2025 Commencement Program

One Hundred Fifty-first Commencement Exercises

2025

Eleven O’Clock Saturday, May Tenth William A. Passavant Memorial Center

The Order of the Exercises May 10, 2025

Prelude....................................................................................Ralph Holtzhauser, Organist *Processional Faculty Marshal, Candidates for Degrees, Faculty, Platform Party Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 in D............................................................. Edward Elgar *Placing of the College Mace........................................................................ Jared Johnson, Ph.D. Associate Professor of English, Faculty Marshal *Invocation.....................................................................................................Rev. Audra Franley ’17 Coordinator for Campus Ministries Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion Welcome.......................................................................................................................Rod E. Wilt ’86 Chair, Board of Trustees Introductory Remarks..................................................................................Susan Traverso, Ph.D. President Presentation of Honorary Degree Recipient.............................. Robert Burns, M.D. ’74 H’22 Board of Trustees Conferring of the Honorary Degree..................................................................Chairperson Wilt Honorary Degree Remarks............................................................G. Leah (Glessner) Dever ’74 Presentation of Honorary Degree Recipient............................................. Rev. Brian Evans ’03 Board of Trustees Conferring of the Honorary Degree..................................................................Chairperson Wilt Commencement Address........................................................Rev. Bishop Kurt F. Kusserow ’85 “The Puzzle of Being Human: Still Becoming Who We Are”

Special Music (by members of the Thiel Choir) Indodana (The Son)...................................................................................... Michael Barrett & Ralf Schmitt Traditional isiXhosa Baba Yetu (Our Father)................................................................................................................Christopher Tin Recognition of Faculty Emeritus...................................................................... Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs Dean of the College Introduction of Senior Class Representatives........................................... Eugene T. Torigoe, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Physics Chair of the Faculty Class of 2025 Greetings and Class Gift Presentation............................................................................................ Jacara Green ’25 Senior Class President

Senior Address............................................................................................... Sydney Linhart ’25 “Failure: The Unseen Architect of Your Legacy” Special Recognition of Valedictorians and Salutatorian................................................................................................Dr. Torigoe Presentation of the Class......................................................................................................... Dr. Nowinski Conferring of Degrees....................................................................................................President Traverso Distribution of Alumni Flowers.............................................................................................Jim Frank ’88 President of the Alumni Association Board of Directors Special Announcements..............................................................................................................Dr. Johnson

*Hail, Alma Mater....................................................................................................... Friedrich F. Flemming lyrics by E. Grace Hunton 1900

Hail, Alma Mater, on thy hill enthroned, Firm as a mountain, may’st thou stand enduring Fair as the valley of thine own Shenango.

Hail, Alma Mater!

Hail, Alma Mater, may thy torch forever Shed light resplendent for thy God and Country; Send the flame onward to all generations.

Hail, Alma Mater!

Hail, Alma Mater, we thy children pledge thee Here our devotion, loyal, true, and tender; Thee will we cherish, praise thy name forever.

Hail, Alma Mater!

*Closing Prayer........................................................................................................................Rev. Franley *Recessional..................................................................................Ralph Holtzhauser, Organist *The audience is invited to rise.

Honorary Degree Candidate Bishop Kurt F. Kusserow ’85 Keynote Speaker

A lifelong advocate for faith, education, and service, the Rev. Kurt F. Kusserow ’85 has remained deeply connected to Thiel College since graduating with a degree in English. He served on the College’s Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2010, contributing to efforts focused on student enrollment and student and religious life. In 2024, he returned to campus for the 70th Anniversary Choir Reunion, reflecting his enduring bond with the Thiel community.

In recognition of his leadership and service, Kusserow is being awarded an honorary degree and is the 2025 Commencement speaker. His address is titled “The Puzzle of Being Human: Still Becoming Who We Are.” Kusserow has served as bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since 2007 and was re-elected to a third six-year term in 2019. In 2018, he was honored with the Excellence is Ageless Award by Lutheran Senior Life.

His call to ministry began early. Born to missionary parents—Rev. Ralph ’58 and Carol (Zigler) Kusserow ’59 who are also Thiel graduates—Kusserow spent his youth in Malaysia and Singapore. He earned a Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in 1989 and was ordained that same year at Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh.

Kusserow lives in Hampton Township in Pittsburgh’s North Hills with his wife, Pam (Royce) ’85. They are the parents of Abby ’13 and Ben.

Honorary Degree Candidate G. Leah (Glessner) Dever ’74 G. Leah (Glessner) Dever ’74 is being awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of her distinguished public service and ongoing contributions to Thiel College.

A devoted alumna and advocate for higher education, Dever served on the Thiel College Board of Trustees from 2013 to 2024, including a term as Chair from 2020 to 2023. She contributed to multiple board committees and has served as an at-large member of the Alumni Board since 1999. A member of the Society of 1866, she supports student success through the Ned and Gertrude Glessner Endowed Scholarship. Dever is the recipient of the 2001 Distinguished Alumni Award and the 2024 Service to Thiel Award.

Dever retired as Associate Director of Safety, Security and Infrastructure for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, where she oversaw operations across the federal government’s system of 10 National Laboratories. During her 20-year federal career, she led organizations responsible for the management and oversight of complex nuclear and scientific facilities in Nevada, Ohio, New York, Tennessee, Kentucky, Washington, Maryland and California.

Earlier in her career, she spent a decade with private environmental engineering firms. She also taught biology and ecology courses at several community colleges.

Dever has a master’s degree in biology and ecology from Pennsylvania State University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Thiel College.

Dever lives with her partner, Dennis Hamby, in Florida, where they enjoy fishing, diving and traveling.

Emeritae Recipients Fatimata Palé, Ph.D. Professor Emerita of Biology

Professor of Biology Fatimata Palé, Ph.D. began at Thiel in 1998 and is retiring this year. She was named an outstanding runner-up in Talk Magazine’s Professor of the Year competition in 2018.

Palé was involved in an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America funded project to empower faculty in science. She investigated propagules of wetland plants in northwestern Pennsylvania. She also contributed to the survey of wild fruits of Africa with an emphasis on wild fruits of Burkina Faso and investigated bioenergies in Burkina Faso with a focus on non-food crops.

Palé was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Ouagadougou from 201112. She received an M.S. in ecology and geography from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1994 and a Ph.D. in ecology and resource management from the University of Bordeaux III in 1986. She earned a Diplôme d’Études Approfondies (DEA) in Plant Physiology in 1982 through the University of Paris Jussieu, with research conducted in collaboration with institutions in Gif-surYvette and the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Technologique (CNRST) in France and an M.S. in botany from the University of Orléans, France in 1979. She completed studies in chemistry, biology, and general biology (CBBG) at the University of Dakar, Sénégal, in 1974. Palé received her B.S. in 1972 from Collège de La Salle, Ouagadougou.

Nancy Antonino, Ph.D.

Lecturer Emerita of Communication Sciences and Disorders Nancy Antonino, Ph.D., retired from Thiel College in 2024 after 35 years of service. During Antonino’s tenure, she saw the creation of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in 1991, served as its chair and was a key member in the development of the master’s degree program in Speech-Language Pathology.

Antonino holds degrees from Clarion University and a Ph.D. from Walden University. A licensed and certified Speech-Language Pathologist, she has practiced across clinical, academic, and healthcare settings. Each year during the Speech-Language Pathology commencement ceremony, the Dr. Nancy Antonino Outstanding Clinician Award is given to a graduate. Her career spans a wide range of experiences, including private speech therapy practice and affiliations with area hospitals and nursing homes.

Mary Reames

Lecturer Emerita of Education Mary Reames taught at the College in the Department of Education from 2006-19 and was awarded as a Lecturer of Education by the National Society of Leadership and Success in 2018.

In 2022, she was recognized as a recipient of the Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award for her service to the College and community. She has volunteered in her community; including her current service on the Greenville Area School District Board of Directors, participation on numerous civic committees and volunteer leadership on the Greenville Relay For Life, which also included walks hosted on at Thiel, and His Work His Way. She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Westminster College. As an education professional, she held jobs in Texas, New York, Virginia and Jamestown, Pa. She was an elementary school principal for 14 years at Jamestown Elementary School and an assistant to the superintendent for student services, curriculum and instruction at Jamestown for the last six years of her tenure.

Candidates for Degrees Associate of Arts Degrees Vincent J. Laribee Business Administration Rome, N.Y.

Bachelor of Science Degrees Tessa Allison * Exercise Science Kent, Ohio Alex Anderson Exercise Science Warren, Pa. Giana Arnese ✩ Exercise Science Carbondale, Pa. Kaleigh Ann Atkins Exercise Science Parma, Ohio Danielle Marie Aulet ✝ Exercise Science Austintown, Ohio Breanna L. Bach Conservation Biology Centerville, Pa.

Ethan M. Bintrim ✩ Biochemistry New Castle, Pa.

Lane Daniel Fry * Biology Greenville, Pa.

Katabella Marie Byers Communication Sciences & Disorders Franklin, Pa.

Che Fuqua Exercise Science Clairton, Pa.

Evan L. Cessna Neuroscience Kittanning, Pa.

Breana Rae Gerst Exercise Science Imperial, Pa.

Meghan Marie Columbus Biology McDonald, Pa.

Olivia Kay Giardina Communication Sciences & Disorders Greenville, Pa.

Cameron Craig Cygan Data Analytics Butler, Pa.

Christian Michael Good Conservation Biology Carlisle, Pa.

Jakob S. Dies Neuroscience Cambridge Springs, Pa.

Mackenzie A. House Chemistry Environmental Chemistry Greenville, Pa.

Luke Samuel Faber Exercise Science Greenville, Pa. Heather Lynn Farr ✩ Exercise Science North Kingsville, Ohio David N. Fourman Exercise Science Etna, Ohio

Nicholas A. Jacobs Information Systems New Castle, Pa. Blake A. Joseph Exercise Science Canonsburg, Pa. Alexa Rose Kantner ✩ Biology Hadley, Pa.

Dakota Alan King ✝ Environmental Safety Management Bruin, Pa. Joseph D. King Biology Cooperstown, Pa. Nicholas T. Kobielus Exercise Science West Middlesex, Pa. Evan LaClair Kosenina ✩ Biochemistry Clinton, Pa. Rebecca Lynn Landis Exercise Science Kinsman, Ohio Conner Thomas Lewis * Exercise Science Salineville, Ohio Sarahy Del Carmen Lopez ✩ Neuroscience Cranberry Township, Pa. Caden S. Loutzenhiser Environmental Safety Management Greenville, Pa. Nathaniel J. Lucas Exercise Science Pittsburgh, Pa. Kyle Joshua Magdich ✝ Exercise Science Bridgeville, Pa.

Emily Kay Martin Environmental Science Greenville, Pa.

Teagan Marie Pierce * Biology Cortland, Ohio

Justin A. Mason Biochemistry Environmental Chemistry Alden, N.Y.

Keith Rager Exercise Science Derry, Pa.

Alexis Raine McFadden Exercise Science Franklin, Pa. Nathan Thomas Musser *# Environmental Safety Management Hadley, Pa. Aidan Joseph Ochs Environmental Safety Management Belle Vernon, Pa. Amya Danay Oliver ✩ Biology Pittsburgh, Pa. Alyssa Rose Olshanski Biochemistry Neuroscience Slippery Rock, Pa. Katlyn Marie Phillips ✩ Exercise Science Canfield, Ohio Seth M. Phillips Environmental Science Hubbard, Ohio

Logan Scott Ross Conservation Biology Titusville, Pa. Madalyn Ann Russell ✩ Environmental Safety Management Mercer, Pa. Lillian Rachelle Sitzer Communication Sciences & Disorders Pine City, N.Y. Abigail Lee Smagala ✩ Communication Sciences & Disorders Russellton, Pa. Maria Nicole Torres Exercise Science Boardman, Ohio Owen Andrew Trumbull Environmental Science Lottsville, Pa. Nathaniel M. Udell Exercise Science Abington, Pa.

Jessica Ann Wagner Exercise Science Tionesta, Pa. Madeleine Grace White ✩ Neuroscience Pittsburgh, Pa. Faith Anne Zagotti ✩ Neuroscience Farrell, Pa.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degrees Lauren A. Bonner * Nursing Hermitage, Pa. Luke E. Campbell * Nursing Newton Falls, Ohio Nisubire Charlotte ✝ Nursing Pittsburgh, Pa. Alyssa Lynn DeMarco † Nursing West Middlesex, Pa. Annie Alexus Gool * Nursing Union City, Pa. Mackenzie Paige Herman ✝ Nursing Greenville, Pa. Joshua J. Ickes ✩ Nursing Greenville, Pa. Jennifer Olivia Kalp ✝ Nursing West Middlesex, Pa.

Emily Lynn Reese ✝ Nursing Kittanning, Pa. Maddie Kay Shirey ✝ Nursing Jamestown, Pa. Kaitlyn Marie Sprague ✝ Nursing Kinsman, Ohio Kaitlyn Elizabeth Stamp ✝ Nursing Boardman, Ohio Abby Lynn Stewart ✝ Nursing Petrolia, Pa. Cassandra Elizabeth Thuranira ✝ Nursing Greenville, Pa. Lexy Wagner * Nursing Pittsburgh, Pa.

Bachelor of Arts Degrees

Patrick Broe * Business Administration Gloucester, Mass.

Cameron Scott Austin Neuroscience Psychology Bradford, Pa.

Ryan David Campbell Biology Greenville, Pa.

Jared J. Beers * Criminal Justice Studies Sociology Warren, Pa. Patrick Belback ✝ Public Relations, Advertising, and Integrated Marketing Communication Greenville, Pa. Dillon J. Belknap Business Administration LaGrange, Ohio Kaylee Bensink Accounting Business Administration Erie, Pa. Zachary W. Bergstresser Business Administration Sharon, Pa. Hunter Christopher Blatt ✝ Conservation Biology Greenville, Pa. Anna Elizabeth Boyd ✝ Health Systems Baltimore, Md.

Laci Leanne Dezern * ✩ Philosophy Psychology Pittsburgh, Pa. Jakob S. Dies Health Systems Cambridge Springs, Pa.

Grace Elizabeth Carrizo Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Franklin Square, N.Y.

Zachary James Dillingham Business Administration Ford City, Pa.

Jacob D. Castona ✩ Accounting Business Administration Sandy Lake, Pa.

Alexis Tailor Dunn Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Erie, Pa.

Jordan Castona ✩ Business Administration Sandy Lake, Pa.

Brandon Flock * Business Administration Greensburg, Pa.

Evan L. Cessna Health Systems Kittanning, Pa.

Che Fuqua Health Systems Clairton, Pa.

Ty Joseph Chartraw Accounting Sharon, Pa.

Kevin J. Gilroy Business Administration Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Ethan Thomas Cooper Business Administration Venetia, Pa.

David Anthony Gonzalez Jr. Criminal Justice Studies El Paso, Texas

Cameron Craig Cygan Computer Science Butler, Pa.

Gabriel Alejandro Gonzalez Business Administration Miami, Fla. Joshua C. Govannucci Business Administration North Huntingdon, Pa.

Jacara Lynn Green ✩ Accounting Business Administration Farrell, Pa.

Alexa Horton Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Kane, Pa.

Donna Joanne Kocher Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Sheakleyville, Pa.

Erica Kathleen Gregory Criminal Justice Studies Sociology Clinton Township, Mich.

Nikolas Rädde Hunchuk Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Sharon, Pa.

Riley Nichole Ladd ✝ Individualized Major of Environmental Studies Mineral Ridge, Ohio

Damion Monroe Grinnell Accounting Greenville, Pa.

Jason MacLeod Jewett Media & Journalism Kinsman, Ohio

Rebecca Lynn Landis Psychology Kinsman, Ohio

Ryan Andrew Philip Harcourt Health Systems Hermitage, Pa.

Zachary Robert Johns Business Administration Political Science West Mifflin, Pa.

Jordan T. Lang * History Chardon, Ohio

Emma Jeanne Hatfield * Accounting Business Administration Irwin, Pa.

Grace Kathryn Jones Health Systems Clarks Mills, Pa.

Shamod Neko Hatton * Business Administration Marbury, Md. Mackenzie Jo Hause Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Greenville, Pa. Peyton Hearn * Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Conneaut Lake, Pa. Cynthia Grace Honeycutt ✩ English Edinboro, Pa.

Chase J. Lawler ✝ Business Administration Etters, Pa.

Samantha Dianne Jones * Psychology Beaver Falls, Pa.

Jonah Yates Lentz * Neuroscience Psychology Greenville, Pa.

Ava Annaliese Kavulla ✩ Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Sharpsville, Pa.

Madison Michelle Liggett Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Baltimore, Md.

Alexis King Psychology Salem, Ohio

Sydney Paige Linhart Criminal Justice Studies Plum, Pa.

Jeffrey Marc Knox Jr. Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Franklin, Pa.

Melina Olivia Liszka Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Greenville, Pa.

Mark David Littke * ✩ Religion Theology & Youth Ministry Pittsburgh, Pa. Sarahy Del Carmen Lopez ✩ Health Systems Cranberry Township, Pa. Charles Maddox Luedtke Business Administration Mars, Pa. Mitchell Holt Mason Health Systems Transfer, Pa. Connor McInnis Health Systems Southington, Conn.

Andrea Elizabeth Meals ✩ Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Foxburg, Pa. Zachary J. Melin Business Administration Chardon, Ohio Brianna Miller Early Childhood Education/ Special Education New Castle, Pa. Randall D. Miller Jr. Health Systems Mineral Ridge, Ohio

Chad Robert Grant Morningstar ∆ History Saxton, Pa. Matthew Kyle Nale Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Saegertown, Pa. Christina Marie Newman Media & Journalism Corry, Pa. Ioannis Pete Panagiotopoulos * Public Relations, Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communication Rockville, Md. Sylvia Cate Patterson English Greenville, Pa. Anna Paul Health Systems Zelienople, Pa. Emily Elizabeth Peters Psychology Ravenna, Ohio Cora Grace Post Business Administration Elizabethton, Tenn.

Emily Lynn Reed ✩ Biology Livonia, Mich.

Daniel Vincent Rennie Business Administration Cape Coral, Fla. Tanner W. Rennie Business Administration Cape Coral, Fla. Tyler Xavier Roddy Criminal Justice Studies Philosophy Troy, N.Y. Gavin R. Sankey ✩ History Jamestown, Pa. Kaitlyn Anne Schmidt ∆ ✩ Math Monroeville, Pa. Abigail Jane Sefton Accounting Business Administration Sandy Lake, Pa. Fiona Faith Shaffer ✩ Health Systems New Bethlehem, Pa. Christopher Fredrick Slaven Business Administration Bridgeville, Pa. Julianna Lynn Sloan # Health Systems Kingsville, Ohio Katherine Marie Smith Business Administration Erie, Pa.

Sha’Nia Reign Stiers-Royal Psychology Youngstown, Ohio

Ashlyn Wightman Business Administration Glenshaw, Pa.

Bailey George Stilts ✩ Computer Science Elkland, Pa.

LaShawn Lorraine Williams Psychology Farrell, Pa.

Hannah Stoughton ✩ English Apollo, Pa.

Mya Rae Winkle Accounting Business Administration Greenville, Pa.

Bryce Erik Stubert Business Administration Greenville, Pa. Taylor Lynne Susany Early Childhood Education/ Special Education Struthers, Ohio Vance Charles Turesson Media & Journalism Lexington, Ohio Jacob Michael Walsh ✩ Criminal Justice Studies Political Science Monongahela, Pa. Jason M. Walsh II ✩ Criminal Justice Studies Political Science Monongahela, Pa. Madeleine Grace White ✩ Health Systems Pittsburgh, Pa.

Mason J. Wolfe Neuroscience Psychology Kittanning, Pa. Kaitlynn Elizabeth Wolffe ✩ Business Administration English Greenville, Pa. Casey Elizabeth Yacos Business Administration Weirton, W. Va. Faith Anne Zagotti ✩ Health Systems Farrell, Pa.

Master of Business Administration Ryan Nathaniel Acosta Olivas El Paso, Texas Thaddeus A. Bell ’24 Erie, Pa. Marlon B. Ellerbee ’24 Temple Hills, Md. Kyiam Mar’Keith Exum ’24 ✝ Temple Hills, Md.

Jacob Keverline Frantz ’23 Greenville, Pa.

Donelle Thomas Miami, Fla.

Alec Mitchel Katon ’24 Ashtabula, Ohio

Mezekiah Jaden Jaron Tobias ’24 Akron, Ohio

Chase Scott Morrison ’24 Monaca, Pa. McKenzie Faith Morrison ’24 Uhrichsville, Ohio

Jacob R. Traupman ’24 Baden, Pa. Anthony John Trobek ’23 Hubbard, Ohio

Jackson J. Pletcher ’24 DuBois, Pa.

Master of Science Speech-Language Pathology Ceremony in July

Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies Ceremony in September

✩ Dietrich Honors Institute ∆

Candidate for Pennsylvania Department of Education Teacher Certification

S Degree awarded Summer/December 2024

✝ Early participant; degree to be awarded when requirements are met. # U.S. Veteran

Special legacy photographs will be taken for those graduates whose immediate family members are Thiel College alumni. Please meet near the terrace in front of Greenville Hall (rain site will be the Bistro Rotunda in the HMSC) immediately following the Commencement ceremonies.

GRADUATION HONORS Summa Cum Laude Tessa Allison R Giana Arnese R Lauren A. Bonner Katabella Marie Byers R Grace Elizabeth Carrizo R Cameron Craig Cygan R Laci Leanne Dezern R Luke Samuel Faber Lane Daniel Fry R Breana Rae Gerst R Olivia Kay Giardina Ryan Andrew Philip Harcourt Emma Jeanne Hatfield R Mackenzie Jo Hause R Cynthia Grace Honeycutt Alexa Horton R Nikolas Rädde Hunchuk R Grace Kathryn Jones R Ava Annaliese Kavulla R Donna Joanne Kocher R Rebecca Lynn Landis R Jonah Yates Lentz R Melina Olivia Liszka R Mark David Littke R Mitchell Holt Mason R Andrea Elizabeth Meals R Chad Robert Grant Morningstar Aidan Joseph Ochs R Gavin R. Sankey R Julianna Lynn Sloan R

Abigail Lee Smagala R Bailey George Stilts R Hannah Stoughton R Owen Andrew Trumbull R Madeleine Grace White R Ashlyn Wightman R Mya Rae Winkle R Kaitlynn Elizabeth Wolffe R Magna Cum Laude Ethan M. Bintrim Jacob D. Castona Jordan Castona R Jakob S. Dies Christian Michael Good Erica Kathleen Gregory Damion Monroe Grinnell Jason MacLeod Jewett Alexa Rose Kantner Nicholas T. Kobielus Sydney Paige Linhart Connor McInnis Matthew Kyle Nale Alyssa Rose Olshanski Kaitlyn Anne Schmidt R Fiona Faith Shaffer Lillian Rachelle Sitzer Bryce Erik Stubert R Taylor Lynne Susany Jessica Ann Wagner

Cum Laude Patrick Broe Evan L. Cessna Samantha Dianne Jones Alexis King Evan LaClair Kosenina Conner Thomas Lewis Madison Michelle Liggett Sarahy Del Carmen Lopez Brianna Miller Randall D. Miller Jr. Amya Danay Oliver Anna Paul Kaitlyn Marie Phillips Madalyn Ann Russell Abigail Jane Sefton Casey Elizabeth Yacos

Graduation Honors: Seniors who have completed at least 60 credit hours in residence at Thiel are eligible for graduation honors. Those who have a grade point average of 3.80 or higher are graduated summa cum laude, and are wearing a blue and white cord. Those who have attained a grade point average of 3.60 to 3.79 are graduated magna cum laude, and are wearing two blue cords. Those who have a grade point average of 3.40 to 3.59 are awarded cum laude, and are wearing two white cords.

R The Dean’s Key is awarded to those students who made the Dean’s List during all eight semesters at Thiel.

Transfer students who attended Thiel for at least one year, were on the Dean’s List every semester at Thiel and were on the Dean’s List every term at his/her former college(s) also receive the Dean’s Key.

DEPARTMENTAL HONORS Biology & Life Sciences Tessa Allison Giana Arnese Luke Samuel Faber Lane Daniel Fry Breana Rae Gerst Christian Michael Good Alexa Rose Kantner Nicholas T. Kobielus Rebecca Lynn Landis Conner Thomas Lewis Amya Danay Oliver Jessica Ann Wagner Business Administration & Accounting Jacob D. Castona Jordan Castona Damion Monroe Grinnell Emma Jeanne Hatfield Abigail Jane Sefton Bryce Erik Stubert Mya Rae Winkle Chemistry & Physics Ethan M. Bintrim Alyssa Rose Olshanski Communication Sciences & Disorders Katabella Marie Byers Olivia Kay Giardina Lillian Rachelle Sitzer Abigail Lee Smagala

Communications Media Patrick Belback Jason MacLeod Jewett Christina Marie Newman Ioannis Pete Panagiotopoulos

Mathematics & Computer Science Cameron Craig Cygan Kaitlyn Anne Schmidt Bailey George Stilts

Education Grace Elizabeth Carrizo Mackenzie Jo Hause Alexa Horton Ava Annaliese Kavulla Donna Joanne Kocher Madison Michelle Liggett Melina Olivia Liszka Andrea Elizabeth Meals Matthew Kyle Nale Kaitlyn Anne Schmidt Taylor Lynne Susany

Neuroscience Evan L. Cessna Jakob S. Dies Jonah Yates Lentz Sarahy Del Carmen Lopez Alyssa Rose Olshanski Madeleine Grace White

English Cynthia Grace Honeycutt Hannah Stoughton Kaitlynn Elizabeth Wolffe Environmental Science Aidan Joseph Ochs Madalyn Ann Russell Owen Andrew Trumbull History Jordan T. Lang Chad Robert Grant Morningstar Gavin R. Sankey Languages Mark David Littke

Philosophy Laci Leanne Dezern Political Science Jacob Michael Walsh Jason M. Walsh II Psychology Laci Leanne Dezern Samantha Dianne Jones Rebecca Lynn Landis Jonah Yates Lentz Religion Mark David Littke Hannah Stoughton Sociology & Criminal Justice Studies Jared J. Beers Sydney Paige Linhart

Departmental Honors are a prerogative of each department and are calculated and submitted by those departments that recognize such a distinction.

Senior Class Officers & Senior Class Gift Committee Jacara Green - President Madeleine White - Vice President Giana Arnese - Secretary Amya Oliver - Treasurer

Graduates wearing honor cords and tassels are members of designated honorary societies.

Emerald Green & Sapphire Blue Cords...... Alpha Chi, national college honor scholarship society Teal Cords............................................. Alpha Kappa Delta, sociology/criminal justice honor society Gold Cords with Gold Tassels....................Alpha Mu Gamma, national language honorary society Antique Gold & Light Blue Cords...........Alpha Psi Omega, national honorary dramatic fraternity Blood Red & Leaf Green Cords..........................Beta Beta Beta, national biology honorary society Sapphire Blue & White Cords... Chi Alpha Epsilon, national honorary for academic achievement Black & Gold Cords..................................... Chi Alpha Sigma, national college athlete honor society Drab Cords........................................................... Chi Eta Sigma, national commerce honorary society Gold, Purple & Mint Cords................... Kappa Delta Pi, international honor society for educators Rose Pink & Silver Cords ...................................Kappa Mu Epsilon, national mathematics honorary Gold Cords with Tassels.....................Lambda Pi Eta, national honorary in speech communication Royal Blue & Gold Cords ...................................Lambda Sigma, national sophomore honor society Scarlet & White Cords...Les Lauriers, senior honorary society for scholarship, service & leadership Gold & Black Cords..........................................................Nu Rho Psi, national neuroscience honorary Dark Blue & Platinum Cords.............................................Psi Chi, international psychology honorary Red & Light Blue Cords............................. Phi Alpha Theta, international history honorary society Purple & White Cords.................................................... Phi Sigma Tau, national philosophy honorary Gold & Silver Cords.................................................Pi Nu Epsilon, national music fraternity honorary Black, White & Scarlet Cords ............................ Pi Sigma Alpha, national political science honorary Scarlet & Black Cords...............................................Sigma Tau Delta, international English honorary Scarlet Cords...........Theta Alpha Kappa, national religious studies and theology honorary society Black, White and Blue Cords..................... Veritas Ars Quaero, humanities research honors society Red, White and Blue Cords................................................................................................................ Military

ACADEMIC REGALIA The gowns, hoods and caps worn in the academic ceremonies today are relics of clothing worn in medieval times by students and professors. In the early universities—Bologna, Paris, Oxford—professors wore more colorful academic regalia than do their modern-day descendants. The gowns and hoods were probably worn for warmth in the unheated halls where lectures were delivered.

Since 1895, in the United States, the colors and types of caps and gowns have been largely standardized. In 1932, the code was revised to some extent, and in 1960, it was revised once more. A few American universities have adopted gowns other than black in color, and in European universities there is more diversity in cut and in the cap than prevails in the United States.

TASSELS The tassels worn on the caps may or may not be of the same types. In some institutions, all master’s degree and bachelor’s degree tassels are black; in others, the tassels, which are the same as the colors on the facing of the hoods, reflect the degree received. The tassels worn by doctors may be black or gold thread.

GOWNS The gown for the bachelor’s degree has pointed sleeves. The gown for the master’s degree has an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist. The gown for the doctor’s degree has bell-shaped sleeves, and is designed to be worn open or closed.

TRIMMINGS None for the bachelor’s or master’s degrees. For the doctor’s degree, the gown is faced down the front with black velvet with three bars of the same across the sleeves; or these facings and crossbars may be of velvet of the color distinctive of the subject to which the degree pertains.

HOODS The length of the hood worn for the master’s degree is three and one-half feet; and for the doctor’s degree, it is four feet; that worn for the doctor’s degree shall have panels at the sides.

The hoods are lined with the official color or colors of the college or university conferring the degree; more than one color is shown by division of the field color in a variety of ways, such as chevron or chevrons, equal divisions, etc.

The binding or edging of the hood is of velvet or velveteen, two, three and five inches in width for the bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees, respectively, while the color is distinctive of the subject to which the degree pertains.

COLORS For all academic purposes, including trimming of doctors’ gowns, edging of hoods and tassels of caps, the colors associated with the different subjects are as follows: Agriculture................................................................ Maize Arts, Letters, Humanities ...................................... White Commerce, Accountancy, Business....................... Drab Dentistry.......................................................................Lilac Economics.............................................................. Copper Education.......................................................... Light Blue Engineering.............................................................Orange Fine Arts, Architecture.......................................... Brown Forestry, Environmental Studies, Sustainability......................................................... Russet Journalism..............................................................Crimson Law............................................................................ Purple Library Science, Information Management...........Lemon Medicine.................................................................... Green Music............................................................................. Pink Nursing.....................................................................Apricot Oratory, Speech, Communications.............Silver Gray Pharmacy........................................................ Olive Green Philosophy......................................................... Dark Blue Physical Education, Manual Therapy, Physical Therapy ..........................................Sage Green Public Administration, Public Policy, Foreign Service.......................................... Peacock Blue Public Health ................................................Salmon Pink Science (both “Social” & “Natural”)............Golden Yellow Social Work.............................................................. Citron Theology, Divinity.................................................Scarlet Veterinary Science......................................................Grey From American Colleges and Universities, 11th Edition

FACULTY Susan Traverso, Ph.D. President & Professor of History

Thomas Dulaney, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Computer Science

Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the College, Professor of History

Emily Erb, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Jared Hanneman, Ph.D. Associate Academic Dean, Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice Studies Alysandra Andrusky, MS, PA-C Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Program Michael T. Balas, Ph.D. Department Chair, Professor of Biology George Branch-Trevathan, MDiv, Ph.D. Department Chair, Associate Professor of Religion

Audra Franley, M.Div ’17 Lecturer of Religion Kristel M. Gallagher, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology Angelo A. Giannini, MBA Professor of Business Administration & Accounting Brittany Gladysz, MS, PA-C Clinical Assistant Professor of the Physician Assistant Program

Jennifer Broderick, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology

John E. Gomolchak, Esq. Associate Professor of Business Administration & Accounting

Kristina Brzoza-Lewis, Ph.D. Assistant Profesor of Biology

Sheila M. Gross, Ph.D. ’10 DHI Director, Assistant Professor of English

David R. Buck, Ph.D. Department Chair, Professor of History, Political Science Interim Department Chair

Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D. Dr. James Pedas '50 H’89 Chair of Communications, Professor of English

Greg Q. Butcher, Ph.D. Professor of Neuroscience

Greg Hellier, D.O. Lecturer, Physician Assistant Program

Kristin M. Carlson, Ph.D. Director of Core Curriculum and Student Success, Department Chair, Professor of Languages & Director of ESOL Program

Natalie Homa, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology

Daniel Dankovich, D.C. Clinical Associate Professor of the Physician Assistant Program Shannon Len Deets, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology Brenda K. DelMaramo, M.A. Lecturer of English Scott DiTullio, Ed.D. Lecturer & Director of Bands Jay Donis, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of History Hope Dropp, M.S. Assistant Professor of Environmental Safety Management

Mary Honard, MS, PA-C Clinical Assistant Professor of the Physician Assistant Program Matthew R. Humphrey, MFA/MS Department Chair, Assistant Professor of Communications Media Allan M. Hunchuk, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice Studies Jared Johnson, Ph.D. Department Chair, Professor of English Steven Kandray, MBA Norman P. Mortensen H’81 Chair of Economics, Assistant Professor of Business Administration & Accounting Dionna Kassalen, MBA, CPA Assistant Professor of Business Administration & Accounting

G. Rattan Khalsa, Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry

Fatimata A. Pale, Ph.D. Professor of Biology

Jeonghun Kim, Ph.D. Department Chair, Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science

Anna Reinsel, Ph.D. ’06 DHI Associate Director, Department Chair & Professor of Environmental Science

Gregory Kingston, EdD, CSCS Assistant Professor of Exercise Science

Russell Richins, Ph.D. Institutional Researcher & Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science

Julie Kobak, MA, CCC-SLP Interim Speech-Language Pathology Program Director, Associate Professor Communication Sciences and Disorders / Clinic Director Anthony J. Kos, Ph.D. MBA Program Director Lana Kulik, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Communications Media Neil Lax, Ph.D. Department Chair, Associate Professor of Neuroscience, Interim Psychology Department Chair Omar Malik, M.D. Clinical Assistant Professor of the Physician Assistant Program Eric Matthews, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Political Science Sean McConnor, MFA Department Chair, Professor/ Curator of Art Christopher Morgan, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Chemistry Matthew R. Morgan, Ph.D. Deparment Chair, Professor of Philosophy Angelique Morse, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Education Melissa S. Oakes, CPA, CFE, MBA ’03 David M. Miller ’61 H’20 Chair of Accounting, Department Chair, Professor of Business Administration & Accounting Mary O'Donnell, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology Nicole Olshanski, MSN, DNP Department Chair, Program Director of Nursing, Assistant Professor Sean Oros, M.A. ’15 Lecturer of English

Jessica Rogers, Ph.D. Department Chair, Lecturer & Director of Theater Brianne Samson, M.M. Lecturer & Director of Choirs Kara Schreckenghost, M.Ed. Department Chair, Assistant Professor of Education Cassandra Shearer, M.S. Lecturer & Externship Coordinator of Speech-Language Pathology Calli Shekell, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Education & Director of Teacher Education David R. Shellenbarger, M.D. Medical Director, Physician Assistant Program Jennifer Shellenbarger, MS, PA-C Assistant Professor of Physician Assistant Program Matthew Shellenbarger, Ph.D. Lecturer, Physician Assistant Program Jessica Sloan, PA-C Clinical Assistant Professor of the Physician Assistant Program Christopher Stanisky, Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry Cynthia Sutton, Ph.D. Department Chair, Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice Studies James Tkacik, DMSc, PA-C Department Chair, Program Director &Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Program Eugene T. Torigoe, Ph.D. Chair of the Faculty, Department Chair, Professor of Physics Jie Wu, Ph.D. Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science

PRESIDENT’S CABINET

Susan Traverso, Ph.D. President

Amy Arbogast

Vice President for Finance and Administration

Roberta Leonard

Vice President for College Advancement

Michael McKinney, Ed. D. ’02 Vice President for Student Life and Athletics

Sheila Nowinski, Ph.D.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College & Professor of History

Richard Orr

Vice President for Communications and Marketing

Ashley Josay Zullo

Vice President for Enrollment Management and Financial Aid

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Officers

Rod E. Wilt ’86 Robert D. Burns, M.D. ’74 H’22 Dominic Dionisio ’72 Mark Benninghoff ’82

Trustees Edward A. Bartko ’72 H’16 Beverly Cigler, Ph.D. ’68 Ricardo Daley ’96 G. Leah Dever ’74 Rev. Brian Evans ’03 David J. Fauth, Ph.D. ’73 John R. Frangakis H’19 Fredrick C. Haer ’65 Bruce Hartman, Ph.D. Alex Hudson MBA’21 Rick Huether ’74 Matt Hughes ’92 Diann M. Kuder Frank Maenpa, Ph.D. ’69 H’21 Virginia M. Moszkowicz ’74 Catherine V. Mott Nathan P. Neely ’94

Margaret “Maggie” (Boose) Norris ’78 Brian Nowak ’89 Mary Odem, J.D. Antonio Quarterman, Ed.D. ’08 Robert Rogalski, J.D. Nicholas M. Romano ’18 Lee Tilghman Michael Walton Joel Yuhas Michael G. Zawoysky ’79

Trustees Emeriti Frank Baker, Ph.D. Ruthanne Beighley, Esq. ’73 H’20 Alan F. Fager, Ed.D. ’69 Carl A. Hoffman Jr., D.O. ’69 H’10 Dr. James McHugh ’62 H’02 Dr. Peter Mortensen H’05 Barbara Nakles Mark A. Nordenberg, J.D. ’70 H’97 Dr. James Pedas ’50 H’89 Edward Redman ’60 Barry Stamm, M.D. ’70 Roy Strausbaugh, Ph.D. H’14

BOARD OF ASSOCIATES

Officers Joseph Nairn D.Mgt. ’79, President Patrick Findle ’79, Vice President Vicki Poe, Vice President Associates Hunter Baxter M.S.’23 James Bittel Jr. ’60 Dr. Alan Childs James Cunningham III ’77 Dr. Karen Ely ’84 Matthew Fiore ’14

Curtis Jones Jr. ’98 Michael Kuder Cris Loutzenhiser Chelsea C. Maukonen, Esq. ’14 Dr. Brittany Mears ’07 James Miale ’85 Eric Newman ’99 Ellen Pardee Rev. Scott Schul Nick Travaglianti ’11 Jeffrey A. Wallace Honorable Roy W. Wilt ’59 H’85

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers James Frank ’88, President Damen Taylor ’95, Vice President Jessica (Peters) Burkley ’21, Secretary Directors Renee Bair ’99 Elliott Beach ’12 Lindsey Bona ’07 Gary Bonner ’80 Angela Campbell ’20 Austin Hall ’17 Joshua Koncar ’06 Hannah (Uschock)Lichtenwalter ’22 John Marrs ’83 Sara Matczak ’17 Frank Newnam ’71 Amy (Myers) Noble ’83 Sean Oros ’15 Sandy (Trasferini) Peace ’87 Michelle (Stahl) Reefer ’90

Chris Shinkman ’62 Kayla (Steiner) Smith ’23 Zachary Smith ’23 Gregory Stringer ’87/’18 Judy (Knestrick) Taylor ’73 Allie Walsh ’24

Directors-at-Large Michael Allen ’90 Laura (Lord) Broome ’92 Nikki (Colpo) Galbo ’06 Angela (Lago) Hughes ’97 Michael Miller ’92 James McRoberts ’58 Jessica (Somerville) Phillips ’08 Dawn Salter ’95 Allen Schreiber ’99 David Schreiber ’00 Marion (Norris) Shoemaker ’63 John Wotus ’74

Dear Class of 2025,

Welcome to a community of more than 14,000 active Thiel College alumni.

We celebrate your academic accomplishments! We—the alumni and members of Thiel College’s faculty, staff, and trustees—will follow your future endeavors with great excitement. We hope you remain connected to the Thiel community and the friends you have made at the College.

We encourage you to continue to use the resources we have for you on campus, especially Alumni Affairs and the Career Development Center. Stay in touch with the faculty and staff who have taught and encouraged you. They will be happy to support you in the next phase of your life.

Before you know it, you can take your first trip back as an alumnus to Homecoming Sept. 26-28, 2025. We look forward to having you back on campus for that exciting alumni gathering.

Sincerely,

Susan Traverso, Ph.D. President

James Frank ’88 President, Alumni Association Board of Directors

Digital Program Available Scan the QR Tommy above or go to www.thiel.edu/commencement ™

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