Saturday, the Sixth of July
Two Thousand Twenty-Four
celebrates the conferring of
To view the video post-ceremony, visit go.geisinger.edu/mbscommencement.
I am so proud of the class of 2024. Congratulations on your new degree and diploma!
I am impressed with your commitment to personal and professional growth and your dedication to honing your skills and knowledge. Whether you learned online or in the classroom, you used every tool at your disposal to make your graduate school experience rich, meaningful and successful. You are to be commended for that personal drive and determination, virtues that are particularly necessary for people who wish to succeed in healthcare, research and science.
I am also grateful to the School of Graduate Education staff and faculty, who work tirelessly to ensure not only academic rigor, but also the career, professionalism and community-building opportunities that distinguish a Geisinger education. These experiences will serve you well in the future — a future that will require imaginative, resourceful and courageous leaders. I am confident you are well prepared and ready to be those leaders.
Best wishes class of 2024!
Julie Byerley, MD, MPH President, Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Dean, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Geisinger
Internal medicine resident at the University of Minnesota Medical School
Alfred Ngo Hamilton, MD,
was a standout student during his years at Geisinger and received the Service to Class Award at his MD graduation in 2022.
He was one of just 50 medical students nationwide selected to attend the inaugural offering of the Association of American Medical Colleges’ leadership development program, RISE: Developing Future Leaders in Academic
Medicine & Science. During the conference, participants gain new leadership skills and insights into building a career in academic medicine and science, as well as developing a network of colleagues and role models.
He also served as president of Geisinger’s Medical Student Council and was a mentor and tutor in the college’s pathways programs.
We are pleased to welcome him back today.
Welcome Jennifer Boardman, PhD
Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Associate Professor, Microbiology/Immunology
The National Anthem
Introduction of president and dean
President’s remarks
Members of Geisinger Commonwealth’s a capella groups
William B. Jeffries, PhD
Provost for Geisinger College of Health Sciences and Vice Dean for Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Julie Byerley, MD, MPH
President of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Geisinger
Leadership awards ....................................................... Gregory Shanower, PhD
Assistant Dean for Graduate Program and Curriculum Development/ MBS Program Director
Welcome to the Alumni Society ............................. Christopher Boland Director of Alumni Relations
Commencement address
Awarding of degrees
Dr. Alfred Hamilton
Internal Medicine Resident, University of Minnesota Medical School
Presentation of candidates.................... Jennifer Boardman, PhD
Announcing of candidates Maura Maros
Conferring of degrees
Assistant Director of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions
Julie Byerley, MD, MPH
Final remarks from the program director Gregory Shanower, PhD
Student engagement slide show ............................ Graduate Student Council
Geisinger College of Health Sciences is the research and education arm of the Geisinger family, system committed to making better health easier for the more than 1 million people it serves. Geisinger is the inaugural member of Risant Health, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding and accelerating the adoption of value-based care.
Founded more than 100 years ago by Abigail Geisinger, the system now includes 10 hospital campuses, a health plan with more than half a million members, and the College. The College houses a Research Institute, graduate medical education, and schools of medicine, nursing and graduate education, in addition to faculty and professional development programs.
Initially founded as The Commonwealth Medical College, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine was established to serve its Pennsylvania communities with education and research that advances opportunities and improves population health. Incorporated in 2008, the school welcomed its first class of Doctor of Medicine degree students and Master of Biomedical Sciences degree students in August 2009.
In April 2011, the newly built 185,000-square-foot Medical Sciences Building in Scranton opened its doors to house the medical and graduate degree programs.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education granted the school full accreditation on June 27, 2014, and the Liaison Committee for Medical Education granted full accreditation on July 7, 2014. The school officially became Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine in 2017 and, with the inclusion of Geisinger School of Nursing, became Geisinger College of Health Sciences in 2022.
Community engagement is part of the fiber of Geisinger College. With more than 2,400 clinical faculty members throughout the region to provide students with meaningful clinical and research experiences and training, accountability to community is a key measure of our success. Our College builds pathway programs for local students to excel in science and health-related careers. It educates doctors, nurses and other health professionals who remain dedicated to our communities after graduation. It reaches out to agency partners to tackle the most challenging issues we face right here in our own neighborhoods. And it opens its doors to the community to connect, to share and to challenge us. For our learners, the lessons taught here help communities everywhere to thrive.
Julie Byerley, MD, MPH, President of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, Dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, and Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Geisinger
William Jeffries, PhD, Provost and Vice Dean for Education
Christa L. Martin PhD, Vice Dean for Research and Chief Scientific Officer
Michelle Thompson, MD, Vice Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Chief Education Officer
Valencia Walker MD, MPH, Vice Dean for Health Equity and Inclusion
Nicole Woll, PhD, Vice Dean for Faculty and Professional Development and Executive Director of the Geisinger Academy of Educators
Heather M. Davis, MFA, Director of Marketing and Communications for Education and Research
Andrea K. DiMattia, EdD, Vice Provost for Education Administration
Jim Franceschelli, Associate Dean for Educational Informational Technology
Jackie Ghormoz, MSW, CSW, Assistant Dean of Students
Julia Kolcharno, MA, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
John Kulp, PhD, Regional Assistant Dean for Doylestown Campus
Sonia Lobo, PhD, RYT, Associate Dean for Research and Scholarship
Gerald Maloney, DO, Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs; Chief Medical Officer, Geisinger System Hospitals
Michelle Schmude, EdD, MBA, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management
Tanja K. Adonizio, MD, Vice Provost for Student Affairs
Amy Allison, MPH, MLS, Associate Provost for Library Services
Jennifer Boardman, PhD, Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Associate Professor, Microbiology/Immunology
Virginia McGregor, Chair
John C. Bravman, PhD
Benjamin K. Chu, MD, MPH, MACP
Pedro J. Greer Jr., MD
Gregory Shanower, PhD, Assistant Dean for Graduate Program and Curriculum Development/MBS Program Director
Rebecca S. Slangan, MBA, Associate Dean for Academic Administration
David B. Nash, MD, MBA
Terry Gilliland, MD, Geisinger President and CEO (ex officio)
Julie Byerley, MD, MPH, Geisinger College of Health Sciences
President (ex officio)
Thuria Abdul-Ghafour
Irvine, CA
California State University of Fullerton, BS
Jasmine Elisa Alvarado
Santa Clarita, CA
California State University, Bakersfield, BS
Kristina M. Brackpool* Santa Clarita, CA
Penn State University, BS
Adam T. Burgis Lebanon, PA
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, BS
Kevyn Brian Anthony Chin Silver Spring, MD
George Mason University, BS
Yinelia Denise De La Cruz Dover, PA
Cheyney University, BS
Sephora M. Delice
Roselle, NJ
Muhlenberg College, BS
Helena C. Eby Catawissa, PA
Bloomsburg University, BS
Baccalaureate Certificate in Pre-Medical Science Studies
Kyle Michael Echterling Pequea, PA
Lebanon Valley College, BS
Maria Gikoska
Hebron, IN
Indiana University Northwest, BS
TaRaessha Marilynne Chellé Henderson North Dinwiddie, VA
Shepherd University, Dual BS
Ashley Manina Hill Goshen, NY
University of Scranton, BS
Alexandra Mae Hosey Harrisburg, PA
Susquehanna University, BS
Sena Disewari Houessou-Adin*
Philadelphia, PA
The College of Wooster, BA
Sriteja Kankanala Covina, CA
University of California Santa Barbara, BA
Sophie A. Kolawole Raleigh, NC
East Carolina University, BS
Allyson Rose Kranzel Elysburg, PA
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania, BS
Emilee Maree Marianelli Old Forge, PA Marywood University, BS
Michael James Melissen East Greenville, PA Arcadia University, BS
Laissa M. Moise Scranton, PA Kean University, BA
Meaghan Elizabeth Mulvey* Staten Island, NY Marywood University, BS
Aquilla M. Obare Marlborough, MA
Temple University, BA
Ryan V. Patel Harrisburg, PA
Pennsylvania State University, BS
Umar Qaiser Wilkes Barre, PA
Pennsylvania State University, BS
Craig William Reichard Junior Shamokin, PA
Pennsylvania State University, BS
Razia Noreen Shah Edison, NJ
New Jersey Institute of Technology, BA
Emily Rhea Trocchi Little York, NY
University of Connecticut, BS
Jorge S. Zamalloa Arenas Millville, NJ
East Stroudsburg University, BS
*Recognized for their work on Graduate Student Council.
Note: All students listed in this program will not necessarily complete all graduation requirements by July 6, 2024.
Geisinger College of Health Sciences delivers education and training focused on the unique needs of our communities. We are grateful to the donors who support our work and share our vision for making better health easier for everyone. In recognition of their philanthropy and with sincere thanks for their support, we acknowledge the following friends.
Annual scholarships:
Appleseed Scholarship Fund of The Luzerne Foundation
Commonwealth Scholarship
Angela Fricchione Cupple and Michael Cupple
Annual Scholarship
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Student Scholarship funded by Employees
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Alumni Scholarship Fund
Hawk Family Foundation Annual Scholarship
Jennifer A. Sidari, MD ’13 Memorial Scholarship
John and Helen Villaume Foundation Annual Scholarship
John J. and Nancy S. Menapace Annual Scholarship
Louis Mastro Annual Scholarship
Mark H. DeStefano Annual Scholarship
Mr. Andrew and Dr. Susan Sordoni Annual Scholarship
Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation Scholarship
Sanofi Pasteur Annual Scholarship
Sarah Wright Memorial Annual Scholarship
Taylor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Health and Wellness Fund of The Luzerne Foundation
Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Auxiliary Fund
Scholarship through The Luzerne Foundation
Endowed scholarships:
Myer Alperin Family Medical Scholarship
Michael and Louise Altier Medical Endowed Scholarship
Bannon Family Endowed Scholarship
Benkovic Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship
Daniel Reese Price and Carolyn Warren Price Endowed Scholarship
The Dean Steven J. Scheinman Endowed Scholarship
The Donald B. and Dorothy L. Stabler Foundation Endowed Scholarship
Dr. Gino and Mrs. Jean Cavalieri Mori Endowed Scholarship
Fidelity Bank Endowed Scholarship
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Endowed Scholarship
Gov. and Mrs. William W. Scranton Endowed Scholarship
InterMountain Medical Group Endowed Scholarship
Janet Townsend, MD, and Henry Geisinger Endowed Scholarship
Jean Shields Endowed Scholarship
Jean and Gene Stark, Arlington Industries Endowed Scholarship
Jennifer A. Sidari, MD ’13, Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Louis Mastro Endowed Scholarship
Lynett-Haggerty Families Endowed Scholarship
Nesbitt Family Charitable Foundation Endowed Scholarship
Pat and Lois Bruno Endowed Scholarship in Pediatrics
Sheila S. Miller Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Sarah Wright Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Strony Family Endowed Scholarship
The Henry C. Jones, MD, Memorial Endowed Scholarship