walker
Gracie Walker
Anna Walter
Colton White
Jillian Williams
Laura Wilt
Students graduating with the Honors designation have successfully completed Shepherd University’s Honors Program, which requires that students maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 throughout their time at Shepherd University and fulfill a certain number of their credit hours with Honors courses, including an interdisciplinary Honors seminar and an Honors capstone sequence that expands upon their major capstone project. Graduating seniors who have completed the requirements are:
Braeden Bayne
Cecelia Bechtel
Lara Bone
Liam Dardick
Kaylin Livingston
Charity Meyer
Paige Rice
Allison Sawicki
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Graduating students who have been initiated into the Shepherd University Chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, an international honor society founded in 1897, are:
Clarence Decatur
Lauryn Fridley
James Frye
Chelsea Kreps
Samuel Lake Maria Leppo
Matthew Lowe Grace McInelly
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
We are thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone with you and officially welcome you to the Shepherd University Alumni Association! You are now part of a proud and accomplished network of alumni across the globe—each carrying a piece of Shepherd with them wherever they go.
As a special gift, your entire class is starting as Blue Level Members of the Alumni Association! This membership offers exciting benefits, including exclusive discounts, travel opportunities, and access to our alumni network. You’ll also receive our bi-monthly newsletters and the Shepherd University Magazine, keeping you connected to campus and fellow alumni.
To continue enjoying these benefits, be sure to update your contact information using the QR code below.
No matter where life takes you, Shepherd University will always be your home. Stay engaged, get involved, and know that your connection to the Ram Fam is lifelong. Whether you remain a Blue Level Member or choose to upgrade to Gold Level Membership, your participation strengthens our alumni community.
Welcome to the next chapter of your Shepherd journey!
Sincerely,
Katie Swayne ‘12 Director of Alumni Affairs
Scan here to update your contact information or visit www.shepherd.edu/update-your-info
College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Dr. Kurtis Adams, Dean
Department of Contemporary Art, Communication, and Theater
Mr. David Modler, Chair
Mr. Evan Boggess
Ms. Ally Christmas
Dr. Chris Coltrin
Mr. Andrew Dolan
Ms. Sonya Evanisko
Dr. Matthew Kushin
Ms. Monica Larson
Dr. Jason McKahan
Ms. kb saine
Dr. Kevin Williams
Ms. Jennifer Yablonsky
Department of English, History, and Modern Languages
Dr. Betty Ellzey, Chair
Dr. Keith Alexander
Dr. Benjamin Bankhurst
Dr. Denis Berenschot
Dr. Sally Brasher
Dr. Mark Cantrell
Dr. David Gordon
Dr. Heidi Hanrahan
Dr. Rachel Krantz
Dr. Carrie Messenger
Dr. Aracelis Nieves Maysonet
Dr. Timothy Nixon
Dr. James Pate
Dr. Julia Sandy
Dr. Brian Santana
Ms. Sadie Shorr-Parks
Dr. Valerie Stevens
School of Music
Dr. Scott Hippensteel, Director
Dr. Kurtis Adams
Dr. Yu-Hsuan Liao
Dr. Austin Showen
Dr. Jason Strunk
Dr. Stefan Swanson
Dr. Robert Tudor
Shepherd University Faculty
2024-2025
Department of Social and Applied Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Sam Green, Chair
Dr. Marat Akopian
Dr. Robert Anthony
Dr. Craig Cline
Dr. Larry Daily
Dr. Amy DeWitt
Dr. Heidi Dobish
Ms. Karen Green
Dr. Max Guirguis
Dr. Aart Holtslag
Dr. Albina Laskovtsov
Dr. Lindsey Levitan
Dr. Christopher Lovelace
Ms. Pippa McCullough
Dr. Joseph Merz
Dr. Stephanie Slocum-Schaffer
Dr. Richard Stevens
Dr. Ann Wendle
College of Business, Recreation, and Education
Dr. William Benjamin Martz, Dean
Dr. Kathleen Reid, Associate Dean
Department of Business, Accounting, Economics, and Finance
Dr. Kathleen Reid, Chair
Dr. Joshua Beck
Dr. Vahid Biglari
Dr. Jim Dovel
Dr. Tuncer Gocmen
Ms. Carol Goolsby
Dr. Amanda Mandzik
Dr. Ben Martz
Dr. Zahra Pourabedin
Dr. George Ray
Mr. Robert Richardson
Dr. Robert Szarka
Dr. Cindy Vance
Dr. Yuying Xie
School of Education
Dr. Belinda Mitchell, Director
Dr. Jason Allen
Dr. Dawne Burke
Dr. Tauna Cole
Dr. LeAnn Johnson
Dr. Tracy Nichols
Dr. James Tuttle III
Department of Recreation, Sport, and Exercise Sciences
Dr. Stacey Kendig, Chair
Dr. Andro Barnett
Dr. Jessica Graham
Dr. Melissa Hall
Dr. Rhonda Hovatter
Dr. Greg Place
Dr. Julia Tracy
College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Nursing
Dr. Robert Warburton, Dean
Department of Natural and Physical Sciences
Dr. Jacquelyn Cole, Co-Chair
Dr. Sytil Murphy, Co-Chair
Dr. Jason Best
Dr. Courtney Campany
Dr. Brooke Comer
Dr. Ruth Conley
Dr. Jeffrey Groff
Dr. Kyle Hassler
Dr. Sher Hendrickson
Prof. Jay Menke
Dr. Zachary Musselman
Dr. Sara Reynolds
Dr. Laura Robertson
Dr. Conor Sipe
Dr. John Steffen
Prof. Devon Umstead
Dr. Peter Vila
Dr. Robert Warburton
Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Engineering
Dr. Osman Guzide, Chair
Dr. Karen Adams
Dr. Mohammadreza Ghahremani
Dr. Weidong Liao
Dr. Robert Monahan
Dr. Francoise Nelles
Dr. Qing Wang
School of Nursing
Dr. Mary Hancock, Director
Dr. Jennifer Barger
Dr. Michelle Cooper
Dr. Laureen Donovan
Dr. Angela Fetty
Dr. Kelly Watson Huffer
Dr. Brenda Johnston
Dr. Kellie Riffe-Snyder
Dr. Damien Unger
Dr. Lisa Zerull
School of Graduate and Professional Studies
Dr. Benjamin Bankhurst
Dr. LeAnn Johnson
Dr. Brenda Johnston
Dr. Ben Martz
Dr. Kelly Watson-Huffer
Dr. Ann Wendle
Libraries and Information Sciences
Ms. Teresa Smith, Director
Ms. Tara Carlisle
Ms. Rhonda Donaldson
Academic Affairs Leadership
Dr. Richard A. Stevens, Jr., Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs
Dr. Jason Best, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness
Dr. Amy Dewitt, Associate Dean of Student Academic Enrichment
Shepherd University Faculty Emeriti
Dr. John E. Adams
Dr. Charlotte R. Anderson
Mrs. Katie J. Begole
Mr. L. Dow Benedict IV
Dr. Roland W. Bergman
Dr. Philip H. Bufithis
Dr. James A. Butcher
Dr. Robert A. Cleminson
Mr. Gayle L. Conner
Dr. Kathleen M. Corpus
Dr. Geraldine Crawley-Woods
Dr. Momodou N. Darboe
Dr. E. Gordon Demeritt
Dr. Dan DiLella
Mrs. Kathy J. Dilley
Dr. David L. Dunlop
Dr. Linda L. Dunn
Dr. P. Denise Eggletson
Dr. Richard Gibson
Dr. David J. Gonzol
Dr. Michael Groves
Mr. Roger Hamood
Dr. C. Lynne Hannah
Mr. Kenneth E. Harbaugh
Dr. Anders Henriksson
Mrs. Ann W. Henriksson
Dr. Donald Henry
Mr. Ed Herendeen
Dr. Jennifer Hipp Soule
Dr. James C. Holland
Dr. Douglas C. Horner
Dr. Charles Hulse
Dr. J. Michael Jacobs
Dr. Doug Kennard
Ms. Barbara Kemerer
Mrs. Anne L. Kerfoot
Ms. Linda P. Kinney
Dr. Suda Kunyosying
Dr. John Landolt
Dr. Richard L. Latterell
Dr. Ann Marie Legreid
Dr. James A. Lewin
Dr. Burton Lidgerding
Dr. Nick Martin
Ms. Barbara A. Maxwell
Mr. Reza Mirdamadi
Dr. Betty Myers
Dr. Colleen Nolan
Dr. Hang Yul Rhee
Dr. John F. Schmidt
Dr. John A. Schultz
Dr. Sylvia Shurbutt
Dr. Phillip D. Simpson
Ms. Rhonda J. Smith
Dr. Edward M. Snyder
Dr. Daniel C. Starliper
Dr. John E. Stealey III
Dr. Patricia Stealey
Dr. Mark Stern
Mr. Franklin Sturges
Mr. Joseph W. Thatcher
Dr. Jerry B. Thomas
Dr. Georgiann H. Toole
Dr. Eugene Volker
Dr. Joyce G. Webb
Dr. David Wing
Dr. Denis J. Woods
Mr. Charles H. Woodward
Past Commencement Honorees
1990: Senator John D. Rockefeller IV
Mr. Fred Gold Butler
1991: Senator Mark O. Hatfield
Dr. James M. Moler ’30
Mrs. Ruth Power Thacher
1992: Mr. Allan W. Ostar
Mrs. Margaret Moulton Ikenberry
Mr. R. Gordon Hoxie
1993: Senator Robert C. Byrd
Dr. Howard N. Carper, Jr. ’52
Mr. Clarence E. Martin III
1994: Ms. Eleanor Clift
Governor Cecil Underwood
Mr. Bradley Nash
1995: Ms. Susan Eisenhower
Dr. Frank A. Hamilton, Jr.
Ms. Jane K. Peters
Dr. James W. Rowley
1996: Ms. Mary Tyler Moore
Dr. Sara Helen Cree
Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix ’74
1997: Dr. Stanley O. Ikenberry ’56
Governor Gaston Caperton
Dr. A. Gordon Slonaker ’38
Mr. David Avella ’92
Ms. Guillermina Garcia Moore
Mr. Gat Caperton, MBA
Mr. Henry Kayes, Jr.
Ms. Jessica Anders
Ms. Heather Barnes
Ms. Sherry Donovan, ’17 M.A.
Ms. Joan Evert
Dr. Jennifer Flora ’06 and ’08 MBA
Mr Hans Fogle
Ms. Holly Morgan Frye ’09 M.A.
Mr. Eli Hall ’25
1998: Dr. Clifford M. Trump
Ms. Hazel Dickens
1999: Mr. Franklin D. Cleckley
Mr. Lacy I. Rice, Jr.
2000: Dr. Regina Barecca
Mr. J. Michael O’Hara
2001: Congresswoman Shelley
Moore Capito
Dr. Robert A. Holmes ’64
2002: Major General Allen E. Tackett
Delegate Vicki Vickers Douglas
2003: Ms. Nora Roberts
Delegate John Doyle ’66
2004: Mr. Ray S. Johnston
Mr. Ramon A. Alvarez ’62
2005: Ms. Mary Clare Eros
Dr. James C. Price II
2006: Ms. Kay Huffman Goodwin
Ms. Annette Harwood Murphy
2007: Dr. Brian Noland
Ms. Elizabeth Snyder Lowe ’52
2008: Mr. Rick Lemon
2009: Mr. Richard Dresser
2010: Justice Margaret L. Workman
2011: Mr. Jim Lehrer
2012: Ms. Diane Rehm
2013: Mr. David K. Hendrickson
2014: Dr. Emir Kamenica
2015: Ms. Carolyn Kevon Malachi ’06
2016: Mr. James A. Leach
Mr. William Randy Smith
2017: Dr. John E. Adams ’71 and ’73
Mr. Fred White
2018: Dr. Paul Welch
Mr. Paul T. McDermott ’83
2019: Mr. Brandon Dennison ’08
Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington
2020: Ms. Judee Ann Williams ’01
Dr. James V. Denova
2021: Monte Cater, M.S.
Dr. Bondy Shay Gibson
2022: Wendy Bianca Keller
Dr. James M. Cherry ’96
2023: Mr. Lacy I. Rice
Dr. Roberta L. DeBiasi
2024: Mr. Giles Snyder
Ms. Alexis Bonnell
Shepherd University Board of Governors
James Cherry, Ph.D. ’96, Chair
Mr. Austin Slater, Jr. ’76, Vice Chair
Mr. Jonathan Mason ’08
Ms. Susan Mentzer-Blair ’72
Mr. Karl Wolf ’70
Dr. Heidi Hanrahan
Commencement Committee
Mr. Jack Shaw, Chair
Dr. Scott Hippensteel
Dr. Stacey Kendig
Mr. Rusty Kugler
Ms. Amanda Laitres
Ms. Erin Lee ’23 M.A.
Ms. Lori Maraugha
Mr. Jacob Mellow ’17, ’19 M.A.
Ms. Tina Miller ’17
Mr. Kevin Murphy
Ms. Stephanie Slocum-Schaffer
Mr. Paul Teter
Ms. Tory Orr ’20
Ms. Joanie Raisovich
Dr. Elizabeth Sechler
Ms. Tracy Seffers
Mr. Sean Shearer
Ms. Sonya Sholley ’18, ’23 MBA
Ms. Katie Swayne ’12
Ms. Valerie Wright