Spring Commencement

2017 SPRING COMMENCEMENT

HUNDREDS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS GATHERED ON THE LAWN BENEATH WEISEL SENIOR TERRACE ON MAY 13 AS NEARLY 300 STUDENTS EARNED DEGREES DURING WESTMINSTER’S 163RD SPRING COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY.

The Rev. Dr. Gordon S. Mikoski, left, and the Rev. Nancy Mikoski, parents of graduating senior Charissa Mikoski, provided the Baccalaureate sermon. Also pictured is College Chaplain the Rev. James R. Mohr II.

Anthony Easley offers senior remarks.

Board of Trustees Chair Deborah Platt Majoras ’85, left, and President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson, right, with honorary degree recipient Dr. Robert S. Gardner ’57.

The first commencement presided over by the recently inaugurated Westminster President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson, the day celebrated the conclusion of the undergraduate careers of 239 graduating seniors. Master’s degrees were also conferred upon 54 post-baccalaureate students. The day began in traditional Westminster fashion with a morning baccalaureate service, this year featuring a joint sermon, “At the Water’s Edge,” by the Rev. Dr. Gordon S. Mikoski, associate professor of Christian education at Princeton Theological Seminary, and the Rev. Nancy Mikoski, pastor and head of staff of Pennington Presbyterian Church in Pennington, N.J. The Mikoskis are parents of graduating senior Charissa Mikoski.

Opening remarks from Westminster College Board of Trustees Chair Deborah Platt Majoras ’85 marked the start of the afternoon commencement. An honorary doctor of science degree, honoris causa, was presented to retired heart surgeon and Westminster Trustee Emeritus Dr. Robert S. Gardner ’57. Gardner was introduced by Trustee Dr. Wayne A. Miller ’61.

Dr. Pamela A. Richardson, associate professor of mathematics and vice chair of the faculty, told seniors that their Westminster educations are arming them for the future’s uncertainties.

“The plan you have today will evolve over time. However, the Westminster curriculum has prepared you for the unknown path you will take. Your broad liberal arts education will help you adapt to new experiences and apply your knowledge in unexpected ways,” Richardson said.

Anthony R. Easley, a political science major and magna cum laude graduate from Chicora, Pa., provided the senior address.

“We all know the phrase ‘Go forth and prosper,’ but Westminster tells us to do so much more,” he said. “Challenge the rules around you. Don’t be content with second and don’t be content to trim your own ambition or make excuses for complacency.

“As an educated, accomplished member of society, you are called beyond adequacy into excellence,” he said.

“We are a voice that matters,” he said. “But above all else, we are Titans.”

See Legacy photos on page 15.

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD

Carolyn Cuff: Westminster’s necessary voice

When summarizing their thoughts on this year’s Distinguished Faculty Award winner, colleagues, students and alumni repeatedly used words such as “excellence,” “visionary” and “commitment.” Their praises were high and one thing was clear: Dr. Carolyn Cuff’s range of impact is far-reaching.

Cuff, program coordinator and professor of mathematics, was presented with the 2017 prestigious Westminster honor, a recognition of her intellect, her leadership, and her influences on both her peers and students.

Deeply respected among Westminster’s faculty and staff, Cuff is seen as a “necessary voice” at Westminster with her careful judgment, visionary leadership, and commitment to the College. She has been a role model to many, particularly her female students, demonstrating that women can survive, succeed and excel in the world of math and science.

But aside from her pursuit of excellence and strength of character, alumni recall her compassionate side, her understanding nature. She, like all great leaders, listened. She listened as students talked about their dreams and their passions, their ups and their downs—and even today, she continues to keep that line of communication open to help listen and guide.

Cuff, a 1978 Westminster graduate who joined the faculty in 1989, earned a master’s and her Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University.

The Distinguished Faculty Award is presented to a tenured faculty member who has demonstrated characteristics of the most outstanding faculty: intellectual vitality, effective communication skills, the ability to motivate or inspire compassion and concern for student success, collegiality, and leadership.

2017 LEGACY GRADUATES

Connor Hamilton with sister Courtney Hamilton Dadejko ‘03 and father William Hamilton ’72

Laurel Michalek with parents Gregory ’87 and Martha McKean Michalek ’91

Hannah Branscome and father Robert Branscome ’88

Amanda Magnotti and father Stephen Magnotti ’89

Ellen DeWeese with mother Kathleen Smith Hootman ’88

Jacquelyn Holiday with parents Erin ’86 and Danielle Linnert Holiday ’89, grandfather James Holiday ’59, brother Nick Holiday ’14, and future sister-in-law Kristine Haggerty ’15

Sarah Slonaker with parents Pete ’84 and Marjorie Fechtmann Slonaker ’85 Carly Christofferson with mother Kimberly Kilmer Christofferson ’81, M’86 and brother Sean Christofferson ’14

John-Scott Somora with grandparents Thomas ’64 and Betsy Allshouse Nesbit ’64