2021
COMMENCEMENT
SATURDAY, MAY EIGHTH | ERIE INSURANCE ARENA | ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA
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2021
COMMENCEMENT Graduates and members of the audience are asked to remain in their seats throughout the ceremony so that they do not interfere with the special moments of others. During the ceremony, please turn off all cell phones and mobile devices. Thank you.
COMMENCEMENT PROGRAM Dais Party
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1. Keith Taylor, Ph.D. President
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5. Rev. Michael T. Kesicki ’83 University Chaplain and Associate Vice President for Mission and Ministry
2. The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L. Bishop, Diocese of Erie Chairperson, Board of Trustees
6. Matthew Schlessman President, Student Government Association
3. Harry Hairston ’77 Honorary Degree Recipient and Speaker Retired Senior Investigative Reporter, NBC10 Philadelphia 4. Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Student Experience
7. David B. Barker, Ph.D. President, Faculty Senate 8. Karinna M. Vernaza, Ph.D. Dean, College of Engineering and Business 9. Lori D. Lindley, Ph.D. Dean, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences 10. Sarah J. Ewing, Ph.D. Dean, Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences
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Order of Exercises Processional* “Pomp and Circumstance: March No. 1” Sir Edward Elgar Posting of the Colors of the United States and Gannon University* Gannon University’s Army ROTC National Anthem* “The Star-Spangled Banner” By: Francis Scott Key Call to Commencement Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Student Experience Invocation* Rev. Michael T. Kesicki, University Chaplain and Associate Vice President for Mission and Ministry
Presentation of Degree Candidates Sarah J. Ewing, Ph.D., Dean Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences Associate of Science Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science in Nursing Conferral of Degrees Keith Taylor, Ph.D., President Conferral of Distinguished Student Awards Keith Taylor, Ph.D., President Archbishop John Mark Gannon Award Gannon University Medal of Honor Prayer of Sending Forth The Most Rev. Lawrence T. Persico, J.C.L., Bishop, Diocese of Erie
Welcome Keith Taylor, Ph.D., President Musical Interlude “Our Time” from the musical Merrily We Roll Along Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Soundheim Performed By: Seamus A. Clerkin ’21 Brevin S. Flowers ’21 Camryn E. Grey ’21 Nico A. Lombardo ’21 Rebecca A. Ropelewski ’21 Petra N. Shearer ’21 Introduction of Commencement Speaker Keith Taylor, Ph.D., President Commencement Address Harry Hairston ’77 Honorary Degree Recipient and Speaker Retired Senior Investigative Reporter, NBC10 Philadelphia
All who are able are asked to stand.
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Prayer of Sending Forth The Bishop: God, our Heavenly Father, we praise you for creating us in your image and likeness. In your generous Providence, you allow Gannon University to be a community where this great truth of human dignity is proclaimed, learned and lived. You wish Gannon to be a place where our students can seek and find you. With grateful hearts, we thank you for sustaining our graduates with your love and your truth. All respond: Amen The Bishop: Lord Jesus Christ, by your death and resurrection you redeemed a fallen human family. Be with our graduates as they continue to discern what is right and good and true in the midst of the confusion and tensions in our world. Help us to build a culture where each human life, no matter how vulnerable, may be respected and protected from degradation and violence. Lord, be our way, our truth and our life.
Faculty, Staff, Parents recite together: Lord God, You accompany us at each moment of our journey through life. Continue to guide our graduates in the paths they have chosen. May your truth purify their values. May your wisdom enlighten their decisions. May your goodness be the foundation of their relationships. May your love be the consolation of their souls. Be at their side in difficulty. Prompt their generosity in prosperity. Deepen their humility in success. All respond: Amen The Bishop: May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All respond: Amen
All respond: Amen The Bishop: Come, Holy Spirit, bestow upon our graduates soundness of mind and holiness of life. With the aid of your spiritual gifts, prompt them to integrate their faith into their lifestyles, their work, and their relationships. Help them to value the service of others over selfish gain. Come, O Spirit, enkindle in them the fire of your love. All respond: Amen
Academic Regalia in American Universities In 1895, the Intercollegiate Commission presented to American institutions of higher learning the Intercollegiate Code. Today, this code provides for three types of gowns. Those for bachelors are made of black material and have long, pointed sleeves. The master’s gown is made with an oblong sleeve, open at the wrist. The rear part of its oblong shape is a square cut and the front part has an arc cutaway. The doctor’s gown is made with bell-shaped sleeves and like the master’s gown, it is designed so that it can be worn open or closed. The black oxford cap is worn for all degrees, but only the doctor’s cap may be made of velvet. Only doctors and presidents of colleges may wear a gold tassel on the cap.
It is the hood which is the most important and distinctive feature of the American code.
Arts, Letters, Humanities - White
The doctor’s hood, of black cloth, is four feet in length and made with a wide panel. The master’s and bachelor’s hoods are three-and-one-half feet long and three feet wide.
Engineering - Orange
The binding or trim of all hoods is of velvet, two, three and five inches wide for the bachelor’s, master’s and doctor’s degrees, respectively.
Nursing - Apricot
The color of this velvet trim indicates the department or faculty to which the degree pertains, each department having been assigned a different color by the Intercollegiate Code. The lining of the hood reflects the official colors of the college/university.
GANNON UNIVERSITY | COMMENCEMENT 2021
Business - Drab Education - Light Blue Health Sciences - Sage Law - Purple Medical Sciences - Green Philosophy - Royal Public Administration - Peacock Public Health - Salmon Science - Gold Social Work - Citron Theology - Red
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COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Harry Hairston ’77 Harry Hairston earned his bachelor’s degree from Gannon College in 1977. He recently retired as senior investigative reporter for NBC10 Philadelphia, where he worked for 17 years. Hairston received several Mid-Atlantic Emmy® awards during his career with NBC10. In 2015, he was the first in the nation to report aggravated indecent sexual assault charges filed against actor and comedian Bill Cosby. Hairston’s reporting also heavily influenced and helped strengthen New Jersey’s anti-swatting laws. In 2013, he was recognized for an investigative series that uncovered candy drop box scammers, which led to their arrest and conviction. His work also led to stronger accountability processes within City Hall after he exposed how Philadelphia officials could not account for $21 million in missing items purchased with taxpayers’ money. In 2012, Hairston received a Mid-Atlantic Emmy for his exclusive jailhouse interview with Rabbi Fred Neulander, who was serving time inside New Jersey’s maximum-security state prison for the 1994 murder of his wife. Hairston received another Emmy in 2012 for his exclusive report on a New Jersey schoolteacher who bullied a special needs student in class, garnering national and international attention. In 2011, Hairston was named “Journalist of the Year” by the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists. Hairston’s passion has been to be the voice for those who feel they aren’t being heard. Through his work with NBC10 Responds, he helped viewers with consumer issues gain back more than $1 million. Hairston is a native of Pittsburgh. He participates in many community causes around heart disease, cancer research, mental health research and education, diversity and community improvement. Hairston also supports the dedication of first responders. His hobbies include golfing, playing tennis and riding motorcycles.
Harry Hairston Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa
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CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES Undergraduate Studies MOROSKY COLLEGE OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND SCIENCES Associate of Science Molly Ann Bauman Rylee E. Casilio Ashlee Nicole Gallagher
Brady Scott Hartle Alli Lyn Jacobs Bridgett Krome
Alexis Kristine McMurray Britni Marie Wike Elizabeth Irene Wyant
Kirsten Davis Connor Day Allie May DeBiase Jenna DeCoursey Parmvir Singh Deo Lucy DeRidder Kara Ann Detsch Amina Abdulmonem A Dhaher Rachel Ann Dinges Alexa Dix Julia Lauren Dixson Jacob Robert Dombkowski Brynn McDermott Driscoll Seth Drummond Elizabeth Lilyanne Eddy Derek Scott Ekas Luke Anthony Engel Audrey Lynn Feldmann Madeline Rose Ferrara Caroline Gabrielle Fessler Sarah N. Fiorello MacKenzie Fitzgerald Desirae Fledderman Brevin Flowers Sydney Jae Fountain Emerald Lynn Foust Madison Lynne Gardner Ryan Christopher Garich Gretchen Ann Gasmire Traci Mae Gentilman Kara Rebeckah Gerow Amber Hope Gill Jordan Glowacki Gabriella C. Goodwill William A. Gottesman Margaret Grady Johanna Harwood Gregory Katelyn Ann Gress Camryn Elizabeth Grey Chelsea Hamilton Kathryn Marie Hamilton Jessi Marie Hanhilammi Madison Harrier Grace Hartfiel-Carr Brady Scott Hartle Benjamin James Haylett
Jessie May Hines Lauren Elizabeth Holdren Alexandria Marie Hotz Katherine Abigail Howey Shannon R. Hulings Cecilia J. Izydorczak Dhanya Ann Jose Abby Nicole Kane Conner J. Wasser Kane Regan Kanner Daniel T. Kaufmann Peyton Kedzierski Kaylee Ann Keith Ashley Marie Kerestes Sydney Sally Ann Khreis Olivia Rae King Maureen Kirkpatrick Riley Elizabeth Kissner Rachel Catherine Kuchnicki Lauren Mikaela Lambert Adriana Christine Lasky Hayley Ann Latvala Aurora J. Lingg Maria Catherine Lohmann Danielle Elizabeth Luniewski Miranda Liane MacWhirter Nathan Cole Maietta Tanner Jeffrey Martin Mckenna Martinosky Tyler G. Mattocks Elizabeth Maurer Camryn Gayle McCall Aesling Elizabeth McCullough Meghan Lynn McCurdy Cassandra McKernan Rachel Anne McKernan Molly Nicole McNutt Jordan Meade Elysa M. Meekins Chrystal Mensah-Wiredu Bailey Carol Merritt Katelyn Paige Miles Olivia Margaret Miller Dynara Mirone Evan Thomas Moore Kaitlin Elise Morrison
Bachelor of Science Mariam Alkhafaji Abdulrahman Ghazi S Almutairi Moussa Hassan Alshardi Vera Ampadu Adam R. Badgley Jenna Bailey Nicole Ashley Baker Ashley N. Bantin Karlie J. Bardonner Jacob Perry Barilla Denali Rae Barlow Brittney Barr Maxwell David Battaglia Amelia Beaumont Laura Bebinger Mara Bestram Kayla Bevacqua Samantha Ann Bigley Abigail K. Bowen Savannah Sue Boyle Nicholas James Briggs Aaron Stephen Brown Alexis Grace Brown Carolyn Renee Brown Natalie Paige Brown Adasiah R. Carlson Stefan Girard Carter Mitchell D. Cashmer Emmett Caskey Ryan Cedzo Katelyn Rose Cefali Maile Leechelle Chang Angelika Chih-Lin Chiang Emma Kathryn Christensen Hope Churley Lauren Emily Clifford Madison Catherine Clifford Jake Steven Coatoam-Oblinski Sean Richard Colosimo Brady K. Conn Arrielle D. Cook Tyler Cross Emily Ann Crtalic Lauren R. Davenport Morgan D. Davenport Hollen Davinsizer
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Meredith L. Morse Jacob Nesser Emma L. Oas Maxim Gregory O’Baker Daniela A. Ochoa Sawyer Overhoff Gabriela Cristina Palombo Jessica Marie Parks Kiersten Pearce Emily Pepple Natalia S. Mazzitelli Pérez Cameron Rose Perry Kalyn Thu Phan Kevin Vinh Phan Sarah Marie Phippin Alyssa Marie Pontious Mitchell Scot Pulleo Maria Jean Querriera David R. Reith Jr. Erin Renwick Kevin Andrew Richards Taylor Roberts Cameron William Robinson Rachel Kathryn Ross
Alexis Russell Taylor Ryan Carter Ryback Danielle F. Samuel Maria Y. Sandoval Zackery P. Scarpino Kylee S. Schaumleffel Laura Schiltz Carolyn Ashley Schreck Marissa M. Scott Jordan Seroka Skyler Renea Sevacko Joseph Elie Shamatta Cassandra Shelpman Julia Lee Shutika Ian J. Siggins Logan Slade Tabytha Sylvia Jane Smith Nicholas John Sousanidis Hannah Claire Spiess Anna Marie Stec Sarah Ann Steeb Rachel Stubler Chad Studvick
Keith Swartley Lilija Kristina Taraska Silvija Marija Taraska Kourtney Michelle Thomas Sydney Marie Usher Panagiota Vlachou-Nacopoulos Madison M. Wainwright Margaret Waters Hailey Wehner Joseph Donald Whaley Dawsyn Elise Wheeling Britni Marie Wike Samuel Adam Wilczynski Mikayla Jane Wimer Olivia M. Wirfel Alena Rose Wisniewski Marissa K. Witkowski Maria Lynette Wojtila Caitlyn Wolfgang Laurel Yohn Breanna N. Yonkin Jacob Travis Yost Ryan C. Young Megan Marie Zymroz
Ruth Golden Laura Trejo Gornall Rachel Christine Green Ellen Elizabeth Gryniewicz Amber Nichol Haid Noah Frederick Haney Jordan Everett Henry Jenna Hill Adam Lucas Hodges Morgan Cynthia Hoffman Calista Ariel Johnson Aaron Kennedy Mikayla R. Kiser Madeline Rose Krock Kaylynn Lamp Riley Elise Levin Madisen Nicole Malec Kassidy McLaughlin Ajla Mehmedovic
Morgan Mello Rachel M. Micsky Caitlyn Miller Madison Moore Mussey Grace Lorraine Nasso Cassidy Marie Natoli Amanda Lynn Notto Siena Isabella Parini Molly Caroline Pienta Nicolena V. Root Abigail Schnall Arontino Scutella Sydney Madison Seabrooke Kelsey Marie Seiders Abigail Joy Stolarski Julia Strtak Sarah Weigold Elaine Kaitlyn Marie Wentz
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Jose Luis Avila Elana Bailey Payton Benz Laila Binshujaa Dominique Blake Jenna Bone Mackenzie Kohl Buehler Anna Buto Molly Calvert Victoria Ann Dandrea Beth Danilov Clare Davis Victoria R. DelleCurti William Douds Anna Noel Dunn Samantha Ann Erich Kaylee E. Fields Presley M. Gaut Kristie Lee Gerber
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ACADEMIC AWARDS Undergraduate Studies For Excellence in... Accounting Franklin Castro Espinoza
Freshwater and Marine Biology Gabriella C. Goodwill
Psychology, Bachelor of Arts Christopher M. Freeman
Advertising Communication Kayla Nicole DePalma
Healthcare Management Molly Kathleen Whaley
Psychology, Bachelor of Science Melissa M. Bronder
Biochemistry Rachel Stubler
History Kara Anne Purpura
Public Health Emma L. Oas
Biology Ryan C. Young
Industrial Engineering Connor Hamilton Byers
Radiologic Sciences Alli Lyn Jacobs
Biomedical Engineering Kassianne Joy Tofani
Information Systems Travis Newcamp
Respiratory Care Moussa Hassan Alshardi
Business Administration Phillip Andrew Vargo II
International Management Haavard Sandland Kristensen
Risk Management Mark Allen Majewski II
Chemistry Madison Harrier
Journalism Communication Chloe Forbes
Software Engineering Chidera L. Idabor
Computer Science Joo In Han
Legal Studies Katie Gimber
Social Studies Bennett Wesley McCoy
Criminal Justice Alaina Jean McKenna
Management Celia Pauline Kottakis
Social Work Justin Johnson
Digital Media Nicolis Alexander Franz
Marketing Bryan J. Carlson
Special Education Pre-K-8 Mallory Lynn Sarkis
Early Childhood Education Pre-K-4 Gabriella Montagna
Mathematics Ryan Cedzo
Sport and Exercise Science Silvija Marija Taraska
Economics Timothy Caulfield
Mechanical Engineering Kenleigh Rosalind Dickinson
Sport Management and Marketing Alexander Pepke
Electrical and Computer Engineering Michael Eckels
Medical Laboratory Science Kylee S. Schaumleffel
Supply Chain Management Rimah Obaid Aldhafeeri
English Nathan A. Bly
Mortuary Science Mya Aggie Konieczny
Theatre Communications Seamus Clerkin
Entrepreneurship Laurel Claire Harris
Nursing Grace Lorraine Nasso
Theatre Design & Technologies Nico Lombardo
Environmental Engineering Emily Poach
Nutrition and Human Performance Maria Catherine Lohmann
Theatre Performance for Media & Stage Petra Nicole Shearer
Environmental Science Daniel T. Kaufmann
Occupational Therapy Maria Lynette Wojtila
Finance Joseph Guy Deemer
Physician Assistant Dynara Mirone
Foreign Language Nicolina Marie Cuzzola
Political Science Heather Ann Zelcs
Theology Justin Johnson
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Service Awards Doc Beyer Service Award for Outstanding Achievement in Scholarship and Athletics Samantha Faye Gaffney Jordan James Smith
Joe Luckey Award for Dedication to the University Sarah Ann Steeb Martha Noyes/Sandra Mead Leadership Award Paige M. Wolf
Inspiration for the Next Generation Leadership Award Franklin Castro Espinoza
Monsignor Wilfrid J. Nash Service Award Melissa M. Bronder Justin Johnson Reverend Charles Drexler Award for Outstanding Leadership in Faith, Worship, Community and Service Aaron Stephen Brown Sarah N. Fiorello
Distinguished Student Awards The Archbishop John Mark Gannon Award For General Scholastic Excellence Ryan Cedzo Nicolina Marie Cuzzola
Beth A. Kropf Jordan James Smith
The Gannon University Medal of Honor For Character, Leadership and Scholarship To be announced at Commencement Ceremony
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Kassianne Joy Tofani
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Honors Program Graduates Honors Scholar These students have fulfilled the requirements for recognition as Honors Scholars: eight honors courses, two semesters of a foreign language, a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25, and significant participation in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. Nicole Ashley Baker Ethan F. Bennett Taylor Bennett Alexis Grace Brown Hollen Davinsizer Julia Lauren Dixson Franklin Castro Espinoza Alicia Christine Fenton Sarah N. Fiorello MacKenzie Fitzgerald Gretchen Ann Gasmire Cecilia J. Izydorczak
Mary Teresa Kutschke Hayley Ann Latvala Alaina Jean McKenna Cassandra McKernan Rachel Anne McKernan Molly Nicole McNutt Dynara Mirone Evan Thomas Moore Meredith L. Morse Gabriela Cristina Palombo Kyle James Peck Kara Anne Purpura
Rachel Kathryn Ross Joseph Elie Shamatta Petra Nicole Shearer Hannah Claire Spiess Rachel Stubler Kassianne Joy Tofani Margaret Waters Hailey Wehner Alena Rose Wisniewski Ryan C. Young
Associate Honors Scholar These students have fulfilled the requirements for recognition as Associate Honors Scholars: a minimum if six honors courses and no foreign language, or four honors courses and two semesters of a foreign language; a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25; and significant participation in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. Mariam Alkhafaji Melissa M. Bronder Madison Amber Carson Hope Churley Brandon Felkins Sadie E. Frey
Katelyn Ann Gress Jessi Marie Hanhilammi Justin Johnson Beth A. Kropf Lyndsey Marie Lakatos MacKenzie Libengood
Elizabeth Maurer Katherine E. Mraz Natalia S. Mazzitelli Pérez Erin Renwick Emily Elizabeth Schweitzer
ROTC Commissionee The following student was commissioned as officers in the United States Army: Cristian Cicchinelli Corps of Engineers
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GANNON UNIVERSITY MISSION Gannon is a Catholic, Diocesan university dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service. Our faculty and staff prepare students to be global citizens through programs grounded in the liberal arts and sciences and professional specializations. Inspired by the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, we offer a comprehensive, values-centered learning experience that emphasizes faith, leadership, inclusiveness and social responsibility.
The list of graduates included on the commencement program is not intended to be used as an official indication of graduation. The diploma of the University and the official transcript, signed and sealed by the proper officers, provide authentic testimony to the conferring of a degree.
WWW.GANNON.EDU | 1-800-GANNON-U
