The Class of 2020: A Quiet Exit

A QUIET EXIT Class of 2020

The spring of 2020 is one for the books—and one members of Westminster’s Class of 2020 won’t likely forget. The coronavirus pandemic may have stripped seniors of a proper spring commencement, but it didn’t erase the hard work and sacrifices made by students—and their families—to achieve what they set out to do: Become graduates of Westminster College.

On May 9, Westminster hosted an online virtual degree conferral with President Dr. Kathy Brittain Richardson, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Dr. Jeffrey Coker and Campus Chaplain the Rev. James Mohr. Brief remarks were made and graduates were encouraged to turn their tassels—and while this historical event didn’t compare to walking across Senior Terrace to shake President Richardson’s hand and pause for the cameras, it did offer a degree of ceremonial recognition to our students and their academic achievements. It goes without saying: Westminster is proud of each and every one of you.

A few of our graduating seniors let us know about their future plans—and we’ve shared a few on the following pages. This

is only a sampling of the great paths our graduates are taking to post-graduate success.

Westminster recognizes this wasn’t a perfect ending to our students’ four years at Mother Fair—and plans are taking shape to offer an in-person commencement on Saturday, Aug. 1. But one thing is certain: History will forever remember the Class of 2020.

Emma Pollock B.S., Chemistry Aurora, Ohio

FUTURE PLANS

Attending graduate school at Ohio State University this fall to begin working towards a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry

WESTMINSTER’S IMPACT

Westminster has given me an expansive group of close friends and colleagues, of which I will continue to learn from and lean on throughout my life. I have been able to develop my leadership skills in on-campus TA and RA positions, and through executive positions in the Student Alumni Association and Student Affiliate of the American Chemical Society. My care for and understanding of my responsibilities to the community were expanded in my involvement with Habitat for Humanity and scientific outreach in the local schools. Through the chemistry curriculum and a close-knit department, I was given immense opportunities to explore my research curiosities and develop my communication skills with multiple presentations of my work and ideas both on and off-campus.

ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS

Dean’s List • Westminster Presidential Scholarship • Louis Skurcenski Award for honesty, integrity and community service • Idaho National Laboratory Summer Intern • Symposium for the Environment Honorable Mention • Undergraduate Research and Arts Celebration presenter • Pittcon 2020 poster presenter • Mortar Board Senior Honor Society • Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor Society • Career Center Ambassador • Habitat for Humanity Spring Break with a Purpose

Didi Kumalo B.A., Early Childhood Education & Special Education Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

FUTURE PLANS

Relocating to Arlington, Virginia, to teach fourth grade in the Fairfax County Public Schools. Plans to obtain Master of Education degree in Educational Administration or Curriculum and Instruction.

WESTMINSTER’S IMPACT

Westminster is a college truly like no other. As cliche as it sounds, I know that I would not be who I am today without the love and support of the faculty and staff. I know many fellow Titans share that sentiment. During my time at WC, I was able to take learning into my own hands and gain the most out of my undergraduate career through a broad range of academic courses (inside and outside of my major) as well as a variety of extracurricular activities. Every experience that I have had has shown me the significance of community and has equipped me with the skills needed to share that value amidst others. The bonds and memories I’ve gained are ones that will last and for that, I am thankful!

ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS

Habitat for Humanity President • President & founder of STEAMERS, an after school program to engage students in STEAM • Mortar Board Senior Honor Society Vice President • Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor Society Vice President • McQuiston Outstanding Service Award • Shenango on the Green Retirement Home volunteer • Special Olympics volunteer • Council for Exceptional Children member • Experience Alaska team member

Troy Holden B.S., Biochemistry East Liverpool, Ohio

FUTURE PLANS

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

WESTMINSTER’S IMPACT

Westminster has been a place where I could grow and challenge myself both in and out of the classroom. From the genuinely caring and helpful professors to the vast opportunities of leadership and activities Westminster provides, these four years have provided a blueprint for my future success. Specifically, the chemistry and biochemistry department has professors that not only deliver a curriculum that puts its students well above the national average, but they make a personal investment in the success and well-being of every student. This unique environment is conducive for personal growth, and I credit it for the path that I am now walking on.

ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS

All-College Honors Program • Graduated Summa Cum Laude • Dean’s List • ACS Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry • H. Dewey Dewitt Scholarship Fund • Lemmon Family Scholarship • Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh College Chemistry Award • Honors research presentation at National Collegiate Honors Council Annual Meeting • Habitat for Humanity Spring Break with a Purpose Rachael Angermeier B.A., Broadcasting & Media Production Duncansville, Pennsylvania

FUTURE PLANS

Broadcasting for the Altoona Curve, the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates

WESTMINSTER’S IMPACT

Westminster College has helped prepare me for my career by providing a hands-on approach to learning. I was fortunate to be able to collaborate with so many different people and I learned how to be a productive team member. The practical experience I received in the broadcasting department and learning to use various forms of technology was invaluable to me. And by serving as president of Westminster’s chapter of the Broadcast Education Association (BEA), I discovered what it takes to be an effective leader.

ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS

Dean’s List • Undergraduate Research and Arts Celebration presenter • Broadcast Education Association President

Jensine Coudriet B.S., Neuroscience St. Marys, Pennsylvania

FUTURE PLANS

Participating in a two-year postbaccalaureate program with the National Institute on Drug Abuse under Dr. Satoshi Ikemoto. Plans to attend graduate school to obtain a Ph.D. in Neuroscience.

WESTMINSTER’S IMPACT

Westminster gave me the opportunity to find my passion for research. There were many professors along the way who helped me grow into the individual I am today, but I would not be where I am without Dr. Deanne Buffalari. Dr. Buffalari has been a very important mentor during my time at Westminster. She always encouraged me and pushed me to do my best despite any obstacles that arose. It was her guidance that took me from a freshman who thought being a medical doctor was my only option to a graduate who fell in love with research and wishes to become a professor herself. I will never be able to thank Westminster enough for giving me the opportunity to meet and work with someone who cares about her students as much as Dr. Buffalari.

ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS

National Council for Undergraduate Research poster presenter • Undergraduate Research and Arts Celebration presenter • Dean’s List • Emanuel Krueger Scholarship • C.A. Armstrong Scholarship • Lambda Sigma Sophomore Honor Society President • Mortar Board Senior Honor Society President • All-College Honors Program • Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society • Pi Sigma Pi Honor Society • Psi Chi Psychological Honor Society • Alpha Gamma Delta sorority • Habitat for Humanity Spring Break with a Purpose • Colleges Against Cancer

Courtney Labritz B.M., Music Performance (Trumpet) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

FUTURE PLANS

Assistantship to attend Shenandoah Conservatory to study Trumpet Performance with Mary Elizabeth Bowden

WESTMINSTER’S IMPACT

My time at Westminster has greatly impacted my life. I have met wonderful friends and mentors who have helped me navigate college, jobs and life. Newman Club has been a central part of my time at Westminster—what an awesome group of friends and faith! I have also gotten to work with amazing professors. Dr. Timothy Winfield, Dr. Melinda Crawford Perttu, Dr. Daniel Perttu and Dr. Nancy DeSalvo have given me advice and guidance through all my classes, auditions and stresses. They have all helped me to become a better musician and person and I am grateful to know them.

ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS

International Trumpet Guild Conference • Westminster College Trumpet Ensemble • 2019 Outstanding Junior Award - Music Performance • Undergraduate Research and Arts Celebration performances

Natalie Horstman B.S., Molecular Biology Grove City, Pennsylvania

FUTURE PLANS

Attending Johns Hopkins for a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degree in Global Epidemiology and Disease Control.

WESTMINSTER’S IMPACT

When I started my first year at Westminster, I was only 16. Moving away from home that young was hard, but I found a new home on campus with the Kappa Delta sorority. The friendships I made with my sisters were life changing. I always knew that I had people there for me when life was tough, like the hours spent studying in the library or when my grandmother passed away last fall. Kappa Delta allowed me to develop my leadership skills and become more confident than I could have dreamed as a 16-year-old starting college. My professors in the biology and math departments also were influential in helping me develop confidence in my academic abilities, especially Dr. Karen Resendes, Dr. Joshua CorretteBennett, Dr. Carolyn Cuff and Dr. Pamela Richardson.

ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS Interned at the Pittsburgh Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases • Awarded Greek Woman of the Year by the Panhellenic Council • Kappa Delta sorority • Student manager for Sodexo catering • E. Lucile Beerbower Frey Scholarship • Raised $3,500 for the Ulman Foundation’s 4K for Cancer

Tim Maxwell B.S., Accounting Prosperity, Pennsylvania

FUTURE PLANS

Studying to sit for the CPA exam and relocating to New York City to work as an auditor with Crowe

WESTMINSTER’S IMPACT

The relationships I have formed with my professors have provided me with lifelong support and connections that have propelled me into a job in New York. Upon arriving at Westminster in 2016, I had no idea what or who I wanted to be upon graduation. I entered college as an undecided major before my adviser, Professor Jesse Ligo ’82, took time to learn about me as a person and as a student. In doing so, I found purpose in accounting. With the help from my professors at Westminster College, I have prepared myself well for a career in accounting and a life where I can use the resources that I have gained to enhance my field of study.

ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS

3-time PAC Champion (pole vault) • David Fawcett Award • Dean’s List • CoSIDA Academic All-District • Internship with CT Services in Washington, D.C. (acquired through Professional Network Symposium) • Accounting Career Day • Undergraduate Research and Arts Celebration presenter