Millersville University's graduating students marched into Biemesderfer Stadium Saturday morning under leaden skies.
Give these graduates a hand: At Millersville University Saturday it was commencement day.
It's a happy day for Millersville University graduates.
Erin Hall received one of MU's new master's degrees in social work.
Umbrellas and rain ponchos were sold outside the stadium to those worried about the weather. But it wasn't until some three hours later, as the new graduates filed out of the stadium in triumph, that raindrops began to fall.
No one knew more than one particular group of graduates that into every life, a little rain — or sometimes, a lot of rain — falls. These 17 graduates had prepared to work with people deluged by personal storms and challenges.
They were the first graduates ever to be awarded master's of social work degrees from Millersville.
This master's program has been in the works since 2003, and is jointly offered with Shippensburg University. The two universities share faculty members; the professors travel, the students do not. They also use teleconferencing.
Students who studied social work as undergraduates may complete their master's degrees with just 36 credits. Those who had other undergraduate majors are required to complete 60 credits.
Kathryn Gregoire, chair of Millersville's social work department, said that she was gratified by the granting of the university's first graduate social work degrees.
"These students have worked extremely hard," she said, noting that they had pursued advanced degrees for careers that would be demanding, and not especially lucrative.
The graduates would be working with the elderly, immigrants, the mentally ill, those struggling with addiction, the ailing, people in trouble with the law, children with behavioral problems and learning disorders.
Gregoire said she believes that doing such work requires a "passion, a calling," for helping others. She describes these graduates as "action-oriented," "real doers."
Said Gregoire: "They think it's worthwhile what they're doing — and clearly they care about people."
Among the graduates was Erin Hall, of East Hempfield Township, who said, "I've always wanted to go into a profession where I could help people ... I really want to make a difference in somebody else's life."
Making a difference was a theme in Millersville's commencement ceremony.
Honorary doctoral degrees were conferred on Dr. Charles Winter, a renowned orthopedic surgeon, who donated $1 million to Millersville last year after selling his Lancaster practice; and M. Diane Koken, who was Pennsylvania's longest-serving insurance commissioner.
Dr. Kenneth R. Melani, president and chief executive officer of the health insurance company Highmark Inc., gave the commencement address, and called on the graduates to define success in terms of health and happiness, rather than in material terms.
He said he went into medicine imagining a life of prestige and wealth, but was brought up short by the death of a patient, who was his friend in high school. The man died at age 32 of cancer, and "this singular incident changed my life forever," Melani said.
He decided to make happiness and health his priorities, he said, invoking this quote from Groucho Marx: "Each morning when I open my eyes, I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy [or] unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be."
He implored the graduates to "live each day, enjoy each day ... Be happy. But at the same time I say, 'Do what you can to assure that there are many more tomorrows. Be responsible. Be healthy.' "
And, Melani exhorted, "Find meaningful work. Do something you enjoy."
The students who received master's degrees in social work spoke of doing just that.
Erin Hall, who's 25, recently completed an internship in which she helped adults with mental illness to search and apply for jobs. She found herself at ease with the people with whom she worked. "I definitely view them as I would view anybody else," she said. "If I label them or group them, that's not how they would want to be treated."
She previously thought she wanted to work with the elderly, but now, she said, "I'm going back and forth between doing that and working with mentally ill young adults."
In either case, the work likely would not be well paid, but it would have other rewards, Hall said. "Seeing how people respond to the help that I give them, that's why I do it. It sounds cheesy but it's true."
Megan Fox, who's 26, said she was thrilled to be among those who received the university's first graduate degrees in social work. Fox's grandfather was a communications professor at Millersville, and both her parents graduated from the university.
Fox has taken a full-time social work position with Lancaster General Hospital's family outpatient clinic where she was an intern and then a part-time employee.
She will basically be a "jack of all trades," she said. "Any patient who's seen in that clinic, if there's any expressed or assumed need for social services, I'll do a quick assessment and then make referrals."
Fox said she sees in her generation a desire to serve. Given the state of the country right now, "it's just obvious that there are a lot of people in need," she said.
Lindsay Panichi, 24, of Ephrata, has chosen to work with kids with behavioral issues and mental health diagnoses. "I love it," she said. "The kids are challenging and difficult, but I learn something new from them every day."
Panichi said she thinks more young people, including her friends, are seeking ways to make a difference. "Everybody has to help," she said. "The only way to make society better is for everyone to help."
Millersville University graduate degreesThe following local residents received graduate degrees Saturday at Millersville University commencement:
Paula M. Garman, Brownstown, master's degree in language and literacy; Sherry Lee Welsh, Columbia, master's degree in social work; Jeffrey P. McCampbell, East Earl, master's degree in technology education; Kimberly B. Stamm, East Petersburg, master's degree in art education; Jonathan E. Ebersole, master's degree in business administration, Lena A. Russell, master's degree in English education, and Krista A. Templin, master's degree in early childhood education, all of Elizabethtown; Kristin E. Cook, master's degree in school counseling, and Pamela N. Lindstrom, master's degree in English education, both of Ephrata; Kristin M. Brandsema, Gap, master's degree in social work; Sara E Burcin, Lampeter, master's degree in sport management;
From Lancaster: Megan M. Carson, master's degree in early childhood education; Tamara E. Centola, master's degree in psychology; Andrew S. Garner, master's degree in language and literacy; Amy Lynn Gerhart, master's degree in psychology; Daniel F. Gingrich, master's degree in English education; Erin L. Hall, master's degree in social work; Amber Michelle Holton, master's degree in psychology; Jaime S. Linn, master's degree in art education;
Lancaster continued: Michael R, Mathias, master's degree in history; Malinda F. Paris, master's degree in language and literacy; Nichole S. Scicchitano, master's degree in nursing; Stephanie J. Sfrisi, master's degree in elementary education; Shawna R. Showalter, master's degree in leadership for teaching and learning; Megan M. Szentesy, master's degree in elementary education; Mary E. Wallick, master's degree in hostory; Kevin M. Wanga, master's degree in psychology; Kathleen Wimmer, master's degree in English; Sherri L. Young, master's degree in business administration;
Dara A. Mundey, Landisville, master's degree in language and literacy; Jennifer S. Kuntz, master's degree in leadership for teaching and learning, and Erin L. Smith, master's degree in leadership for teaching and learning, both of Lebanon; Angelina Marie Matroni, master's degree in psychology, Bernard J. McGinty, master's degree in leadership for teaching and learning, Deborah Lepore Moyers, master's degree in nursing, and Vanessa M. Zook, master's degree in business administration, all of Lititz;
Gregory M. Bolibruch, master's degree in sport management, Suzanne J. Bolibruch, master's degree in sport management, and Jennifer Sue Hershey, master's degree in early childhood education, all of Manheim;
Melissa L. Boas, master's degree in school counseling, Timothy A. Booth, master's degree in business administration, Megan L. Fox, master's degree in social work, Tara M. Gallagher, master's degree in social work, Jennifer J. Goddard, master's degree in sport management, and Lindsay M. Panichi, master's degree in social work, all of Millersville;
Stephen R. Sohonyay, master's degree in leadership for teaching and learning, Noel T. Ashby, master's degree in social work, Kelsey Adelle Beach, master's degree in social work, and Jason D. Lawrence, master's degree in business administration, all of Mount Joy;
Timothy D. Acker, master's degree in early childhood education, Michelle J. Pollis, master's degree in school counseling, and Amy R. Robinson, master's degree in school counseling, all of Mountville;
Janette H. Showalter, Myerstown, master's degree in elementary education; Meghan R. Sidelnick, Salunga, master's degree in social work; Elizabeth M. Seidenstricker, Stevens, master's degree in sport management; Jacqueline M. Churchill, Willow Street, master's degree in reading.
Millersville University graduatesReceiving bachelor's degrees at Millersville University on Saturday were the following local students:
Akron — Carra H. Hoffmann, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in government.
Bird-in-Hand — Maria L. Fradette, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work.
Columbia — Stephen W. Peurifoy, magna cum laude, honors in chemistry, bachelor's degree in mathematics; Shandi L. Frey, bachelor's degree in social studies education; Tracey L. Garrett, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Katie J. Gochenaur, bachelor's degree in art education; Mindy Nicole Jones, cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Andrea E. Kissinger, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and special education; Christa E. Laukhuff, cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Kate Elizabeth Robinson, bachelor's degree in history; Jennifer A. Swartz, bachelor's degree in anthropology; Oliver E.M. Wallace, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in geography; Wayne A. Yohe, bachelor's degree in geography.
Conestoga — Corrin Lousie Charles, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Jolene A. Goss, bachelor's degree in social work; Kelly Anne McGaw, bachelor's degree in social work.
Denver — John Thomas Baker, bachelor's degree in biology; Danielle Christine Hartranft, bachelor's degree in elementary and special education; Jonathan D. Kegerize, bachelor's degree in business administration; Lori L. Wise, bachelor's degree in biology.
East Earl — Kyle R. Overly, bachelor's degree in government.
East Petersburg — Marian Leah Hartl, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work; David Philip Paul, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education.
Elizabethtown — Kathy R. Eby, bachelor's degree in earth sciences; Nichole Rene Fear, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Nicholas John Ferraro, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Lindsey J. Garrett, summa cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Adrienne Reighard Keesey, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work; Jacqueline A. Ogren, bachelor's degree in economics.
Elm — Kurtis Gregory Funk, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education.
Ephrata — Matthew D. Benfield, bachelor's degree in business administration; Jesse Merl Bishop, bachelor's degree in earth sciences; Matthew A. Burkholder, cum laude, bachelor's degree in industry and technology; Austin L. Busser, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Melissa A. Dinkel, bachelor's degree in psychology; Eric C. Dionysius, cum laude, bachelor's degrees in business administration and economics; Danielle M. Fisher, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and special education; Timothy S. Jeffries, bachelor's degree in business administration; Rachael E. Kauffman, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in German; Megan Renee Kuhn, bachelor's degree in social work; Lacy J. Lash, bachelor's degree in biology; Benjamin J. Long, bachelor's degree in Spanish; Brandy M. Seyfert, bachelor's degree in sociology; Rebecca Ann Shuey, bachelor's degree in art education; Jennifer R. Sumner, bachelor's degree in business administration; Sue Ann Witmer, bachelor's degree in social studies education.
Goodville — Kaitlyn Rose Tomlinson, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in mathematics.
Holtwood — Jennifer Marie Watkins, bachelor's degree in business administration.
Lancaster — Jennifer L. Alexander, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Evins Alexis, bachelor's degree in business administration; Douglas K. Allen, bachelor's degree in economics; Michelle Nicole Altilio, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in art; Lindsay R. Atkins, bachelor's degree in social work; Heath William Auman, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in geology; William P. Baldwin, bachelor's degree in government; James G. Belcher, bachelor's degree in psychology; Jason M. Bellamy, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Jennifer E. Berta, bachelor's degree in special education; Timothy John Bianchi, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in social studies education; Joshua A. Birk, bachelor's degree in business administration; Mary Elizabeth Boyce, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Nicholas D. Brubaker, magna cum laude, honors in mathematics, bachelor's degree in mathematics; Justin R. Buckwalter, bachelor's degree in business administration; Jessica A. Burns, cum laude, bachelor's degree in business administration; James Fredrick Burton, bachelor's degree in anthropology; Shirley J. Bushong, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in nursing; Brian Vincent Charles, bachelor's degree in geography; Laura Elizabeth Cheney, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in English; Carissa M. Chiatello, bachelor's degree in mathematics; Seth Alan Clevenstine, bachelor's degree in meteorology; Michael Colarelli, bachelor's degree in business administration; Erin L. Coleman, bachelor's degree in social work; Gretchen V. Coleman, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Andrea L. Collins, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in English education; Sean MacDonald Cornwall, bachelor's degree in anthropology; Stephanie Jo Craven, summa cum laude, bachelor's degree in English; Kristina Kim Crippen, cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work; Jarett E. Cummings, magna cum laude, honors in computer science, bachelor's degree in computer science; Lauren Ashley DeLorenzo, bachelor's degree in business administration; Kara L. DeWalt, bachelor's degree in nursing; Daniel J. Dochterman, cum laude, bachelor's degree in history; Aurora L. Dolph, bachelor's degree in social studies education; Dustin Adam Dommel, bachelor's degree in sociology; Pamela J. Drake, cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work; Matthew James Fasnacht, bachelor's degree in psychology; Melanie S. Fenninger, bachelor's degree in social work; Vashon G. Flood-Ray, bachelor's degree in psychology; Krystle S. Freed, bachelor's degree in business administration; Demetrius M. Frison, bachelor's degree in psychology; Mickael A. Fuller, bachelor's degree in psychology; Jamie Lynn Gadreau, bachelor's degree in psychology; Paul A. Gallello, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in music education; Luke Christianson Gammache, bachelor's degree in social studies education; Ayanna J. Garrett, bachelor's degree in social work; Margaret H. Gassert, bachelor's degree in business administration; Corey John Gast, bachelor's degree in business administration; Maurice Jason Gauz, bachelor's degree in English education; Danielle A. Getz, bachelor's degree in occupational safety and environmental health; Matthew J. Grannells, cum laude, bachelor's degrees in art and art education; Derek W. Grant, bachelor's degree in German; Melanie Ann Grinnell, bachelor's degree in anthropology; Carollee Gail Hardison, bachelor's degree in biology; Jennifer R. Harley, bachelor's degree in business administration; Aaron W. Harvey, bachelor's degree in psychology; Justin David Hendricks, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in business administration; Ashleigh Brooke Henneberger, bachelor's degree in social work; Lauren Elizabeth Heroux, cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work; Jenelle Marie Hershey, bachelor's degree in special education; Nicole L. Hinton, cum laude, bachelor's degree in economics; Amber L. Holly, bachelor's degree in biology; Michael James Hoover, bachelor's degree in government; Shawn D. Horner, bachelor's degree in business administration; Tina M. Huber, bachelor's degree in psychology; Andrew David Humphreville, bachelor's degree in business administration; Elizabeth R. Ibach, bachelor's degree in social work; Lauren Ashlee Johnson, bachelor's degree in social work; Stephanie M. Johnson, cum laude, bachelor's degree in special education; Andrew Stanford Jones, bachelor's degree in physics; Daniel Thomas Jones, bachelor's degree in biology; Biren Kishor Juthani, cum laude, bachelor's degree in biology; Jeremy James Kenitz, bachelor's degree in English; Jonathan Henry Kenn, cum laude, bachelor's degree in earth sciences; David J. Kenyon, cum laude, bachelor's degree in government; John Francis Kirchner, bachelor's degree in psychology; Brandon Edward Kuzma, cum laude, bachelor's degree in computer science; Sonya Joy Lantz, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work; Martha Joy Levin, summa cum laude, bachelor's degree in biology; Cliff Bryant Lewis, magna cum laude, honors in English, bachelor's degree in English education; Todd M. Lewis, bachelor's degree in geology; Amanda Brittany Lithgow, cum laude, bachelor's degree in psychology; Davina M. Lopez, bachelor's degrees in psychology and in speech communication; Manmita Mangat, magna cum laude, bachelor's degrees in business administration and economics; Danielle N. Martin, cum laude, honors in psychology, bachelor's degree in psychology; Diane Martin, cum laude, bachelor's degree in English; Jessica Elizabeth Martin, cum laude, bachelor's degree in German; Valerie E. Martin, cum laude, bachelor's degree in business administration; Leigh Ashley McCune, bachelor's degree in psychology; Colin P. McEvoy, bachelor's degree in government; Jennifer M. Meshey, bachelor's degree in business administration; Kathryn Elizabeth Miller, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in biology; Jason W. Negron, bachelor's degree in history; Linda E. Nonnenmocher, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work; Kyle J. Oster, cum laude, bachelor's degree in technology education; Sandra Mae Oster, bachelor's degree in elementary and special education; Emily Pagan, bachelor's degree in psychology; Erica Marie Parente, bachelor's degree in psychology; Jonathan Mark Phillips, bachelor's degree in psychology; Jenna E. Philo, bachelor's degree in psychology; Moses Plaza, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Jennifer L. Ponessa, cum laude, bachelor's degree in government; Angelo D. Pratt, bachelor's degree in industry and technology; Ryan M. Quindlen, bachelor's degree in philosophy; Nicole Raudenbush, cum laude, bachelor's degree in English education; Christopher Joseph Rice, bachelor's degree in business administration; Sarah Elizabeth Richter, cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Joshua H. Rickard, honors in anthropology, bachelor's degree in anthropology; Julie L. Rivera, bachelor's degree in psychology; Emily B. Ross, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Julia Nicole Sahd, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in Spanish; Marilyn Sanchez, bachelor's degree in psychology; Alexander G. Schinker, bachelor's degrees in business administration and economics; Thomas M. Schroeder, bachelor's degree in economics; Kevin A. Schwebel, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Richard M. Scott, bachelor's degree in business administration; Alessandro G. Sgro, bachelor's degree in industry and technology; Scott A. Shenk, bachelor's degree in government; Mandy S. Shutt, bachelor's degree in history; Vanessa L. Siderias, cum laude, bachelor's degree in psychology; Amanda E. Smith, bachelor's degree in social work; Amanda Lee Smith, bachelor's degree in psychology; Jane E. Snyder, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in nursing; Lorena Y. Soto, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work; Kyle M. Spengler, bachelor's degree in business administration; Kelly Marie Springer, cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Elisabeth A. Stauffer, bachelor's degree in art education; Andrea M. Sweigart, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Edward A. Tangradi, bachelor's degree in physics; Joseph Torres, bachelor's degree in music education; Travis Jay Transue, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in biology; David Vuu, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Melissa A. Weiler, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work; Andrew J. Wieler, bachelor's degrees in speech communication and philosophy; Karl E. Willems, bachelor's degree in business administration; Alyssa A. Woerth, cum laude, bachelor's degree in art.
Landisville — Michael R. Baker, cum laude, bachelor's degree in business administration; Thomas D. Knier, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Kate M. McDermott, cum laude, bachelor's degree in business administration; Kelly Hersheman Pool, bachelor's degree in biology; Zachary A. Satko, bachelor's degree in history; Sarah Colleen Wanner, bachelor's degree in art education.
Lebanon — Gary Alan Weiberg, honors in biology, bachelor's degree in biology; Angelique Kirsten Clay, bachelor's degree in psychology; Carolyn M. Keene, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in geography; Tracey Colleen Kelly, bachelor's degree in art education; Evelyn L. Lopez, cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work; Benjamin M. Melnick, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Emily A. Novak, bachelor's degree in social work; Jose Luis Pelliccia, cum laude, bachelor's degree in biology; Eugene R. Simmons, bachelor's degree in business administration; Midge L. Wida, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education.
Leola — Kelli Renee Brady cum laude, bachelor's degree in art education; Matthew Reuben Brubaker, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in art; Michael Leslie Kreider, bachelor's degree in physics; Debra Janine Wheeler, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education.
Lititz — Clinton B. Adams, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Cody W. Brumbach, bachelor's degree in geology; Ryan Scott Dennes, cum laude, bachelor's degree in technology education; Donald Ray Dodson, summa cum laude, bachelor's degree in social studies education; Durrel L. Fox, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in meteorology; Joseph D. Hallman, bachelor's degree in meteorology; Michael J. Hess, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Christina A. Kissinger, bachelor's degree in chemistry; Shawn Vincent Martin, cum laude, bachelor's degree in English education; Megan Elizabeth McDermott, bachelor's degree in art education; Ashlen N. McNamara, bachelor's degree in business administration; Jennifer Lea Myers, cum laude, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Jamie L. Rohrer, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Jessica L. Rongione, cum laude, bachelor's degree in psychology; Benjamin Mark Rossman, cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; William Harold Rothenberger, bachelor's degree in business administration; Ian Donald Rowe, bachelor's degree in chemistry; Teresa L. Sakrudkar, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Lindsey M. Stieber, bachelor's degree in anthropology; Scott Jeffrey Woodson, bachelor's degree in speech communication.
Manheim — Erik S. Baker, bachelor's degree in social studies education; Sarah M. Balmer, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and special education; Karen R. Graham, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in nursing; Jonathan E. Grissinger, bachelor's degree in business administration; Amy Kristin Haines, bachelor's degree in business administration; Thomas R. Miller, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Melanie Anne Mnich, bachelor's degree in social studies education; Justine A. Neiderhiser, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in English; Kelly Kathleen Reilly, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in English; Kelly L. Rhoads, cum laude, bachelor's degree in chemistry; Tamra O. Shelly, bachelor's degree in chemistry; Rachel Lee Sipe, bachelor's degree in psychology.
Marietta — Tara Sue Boyle, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in history; Brandon A. Kreiser, bachelor's degree in computer science; Mallory Elizabeth Kreiser, bachelor's degree in biology; Laura Christine Manning, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education.
Maytown — Chadd Joseph Ward, bachelor's degree in social studies education.
Millersville — Stacey Leigh Bainbridge, bachelor's degree in business administration; Jonathan Paul Cote, bachelor's degree in business administration; Ryan L. Dimm, bachelor's degree in history; Jessica Marie Jones, cum laude, bachelor's degree in business administration; Brendan Thomas Joyce-Stengle, bachelor's degree in history; Casey J. Nenninger, bachelor's degree in economics; Smita Vilas Prabhu, bachelor's degree in Spanish; Karrine Elise Riggins, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Christopher James Riley, bachelor's degree in computer science; Jeremy Deane Vogelsong, magna cum laude, honors in biology, bachelor's degree in biology; Michael Lynn Wenzel, bachelor's degree in business administration; Monique C. Wood, bachelor's degree in French.
Mohnton — Karl Gregory Bierly, bachelor's degree in technology education; Eric D. Mathews, cum laude, bachelor's degree in technology education; Mandy L. Shupp, cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education.
Mount Joy — Randall Lee Byers, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in earth sciences; Scott Anthony Heydt, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Joshua Alvin Hull, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in business administration; Jennifer M. Persinotti, bachelor's degree in earth sciences; Catherine J. Schwarz, bachelor's degree in biology; Tara Lynn Volchko, bachelor's degree in special education.
Mountville — Erin Elizabeth Boyd, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Martin W. Carroll, bachelor's degree in anthropology; Kevin Patrick Carson, cum laude, bachelor's degree in psychology; Jessica L. Corse, summa cum laude, bachelor's degree in psychology; Altaress K. Craig, bachelor's degree in business administration; Adam M. Darrenkamp, bachelor's degree in biology; Eric L. Nelson, bachelor's degree in geography; Jason Lee Risner, bachelor's degrees in business administration and economics; Emily Elisabeth Weller, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in nursing.
Myerstown — Daniel Michael Plumby, bachelor's degree in government; Kathryn Elizabeth Readinger, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work; Taryn M. Ziegler, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in English.
New Holland — John S. Hillard, bachelor's degree in industry and technology; Michael John McLaughlin, bachelor's degree in computer science; Hinda Zolj, bachelor's degree in business administration.
New Providence — Terri L. Boyer, bachelor's degree in special education; Dawn M. Farmer, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in psychology; Jessica Lynn Gebhart, bachelor's degree in psychology; Tina J. Kollar, cum laude, bachelor's degree in business administration; Matthew G. Van Wyen, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in economics.
Nottingham — Abigail Caitlin Derr, bachelor's degree in social work.
Oxford — Rebekah Elizabeth Burns, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Rachel Ann Cimino, bachelor's degree in English; Jeffrey E. Futty, bachelor's degree in industry and technology; Leaha M. Howe, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and special education; Alexander L. Karat, bachelor's degree in anthropology; Colleen M. Mitchell, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and special education; Meghan Quinn O'Connor, bachelor's degree in art.
Paradise — P. Adam Bills, honors in history, bachelor's degree in history; Sylvia A. Drennen, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Andrew P. Steinman, bachelor's degree in occupational safety and environmental health.
Parkesburg — Douglas Charles Kauffman, cum laude, bachelor's degree in business administration; Michael Richard Palmer, cum laude, bachelor's degree in physics education; James D. Stoltzfus, summa cum laude, bachelor's degree in biology; Barbara Ann Whitworth-Roy, cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education.
Peach Bottom — Marie L. Collins, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education.
Pequea — Christopher J. Michener, bachelor's degree in business administration.
Quarryville — Abigail Christine Brown, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Charles W. Clendenin, cum laude, bachelor's degree in biology; Ashley N. Hess, cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and early childhood education; Jennifer Lynn Irmen, bachelor's degree in Spanish; Derek Clayton Jennings, bachelor's degree in social studies education; Emily R. Kilby, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work; Marlese Alexandria Moonitz, bachelor's degree in biology.
Reinholds — Jeanette G. Snyder, bachelor's degree in philosophy.
Ronks — Quyen T. Phan, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Alexander John Surra, cum laude, bachelor's degree in technology education.
Stevens — Todd M. Carvell, bachelor's degree in economics; Terry Ray Christopher, bachelor's degree in speech communication; Randi Allison Eastburn, bachelor's degree in biology; Mallory Frances MacPherson, bachelor's degree in art; Kendall Ryan Trego, bachelor's degree in computer science.
Strasburg — Matthew Deane Barr, bachelor's degree in computer science; Ashley Lauren Ellison, bachelor's degree in psychology; Brian A. Reichert, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health management.
Washington Boro — Shirley Ann Turner, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in elementary and special education.
Willow Street — Anthony D. Burkholder, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in biology; Luke James Eaton, bachelor's degree in biology; Paul Michael Mayhugh, bachelor's degree in business administration; Wineber Olivares, bachelor's degree in business administration; Joel D. Scarlett, cum laude, bachelor's degree in social work.
Wrightsville — Brandi Danielle Burrows, magna cum laude, bachelor's degree in business administration.
• Graduating from the University Honors College were: Thomas E. Rutledge, East Petersburg, magna cum laude, honors in history, bachelor's degree in social studies education; Kenneth M. Czapla, Leola, magna cum laude, honors and a bachelor's degree in biology; Laurel Lynn Kegel, Millersville, magna cum laude, honors and a bachelor's degree in chemistry.
Suzanne Cassidy is a staff writer for the Sunday News. Her e-mail address is scassidy@lnpnews.com.
