Class of 2024 Commencement Program - Ruskin

2024 COMMENCEMENT

SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024 | TAMPA, FLORIDA

2024 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

Order of Procession

The Faculty and Administration of the University

The Graduates of the University

The Dais Party

Dais Party

Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D. President

Anthony Ottaviani, D.O. ’64 Commencement Speaker

Rev. Michael Kesicki ’83 University Chaplain

Sarah Ewing, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Student Experience

Mahesh Aggarwal, Ph.D. President, Faculty Senate

Whitney Blankenship ’18 OTD, OTR/L Alumni Board Director

Kimberly Cavanagh, DHSc, PA-C Dean, Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences

Order of Exercises

Processional*

Pomp and Circumstance: March No. 1

Sir Edward Elgar

National Anthem*

“The Star-Spangled Banner”

Francis Scott Key

Call to Commencement

Sarah Ewing, Ph.D.

Provost and Vice President for Student Experience

Invocation *

Rev. Michael Kesicki ’83

University Chaplain

Welcome

Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D.

President

Presentation of Honorary Degree

Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D.

President

Introduction of Commencement Speaker

Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D.

President

Commencement Address

Anthony Ottaviani, D.O. ’64

Presentation of Degree Candidates

Kimberly Cavanagh, DHSc, PA-C

Dean, Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences

Conferral of Degrees

Walter Iwanenko, Ph.D.

President

Gannon University Alumni Association Welcome

Whitney Blankenship ’18 OTD, OTR/L Alumni Board Director

Academic Awards

Kimberly Cavanagh, DHSc, PA-C Dean, Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences

Prayer of Sending Forth

Rev. Michael Kesicki ’83

University Chaplain

*All who are able are asked to stand

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

Anthony Ottaviani, D.O. ’64

Anthony N. Ottaviani, D.O., M.P.H, received his Bachelor of Arts from Gannon University in 1964 with a major in biology and minor in chemistry. While at Gannon, he was active in student government, Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, and other organizations and activities. He served as president of his class, student council and president of Delta Sigma Phi. He fondly remembers ROTC, Annual 8-Ball Dance, Golden Knights basketball, the monthly guest lecture series, The Probe (a bi-monthly presentation on controversial political topics), and the student expression of spirituality and faith on campus. He joined Delta Sigma Phi fraternity which provided him the opportunity for service, leadership and strong bonds of friendship that continue to this day.

On a personal note, the most memorable was the Rite of Betrothal that he and his then high school sweetheart, Catherine Dietl, now wife of 59 years, received in the chapel in Old Main. This historical Catholic Rite performed by a priest and witnessed by two nuns was very inspirational and a special event to them both.

Upon graduation he attended University of Health Sciences, Kansas City, Mo., College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by a residency in anesthesiology and internal medicine at Detroit Hospital Corporation. He then entered a fellowship in pulmonary critical care medicine at Wayne County General Hospital/University of Michigan, completing his studies at the Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida. Upon completion of his subspecialty training, he entered private practice in Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine with a large multi-specialty medicine group, Suncoast Internal Medicine Consultants, where he practiced for 45 years. A physician member of this group is also a graduate of Gannon University. Twenty years after entering the practice of medicine, he returned to Nova Southeastern University to obtain a Master of Public Health.

He is a clinical professor of medicine and served as regional dean for the K. C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University. He was appointed as DIO/chief academic officer for Largo Medical Center (Sun Coast Hospital), where, with dedicated program directors and GME staff, he oversaw the development of 13 residencies and fellowships with 136 residents, fellows and 160 faculty.

Ottaviani was appointed as a clinical associate professor of medicine at the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine and served as the lecturer for St. Petersburg College Respiratory Therapy program in St. Petersburg, Fla. since 1990. He now serves as the medical director of the program.

He is a fellow in the American College of Chest Physicians and master fellow in the American College of Osteopathic Internists. He served as chairman of the Board of Trustees for Sun Coast Health Systems/Sun Coast Hospital, currently serves as vicechair of the Heath Profession Division Board of Governors and is a member of the Board of Trustees of Nova Southeastern University.

He is past president of the American Osteopathic Foundation, American College Osteopathic Internists, Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, and has served in other positions of leadership professionally and in the community.

He received distinguished service recognition from the American Osteopathic Association in 2014 – the highest award granted by the AOA – at the AOA National Convention in Las Vegas, Nev. He has been selected as physician of the year by the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association, the American College of Osteopathic Internist and the Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Society.

Still engaged professionally and in the community, he serves as executive director of the Pinellas County Osteopathic Medical Association.

He and his wife, Cathy, have been and remain active in their parish, community and professional circles. They are the proud parents of four daughters and four grandchildren. Cathy was an educator and taught elementary school, CCD for over twenty years before starting her own business, Provence Art and Antiques, 30 years ago.

Anthony Ottaviani Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa

CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES

Morosky

College of Health Professions and Sciences

DOCTORAL STUDIES

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Judi-Ann Jolene Adman

Taegan Allen

Ajla Balic

Juliana Bell

Viviane Giacomazzi Bennese

Catherine Marie Coombs

Heidi Joy Curtis

Taylor Jordan Cycenas

Alicia Faldetta

Caroline Gates

Maie Kinsell Grisham

Jennifer H. Jones

Lauren Casey Key

Margaret Logan

Khayilla M Louissaint

Danairi Rentas Malave

Katie Rose McKibbin

Riley Nicole Mintrone

Aneeka Murjany

Carly Palkovich

Teanna Marie Parisio

Chelsea Reji

Kendra Schalow

Braedon St Clair

Megan E. Townsend

Madelyn Elizabeth Wengyn

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Allison Blakeley

Johanna Christine Burkhardt

Jennifer Lynn Campanella

Lesley George

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Daniel Kyrillos Antanuos

Nadine Renee Ayash

Carrie Anne Bailey

Shannon Benavidez

Christine Amelia Brooker

Katharine Tina Byler

Darlene Marie Chamorro Ortiz

Kavon Dominick-Marquel Freeman

Jeanelle M. Gandia

Rey Urbano Garcia

Jia Gates

Kara Rebeckah Gerow

Ethan Ryder Gray

Anthony M. Lovat

Radmery Rios

Allison C. Striz

Lakeisha Walker

Donald E. Grundy, Jr.

Kathleen Amanda Heenan

Grace Joseph

Brittany Morgan Kay

Daniel Long, II

Kacie Brooke Mann

Jasmine Morice

Phyllis Shontenese Rawls

Ibrahim R. Rodriguez Rodriguez

Taylor Raymond Rogers

Patrick Sigman

Joshua M. Volschow

Kiara Wilson

GRADUATE STUDIES

Master of Physician Assistant Science

Dalene Arizmendi

Prativa A. Bhagwandin

Andrea Brocker

Daniella Castro

Gwyneth Davis

Audriana Marie Dean

Olivia Hamren

Hannah Hardin

Nathaniel Hodder

Gina Jablonski

Josie Cathryn Jepson

Sydney S. Khreis

Annie Rose Kruisselbrink

Amanda Massey

Cody W. McCombs

Dor More

Armend Morina

Jordan Diana Nelson

Meghan Odendaal

Haley O’Meara

Lin My Phan

Lauren A. Sadowski

Amanda Lauren Sharp

Madelyne Standley

Trenton Wargo

Sydney Lauren Westgard

Christina Winters

Master of Science | Speech-Language Pathology

Emily Jane Anderson

Haley Georgeanna Baker

Gwendolynn Briea-Adele Basden

Kameron Paul Callais

Alison Deborah Campbell

Alexandra Catherine Dorn

Ashley Garlitz

Abigail McKenzie Harcombe

Erin Harmonay

Kalin Mezey

Lainee Isabella Rettke

Alexus Marie Rivera

Suzanne M. Roskow

Ayanna Russell

Lucy Sanders

Nicole Elizabeth Sbatella

Elizabeth Streltsov

Malina Thomakos

ACADEMIC AWARDS Graduate Studies

For Excellence in...

Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Juliana Bell

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Jennifer Lynn Campanella

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Kara Rebeckah Gerow

Physician Assistant

Josie Cathryn Jepson

Speech-Language Pathology

Lucy Sanders

Prayer of Sending Forth

Rev. Kesicki:

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

Rev. Kesicki:

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.

All respond: Amen

Rev. Kesicki:

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

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

Rev. Kesicki:

May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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 cut-away. 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.

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.

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.

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.

Occupational TherapySlate Blue

Physical TherapyTeal

Physician AssistantGreen

Speech-Language PathologySilver Gray

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.

A digital version of this program can be found at www.gannon.edu/commencement.

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.