Winter Commencement
Friday, December 6, 2024
6:00 p.m.
THE ORDER OF EXERCISES
CALL TO ORDER���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������David Haschak, Ed�D, LPC Vice President for Academic Affairs
PRESENTATION OF ARTIFACTS
INVOCATION
Tonia Gordon, MHRM, SPHR Vice President for People & Mission Integration
Alaney K� Elizabeth Vereshack Class of 2024
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM Vox Nova Student Vocal Ensemble
STUDENT WELCOME
GREETINGS
THE TRADITION OF A COMFORTABLE CUP
STUDENT COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
Alexia R
Steele Class of 2024
John N� McKeegan, J�D� President of Mount Aloysius College
Ella Caroline Pearson Class of 2024
Leah Hollis, Ed�D Associate Dean for Access, Equity, & Inclusion, Penn State University, Member, Mount Aloysius College Board of Trustees
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREES
Conservation Law Enforcement
Bryceton M Maille, Pittsfield, PA, cum laude
Early Childhood Education
Kelsey Marie Lynch, Cresson, PA, magna cum laude
Nursing
Asia Jolynn Beeler, Tyrone, PA
Myah Annalyse Chappell, Alexandria, PA
Cristy Sue Colledge, Altoona, PA
Hannah Elise Covino, Altoona, PA, cum laude
Madison Marie Daugherty, Roaring Spring, PA
Joelle Kristine DeLattre, Duncansville, PA, cum laude
Autumn Rose Duman, Patton, PA
Abigail Faith Harter, Hollidaysburg, PA
Michele M Helsel, Hopewell, PA
Kerrigan A� Ingram, Hollidaysburg, PA
Reese Madison Koback, Central City, PA
Dylan T Larson, Imler, PA
Kara Ann Lautenbacher, Windber, PA
Michael J� Letosky Jr�, Johnstown, PA
Alyssa Link, Mineral Point, PA
McKenzie Nichole Lohr, Schellsburg, PA
Ronald Jacob Lyons, State College, PA
Jordan Lee Manganello, Julian, PA, cum laude
Cassidy Elizabeth Mauger, Meyersdale, PA
Megan Riley McKee, Johnstown, PA
John Paul Misja, Port Matilda, PA
Julia Dawn Neely, Duncansville, PA, cum laude
Lindsey M Plowman, Altoona, PA, cum laude
Ayonna Marie Primus, Colver, PA
Jaelyn Dawn Ritchey, Duncansville, PA
Ryan W Robertson Jr , Johnstown, PA
Eric Roederer, Everett, PA, cum laude
Mia Grace Ruddek, Mineral Point, PA, cum laude
Lisa Salaymal-Strohman, Hollidaysburg, PA, cum laude
Riley Elisabeth Scott, Perryopolis, PA
Rylie Lynn Shrift, Windber, PA, cum laude
Kaylee Jean Smith, Altoona, PA, cum laude
Saje Starbird-Clancy, Hollidaysburg, PA
Alexia R Steele, Sidman, PA, cum laude
Cody Allen Stockley, Carrolltown, PA, cum laude
Madison Elizabeth Tornatore, Altoona, PA
Elizabeth Elaine Wise, Marion Center, PA
Jennifer Zaman, Portage, PA
BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREES
William McGinnis, Pipersville, PA
Biology
Emma Marie Bier, Mineral Point, PA
Criminology
History/Political Science
Lydia Catherine McElheny, Cresson, PA
Psychology
Alexis Renee Walters, Duncansville, PA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREES
Biology
Laura Catherine Hecker, Hollidaysburg, PA
Business Administration
Grace Briana O'Berry, Boonsboro, MD
Megan Rose Semanchik, Portage, PA
Thomas J� Yablonski, Fredericksburg, VA, cum laude
Information Technology
Joseph Francis Modico, Altoona, PA, cum laude
Eugene Ratay, Gallitzin, PA, cum laude
Luke Traynor, London, England, summa cum laude
Morgan Lydia Young, Twin Rocks, PA, magna cum laude
Leadership in Healthcare
Michaela Nichole Detwiler, Altoona, PA
Wendi J� Hunsicker, James Creek, PA, cum laude
Mackenzie Elizabeth Lasinsk, Shavertown, PA
Dominique Marshall, Altoona, PA, cum laude
Megan Jean Mickey, New Paris, PA
Stephanie Dolores Miller, Altoona, PA
Nyah Lynne Parker, Pittsburgh, PA
Marketing
Nathan M� Hryn, Grampian, PA, magna cum laude
Joel LoNigro, Connellsville, PA
Alexis Marie Weyandt, Roaring Spring, PA, summa cum laude
Nursing - Pre-Licensure
Taylor Morgan Appenzellar, Greencastle, PA
Nicole Barnett, Loretto, PA
Naomi Lynn Bryan, Hollidaysburg, PA
Kylie Lynn Burger, Portage, PA
Gabrielle Renee Burris, Cranberry, PA
Gracie Cowfer, Altoona, PA
Aaron Eckard, Dover, PA, cum laude
Leslie Aaliyah Flores, Altoona, PA
Kylee Megan Frederick, Martinsburg, PA, magna cum laude
Jadyn Alexis Gallagher, Duncansville, PA
Tori Ann Hauser, Cherry Tree, PA, cum laude
Madison Emma Hooper, Altoona, PA, cum laude
Adrianna Jo Huss, Altoona, PA
Hannah Suzette Knepp, Duncansville, PA
Carrigan Leigh Koontz, Johnstown, PA
Kacie Ann Kreider, Martinsburg, PA
Taylor Roslyn Lefebure, Ebensburg, PA, magna cum laude
Brayden James Lorelli, Indiana, PA
Ethan Thomas Patkalitsky, Altoona, PA
Ella Caroline Pearson, Tyrone, PA, magna cum laude
Isabella Piacesi, Woodbridge, VA
Natalie Claire Rhodes, Perkasie, PA
Sarah Grace Ribblett, Johnstown, PA, magna cum laude
Matalyn Jean Rupp, York, PA
Allison Elizabeth Rux, Huntingdon, PA, cum laude
Abigail Kathryn Snyder, Tyrone, PA, magna cum laude
Leah Jane Stellabotte, Altoona, PA
Alaney K� Elizabeth Vereshack, Smokerun, PA, summa cum laude
Dakota M Woomer, Tyrone, PA, cum laude
Hannah Katherine Yocum, Alexandria, PA
RN - BSN Nursing
Danielle Lin Benzie, Ashville, PA, summa cum laude
Brittney J� Graziosi, Altoona, PA
Domoniece Marie Homan, Pennsylvania Furnace, PA
Iyeisha Jennifer Jashienski, Johnstown, PA
Heather Marie Kensinger, Cherry Tree, PA
Teagan Mackenzie Nichols, Duncansville, PA
Jourdan Ilyssa Williams, Shamokin, PA, summa cum laude
Mallory Grace Woodward, Huntingdon, PA
Note: Honors at graduation are conferred upon students who qualify for the academic distinction of:
Cum laude
Magna cum laude
Summa cum laude
Minimum Cumulative GPA — 3 50 - 3 69
Minimum Cumulative GPA — 3 70 - 3 89
Minimum Cumulative GPA — 3�90 - 4�0
Note: The list of graduates and their honors is based on information available at the time of publication� Degrees are awarded upon successful completion of all degree requirements� Listing of a student’s name does not guarantee certificate or degree completion Late additions may not have been included Honors for degree candidates will be printed on the transcript, based on the final cumulative grade point average
HONORS SOCIETIES GRADUATES
Mount Aloysius College strives to support and recognize the academic success of its students by recognizing their achievements Many academic departments are affiliated with renowned national honor societies, which allow for a formal recognition of these students� The following list describes each honors society and indicates the names of the graduates who have been formally inducted into each society�
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ARTS, AND SCIENCES
Alpha Phi Sigma
Criminology Department
Alpha Phi Sigma is the national criminal justice honor society established in 1942 and recognizes the academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students in criminal justice� Originally created to promote excellence in scholarship and performance, Alpha Phi Sigma is affiliated with the Academy of Criminal Justice Science and a member of the Association of College Honor Societies� Once inducted as lifetime members, students receive numerous benefits, including scholarship opportunities, annual conferences, access to academic journals/ resources, opportunities for community service, and potential pay/entrance level advancement for state and federal criminal justice jobs�
Emma Marie Bier
Alpha Lambda Zeta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi
Education Department
Kappa Delta Pi: Honor Society in Education has evolved over 100 years to become America’s largest national honor society in education� The Alpha Lambda Zeta chapter at Mount Aloysius College embodies the vision of KDP that excellent teachers build thriving communities and create lifelong opportunities by providing quality, equitable education for all The values of KDP include excellence, integrity, expertise, equity, diversity, and empathy
Kelsey Marie Lynch
SCHOOL OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES
Iota Eta Chapter of Alpha Delta Nu
Nursing Department
Affiliated with the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing, Alpha Delta Nu recognizes the academic excellence of students pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing� To be considered for membership, students must have met grade requirements in all nursing classes and have demonstrated conduct on campus and in clinical areas that reflect integrity and professionalism
Hannah Elise Covino
Jordan Lee Manganello
Lisa Salaymal-Strohman
COLLEGE-WIDE
Chi Alpha Sigma
National Athlete Honors Society
Chi Alpha Sigma is a national athlete honor society that recognizes outstanding academic achievement by intercollegiate varsity sport letter winners� The society strives to develop good citizenship, moral character, and friendship among high academic achievers in college athletics and encourages members to mentor and provide leadership to other athletes
Taylor Morgan Appenzellar
Aaron Eckard
Nathan M� Hryn
Isabella Piacesi
Luke Traynor
Dakota M� Woomer
Honors Program
The Mount Aloysius College Honors Program is designed for students of all academic disciplines who enjoy critical and synthetic thinking and problem solving within an environment of highly interactive learning� The goal of the Honors Program is to create a community of scholars committed to enhancing each other’s understanding of human living within our world Membership indicated with blue and gray cords
Taylor Roslyn Lefebure
Mercy Presidential Scholars
Mercy Presidential Scholars are awarded this College scholarship based on their strong academic records, GPAs above 3�3, and a commitment to service� Mercy Presidential Scholars possess and must develop leadership and academic skills, as well as a further commitment to service� They participate in extracurricular activities and are involved in community/college service projects� These students reflect the mission, values, and goals of Mount Aloysius College Scholars who have completed a Bachelor degree wear a medallion emblazoned with the historic Belltower
Taylor Morgan Appenzellar
Kylie Lynn Burger
Aaron Eckard
Nathan M Hryn
Isabella Piacesi
Allison Elizabeth Rux
Megan Rose Semanchik
Luke Traynor
Morgan Lydia Young
Mother Francis Warde Foundress Scholars
The Mother Francis Warde Foundress Fellowship is awarded to first time, full-time students who have attained the honor of being class valedictorian or salutatorian of their high school class� Hand-picked through a competitive essay and interview selection process, these students possess and must develop leadership and academic skills, as well as a further commitment to service They participate in extracurricular activities and are involved in community/college service projects� These students reflect the mission, values, and goals of Mount Aloysius College� Scholars who have completed a Bachelor degree wear a medallion emblazoned with the historic Belltower�
Bryceton Maille
National Society of Leadership and Success
The NSLS is an organization that provides a life-changing leadership program that helps students achieve personal growth, career success, and empowers them to have a positive impact in their communities
Taylor Morgan Appenzellar
Emma Marie Bier
Kylie Lynn Burger
Myah Annalyse Chappell
Gracie Cowfer
Kylee M� Frederick
Madison Emma Hooper
Adrianna Huss
Kacie Ann Kreider
Taylor Roslyn Lefebure
SALUTE
McKenzie Nichole Lohr
Ronald Jacob Lyons
Benjamin Andrew Michaels
Joseph Francis Modico
Grace Briana O'Berry
Matalyn Jean Rupp
Abigail Kathryn Snyder
Alexis Marie Weyandt
Dakota M� Woomer
Thomas J Yablonski
Veterans National Honor Society
SALUTE is the only national honor society in the nation that recognizes and honors the service and scholastic achievements of this generation’s greatest veterans�
John Paul Misja
Cody Allen Stockley
Eric Roederer
STUDENT CEREMONY ASSISTANTS
ARTIFACTS
The artifacts included in today’s procession are symbols of the heritage and history of the College� Artifact Bearers for today’s ceremony are:
Collection of Letters
Jourdan Ilyssa Williams
Tea Pot������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Wendi J� Hunsicker
Scholar Ink Well��������������������������������������������������������������������Joseph Francis Modico
Original Academy Seal���������������������������������������������������������Nathan M� Hryn
Picture�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Morgan Lydia Young
GONFALONS
The gonfalon, a flag that hangs from a crosspiece or frame, originated in the medieval republics of Italy as an ensign of state or office Gonfalons have been adopted at many colleges and universities around the world as institutional insignia The four gonfalons displayed today represent the academic divisions of Mount Aloysius College and the Mercy Values� Gonfalon bearers for today’s ceremony are:
College Flag���������������������������������������������������������������������������Dakota M� Woomer
Mercy Values�������������������������������������������������������������������������Aaron Eckard
School of Nursing & Health Sciences Sarah Grace Ribblett
School of Business, Arts, & Sciences�����������������������������������Jordan Lee Manganello
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Leah Hollis, Ed.D.
Leah P Hollis, Ed D , is the Associate Dean for Access, Equity, & Inclusion at Penn State University� She is a noted national and international expert on workplace bullying, and her most recent book, "Black Women, Intersectionality and Workplace Bullying, Intersecting Distress," is an extension of her work on bullying in higher education�
Dr Hollis has an extensive career in higher education administration, and she has held many senior leadership and faculty posts� She has taught at Northeastern University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and Rutgers University�
Dr Hollis received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Africana Studies from Rutgers University and her Master of Arts in English Literature from the University of Pittsburgh� She earned her Doctorate of Education from Boston University as a Martin Luther King, Jr� Fellow� Dr� Hollis continued her professional training at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, Higher Education Management Development Program She earned certification in project management and executive leadership at Stanford University and Cornell University, respectively�
Dr� Hollis has earned certifications in EEO Law/Affirmative Action and Conflict Resolution and Investigation from the American Association for Affirmative Action� With over 60 peer-reviewed publications, her research focuses primarily on workplace bullying, race, and gender She is the president and founder of her own consultant group Patricia Berkly LLC, a healthy workplace advocate, and she has spoken nationally and internationally to help over 350 schools address incivility on campus� She is also a proud member of the Mount Aloysius College Board of Trustees�
Board of Trustees
Mr Adam Sheetz (Chair)
Mr Gregory Drew (Vice-Chair & Treasurer)
Dr� Renée Martin-Nagle, J�D�, LL�M, Ph�D� ’79 (Secretary)
Mr� Michael McLanahan (Trustee Emeritus)
Mr Joseph Adams
Dr� Reginald Blaber
Mr Sean Burke
Mr� Paul Calandra
Mr William Caldwell, Jr
Sr� Eileen Campbell, RSM
Mr Sean Cook
Mr� Michael Corso
Mr� Philip Devorris
Sr Mary Ann Dillon, RSM
Ms� Carolyn Donaldson
Ms Jan Fisher
Mr� Philip Freeman
Dr Leah Hollis
Mr� Patrick Irwin
Dr Leamor Kahanov
Dr� Sheela Kerstetter
Mr� Mark Latterner
Mr Matthew Perry
Mr� Stacey Porter ’89
Mr Richard Rose, Esq
Dr� Angela Rowe
Dr Stella Somiari
Mr� Matthew Stuckey
Mr Tyler Trimbath ’08
Mr� William (Bill) Ward� Jr�
Mount Aloysius College is a member of the Conference for Mercy Higher Education, a national organization of higher education institutions sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.
President’s Executive Council
John N McKeegan, J D , President
Mr Michael Baker, Senior Vice President for Administration & Strategy/Chief Financial Officer
Ms� Tonia Gordon, Vice President for People & Mission Integration/Chief Human Resource Officer
Dr� David Haschak, Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost
Mr� Kevin Kime, Associate Vice President & Athletic Director
Ms� Kary Milan, Vice President for Advancement & Engagement
Mr Sam Wagner, Vice President for Marketing & Communications
Mr� Jacob Yale, Vice President for Enrollment & Student Life
Dr Daniel Anderson
Dr Merrilee Anderson
Dr� John Bandzuh
Dr� Gabriel Beam
Ms� Haley Bennett
Ms� Desiree Beppler
Ms� Jessica Birch
Dr Jodi Blubaugh
Dr Joseph Bobak
Ms� Jennifer Bopp
Dr� John Brooks
Dr� Christopher Burlingame
Ms Maireade Byrne
Dr Sue Clark
Ms� Daniele Coccimiglio
Ms� Hanna Cooper
Dr� Gale DeArmin
Ms� Kelli Deater
Dr� Julie Decker
Dr Juan Diaz
Ms Paige Dinges
Dr� Anthony Dragani
Ms� Bobbie Duffy
Faculty and Academic Staff
Ms Carol Eberhart
Dr J Michael Engle
Mr� Daniel Evers
Ms� Jeanine Farabaugh
Dr� Paul Gallagher
Dr� Jennifer Gmuca
Dr� Cathleen Golden
Dr Crystal Goldyn
Dr Virginia Gonsman
Mr� Richard Guerin
Ms� Andrea Gutmann
Ms� Deanna Hamilton
Dr� David Haschak
Ms Rebecca Hickman
Dr Felicia Holliday
Dr� Emily Houseknecht
Dr� Justin Houseknecht
Ms� Kathleen Hoyne
Ms� Aimee Itle
Dr� Jessica Jost Costanzo
Ms Celeste Kopnicky
Ms Sarah Kordish
Ms� Denise Krivokuca
Ms� Kimberly LaBelle
Ms Haley Lacovitch
Ms Eve Laidacker
Ms� Mercedes Langer
Dr� Laura Lansing
Dr� Christopher Lovett
Dr� Elizabeth Mansley
Ms� Melinda McCready
Ms Carol McIlhenny
Ms Brenda McMahon
Ms� Christin Mearns
Ms� Tiffany Michael
Mr� Christopher Mingyar
Ms� Amanda Minor
Dr Bernard G Neff
Ms Lori Noye
Ms� Sandra Nypaver
Dr� Penny OConnor
Mr� Bryan Pearson
Ms� Carolyn Pielmeier
Ms� Julia Proctor
Mr Robert Rabatin
Ms Allyssa Robison
Dr� Sara Rutledge
Ms� Keri Salyards
Dr Paula Scaramozzino
Ms Christina Schilling
Ms� Amanda Shearer
Dr� Beth Shoff
Mr� Brian Smith
Mr� Robert Stere
Dr� Christa Stipanovich
Mr Jeffrey Sunseri
Dr Donald Talbot
Ms� Cara Tomallo
Ms� Anne Volk
Ms� Brianna Walker
Ms� Kelly Wantiez
Ms Kimberly Washington
Ms� Nancy Way
Ms� Jenna Weyandt
Dr� John Whitlock
Mr� Justin Williams
Dr� Antoinette Woods
Dr Heather Zonts
The Ceremonial Mace
The ceremonial mace, carried at the head of the procession, represents the authority and responsibility of the College faculty� Dating to medieval times, the mace is used in the ceremonial functions of colleges, universities, churches, and governments
The mace of Mount Aloysius College is made of steel and wood� This combination of materials represents the fusion of industrial and natural resources found in this area� The steel and wood also represent the concepts of strength and warmth� The steel flame atop the mace symbolizes the College’s motto, “With Our Light, We Serve�”
The mace was designed by Mr� L� Franklin Gilliam and Mrs� Mary Saylor�
History of the College
The history of the College is rooted in the life of the Religious Sisters of Mercy who founded and sponsor Mount Aloysius College� Catherine McAuley founded the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Dublin, Ireland, in 1831 as a congregation devoted to the works of Mercy� It was one of the first active congregations of women religious in Ireland Today, Sisters of Mercy serve in North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia continuing their original charism of service to the needy through advocacy and direct service in health care, educational and social service agencies and institutions� The spirit of the congregation, dedicated to honoring the mercy of God, is one of enterprising response to need, coupled with compassion and hospitality, a spirit which is a goal of the Mount Aloysius family�
Mount Aloysius College traces its Mercy heritage to the small community of Sisters who were sent to Pittsburgh in 1843� From Pittsburgh, they established a community in Chicago in 1845 and by 1848 they settled in Loretto, Pa� On St� Mary’s Street in Loretto, the Sisters built a school which was to be the forerunner of St� Aloysius Academy� The Academy, built in 1853, was moved to its present site in 1897� In 1939, Mount Aloysius Junior College was founded through the initiative of Sister M� deSales Farley, R�S�M� In 1991, Mount Aloysius amended its charter and scope of programs to include bachelor degrees� In the Spring of 2000, the College’s charter was again amended to include master degrees�
Through the Years
by Sr� Camilla Marie, RSM
Through the years, our hearts will turn to thee, dear Alma Mater Through our tears it may be for the bonds are strong, which to thee unite the hearts of all of us, together, who to thee belong �
With the light, which you yourself have given, we shall light our lamps anew�
By our light we'll serve and prove to you, our Alma Mater, that our hearts be true
Light our lamps and send us forth rejoicing hearts aglow and on our lips, a song �
By our light we'll serve and prove to you, our Alma Mater, that our hearts be true�