Penn State Beaver held its spring commencement, 7:00 p.m., Friday, Dec. 19, in the Student Union Building auditorium. Forty-one students received baccalaureate, associate, and nursing degrees.
The academic processional and recessional and convention of proceedings were led by Dr. Michael Hay, associate professor of chemistry, and president of the Beaver campus Faculty Congress. Professor Carey McDougall, director of academic affairs, presented degrees, which were conferred by Interim Chancellor Donna J. Kuga in conjunction with John Feraco, president of the Beaver campus Advisory Board and manufacturing leader, NOVA Chemicals, Inc.
The commencement speaker was Beaver campus alumna Cynthia A. Hamlin. In 2013, Hamlin founded a financial advising practice focused on women and women-owned businesses as a consultant with Investors Group Financial Services Inc. in her hometown of Toronto, Canada. After attending Beaver campus, she graduated from Penn State University Park with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and spent 14 years in Washington, D.C., as an accountant, auditor and fraud examiner for nonprofit and educational institutions.
After earning a master of business administration degree in economic crime and fraud management from Utica College, she became a certified fraud examiner. She has also worked as an accounting consultant for some of Canada’s largest firms.
Hamlin has remained an active Penn State alumna by serving as a FastStart mentor; a volunteer with the Undergraduate Admissions Office; president of the African American Alumni Organization of the Penn State Alumni Association, Washington, D.C., Chapter; and a two-time member of the Penn State Alumni Council Board.
Sarah Rehm, vice president of the Beaver Valley Area Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association and a Penn State graduate, offered a welcome to the new graduates on behalf of the Alumni Association. Following commencement, a reception prepared by the Office of Housing and Food Services was held in the Brodhead Bistro under the direction of Jeremy Lindner, director of housing and food services.
The following degrees were awarded:
Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice
Candidates were presented by Dr. Mari Pierce, assistant professor of administration of justice.
Michael T. Biskup, Monaca
Clifford J. Bryant, Beaver Falls
Stephen R. Eveleth, Ambridge
Kylie A. Hendrickson, Aliquippa
Jennifer L. Marshall, Wampum
Zachary D. Podish, Amity
Gina M. Richman, Edinburg
Tyler C. Schuster, Beaver Falls
Ronald W. Wilkins, Monaca
Bachelor of Science in Business
Candidates were presented by Mr. Daniel Smith, instructor in business.
Alex L. Angleton, New Galilee
Jamie L. Bender, Midland
Raven R. Blair, Beaver Falls
Ryan F. Hornack, Venetia
Brennen D. Merriman, Baden
Danielle M. Mrdjenovich, Gibsonia
Christopher P. Reed, Ellwood City
Roger A. Rhoden, Moon Township
Michael A. Schweitzer, Beaver
Katelyn R. Sharpless, Rochester
Shane P. Walsh, Pittsburgh
Lindsey A. Whipple, Wilmerding
Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Candidates were presented by Dr. John Chapin, professor of communications.
Taylor M. Braxton, Moon Township
Benjamin A. Keeler, Coopersburg
Dante E. Massey, McKees Rocks
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Rebekah L. Haught, Chester, WV
Bachelor of Science in Finance
Candidate was presented by Mr. Daniel Smith, instructor in business.
Zachary R. Richards, Beaver
Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology
Candidates were presented by Dr. Abhijit Dutt, instructor in information sciences and technology.
Joseph C. Benscoter (with distinction), Ambridge
Alex R. Boguszewski, Cranberry
Spencer E. Conklin, Beaver
Justin D. Crossland, Beaver
Brittany M. Douglas, Beaver Falls
Bachelor of Arts in Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Candidate was presented by Dr. Robin Bower, associate professor of Spanish.
Garry P. Jacobs, Aliquippa
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Jared F. Unen, Beaver Falls
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Candidates were presented by Mr. Kevin Bennett, senior instructor in psychology.
Deanna L. Crowe, Beaver
Kimberly A. Kugel, Moon Township
Zachary R. Melvin, Cranberry Township
Brooke M. Mulneix, Beaver Falls
Leah M. Penson, Freedom
Brandon T. Walsh, Darlington
Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science
Candidate was presented by Mrs. Claudia Tanaskovic, instructor in chemistry.
Matthew R. Atkinson, McDonald
Associate of Science in Human Development and Family Studies
Candidate was presented by Mrs. Michelle Kurtyka, instructor in kinesiology and assistant to the director of academic affairs.
Cassey A. Walker, Aliquippa
For information about baccalaureate degree programs or the nursing degree completion program at Beaver campus, contact the Admissions Office at br-admissions@psu.edu or 1-877-JOIN-PSU.