Saturday, May Sixth and Sunday, May Seventh
Two Thousand Twenty Three
Waynesburg University educates students to make connections between faith, learning and serving so they might faithfully transform their communities and the world. As a Christian comprehensive University, we strive to inspire and challenge every undergraduate and graduate student to a life of leadership and purpose for the glory of God.
Mr. Rea Redd, Faculty Marshal
Dr. James R. Bush, Deputy Faculty Marshal
Mr. Andrew Heisey, Assistant Faculty Marshal
Mr. Kenneth Cairns, Assistant Faculty Marshal
During the Commencement Procession through the parks, degree candidates will split ranks to line both sides of the walkway to Miller Hall as a sign of respect and appreciation to faculty, administration and special guests passing through the rows of graduates.
As the recessional takes place at the conclusion of the Commencement Exercises, graduates will receive the same sign of respect and appreciation as they, in turn, pass through members of the faculty and administration lining the pathway through the park.
THE CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY
THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
THE WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY
THE FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY
The Color Guard is provided by the WVU Army/Air Force ROTC Program
THE PROCESSIONAL
Coronation March ........................................................................ Meyerbeer
Pomp and Circumstance ........................................................................ Elgar
Sinfonies DeFanfares Mouret
Rigaudon ............................................................................................ Campra
Prelude and Fugue in C Major J.S. Bach
With Trumpets and Horns ................................................................. Handel
Ferdinand Dolfi ’84, Organist
THE WELCOME.................................................................................................. Rea Redd Director of Eberly Library, Librarian IV and Professor and Faculty Marshal
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM “Star Spangled Banner”......................................................................... Francis Scott Key
Tess Marlin Gabriel Reed Senior Lamplighters
THE INVOCATION.................................................................................. Joshua Sumpter University Chaplain
GREETINGS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Gregory J. Halvatzis ’73 Chair, Board of Trustees
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER ....................................................... Douglas G. Lee ’81
................................................................................................ President of the University
THE PRESENTATION OF THE TIMOTHY AND CAROLYN THYREEN SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented by President Douglas G. Lee
Mindy M. Zatta, MBA ’09
GRADUATE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE
Alyson Johnson
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Candidates will be presented to President Douglas G. Lee ‘81 by Dana Cook Baer, Provost
THE VALEDICTORY TO THE GRADUATES ................................... Douglas G. Lee ’81 .................................................................................................. President of the University
THE BENEDICTION ................................................................................. Joshua Sumpter University Chaplain
THE RECESSIONAL James D. Randolph Kiltie Band
Bagpipers
Andrew Heisey
Jeremy Olisar, Director
Lucas Pettit
Drummers
Camilo Jauregui, Drum Instructor
Damien Murbach
Tim Reeder
Tricia Sarada
Conner Sawyer
THE PROCESSIONAL
Coronation March
Meyerbeer
Sinfonies DeFanfares ....................................................................................... Mouret
Rigaudon.......................................................................................................... Campra
Prelude and Fugue in C Major
J.S.Bach With Trumpets and Horns Handel
Ferdinand Dolfi ’84, Organist
THE WELCOME....................................................................................................Rea Redd Director of Eberly Library, Librarian IV and Professor and Faculty Marshal
THE INVOCATION....................................................................................Joshua Sumpter University Chaplain
THE ANTHEM
Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal...................................traditional hymn arr. Alice Parker
The Lamplighters Touring Choir Melanie Vaccari Catana, Director
LITANY......................................................................................................Dana Cook Baer Provost
Reader: Lord of earth and heaven, your call resounds like a clear, bright trumpet blast.
Congregation: Come, worship the giver of all good gifts!
Reader: Holy God, you take delight in our gifts and talents offered back to you as a living sacrifice.
Congregation: May our worship express gratitude for the accomplishments of these years past.
Reader: Faithful Father, you ask us to trust you for the future.
Graduates: May our worship express our faith that you will guide and direct our paths in the years to come.
Reader: Redeemer King, you equip and prepare your people to bear your loving Kingdom to a world in need.
Graduates: May our worship declare our commitment to do your will through loving service.
Reader: Lord of Hosts, you send forth your Spirit to free us - body, mind and heart - to live with unceasing praise.
Congregation: May our worship reflect the dedication of our hands and feet, wealth and resources, time and talents to the purifying fire of your Spirit!
All:
*THE HYMN
Lord, we are yours, draw us near to you!
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (Page 130)...........................................Charles Wesley
Melanie Vaccari Catana Director of Choral Music/Assistant Professor of Vocal Music
O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise, The glories of my God and King, the triumphs of his grace!
Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease, 'Tis music in the sinner's ears, 'tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the power of cancelled sin, he sets the prisoner free; His blood can make the foulest clean; his blood availed for me.
He speaks, and listening to His voice, new life the dead receive; The mournful, broken hearts rejoice; the humble poor believe.
My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim, To spread thro' all the earth abroad the honors of your name.
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER.........................................................Douglas G. Lee ‘81 President of the University
*The congregation is requested to stand and join in the singing.
THE BACCALAUREATE SERMON........................Reverend Austin Crenshaw Shelley Senior Pastor and Head of Staff at Shadyside Presbyterian Church
“Broke, Blessed and Beloved”
*THE HYMN
Be Thou My Vision (Page 532).................................................Eleanor H. Hull, SLANE
Melanie Vaccari Catana Director of Choral
Music/Assistant
Professor of Vocal Music
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart Naught be all else to me, save that thou art. Thou my best thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, and Thou my true word; I ever with thee, and Thou with me, Lord. Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.
High king of heaven, my victory won, May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all. THE BENEDICTION..................................................................................Joshua Sumpter University Chaplain
*The congregation is requested to stand and join in the singing.
Mr. Rea Redd, Faculty Marshal
Dr. James R. Bush, Deputy Faculty Marshal
Mr. Andrew Heisey, Assistant Faculty Marshal
Mr. Kenneth Cairns, Assistant Faculty Marshal
During the Commencement Procession through the parks, degree candidates will split ranks to line both sides of the walkway to Miller Hall as a sign of respect and appreciation to faculty, administration and special guests passing through the rows of graduates.
As the recessional takes place at the conclusion of the Commencement Exercises, graduates will receive the same sign of respect and appreciation as they, in turn, pass through members of the faculty and administration lining the pathway through the park.
THE CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY
THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
THE WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY
THE FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY
The Color Guard is provided by the WVU Army/Air Force ROTC Program
THE PROCESSIONAL
Coronation March
Meyerbeer
Pomp and Circumstance ........................................................................ Elgar
Sinfonies DeFanfares Mouret
Rigaudon ............................................................................................ Campra
Prelude and Fugue in C Major ......................................................... J.S. Bach With Trumpets and Horns Handel
Ferdinand Dolfi ’84, Organist
THE WELCOME.................................................................................................. Rea Redd Director of Eberly Library, Librarian IV and Professor and Faculty Marshal
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM “Star Spangled Banner” Francis Scott Key
Tess Marlin Gabriel Reed Senior Lamplighters
THE INVOCATION
Joshua Sumpter University Chaplain
GREETINGS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ................... Gregory J. Halvatzis ’73
...................................................................................................... Chair, Board of Trustees
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER ........................................................ Douglas G. Lee ’81
................................................................................................. President of the University
THE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS .................................................. Mr. Thomas Foley President of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania (AICUP)
“The Value Proposition of a Waynesburg University Degree”
CONFERRING OF HONORARY
Recipients presented by Reverend Thomas Hall and Mr. J.W. Montgomery
Assisting with the investitures will be Mr. Mark Fox and Dr. Carolyn Thyreen
DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS
Mr. Thomas Foley
DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS
Reverend Austin Crenshaw Shelley
RECOGNITION OF VALEDICTORIANS ..............................................
Maddison Butler
Gabriela Hallman
Elliott Kimball
THE VALEDICTORY TO THE UNIVERSITY...................................... Gabriela Hallman
Resilience In Small And Big Moments
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Candidates will be presented to President Douglas G. Lee ‘81 by Dana Cook Baer, Provost
THE PRESENTATION OF THE DOUGLAS G. AND KATHRYN D. LEE SERVANT LEADERSHIP AWARD
Presented By Gregory J. Halvatzis ’73 Chair, Board of Trustees
THE VALEDICTORY TO THE GRADUATES
Douglas G. Lee ’81 President of the University
THE BENEDICTION .................................................................................
Joshua Sumpter University Chaplain
THE RECESSIONAL.........................................................
James D. Randolph Kiltie Band
Bagpipers
Andrew Heisey
Jeremy Olisar, Director
Lucas Pettit
Drummers
Camilo Jauregui, Drum Instructor
Damien Murbach
Tim Reeder
Tricia Sarada
Conner Sawyer
Mindy Zatta is a private wealth advisor with over 20 years of experience. Zatta has devoted her entire career to the financial services industry and bettering her clients’ lives. Before joining IronBridge Wealth Counsel, she served as a financial advisor helping to build a successful advisory practice at a national financial services firm.
Zatta’s commitment and service to her clients are the guiding principles that drive her business and every decision she makes. While at her former broker dealer, Zatta was a member of The Resource Group, an invitation-only nationwide network of the top 200 planners.
Additionally, Zatta was a member of the WISE group, a special group of women inspiring, supporting and educating other female colleagues, clients and future advisors pursuing knowledge and services in the financial planning industry. She has also been recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager for the past ten consecutive years.
Deeply involved in her community, Zatta serves on the Washington Health System Foundation Board as the Investment Committee Chair; the Washington County Hospital Authority; the Washington Area Humane Society Board; and Waynesburg University’s Business Advisory Board. Her volunteer efforts with charitable organizations are numerous and include the American Cancer Society, RELAY for Life, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Dress for Success.
Zatta holds an M.B.A. from Waynesburg University and a B.A. in Economics and Women’s Studies from Denison University. She also has earned designations as a certified financial planner, chartered retirement planning counselor and behavioral financial advisor.
Zatta currently resides in the Boro of East Washington with her husband, Jeremy.
The Reverend Austin Crenshaw Shelley is the Senior Pastor and Head of Staff at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. Previously, Rev. Shelley served for nine years as the Associate Minister of Christian Education at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, where she was ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in October 2012.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College, Rev. Shelley received her Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary, where she is presently a Ph.D. candidate in homiletics. Throughout her years of study at Princeton, she has continued her strong commitment to sacred music and the arts as a soprano and flautist with the seminary’s choir.
Prior to attending seminary, Rev. Shelley began her journey toward a second career in professional ministry as the Director of Youth Ministries at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church in South Carolina. Her first career as a teacher of visual art, Spanish, Latin, and gifted students’ programming turned out to be pivotal in preparing her for her passions in ministry: children’s ministry, ministry in the public square, writing, teaching, and preaching.
In 2014, Rev. Shelley joined the governing board of Young Clergy Women International, serving as managing editor of the organization’s online magazine, until her graduation from the group in 2019. Since that time, she has enjoyed writing poetry, sermons, and articles for various publications, including The Christian Century; Connections; and Preaching as Resistance: Voices of Hope, Justice, and Solidarity, edited by Phil Snider.
Rev. Shelley and her husband, Mark, together parent four children.
Tom Foley, president of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Pennsylvania (AICUP), has held numerous leadership positions over three decades in four fields, including education, workforce development, volunteer service and public policy.
Foley has testified more than 50 times before governmental and legislative bodies in Harrisburg, Belfast, Dublin and Washington, D.C., and chaired ten statewide boards and commissions in Pennsylvania.
He has written on a wide range of public policy topics, including on issues of justice, foreign policy, preschool education, sports, workforce development and Irish history. The recipient of over 100 awards for his endeavors, Foley was named a Top 100 Irish American in both education and law, becoming one of only two individuals to receive both honors. Foley is also the recipient of the Centennial Medal for Service, the Liberty Bell Award and numerous humanitarian awards, and is an honorary member of the Philadelphia Fire Department.
Foley has served in both the executive and legislative branches of the federal government, working for Congressman James Shannon and then-Senator Joe Biden, whom he served as speechwriter and legislative aide. He also did intensive work in D.C. on issues involving peace and justice in Northern Ireland and Central America.
Foley and his wife, Michele, a lifelong educator, are parents of three sons, an historian, an architect and a family physician, and have four grandchildren. Foley grew up in a family of 12 siblings, and is the grandson of Irish immigrants.
BRIANNA NICOLE ADANITSCH
KARLEE ANDERSON
LEAH CORINNE BARRETT
BRISTON JOSHUA BENNETT
HALEY N. BERRY
AUTUMN LINDSAY BLAIR
SARAH KAYE BROWN
NATHAN LEE BRUDNOCK
CAELYN ALEXIS BUTLER
MADDISON MARIE BUTLER
ALEXIS CAIN
ALISON RAE CAMMISA
KASIE MARIE CAMPBELL
HANNAH MARIE CHEPLIC
ELIZABETH IRENE COLLINGS
CAROLINE ROSE CULOS
ALYSSA LOUISE D’ALESSANDRO
SYDNEY ELIZABETH DALLY
CASSANDRA NICOLE DARRALL
EMMA GRACE DAUGHERTY
MCKENZIE ANN DOWNER
KIRA R. DURDEN
ANDREW WILLIAM EVANS
FAITH MARIE FALICK
HALEY MORGAN FERRICKS
TYLER GRANT FUNK
TYLER MICHAEL GADD
COURTNEY CATHERINE GROVE
GABRIELA PATRICE HALLMAN
MICHAELENA JO HAMMOND
MARIA ELIZABETH HANNI
ADAM JAMES HARTNETT
MARINA ANNE HASTINGS
KENDRA LOUISE HAUSHALTER
NICHOLAS LEE HAUSHALTER
SAMUEL RILEY HAWKINS
ALEC JORDAN HENDAL
KATHERINE BROOKEROSE HENDERSON
MACIE CHRISTINE HOTHEM
RACHEL ANN JAKUBOVIC
ANDREW CHARLES KEMERER
DYLAN M. KENNEDY
ELLIOTT TOD KIMBALL
EMILY ROSE KINGSTON
CAITLIN ELIZABETH KOHLMEYER
COURTNEY KOONTZ
TREVOR MICHAEL KOTCHMAN
ERIN ELIZABETH LANG
MICAH STEVENSON LEITH
COLSEN P. LINEY
LAUREN LOBER
PARKER MAKOWSKI
AUSTIN JAMES MAKSIN
ALEKSA ELIZABETH MALYS
QUINTIN ANDREW MAPSTONE
TESS CAROLINE MARLIN
ALEXYS NICOLE MARSH
PAIGE CARMELA MATTES
* Honors based on cumulative grade point average through the First Semester of the 2022-2023 Academic Year. Gold Cords are worn by Honor Graduates.
MAGGY JO MCCARTY
ROCKY ANDREW MCGEARY
ZOE GRACE MEDVID
RACHEL DANIELLE MEJALLI
TYLER M. METZGER
DREW BRYAN MILLER
HOPE ELIZABETH MILLER
MALLORY DAWN MILLER
ELYSE ANNE MORGAN
JAMES ROBERT MORRIS
CHRISTINA THERESIA MULLER
JESSICA MARIE MYERS
SAMANTHA AMBER NEWMAN
ELIZABETH ROSE OSCHE
EVE MADELINE O’SULLIVAN
LANE SCOTT OURS
BROCK P. OWENS
BRITTANY NICOLE PALFREYMAN
ELLENA PATEL
SAMANTHA JO PETE
ALIA JANAE PIECHNICK
JOSHUA ALLEN POINDEXTER
BRITNEY LYNN POLLOCK
ABBY LYNN POWERS
MADISON SUSANNE RAMSEY
ELIZABETH RAUGHLEY
SARAH RAE RENTLER
COREY JAIDYN RICHARDSON
JACLYN VICTORIA RIDER
SHAYLA MARIE ROKICKI
JALEXIE A. ROMAN
HANNAH ELIZABETH ROSE
LACEY MARIE RUSSELL
MICHAEL J. SALIBA
EMILY PAYTON SARVER
MATTHEW JAMES SCHEIBER
EMILY M. SCHROEDER
KENNEDY GRACE SCHUCK
BRODIE LEIGH SHAFFER
SOPHIE ELIZABETH SHAHAN
ALEXIS TAYLOR SHANDOR
REBECCA FAITHE SHANK
AIDAN E. SHEELY
ERYNN ELIZABETH SOKOL
MARGARET OLIVIA STAINS
KAYLA STOHON
JESSICA JADE STUER
AUDRA JEANNE TERRILL
HALEIGH SHAI THOMAS
MAXWELL ISAAC TOOPS
REBEKAH JEANNE VAUGHAN
ALIZA CHRISTINE WIDDUP
HANNA CATHERINE WILSON
JASON D. WISSINGER
KATELYN ELIZABETH WOLFE
GRACE K. WOODS
KAYLEA WREN
CALEB JAMES YAUGER
JEFFERSON JAMES ZARELLA
* Honors based on cumulative grade point average through the First Semester of the 2022-2023 Academic Year. Gold Cords are worn by Honor Graduates.
Neomi Aladjem Pittsburgh, PA
“Hospital Acquired Pressure Injury Prevention: A Quality Improvement Project”
Lisa Marie Cameron New Castle, PA
“Prevention of Pressure Injuries in Long-Term Care Residents: A Quality Improvement Initiative”
Louise M. Dobbins Pittsburgh, PA
“Early Patient Discharge: A Quality Improvement Initiative”
Marian Therese Longstreth Washington, PA
“Implementing Best Practices for Decreasing Nurse Hesitancy to Call the Rapid Response Team: An EvidenceBased Quality Improvement Initiative”
Kerry Ann Maier Monaca, PA
“Resiliency Education in a Nurse Residency Program: A Quality Improvement Initiative”
Jerry Lee Dooley Jr. Mannington, WV
Megan Elizabeth Miller McMurray, PA
“Fall Prevention Interventions Decreasing the Number of Falls in the Geriatric Psychiatric Population”
Courtney Lynne Nyoh Conway, PA
“Implementation of Professional Development Mapping Sessions to Increase Perceived Development: A Quality Improvement Project”
Christie Ryan McDonald, PA
“Improving Bed Throughput: A Quality Improvement Initiative”
Emily Ann Shawley Belle Vernon, PA
“Interdisciplinary Telerounding in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Initiative”
Amy L. Snyder Sarver, PA
“Implementation of Stay Interviews to Decrease Nurse Turnover and Increase Nurse Satisfaction”
“Burnout Among School Counselors in West Virginia Public PK-12 Schools”
Leann E. Romitti West Mifflin, PA
“LGBTQ+ Identified Counselors: Experiences in the Clincial Workplace”
Megan Anne Ayers Pittsburgh, PA
Megan Catherine Banes Bethel Park, PA
Ronald Paul Behanna III Charleroi, PA
Danielle Deprise Butler West Mifflin, PA
Christopher Michael Caldwell Jr. Greensboro, PA
Kristina Marie Cannon Connoquenessing, PA
Hannah Elizabeth Carey Pittsburgh, PA
Victoria L. Dishner Valencia, PA
Elizabeth A. Garren Washington Court House, OH
Chelsea J. Kautz Berlin, MD
Natalie Ann Krut McDonald, PA
Sara R. Kwiatkowski Pittsburgh, PA
Charley Samantha Ledgerton Bridgeville, PA
Olivia Claire Mahla Pittsburgh, PA
Megan Carey McElligott Waynesburg, PA
Anthony Nicholas Mirabile Conshohocken, PA
Cory D. Mitchell McMurray, PA
Alexandria Jacqueline Pust Douglassville, PA
Sean Patrick Ramsey Waynesburg, PA
Keelie Rae Selvoski Rostraver, PA
Aaron James Sielski Waynesburg, PA
Isaiah Levera Skeete Washington, PA
Stephanie Lynne Stevens Ambridge, PA
Essence Imani Marie Suggs Waynesburg, PA
James Jeffrey Van Zandt Pittsburgh, PA
Angela Dawn Veltri Bridgeville, PA
Erica Christine Warner Pittsburgh, PA
Claire Elizabeth Wherthey Johnstown, PA
Amanda Marie Whitlow Georgetown, PA
Tyler Anthony Woodrow Gibsonia, PA
Hannah Catherine Hamilton Waynesburg, PA
Gabrielle Pru Muilenburg Carmichaels, PA
Jonathan Gordon Babyak IV Pittsburgh, PA
Annie Lynn Baich Pittsburgh, PA
Marinela Banovic Moon Township, PA
Natalie Magee Conte Philipsburg, PA
Taylor J. Criste Carnegie, PA
Robert Clark Fox Waynesburg, PA
Elizabeth A. Garren Washington Court House, OH
Felicia M. Gehres Waynesburg, PA
Angelica Victoria Good Waynesburg, PA
Joshua C. Hilzendeger McMurray, PA
Chace Montgomery Johnston Dilliner, PA
Nijon Antonio Kirkman Cleveland, OH
Robert Edward Kulpa Jr. Pataskala, OH
Joshua Kumer Hickory, PA
Ryan John Lemmon Waynesburg, PA
Derek Alan Martin Pittsburgh, PA
Michael Jonathon McVicker Waynesburg, PA
Bradley Scott Meredith Freedom, PA
William Karamo Motley Pittsburgh, PA
Alexandra Marie Myers Washington, PA
Dylan James Nowakowski Bridgeport, OH
Shannon Alexis Ortosky Richeyville, PA
Zachary M. Palucka Pittsburgh, PA
Debra J. Panucci McMurray, PA
Christine Perlick Pittsburgh, PA
James Stephen Peters Washington, PA
Tyler J. Raines Elkridge, MD
Robert Sean Redinger Pittsburgh, PA
Gloria Gabriela Reed Midlothian, TX
Charles Dunlap Richardson Lititz, PA
Martin Anthony Rock Latrobe, PA
Marc Pascal Schaper Zurzach, Switzerland
Aaron James Sielski Waynesburg, PA
James E. Shahan Jr. Perryopolis, PA
Isaiah Levera Skeete Washington, PA
Kayla Lynn Spina Eighty Four, PA
Payton D. Barr Washington, PA
Jamie Leigh Dobson Pittsburgh, PA
Angelica Victoria Good Waynesburg, PA
James Louis Sray Jr. Canonsburg, PA
Caleb Isaac Stephens Titusville, PA
Michelle L. Stonemark McDonald, PA
Nicholas Peter Sylvester Coraopolis, PA
Andrea Marie Taylor McMurray, PA
William Earl Teagarden Nemacolin, PA
Adrienne Dawn Tharp Waynesburg, PA
Kathleen Ann Trueman Pittsburgh, PA
Taylor Nicole West Washington, PA
Ryan Donald Williams Pittsburgh, PA
Curtis Jay Wolfe Clarion, PA
Tyler Richard Wright Weirton, WV
Joseph Stanley Sabolek Belle Vernon, PA
Rachel Audrey Sharp Knoxville, TN
Taylor K. Staley Waynesburg, PA
Zachery Allen Baughman Polk, PA
Mya Kathryn Brooks Lansing, MI
Alyson Nicole Johnson Raceland, KY
Jordan Lynn Porterfield Connellsville, PA
Sarah Elizabeth Cline Oakdale, PA
Taylor J. Criste Carnegie, PA
Christine Elizabeth Dawson Wexford, PA
Emmanuel Adedayo Fatona Allison Park, PA
Elise Erinne Gides Valencia, PA
Makenna Hadrych Morgantown, WV
Jessica B. Kaddy Export, PA
Robin Michele Leasure Toronto, OH
Alaina Lynn Martini Pittsburgh, PA
Catherine Louisa McGraw Monrovia, MD
Johnna Renee Resek Pittsburgh, PA
Rose Marie Scalo Butler, PA
Chasity J. Steele New Castle, PA
Paulette Nadine Tarkin Irwin, PA
Kendall Tuttle Lake Lynn, PA
Suzanne Dawn Zack New Wilmington, PA
Leah Corinne Barrett Ruckersville, VA
Malea Marie Baxter Washington, PA
Austin Ray Bechtold Pittsburgh, PA
Reghan Dean Benschoter Newark, OH
Logan Xavier Blakeman Falling Waters, WV
Justin Burnette Greensburg, PA
Caelyn Alexis Butler Johnstown, PA
Maddison Marie Butler Altoona, PA
Alexis Cain Weirton, WV
Jesse O. Cain Hedgesville, WV
Rachel Lee Caldwell Ligonier, PA
Alison Rae Cammisa Renfrew, PA
Patrick Erin Carlson Jr. Crafton, PA
Mackenzie Cori Carpenter Wind Ridge, PA
Dale Wesley Champlin III Ambler, PA
Hannah Marie Cheplic Finleyville, PA
Makenzie Rose Cima Irwin, PA
Mackenzi Ann Cole Waynesburg, PA
Elizabeth Marie Dawn Cook Pineville, WV
Garrett Robert Cook Weirton, WV
Leighton Mae Croft Cheat Lake, WV
Caroline Rose Culos Gibsonia, PA
Haley Michelle Custer Leechburg, PA
Alyssa Louise D’Alessandro Vineland, NJ
Cassandra Nicole Darrall Washington, PA
Emma Grace Daugherty Freeport, PA
Keith Alan Deasis Pittsburgh, PA
Kira R. Durden Saint Thomas, PA
DeAndra Lenae Edwards Charleroi, PA
Andrew James Elerick Saint Clairsville, OH
Andrew William Evans Bethel Park, PA
Nathaniel Lee Fletcher Jr. Munhall, PA
Tyler Grant Funk North Huntingdon, PA
Arthur Howard Gallagher Jr. Uniontown, PA
Kimberly Ann Graver Alpharetta, GA
Colby C. Green Burgettstown, PA
Nathan Joseph Grella Gloucester, VA
Jarrett Dale Grove Gallitzin, PA
Gabriela Patrice Hallman Douglassville, PA
Michaelena Jo Hammond Chambersburg, PA
Maria Elizabeth Hanni Coraopolis, PA
Gabriel Aiden Harr Latrobe, PA
Adam James Hartnett† McKeesport, PA
Marina Anne Hastings Shippensburg, PA
Kendra Louise Haushalter Polk, PA
Nicholas Lee Haushalter Polk, PA
Katherine Brookerose Henderson Littleton, WV
Richard Allen Henderson Bethel Park, PA
Gavin Andrew Hornyak West Mifflin, PA
Alexander John Hughes Waynesburg, PA
Elliott Tod Kimball† Hardwick, VT
Emily Rose Kingston Ellwood City, PA
Bryan Christopher Kline Waynesburg, PA
Courtney Koontz Charleroi, PA
Erin Elizabeth Lang Pittsburgh, PA
Luke Mathieu-Mendoza LaVanway Monroe, MI
Micah Stevenson Leith Clearville, PA
August Trey Lober Houston, PA
Lauren Lober Houston, PA
Christopher Anthony Makosey McKeesport, PA
Aleksa Elizabeth Malys Wilkes Barre, PA
Tess Caroline Marlin South Park, PA
Rose Marie Mathews Pittsburgh, PA
Silas Mays McDonald, PA
Justice Rayshawn McCamick Galloway, OH
Maggy Jo McCarty Lumberport, WV
Kirstin Tyler McCord Fairview, WV
Rocky Andrew McGeary McDonald, PA
Victoria Grace Meiklejohn Boonsboro, MD
Braedyn Pierce Mihalic Saint Clairsville, OH
Hope Elizabeth Miller Port Matilda, PA
Jeremiah Scott Miller New Freeport, PA
Mallory Dawn Miller Ligonier, PA
Elyse Anne Morgan Beaver Falls, PA
Gwyneth Bliss Napier Pullman, WV
Carter James Newcome Rossiter, PA
Erin Elizabeth Onderko New Wilmington, PA
Brock P. Owens Johnstown, PA
Brittany Nicole Palfreyman Washington, PA
Marco Vincent Parry Youngstown, OH
Anthony Robert Parsons Moon Township, PA
Ellena Patel Twinsburg, OH
Abigail Margaret Phillips Bridgeville, PA
Alia Janae Piechnick Bridgeville, PA
Sidney J. Pinkston Alexandria, VA
Joshua Allen Poindexter Belle Vernon, PA
Britney Lynn Pollock Carmichaels, PA
Abby Lynn Powers Pittsburgh, PA
Gina Marie Ranieri Carmichaels, PA
Emily Kathryn Redman La Plata, MD
Sarah Rae Rentler Pittsburgh, PA
Colin C. Rhodes Manor, PA
Corey Jaidyn Richardson Glenshaw, PA
Ashley Renee Rogers Graysville, PA
Jalexie A. Roman Clermont, FL
Chase C. Rondon Dillsburg, PA
Hannah Elizabeth Rose Jeannette, PA
Courtney Hannah Ross Aleppo, PA
Bo Ruffner Latrobe, PA
Michael J. Saliba New Kensington, PA
Emily Payton Sarver Confluence, PA
Matthew James Scheiber Courtney, PA
Emily M. Schroeder Pittsburgh, PA
Alexis Taylor Shandor Pittsburgh, PA
Rebecca Faithe Shank East Berlin, PA
Aidan E. Sheely Mechanicsburg, PA
Angel J.R. Smith Aliquippa, PA
Kayla Marie Smith Greensboro, PA
Zoie Elise Smith Berlin, PA
Erynn Elizabeth Sokol Canonsburg, PA
Abigail M. Spiker Gibbon Glade, PA
Melinda Joy Spiker Acme, PA
Margaret Olivia Stains South Fork, PA
Nicholas Ryan Staso Washington, PA
Jessica Jade Stuer Johnstown, PA
Hayley Elizabeth Sweeney Johnstown, PA
Haleigh Shai Thomas Waynesburg, PA
Rebekah Jeanne Vaughan Prosperity, PA
Madelyn Therese Verhoff Bellevue, OH
Clinton Robert Whitelatch Moundsville, WV
Tara Lynn Wildner Somerset, PA
Logan Grant Wilson Norwich, OH
Kaylea Wren Wheeling, WV
Caleb James Yauger Evans City, PA
Christopher David Zaccheus Canonsburg, PA
Jefferson James Zarella Carmichaels, PA
Joel Alexander Zellem Fombell, PA
Autumn Lindsay Blair Pittsburgh, PA
Skyler Elizabeth Bogus Point Marion, PA
Mya Kathryn Brooks Lansing, MI
Jamie Anne Burda Greensburg, PA
James Allen Cokley III Cochranton, PA
Harley Constable Smithfield, PA
John Henry Dickson Pittsburgh, PA
Steven J. Dowling Canonsburg, PA
Camryn Kerbe Dyer Church Hill, PA
Faith Marie Falick Bridgeville, PA
Haley Morgan Ferricks Canonsburg, PA
Logan William Gottshall Cresson, PA
Courtney Catherine Grove Frederick, MD
Nicholas James Hall Fayette City, PA
Tom Hanik Windber, PA
Jesse Tyler Hazlett Youngwood, PA
Anna Morgan Hilverding Waynesburg, PA
Macie Christine Hothem† Saint Clairsville, OH
Breanne Louise Hunter West Alexander, PA
Andrew Charles Kemerer Herminie, PA
Dylan M. Kennedy Washington, PA
Trevor Michael Kotchman Coal Center, PA
Joseph M. Kraft Munhall, PA
Hayley Kubincanek Bethel Park, PA
Emmanuel M. Les’Pere Smithfield, NC
Colsen P. Liney King of Prussia, PA
Austin James Maksin Verona, PA
Quintin Andrew Mapstone East Millsboro, PA
Tyler M. Metzger Connellsville, PA
Serena Nicole Neville Morgantown, WV
Lane Scott Ours Moorefield, WV
Cameron John Pollana Washington, PA
Madison Susanne Ramsey Waynesburg, PA
Elizabeth Raughley Newark, NJ
Gabriel James Reed Belle Vernon, PA
Travis J. Stiffy North Apollo, PA
Maxwell Isaac Toops North Huntingdon, PA
Meaghan Nickole VanSickle Farmington, PA
Tyler James Williams Youngwood, PA
Jason D. Wissinger Windber, PA
Karlee Anderson Morgantown, WV
Briston Joshua Bennett Mount Morris, PA
Haley N. Berry Waynesburg, PA
Sean Patrick Brennan Moon Township, PA
Sarah Kaye Brown Dilliner, PA Carlton Brown Riverside, CA
Nathan Lee Brudnock Sycamore, PA
Todd Dillon Burner Parkersburg, WV
Nicholas David Cruny Follansbee, WV
Hunter Joseph Curran Oakdale, PA
Anika Lee Dansby Canton, OH
Trey Carl Denniston Wheeling, WV
Jeremy Thomas Eng Elon, NC
Chase Michael Espen Saint Clairsville, OH
Ryan P. Felberg Solon, OH
Tyler Michael Gadd Uniontown, PA
Noah Glenn Grossnickle Myersville, MD
Samuel Riley Hawkins Saint Inigoes, MD
Shawn Paul Hytla Moon Township, PA
Amy Liu Beaver, PA
Parker Makowski Washington, PA
Drew Bryan Miller Waynesburg, PA
Jacob Carl Miller Jefferson Hills, PA
Makalia Hart Morrell Scenery Hill, PA
Adriana Patricia Palma Pittsburgh, PA
Samantha Jo Pete† Cochranton, PA
Joshua Raymond Radakovich Erie, PA
Jaclyn Victoria Rider Smithfield, PA
Shayla Marie Rokicki Bentleyville, PA
Jonathan Mark Ruffing Bentleyville, PA
Kennedy Grace Schuck Marietta, OH
Robert Allen Springer III Waynesburg, PA
Alex O. Torrance Latrobe, PA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MARINE BIOLOGY
Ciera’ Renee Fitts Dayton, OH
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
Brianna Nicole Adanitsch Scottdale, PA
Laura Elizabeth Alioto** Pittsburgh, PA
Hazel G. Austria-Robles Pittsburgh, PA
Bianca Antoinette Bertucci** Burbank, IL
Logan Michelle Bielecki Burgettstown, PA
Justine Leigh Brown Grindstone, PA
Kasie Marie Campbell Meyersdale, PA
Alyssa Nicole Clements Hopwood, PA
Emily Carlamarie Close La Mesa, CA
Elizabeth Irene Collings Beaver, PA
Allison Cramer Brownsville, PA
Tammy Lynn Cushey Saxonburg, PA
Sydney Elizabeth Dally Dunbar, PA
Emily Ruth Daum Tarentum, PA
Brenna Mary Deines Colorado Springs, CO
McKenzie Ann Downer Waynesburg, PA
Kayla Michelle Eckels Morgantown, WV
Hannah Leigh Feth Pittsburgh, PA
Teighan Lynn Finley Millsboro, PA
Abby Fitzpatrick Claysville, PA
Olivia Grace Foust Somerset, PA
Samantha R. Gallo Waynesburg, PA
Kendall Leigh Gossett Rices Landing, PA
Rachel Marie Gruber Aliquippa, PA
Kent Lee Harkleroad Apollo, PA
Alec Jordan Hendal Canonsburg, PA
Rachel Ann Jakubovic West Mifflin, PA
Hannah Marie Kalemon Cheswick, PA
Heather Arlene Kinder Fredericktown, PA
Caitlin Elizabeth Kohlmeyer Canonsburg, PA
Stephanie Kyi Brooklyn, NY
Tucker Shane Livengood Reedsville, WV
Morgan Lynne Lugowski Crescent, PA
Morgan Taylor Macfarlane Washington, PA
Alexys Nicole Marsh Randolph, NY
Paige Carmela Mattes Venetia, PA
Allison Morgan McCracken Morgantown, WV
Zoe Grace Medvid McMurray, PA
Rachel Danielle Mejalli West Mifflin, PA
Nicole Marie Micik Washington, PA
Elaina Marie Mills Cailfornia, PA
James Robert Morris† Jefferson, PA
Christina Theresia Muller Apollo, PA
Jessica Marie Myers Smithfield, PA
Meckenzi Nelson Washington, PA
Samantha Amber Newman Greenmount, MD
Katelyn Elizabeth Orr Bethesda, OH
Elizabeth Rose Osche Glenshaw, PA
Eve Madeline O’Sullivan Ligonier, PA
Claudia Evan Platt Venetia, PA
Danika Marlene Reed Woodbury, PA
Joleen Trinette Romano Washington, PA
Hannah Marie Rosenberger Bruceton Mills, WV
Lacey Marie Russell Canonsburg, PA
Sarah Nicole Russell McDonald, PA
Amanda Leigh Schardt Washington, PA
Brodie Leigh Shaffer Hermitage, PA
Caitlin Sienna Misejka Tarentum, PA
Sophie Elizabeth Shahan Perryopolis, PA
Jacqueline Marie Shaw Rostraver Twp, PA
Bailee Catherine Shimek Waynesburg, PA
Becky Sondericker Holbrook, PA
Marissa Lynn Spangler Northumberland, PA
Kayla Stohon Summerhill, PA
Dana R. Sylvester Export, PA
Audra Jeanne Terrill Claysville, PA
Aliza Christine Widdup Waynesburg, PA
Hannah Catherine Wilson Fairchance, PA
Katelyn Elizabeth Wolfe Jefferson, PA
Grace K. Woods Waynesburg, PA
Madison Clare Zajdel Washington, PA
The academic attire worn at American colleges’ exercises today goes back in its essential features to the Middle Ages. The oldest universities of northern Europe, such as Oxford, grew out of church schools, and both faculty and students were regarded in the Middle Ages as a part of the clergy. Hence, they wore clerical garb, largely borrowed from the monastic dress of their day, not merely on special occasions, but as their regular attire.
The head covering of the academic attire developed out of the skullcap worn by the clergy in cold weather to protect their tonsured heads. In the universities, this skullcap acquired a point on top, which gradually evolved into a tassel. The bonnet with tassel is still worn by degree-holders of the European universities. But, in this country, it has been replaced by the familiar mortar-board, which still, however, retains the medieval tassel.
The hood (the medieval caputium) was originally a head-covering worn over the head in bad weather, and otherwise dropped onto the shoulders, like the monk’s cowl. At first, it was worn by faculty and students alike, but in the early 16th century it was restricted to graduates, and thus came to be the mark of a degree-holder. The hoods contained pockets — for donations from students. Higher degrees provided larger hoods and larger pockets. Today, each college has its distinctive colored hood-lining by which its graduates may be recognized in academic processions.
The gown worn today is the medieval roba, and seems to have been borrowed from the habit of the Benedictine monks. The gown was intended to keep the professors warm in the cold monasteries. In the Middle Ages, undergraduates, bachelors and masters could be distinguished by the simplicity or elaborateness of their gowns, and this practice remains today. The doctoral gown has three furred strips (called Chevrons) on each sleeve; the master’s gown generally has open sleeves; and the bachelor’s gown is plain.
The wide velvet borders extending down the front of the doctoral gown, the velvet bars on the sleeves and the borders of most hoods are colored according to the scholarly field of the wearer. The most usual of these are:
White Arts, Letters and Humanities
Olive drab Business Administration
Copper Economics
Brown Fine Arts and Architecture
Purple Law
Lemon
Library Science
Green Medicine
Pink Music
Light blue Education
Dark blue Philosophy
Sage green Physical Education
Gold yellow Science
Scarlet Theology
Apricot Nursing
Salmon pink Public Health
Waynesburg University gratefully acknowledges the contributions presented by the Class of 2023 as part of the Senior Class Gift.
The Alumni Office will be giving a gift to graduates in Fountain Park (directly south of Miller Hall) following the Commencement Exercises.