2012 Thiel College Commencement Program

The One Hundred Thirty-Eighth Commencement of Thiel College

Sunday, May Sixth Two Thousand Twelve Two O’Clock William A. Passavant Memorial Center Greenville, Pennsylvania

The Order of the Exercises PRELUDE Rondeau and Fanfares................................................................................Jean-Joseph Mouret Kathryn A. Gray, M.M., Adjunct Professor of Music, College Organist Andrew S. Erb, Director of Bands, trumpet

Arioso, BWV 156.................................................................................................. J.S. Bach TrumpetVoluntary in C................................................................................... Maurice Greene Meditation from “Thais”............................................................................................... Jules Massenet

*PROCESSIONAL Faculty Marshal Candidates for Degrees Faculty Platform Party

Pomp and Circumstance, Op. 39, No. 1..................................................................... Edward Elgar Ms. Gray

*PLACING OF THE COLLEGE MACE.....................................................Christopher H. Moinet, Ph.D. Professor of English Faculty Marshal

*INVOCATION................................................................................ The Rev. H. William Bixby Campus Pastor

WELCOME.........................................................................................Troy D. VanAken, Ph.D. President

INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER......................... Carl A. Hoffman, D.O. ’69

President and Corporate Medical Director, PrimeCare Medical, Inc. Member, Thiel College Board of Trustees

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS................................................................... Joyce M. Cuff, Ph.D. Professor of Biology and Paul M. Rike Professor in Life Sciences

CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREE................................................... Edward A. Bartko ’72

Chair, Board of Trustees

Robert H. Baker, M.D....................................................... Presented by John A. Leipheimer ’74

Director of Athletics

RECOGNITION OF EMERITI FACULTY...................................................Dr. Lynn Franken, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College

Michael E. Bacon, Ph.D., Professor of Physics Susan E. Cowan, M.S.N., R.N., Professor of Biology Joyce M. Cuff, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Paul M. Rike Professor of Life Sciences Mark R. Vennis, M.S., Associate Professor of Health & Physical Education

The Order of the Exercises SPECIAL MUSIC A Farewell..................................................................................................................Molly Ijames May God Bless and KeepYou ..................................................................................Robert Wetzler ’54 The Thiel Choir ~ Michael A. Bray, D.M.A., Conductor

GREETINGS FROM THE CLASS OF 2012......................................................Ryan M. Prescott ’12 AND PRESENTATION OF THE SENIOR CLASS GIFT Senior Class President INTRODUCTION OF THE SENIOR ORATOR.............................................. Michael T. Balas, Ph.D. Professor of Biology, Faculty Chairperson

SENIOR ADDRESS.................................................................................... Annie M. Camp ’12 “Travelers on a Journey” Senior Orator PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS .......................................................................... Dr. Franken CONFERRING OF DEGREES................................................................................Dr. VanAken PRESENTATION OF THE GRADUATES................................................................... Dr. Franken DISTRIBUTION OF DIPLOMAS.............................................................................Dr. VanAken Mr. Bartko SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Valedictorian and Salutatorian....................................................................................... Dr. Franken

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS....................................................................................... Dr. Moinet *HAIL ALMA MATER........................................................................................Friedrich F. Flemming

words by E. Grace Hunton, 1900

2. Hail, Alma Mater, may thy torch forever Shed light resplendent for thy God and Country; Send the flame onward to all generations.

Hail, Alma Mater!

1. Hail, Alma Mater, on thy hill enthroned, Firm as a mountain may’st thou stand enduring Fair as the Valley of thine own Shenango.

Hail, Alma Mater!

3. Hail Alma Mater, we thy children pledge thee Here our devotion, loyal, true and tender; Thee will we cherish, praise thy name forever.

Hail, Alma Mater!

*BENEDICTION................................................................................................... Rev. Bixby *REMOVAL OF THE COLLEGE MACE..................................................................... Dr. Moinet *RECESSIONAL Procesión Alegre.......................................................................................... Garry A. Cornell Ms. Gray

* The audience will please rise.

Joyce M. Cuff, Ph.D. Professor of Biology and Paul M. Rike Professor of Life Sciences D

Commencement Speaker d

Dr. Joyce Cuff, who is retiring from Thiel College after 30 years, has a plethora of accomplishments, honors and professional, academic and philanthropic activities to her credit, including assisting in the development of Thiel’s neuroscience program; co-authoring a book with Dr. Curt Thompson (“God and Nature: A Theologian and a Scientist Conversing on the Divine Promise of Possibility”); serving as adviser to TriBeta (national honorary society in biology); coordinating the Earth Day workshops for local school children; and serving on numerous college committees and as faculty chairperson and assistant academic dean—among many others. Additionally, Cuff frequently carried one of the largest teaching loads in terms of credit hours and served as the academic adviser for many of Thiel College’s life science students.

Known as a world traveler, Cuff spent her year-long sabbatical last year in northern Tanzania, working to establish a laboratory attached to a health clinic in the village of Karatu and serving the health needs of more than 10,000 new and continuing patients. The experience allowed her to apply 35 years of teaching and learning to issues of health care in Africa, while also providing her with experiences that helped to strengthen a variety of courses at Thiel. While there, she continued to serve Thiel students, specifically serving as a mentor for a student studying abroad in a neighboring village.

During her years atThiel, Cuff has received numerous fellowships, grants and honors, including Professor of the Year at Thiel in 1993, 2001 and 2012, a Fulbright Award and many others. She serves the large community as a member of the boards of UP— Unlimited Possibilities (a nonprofit committed to service locally and globally that she also co-founded), Shenango River Watchers and Mercer County Affordable Housing.

Cuff was appointed to the Thiel faculty in 1981, became an associate professor in 1985 and was promoted to full professor in 1991. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Regis College in Massachusetts and received her Ph.D. from the University of Rochester Medical School. A native of Manchester, N.H., Cuff plans to return to Tanzania and continue her work there after retirement.

Robert H. Baker, M.D. Partner, Greenville Orthopedic Association, Inc. .

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Honorary Doctor of Science d

Having provided medical care in the area for nearly 60 years, Dr. Robert H. Baker is a respected orthopedic surgeon and active member of the Greenville community.

After graduating from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., with a bachelor’s degree in 1946 and a medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1947, Baker served his internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lancaster and his residency at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Aurora, Colo., and St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., where he also was a professor of military science and tactics from 1951 to 1952.

During that time, he served in the original M.A.S.H. unit in Korea and in several hospitals in Germany as a major in the Army Medical Corp. He began his private practice in 1955 in Greenville, Pa., with John L. Thomas, M.D. He later opened Greenville Orthopedic Association, Inc. in 1976. His current partners are John P. Scullin, M.D., and Stuart D. Anderson, M.D. Baker was an orthopedic volunteer teacher for CARE-Medico in Nigeria in 1963 and 1966 and Algeria in 1964.

For more than 40 years, Baker served as team physician and adviser to the Thiel College Department of Athletics. With caring, devotion and dedication, he helped generations of Thiel student-athletes maintain their health and wellness while striving to improve their performance. While he has stepped back from the position in recent years, his practice still serves as the College’s “team physician.” Moreover, he has been enmeshed in the life of Thiel College through taking classes, attending lectures and events, and forming relationships with faculty, staff and students. He was honored in 2002 with the A. Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award and was named Tomcat Football Game Day Honoree (as part of Greenville Orthopedic Association, Inc.) during the 2009 season.

Baker is a member of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine, American Society of Arthroscopic Surgery and American Academy of Physicians and Surgeons. He currently volunteers time with the Children’s Aid Society of Mercer County, is a trustee emeritus at The Butler Institute of American Art and belongs to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Greenville.

He is a former member of the Thiel College Board of Trustees and the Greenville School Board of Education. Baker lives in Greenville.

Emeriti Faculty Michael E. Bacon, Ph.D.

Since 1981, Dr. Michael Bacon has not only taught numerous students about physics, he has been an active scholar and mentor for student research, often using his own research to advance his teaching.

His published research, which stretches several pages of his curriculum vitae, encompasses a broad range of topics, including windmills, the Blue Man Group pipes, plasma and much more. Often listed right next to his name are the names of Thiel students who assisted in his research, including two patents. He was named Distinguished Scholar at the 2012 Founders’ Day convocation.

Prior to his appointment at Thiel, Bacon taught at Swarthmore College, Queens College of CUNY, and the University of Natal in South Africa. He also did research in plasma spectroscopy at the University of British Columbia and worked as a research associate at the Aerospace Research Laboratories at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

Bacon holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Natal (South Africa) and master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from the Colorado State University. Bacon was named a Fulbright Scholar in 19931995, spending a year at the National University of Lesotho. He is a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers.

A native of Zimbabwe, Bacon has two sons, a daughter and four grandchildren.

He and his partner, Connie Zappia, live in Greenville, Pa. He retired from Thiel at the end of the spring semester.

Susan E. Cowan, M.S.N, R.N.

Susan Cowan was first appointed to the Thiel College faculty in 1987 as an assistant professor in the Nursing Department and advanced to full professor in the Department of Biology. She is well known for her commitment to excellent education and service to Thiel students.

With the closing of the Thiel nursing program in 2002, Cowan moved into her new role in the Department of Biology, teaching allied health courses. She provided leadership for the College through a variety of committee and task force assignments, including promotion & tenure (chair), enrollment management, academic standing, salary & fringe and the ACT 101 Advisory Board, among others. She was especially instrumental in developing curriculum and clinical experiences for the nursing students. Cowan was a pioneer in the use of instructional technology in her teaching, prior even to the installation of SMART technology in the classrooms.

She implemented online testing for the Nursing Department and offered allied health courses as online summer courses.

In 2002, in addition to faculty duties, Cowan began serving as the coordinator of the Office of Special Needs, working to integrate special needs services throughout the College and allowing people with disabilities to fully participate in all the programs offered at Thiel, not just academics.

Cowan continues to be heavily involved with the American Heart Association and was a member of Sigma Theta Tau (nursing honorary) and the Association on Higher Education and Disability.

She also conducted CPR classes, with student involvement, within the Thiel and Greenville communities. A frequent traveler, Cowan often shares international travel experiences with students.

She holds a diploma from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Slippery Rock University and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Akron.

Mark R. Vennis, M.S.

Mark Vennis first joined the Thiel College Athletic Department in 1982 as assistant football coach and head wrestling coach.

Since then he has been a major influence on both athletics and the Health and Physical Education Department.

During his time at Thiel, Vennis served as head wrestling coach (18 years), head football coach (3 years), assistant football coach (12 years), head baseball coach (3 years), head women’s volleyball coach (1 year) and head women’s soccer coach (1 year). His coach career achievements are many and varied: 13-time Presidents’ Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, 11 PAC wrestling team championships, threetime nominee for DIII National Wrestling Coach of the Year, 15 Division III wrestling All-Americans, 20 Division IIII Scholar All-Americans, eight “Top 20” team finishes in national championships, three regional team championships and six “top 8” finishes at the Division III National Dual Meet Championships. Vennis was elected to the Division III National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003.

Vennis also served the Division III Wrestling Coaches Association and National Wrestling Coaches Association as president, vice president, Midwest regional representative and chair of several committees. As president of the DIII Association, Vennis started the DIII Wrestling Coaches Association National Duals and the Scholar Team Awards, among other accomplishments.

Since stepping down from coaching in 2001, Vennis has taught courses such as physical fitness, weight training and aerobics and was instrumental in starting the coaching minor at Thiel. He retired at the end of the fall semester in 2011.

Vennis, who is originally from Fairmont, W.Va., holds social studies comprehensive and health, physical education and recreation degrees from Fairmont State University and a master’s degree in education from Youngstown State University. He and his wife, Diane, live in Geneva, Ohio, and have two children, Todd and Traci, both Thiel alumni.

Candidates for Degrees Associate of Arts Degree Jacquelyne Marie Kinney v Southview, Pennsylvania Business Administration Management Information Systems

Associate of Science Degrees Nichole Lynn Giddings Jamestown, Pennsylvania E-Commerce

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Jacquelyne Marie Kinney v Southview, Pennsylvania Web Development

Bachelor of Science Degrees Elizabeth Anne Amoline w+ Warren, Ohio Chemistry

Kyle Michael Kohut Hermitage, Pennsylvania Environmental Science

Thomas J. Cermak Jr. Erie, Pennsylvania Environmental Science

Evan Michael James Krizon w Franklin, Pennsylvania Applied Physics Chemistry

Marion Ann Edwards Corry, Pennsylvania Actuarial Studies Christina Nicole Ellis w Brentwood, Pennsylvania Chemistry Medicinal Chemistry

Matthew James Lowry Titusville, Pennsylvania Actuarial Studies Joy Atieno Mboya Nairobi, Kenya Actuarial Studies

Barbara Grace Horn Hollywood, Maryland Web Development

Darren Cody McAninch Sharpsville, Pennsylvania Environmental Science

Scott Kenneth Hunkus Kinsman, Ohio Actuarial Studies

Mark Jawdat Nikoula + Greensburg, PA E-Commerce

Alex James Johnson Newton Falls, Ohio Actuarial Studies

Ning Zhang * Shanghai, China Actuarial Studies

Jacquelyne Marie Kinney v Southview, Pennsylvania E-Commerce

Candidates for Degrees Bachelor of Arts Degrees Devon Lamar Adams Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Studies Sociology

Emily Elizabeth Bock+ Glenshaw, Pennsylvania Business Administration Theodore Cameron Borden * Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania Business Administration

Jebediah Lafayette Aley Mercer, Pennsylvania Accounting Business Administration Jaimee Gwendolyn Anderson v Emlenton, Pennsylvania Biology Randy Thomas Bartlett v*• Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania Elementary Education Mathematics Heather Kaye Bean Franklin, Pennsylvania Business Administration Business Communication g

Corey Patrick Brown Greenville, Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Studies Sociology Aimee Lynn Buchanan + Sharon, Pennsylvania Biology

Brandon Joshua Bukovinsky Transfer, Pennsylvania Accounting Business Administration

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Rebecca Ann Betteridge Conneaut, Ohio Elementary Education Michelle Ann Blose v Tarentum, Pennsylvania Neuroscience Psychology

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Heather Marie Buck Warren, Ohio Criminal Justice Studies Psychology

Bradley J. Bee Warren, Ohio Business Administration Eleanor Grace Belleau Warren, Pennsylvania Accounting Business Administration

Katherine Elizabeth Bretz New Middletown, Ohio Psychology

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Zachary Stephan Bykovets Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Studies Sociology Ann Marie Camp Greenville, Pennsylvania Psychology

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Candidates for Degrees Justin James Carr Masury, Ohio Fine Art Commercial Art

Ryan Keith Dawes Transfer, Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Studies Sociology

Abigail Lynn Charsar • Sharpsville, Pennsylvania English Literature English g

Maria Christina * Sewickley, Pennsylvania Sociology Chelsi Renee Clark Greenwich, Ohio Communication Sciences & Disorders Psychology Sarah Lynn Conte v Russellton, Pennsylvania Psychology Sociology Elliot Wayne Coonfer Girard, Pennsylvania Biology Theresa Marie Curtician Transfer, Pennsylvania Business Administration Cylvie Cyuzuzo Rwanda, Africa Business Communication g

Kylie Christine Czulewicz West Alexander, Pennsylvania Biology Austin Robert Dalesio * Wexford, Pennsylvania Business Administration

Brittany Lee Dell Ashtabula, Ohio Biology Evan David Ditty v Titusville, Pennsylvania History Stephanie Anne Dolinar Finleyville, Pennsylvania Accounting Business Administration Rachel Jean Doran Yorkville, Illinois Elementary Education Philip Charles Double • Evans City, Pennsylvania History g

Brendan Joseph DuLaney * NewWindsor, Maryland Accounting Business Administration Ron Edison Arnold, Pennsylvania History Marion Ann Edwards Corry, Pennsylvania Mathematics John Sheridan Eich Boardman, Ohio Business Administration

Candidates for Degrees Tyler H. Ennis Hadley, Pennsylvania Accounting Business Administration Lynnette Georgia Enterline Poland, Ohio Neuroscience Psychology Shaun Edward Ferguson Greenville, Pennsylvania Business Administration Matthew Alan Fullington State College, Pennsylvania Religion Ross William Gargano * Sharon, Pennsylvania Business Administration Nicholas Mario Gargaro + McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania Business Administration Bonita Marie Garland-Wilson + Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Biology Laura Danielle Graham Munhall, Pennsylvania Biology Jacey Lynn Grant + New Brighton, Pennsylvania Biology Joseph N. Grech Warren, Ohio Biology

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Nicole Lynn Greene Greenville, Pennsylvania Fine Art

Sabreena Diane Harrison Sebring, Ohio Communication Studies Deryk Vane Herold Petrolia, Pennsylvania Elementary Education

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Jacqueline Nicole Hietsch v New Castle, Pennsylvania Biology Brittany Ann Hill Bedford, Ohio Media Communication Robert James Hillier Avon Lake, Ohio Psychology

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Rebecca Dawn House Youngstown, Ohio Elementary Education

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Adam James Householder Hadley, Pennsylvania Business Administration Stephen Anthony Hozella Bethany Park, Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Studies Sociology Stephanie Nicole Hudson Batavia, Illinois Religion Scott Kenneth Hunkus Kinsman, Ohio Mathematics Takayuki Imai * Chiba, Japan Psychology

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Candidates for Degrees Stephen Mark Jacobson ^ Sharon, Pennsylvania Business Administration

Jacquelyne Marie Kinney v Southview, Pennsylvania Business Communication

Joseph John Janicki v McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania Chemistry

Amy Marie Kramer * Butler, Pennsylvania Accounting Business Administration

Candace Marie Jeska Erie, Pennsylvania Business Administration Jason James Joens Delray Beach, Florida Fine Art Alex James Johnson v Newton Falls, Ohio Mathematics Stephanie Marie Johnson * Cleveland, Ohio Biology Sarah Elizabeth Jones Mercer, Pennsylvania Communication Studies Media Communication

Edward James Kruse • Fairview, Pennsylvania Mathematics Kasey Lynn Landis Williamsfield, Ohio Biology Douglas Deshaun Lewis Greenville, Pennsylvania Computer Science DanDan Li * ShenZhen, China Business Administration Blake Erik Liebendorfer Ellwood City, Pennsylvania Business Administration

Megan Helen Kay Girard, Ohio Elementary Education

Brenden Alexander Lowery Dover, Ohio Biology

Kelly Marie Kennedy Cochranton, Pennsylvania Conservation Biology

Matthew James Lowry Titusville, Pennsylvania Mathematics

Victoria Lee Kerin Russellton, Pennsylvania Biology

John Joseph Madeline Jr. Hubbard, Ohio Business Administration

Hannah Lee Kichman * Portville, NewYork Elementary Education

Michael Robert Magyar Williamsfield, Ohio Biology

Candidates for Degrees Jeffrey Anthony Marianetti Ontario, NewYork Business Administration

Avon Lynn Milton Canonsburg, Pennsylvania Business Administration

Zachary Clay Markley v+ Orwell, Ohio Media Communication

Kristen Marie Moreland Dover, Ohio Accounting Business Administration Fine Art

Daniel Jeffrey Martino Brookfield, Ohio English Writing

Patrick Chay Morris Graysville, Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Studies Sociology

Amy Jane Matchett Bulger, Pennsylvania English Literature Psychology

David Husin Mossa McKeesport, Pennsylvania Business Administration Criminal Justice Studies

Joseph John Matecka Tarentum, Pennsylvania Philosophy Psychology

Amy Nicole Nacey Delmont, Pennsylvania Psychology Sociology

Joy Atieno Mboya Nairobi, Kenya Business Administration Hubert Barrington McCarthy III Haines City, Florida New Media and Arts Psychology Earl McCloud Jr. Buffalo, NewYork Business Administration g

Alexandra Lee McClurg Canfield, Ohio Biology Ian Terence Meakim Downingtown, Pennsylvania Religion

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Brian Elliott Newmeyer Latrobe, Pennsylvania Biology Tzoulia Niforos Warren, Ohio Psychology Julie Patricia Novotny v Madison, Ohio Elementary Education Shawn Daniel O’Hara Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Accounting Business Administration David Willis Owens Polk, Pennsylvania Psychology Sociology

Candidates for Degrees Hannah Christine Paytosh * Chesterland, Ohio Communication Studies

Erica Marie Rinehart v North Lima, Ohio Biology

Jonathan Paul Pedersen Fredonia, Pennsylvania Biology

Erica Ann Riola Aurora, Ohio Elementary Education

Kristin Marie Perpar+ Andover, Ohio Psychology

Michael Anthony Roberts Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania Business Administration

Richard Kellen Peterson Cochranton, Pennsylvania Sociology

Jeff Scott Rockenstein Houston,Texas Criminal Justice Studies Sociology

Darwin Porras Cutler Bay, Florida Media Communication g

William M. Roosa IV Salamanca, NewYork Business Administration

Brock Cameron Porter Duncansville, Pennsylvania English Literature Ryan Matthew Prescott Springdale, Pennsylvania Communication Studies Media Communication

Walter Michael Santa II Butler, Pennsylvania Elementary Education g

Rebecca Elizabeth Quinet Lake City, Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Studies Psychology

Dara Leigh Sefton Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania Political Science Psychology Jacob Jeffery Shaffer v Hermitage, Pennsylvania Mathematics

William Moses Quintanilla Arcadia, California Criminal Justice Studies

Joshua Aaron Shaffer • Greenville, Pennsylvania Mathematics

Audrey Lynn Rattay Apollo, Pennsylvania Business Administration

Melissa Anne Sincek v+ Canonsburg, Pennsylvania Business Administration

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Alexander Bryant Reed North East, Pennsylvania Communication Studies

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Samuel George Slaven + Lowellville, Ohio Chemistry

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Candidates for Degrees Brandi Angelia Smith Leavittsburg, Ohio Business Administration

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Heidi Lynn Smith Greenville, Pennsylvania Elementary Education Kraig Ronald Smith Aliquippa, Pennsylvania Accounting Business Administration Forensic Accounting Monica Rose Smith Emlenton, Pennsylvania Elementary Education

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Weston William Snyder Albion, Pennsylvania Business Administration Conservation Biology Jared William Soell Oakmont, Pennsylvania Business Administration William Thomas Sorokes Murrysville, Pennsylvania Political Science Jillian Nicole Spino Toledo, Ohio Conservation Biology Melynda Ann Steele Greenville, Pennsylvania Philosophy Psychology John Eric Stenberg Darlington, Pennsylvania Biology

Tara Elizabeth Sturey Cochranton, Pennsylvania Psychology Anqi Sun * Hefei, Anhui, China Accounting Business Administration Julie Ann Swartzbeck Greenville, Pennsylvania Conservation Biology

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Sarah Elizabeth Szczypinski v McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania Biology Yuki Tadamatsu Saitama, Japan Business Administration Rebecca Joy Tate Columbiana, Ohio Psychology Sociology John Joseph Tell Erie, Pennsylvania History Jason M. Thomas * Homestead, Pennsylvania Business Administration Rianne Blaire Thornton Dayton, Ohio Media Communication Steve P. Toth Jr. Tarentum, Pennsylvania Elementary Education g

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Candidates for Degrees Alicia Lynn Marie Trescott Warren, Ohio Psychology Sociology Justin Wayne Turnbaugh * Sharpsville, Pennsylvania Business Administration David Mead Urey IV Masury, Ohio Elementary Education

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Julie Ann Walters + Hartstown, Pennsylvania Medical Technology Keith Douglas Watson Nineveh, Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Studies Psychology Jacqueline Murphy Weber Boardman, Ohio Communication Sciences & Disorders Sarah Kimberly Weikart Washingtonville, Ohio Criminal Justice Studies Psychology Elyse Christyne Welsh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Business Administration Zachary Isiah Wert McElhattan, Pennsylvania Sociology Rebecca West Greenville, Pennsylvania Elementary Education g

Gary Michael Whitla v Wellsville, Ohio Political Science John Kahoohanohano Whitman + Vista, California Criminal Justice Studies Rachel Christine Wills v Valencia, Pennsylvania Biology Mindy Lynn Wolfe Transfer, Pennsylvania Biology Ashlee Nicole Wood v Newton Falls, Ohio Biology Elizabeth Ann Yurky Indiana, Pennsylvania Elementary Education Ning Zhang * Shanghai, China Mathematics Egor Zhelezovskiy Minsk, Belarus Biology v Honors

Program Graduate

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Candidate for Pennsylvania Department of Education Teacher Certification w These students met requirements for the American Chemical Society Certification ^ These students satisfied degree requirements in August 2011.

* These students satisfied degree requirements in

December 2011. + These students will satisfy degree requirements during summer 2012. g These students will satisfy degree requirements in December 2012.

Graduation Honors Summa Cum Laude

magna Cum Laude

Michelle Ann Blose w Jaimee Gwendolyn Anderson Sarah Lynn Conte w Randy Thomas Bartlett w Brendan Joseph DuLaney w Corey Patrick Brown w Marion Ann Edwards w Chelsi Renee Clark Lynnette Georgia Enterline w Kylie Christine Czulewicz Brittany Ann Hill w Rachel Jean Doran Scott Kenneth Hunkus w Takayuki Imai Joseph John Janicki Victoria Lee Kerin w Alex James Johnson w Amy Marie Kramer Megan Helen Kay w Jeffrey Anthony Marianetti w Jacquelyne Marie Kinney w Alexandra Lee McClurg Evan Michael James Krizon w Jonathan Paul Pedersen Kasey Lynn Landis w Alicia Lynn Marie Trescott Matthew James Lowry w Jacqueline Murphy Weber Amy Jane Matchett w Sarah Kimberly Weikart w Darren Cody McAninch w Mindy Lynn Wolfe Kristen Marie Moreland w Julie Patricia Novotny w David Willis Owens w Gary Michael Whitla w Rachel Christine Wills w Elizabeth Ann Yurky w Ning Zhang w

Cum Laude

Jebediah Lafayette Aley Heather Marie Buck Ann Marie Camp Justin James Carr Evan David Ditty Christina Nicole Ellis Tyler H. Ennis John Joseph Madeline Jr. Joy Atieno Mboya Richard Kellen Peterson Erica Marie Rinehart Erica Ann Riola w Jared William Soell John Eric Stenberg Sarah Elizabeth Szczypinski Ashlee Nicole Wood

Graduation Honors: Seniors who have completed at least 60 credit hours in residence at Thiel are eligible for graduation honors. Those who have a grade point average of 3.80 or higher are graduated summa cum laude.

Those who have attained a grade point average of 3.60 to 3.79 are graduated magna cum laude, while those who have a grade point average of 3.40 to 3.59 are awarded cum laude. w The Dean’s Key is awarded to those students who made the Dean’s List during all eight semesters at Thiel.

Transfer students who attended Thiel for at least one year, were on the Dean’s List every semester at Thiel and were on the Dean’s List every term at his/her former college(s) also receive the Dean’s Key.

Departmental Honors Accounting, Business Administration and International Business Jebediah Lafayette Aley Eleanor Grace Belleau Brendan Joseph Dulaney Amy Marie Kramer DanDan Li John Joseph Madeline Jr. Jeffrey Anthony Marianetti Kristen Marie Moreland Anqi Sun Art Justin James Carr Kristen Marie Moreland

Communication Sabreena Diane Harrison Brittany Ann Hill Jacquelyne Marie Kinney Zachary Clay Markley Communication Sciences & Disorders Chelsi Renee Clark Jacqueline Murphy Weber Criminal Justice Studies Corey Patrick Brown Heather Marie Buck Sarah Kimberly Weikert

Biology & Life Sciences Jaimee Gwendolyn Anderson Kylie Christine Czulewicz Jacey Lynn Grant Stephanie Marie Johnson Victoria Lee Kerin Kasey Lynn Landis Alexandra Lee McClurg Erica Marie Rinehart John Eric Stenberg Sarah Elizabeth Szczypinski Rachel Christine Wills Mindy Lynn Wolfe Ashlee Nicole Wood

Education Randy Thomas Bartlett Rebecca Ann Betteridge Abigail Lynn Charsar Rachel Jean Doran Philip Charles Double Deryk Vane Herold Rebecca Dawn House Megan Helen Kay Julie Patricia Novotny Erica Ann Riola Walter Michael Santa II Monica Rose Smith Elizabeth Ann Yurky

Chemistry Christina Nicole Ellis Joseph John Janicki Evan Michael James Krizon

English Abigail Lynn Charsar Amy Jane Matchett Environmental Science Darren Cody McAninch

History Philip Charles Double Mathematics and Computer Science Marion Ann Edwards Scott Kenneth Hunkus Alex James Johnson Matthew James Lowry Ning Zhang Neuroscience Michelle Ann Blose Lynnette Georgia Enterline Political Science Gary Michael Whitla Psychology Michelle Ann Blose Heather Marie Buck Chelsi Renee Clark Sarah Lynn Conte Lynnette Georgia Enterline Takayuki Imai Amy Jane Matchett David Willis Owens Alicia Lynn Marie Trescott Sarah Kimberly Weikart Sociology Corey Patrick Brown Sarah Lynn Conte David Willis Owens Richard Kellen Peterson Alicia Lynn Marie Trescott

Departmental Honors are a prerogative of each department and are calculated and submitted by those departments that recognize such a distinction.

Senior Class Officers Ryan M. Prescott, President Sarah K. Weikart, Vice President Megan H. Kay, Treasurer Katherine E. Bretz, Secretary

Senior Class Gift Committee Michelle A.Blose Katherine E. Bretz Joseph N. Grech Alex J. Johnson Megan H. Kay Darren C. McAninch Amy N. Nacey Darwin Porras Ryan M. Prescott Jacqueline M. Weber Sarah K. Weikart Rachel C. Wills Elizabeth A.Yurky

Graduates wearing honor cords and tassels are members of designated honorary societies.

Black & Silver Cords.........................................................................................Thiel College Honors Program Green & Blue Cords...................................................... Alpha Chi, national college honor scholarship society Red & White Cords..........Les Lauriers, senior honorary society based on scholarship, service and leadership Brown Cords..............................................................Alpha Psi Omega, national honorary dramatic fraternity Gold Cords with Gold Tassels.................................... Alpha Mu Gamma, national language honorary society Red & Green Cords with Green Ribbons & Medallions..... Beta Beta Beta, national biology honorary society Scarlet Cords.............................Theta Alpha Kappa, national religious studies and theology honorary society Purple & Green Cords ............................................. Kappa Delta Pi, international honor society for educators Rose Pink & Silver Cords..................................................Kappa Mu Epsilon, national mathematics honorary Blue & White Cords..................................... Chi Alpha Epsilon, national honorary for academic achievement Black & Gold Cords................................................... Chi Alpha Sigma, national college athlete honor society Drab Cords.......................................................................Chi Eta Sigma, national commerce honorary society Blue & Gold Cords................................................................................Psi Chi, national psychology honorary Red & Light Blue Cords............................................. Phi Alpha Theta, international history honorary society Purple & White Cords.................................................................Phi Sigma Tau, national philosophy honorary Gold Cords with Tassels..................................... Lambda Pi Eta, national honorary in speech communication Blue & Gold Cords.............................................................Lambda Sigma, national sophomore honor society Scarlet & Black Cords...........................................................Sigma Tau Delta, international English honorary Black, White & Red Cords............................................... Pi Sigma Alpha, national political science honorary

Golden Anniversary — Class of 1962 David R. Alexander Hilton Head Island, SC*

Arthur E. Brown Jr. Geneva, OH *

Christine A. Ferguson Ingomar, PA *

William L. Alexander Slippery Rock, PA*

William W. Bruggeman Jr. Roswell, NM

Robert C. Field Oreland, PA *

Leland G. Almes Oil City, PA

William C. Bubeck Greenville, PA

Anna H. (Sellers) Fine Pittsburgh, PA

Donald Carl Anderson Horseheads, NY

Katheryn R. (Rockey) Buffington Erie, PA

Richard L. Fink Kalamazoo, MI

Lyle E. Anderson Jr. Plantation, FL

John Caldwell North Wales, PA

James P. Fisher Nashua, NH

James A. Armour Gibsonia, PA

Michael A. Caterino Elk Grove, CA *

Robert Fletcher Cranberry Township, PA

Roger L. Ayres Concord, CA

Merle E. Charles St. Thomas, VI

John M. Foulk Ponte Vedra Beac, FL

William H. Ayres U

Susan Churchfield Asheville, NC

Magdaline C. (Dozer) Frazier Pittsburgh, PA

Marcia F. Clark, USAF (Ret.) Seattle, WA

George A. Fulton Henderson, NV

Robert E. Clark Greenville, PA

Kathryn (Zundel) Gauss Houston, TX

Judith E. (Myers) Coco Allison Park, PA

Mont E. George U

E. Theodore Bachmann U Clyde D. Baker The Plains, OH Janice S. (Stoll) Baker Southampton, NJ J. Paul Balas III Fort Valley, VA John C. Bane

U

Ellen M. (Ohman) Barnes Newark, NY Barbara (Gorton) Barrett Houston, TX Jon H. Barrett Sarasota, FL

Katherine Lynn (Knox) Behun Brockway, PA Matthew F. Behun U Linda (Smith) Belote Hancock, MI U

Constance P. (Perazzy) Bogan Strongsville, OH Fredrika Bost New York, NY Susan V. Brooks Columbus, OH

Judith (Mccandless) Cox Stratford, CT* Nancy I. Cummerick Greensburg, PA Diane K. Dakan Westfield, NJ*

Rita (Ellis) Barsun Bloomington, IN

Karen Jean Benson

Raymond B. Comfort Holly Springs, NC

Donald J. Deanhardt The Villages, FL Bonnie (Stevenson) Defilippi New Kensington, PA Brigitte (Smorodsky) DeHart Brookeville, MD Ann (Myford) Dickinson U Nicholas J. Diakiw ** Jeanne L. (Sieber) Eddington Toronto, Ontario

William R. George Philadelphia, PA James A. Gertz Norristown, PA Robert H. Gibson Somerset, PA Susan Glatz U Sandra (Goodman) Gonzalez Arlington, VA Ronald Greenlee Webster, NY Henry B. Hall Jr. Butler, PA Charles J. Hartbauer McMurray, PA William L. Haugh Jr. Middletown, MD Willard Frank Heaps U

Edward D. Eddy U

Susan (Duran) Heide Naples, FL

Douglas L. Fairfax Hertford, NC *

Alan K. Heineman Erie, PA

Jane L. (Mickley) Heineman Erie, PA Sandra J. Hildebran Hadley, PA * Thomas A. Hower Greensburg, PA Roy T. Huber Jr. North East, PA Ronald K. Huch Richmond, KY Marie G. (Shepard) Ibbetson Maryville, TN Robert Imhoff Gibsonia, PA Carol Sue (Edmiston) Johns San Antonio, TX Judith K. (Nelson) Johnson Erie, PA Walter H. Judd Mitchelville, MD Sandra (Haberman) Kibbe U Marla (Freshcorn) Kioski Fond du Lac, WI Harry A. Kiskadden Hudson, OH James J. Klaus Jr. Bonners Ferry, ID George H. Klimack Jr. Sebring, FL * Lawrence Knapp Wexford, PA Norma J. (Freyermuth) Knutson Little Rock, AR Helen Kulusich Hermitage, PA Anna (Wohlin) Lasher Export, PA Edith O. (Bartholomay) Laurence Hartwell, GA Paul Lekander Belleview, FL

John G. Loutzenhiser U Robert G. Mahan Salisbury, NC Diane E. (Chase) Marburger Roswell, GA David R. McConahy Fairview, PA Zelma McConnell U Patricia (Burgh) McDonald Buffalo Grove, IL * Dorothy L. (Rockhill) McDowell Hadley, PA James C. McHugh Latrobe, PA Allen K. McIntosh Warren, PA * William L. Mercer Ocean Isle Beach, NC Judith (Bushman) Mershon Pittsburgh, PA Dorothy (Ermacoff) Metheny Washington, PA

Richard E. Ocker Youngstown, OH Sally (Griffith) Ocker Youngstown, OH Doris E. (Gunther) Olsen Amawalk, NY Carl J. Olson Cary, NC Ruth R. (Rohm) Olson Pooler, GA C. Vern Parker Cortland, OH Walter H. Parker U Paul S. Parobeck Pittsburgh, PA Virginia L. (Oliver) Piccolin U Elizabeth Plumer U Arthur R. Pollock Akron, OH Edith (Webster) Porter Oakridge, OR Martha M.E. Pretzlaf U

Carol F. (Schau) Miller Indian River, MI

Roland Raham Buffalo, MO

Larry A. Miller Ontario, Canada

Suzanne K. (Baldauff) Ralph Monroeville, PA *

William H. Mitcheltree Winterville, GA

Miles E. Ranck III Ebensburg, PA

George A. Morris Glenwood Springs, CO

Beverly (Blistan) Rauschenberger Swannanoa, NC

Barbara Mosgrave Annandale, VA

John Rauschenberger Swannanoa, NC

Judith (Baisler) Moyle Pearl River, LA

Frederick J. Ray Greenville, PA

Trudie A. (Palmer) Myers Hernando, FL

Max W. Ray U

Philip W. Namy Goose Creek, SC J. Gordon Naughton Erie, PA

Pauline E. (Eicher) Lewis U

Marilyn (Jones) Nee Virginia Beach, VA

James C. Long Malibu, CA *

Lois Anne (Rittmeyer) O’Toole Pittsburgh, PA

Janice L. (Cunningham) Looney Fort Myers, FL

D. Lucille (Moyer) Oberman New Cumberland, PA

Jon Arlwin Reed Greensboro, NC Mark K. Reiner Latrobe, PA Daniel G. Reinke Dublin, OH Joyce A. (Paulson) River Shelton, WA Mary Ann (Eddy) Roberts Warren, OH

Donald Rossetti Monroeville, PA

Mariam L. (Speer) Snider Lehigh Acres, FL

Kenneth W. Weigel Edmonds, WA

Berwyn H. Russell U

Diane (Bost) Spencer Jamestown, PA

Lois Weller Cleveland, OH

Martha (Butler) Springer U

Richard H. Wells Jr. Richmond, VA *

Ronald M. Sanden Elsinore, UT Elizabeth Sanderson U Thomas D. Sayers East Hampton, CT Elsa (Calderwood) Schlentner Zephyrhills, FL

Katherine E. (Steinford) Stauff Pittsburgh, PA James E. Stough Hummelstown, PA Fred V. Stoeber U

Kathleen (McNay) Schlienger Northfield, NJ

Lynn (Brown) Stoyer York, PA

David G. Seiple Wilmington, NC

Phillip G. Stutzman Painesville, OH

Terry L. Shaeffer Enterprise, AL

Phillip W. Stuyvesant Cuyahoga Falls, OH

Larry D. Shaffer East Liverpool, OH

Michael Sutch Havana, FL

Harriet (Patrias) Shallo Aiken, SC

Robert Swanson **

William S. Shaw III Pittsburgh, PA Mary Jane (Boyce) Shedd Port Orange, FL Virginia (Rogers) Shillington Bonsall, CA Christopher Shinkman Bethesda, MD Robert J. Seilhamer U David M. Simboli Surprise, AZ * David J. Sisson Destin, FL Roberta (Anderson) Skopow Erie, PA Barbara A. (Taylor) Slusser Lititz, PA Bruce G. Smith Lynchburg, VA Charles A. Smith Newport Beach, CA Joanne (Boles) Smith Lavonia, GA Karen L. (Davies) Smith

Donald E. Talbot Apo New York, NY * John T. Teubner Scottsdale, AZ * John Teutsch U Nancy Jean (White) Thomas Pittsburgh, PA Robert E. Thomas Esq. Somerset, PA Jerry L. Thornton Tucson, AZ John W. Titus Jr. Henderson, NV Nancy J. (Leslie) Todd Goose Creek, SC John S. Turnbull Allison Park, PA Nancy L. (Allshouse) Varley St. Louis, MO Judith (Bezuska) Vensel U Dennis F. Vest Leetsdale, PA * Dennis F. Weber Coraopolis, PA

John D. West Butler, PA Brenda (Hamilton) White Minerva, NY Raymond V. Wick Albuquerque, NM Harold J. Will Erie, PA Terry R. Williams U Lynne (Ayres) Wiltsie Lily Dale, NY Nancy E. Wing Hickory, NC Charles LeRoy Yeschke U Matthew R.Yunaska Warminster, PA George Zackey Alba, TX

* Last known address ** Address unknown U In Memoriam

FACULTY

Troy D. VanAken, Ph.D. President

Lynn Franken, Ph.D.

Jennifer S. Griffin, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology

Andrew Grover, M.S.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College

Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science

Jessica Abbott, M.A.

Assistant Professor of Languages–Spanish

Assistant Professor of Sociology

Jesse B. Amar, M.F.A. Associate Professor of Art

Nancy A. Antonino, Ph.D.

Lecturer of Communication Sciences & Disorders and Program Coordinator

Michael E. Bacon, Ph.D. Professor of Physics

Michael T. Balas, Ph.D. Professor of Biology

Bart A. Biroschak, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Political Science

George Branch-Trevathan, Ph.D. Lecturer of Religion

Mercedes Gutiérrez García, Ph.D. Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D.

Melissa S. Oakes, C.P.A./C.F.E.

Associate Professor of Education

Patrick C. Hecking, Ph.D. Professor of Physics

David Huddleston, M.B.A.

Associate Professor of Business Administration & Accounting

Allan M. Hunchuk, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology

Professor of Chemistry

Assistant Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science

Professor of Biology and Paul M. Rike Professor in Life Sciences

James C. Koshan, Ph.D.

Jennifer J. Curry, M.B.A.

Cynthia Sharrer Kreisel, Ph.D.

Brenda K. DelMaramo, M.A.

Ellen J. Lippert, Ph.D.

Mark J. DelMaramo, Ph.D.

Sean P. McConnor, M.F.A.

Professor of Biology

Daniel F. Eppley, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Religion

Andy Erb, M.M. Director of Bands

Victor D. Evans, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Communication

Kathryn K. Frantz, Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry

Angelo A. Giannini, M.B.A.

Professor of Business Administration & Accounting

Beth Parkinson, Ph.D. Professor of Psychology

Mary M. Reames, M.Ed. Lecturer of Education

Connie Reinhart, M.Ed.

Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Science

Jeonghun Kim, Ph.D.

Nicholas G. Despo, Ph.D.

Professor of Biology

Gayle R. Jesse, D. Sc.

Lecturer of English

David R. Buck, Ph.D.

Professor of English

Fatimata A. Palé, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Education

Guru Rattan Kaur Khalsa, Ph.D.

Lecturer of English

Instructor of Business Administration

Justin P. Jakovac, M.A.

Martin Bright, Ed.D.

Lecturer of Mathematics & Computer Science

Judith G. Newton, M.S.

Douglas R. Hazlett, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science

Joyce M. Cuff, Ph.D.

Derek R. Nelson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Religion Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science

Professor of Music

Associate Professor of History

Chaelon I. O. Myme, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Neuroscience

Professor of English

Michael R. Bray, D.M.A.

Associate Professor of Psychology

Laurie J. Moroco, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Communication

Professor of History

Assistant Professor of History Assistant Professor of Art Professor/Curator of Art

Anna Reinsel, Ph.D.

William A. Robinson, Ph.D. Professor of Performing Arts

David F. Shaffer, M.Ed. Lecturer of Education

Max E. Shellenbarger, M.A.

Lecturer of Mathematics & Computer Science

Christopher M. Stanisky, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Cynthia L. Sutton, Ph.D. Professor of Sociology

Curtis L. Thompson, Ph.D. Professor of Religion

Mark R. Vennis, M.S.

Toni L. Mild, M.Ed.

Associate Professor of Health & Physical Education

David M. Miller, M.B.A.

Assistant Professor of Sociology and Political Science

Lecturer of Education and Director of Teacher Education Professor of Economics & Business Administration and Norman P. Mortensen Chair of Economics

Lisa Walton, J.D.

Robert A. Wells, Ph.D.

Professor of Political Science

Arthur A. White Jr., Ph.D.

Ludmilla A. Miller, M.A.

Professor of Philosophy

Christopher H. Moinet, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Business Administration & Accounting

Lecturer of German Professor of English

Matthew R. Morgan, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Philosophy

Gary Witosky, C.P.A.

Jie Wu, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science

To the Class of 2012: On behalf of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, I congratulate you upon your achievement of graduation. Your Thiel educational experience is an excellent foundation of preparation for challenges of career, graduate education and contributions to our larger community. It is my hope that you find your Thiel experience to be as valuable to your life endeavors as it has been for mine.

Upon receiving your degree you transcend from student to alumni. The Thiel alumni body comprises more than 14,000 Thiel graduates.The Alumni Association is a perpetual resource for campus events, news, networking, career assistance and connection to classmates.

I encourage you to remain involved with Thiel and continue support of our mission and future objectives. Our ambition to be the finest of liberal arts colleges depends on alumni contributions of time, talents and treasure. Alumni are the greatest resource of the College.

As fellow Thiel alumni, we look forward to your success and sincerely hope that you remain connected to our Thiel family for many rewarding years ahead.

Godspeed, Raymond B. Hanlon, M.S. ’74 President, Alumni Association

Parents and friends are invited to take photographs in the area to the left of the stage.

In order to avoid blocking audience view, please assemble in the far left aisle and step forward only when taking photographs, remaining behind the designated areas.

Special “legacy” photographs will be taken for those graduates whose immediate family members are Thiel College alumni. Please meet near the terrace in front of Greenville Hall (rain site will be the Weyers Student Lounge in the HMSC) immediately following the Commencement ceremonies.