Westminster College
New Wilmington, Pennsylvania
The One Hundred Seventieth Annual Commencement
Saturday, May Eleventh
Two Thousand Twenty-four
Commencement
Weisel Senior Terrace, Old Main Memorial, South Lawn 1:00 p.m.
Prelude ..................................................................................
Westminster College Faculty Brass Quintet
Timothy D. Winfield, D.M.A., trumpet
Associate Professor of Music
Mr. Terry Gale, trumpet
Mr. Andrew Symington, horn
R. Tad Greig, Ph.D., trombone Professor of Music
Mr. Jason Venesky, tuba
Grand March .....................................................................................................
Processional...........................................................................
Ms. Kim Meek, bagpipes
Westminster College Faculty Brass Quintet
Pomp and Circumstance...................................................................................................Edward Elgar
Dean of the College
Jamie G. McMinn, Ph.D. Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mace Bearer Michael E. Aleprete, Ph.D. Chair of the Faculty & Professor of Political Science
Faculty Marshals
Brian A. Petrus ’10, MBA Associate Professor of Business
Erin E. Wilson, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Chemistry
Student Marshals ........................................................................................Trisha M. Cowen, Ph.D. Associate Professor of English
Joel T. Postema, Ph.D. Associate Professor & Chair of Spanish
Opening Declaration……. .........................................................................
Mr. Jeffrey A. McCandless ’80 Chair of the Board of Trustees
Invocation ....................................................................................................... The Rev. James R. Mohr II College Chaplain & Director of Church Relations
Greeting ...............................................................................................
Kathy Brittain Richardson, Ph.D. College President
*
Comments from the Chair of the Board of Trustees ……. .............................................. Mr. McCandless
Faculty Greetings ................................................................................................................... Dr. Aleprete
Conferring of Honorary Degree ..............................................................................President Richardson
Mr. Paul D. Trokhan ’68 Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa
Citation............................................................................................... Mr. Glenn H. Thompson ’68 Member, Board of Trustees
Hooders ...................................................................................................................Mr. McCandless Dean McMinn
Senior Class Remarks ........................................................................................
Mr. Peyton M. Aujay ’24
Distinguished Faculty Award ............................................................................................. Dean McMinn
Conferring of Degrees .............................................................................................President Richardson
Degrees in Course ..................................................................................................... Dean McMinn
Kristen M. Amick, Ph.D. Registrar
René A. Picó, Ph.D. Associate Professor & Chair School of Education
Congratulations President Richardson
Concluding Remarks ......................................................................................................... Dean McMinn
Alma Mater ....................................................................................................
Ms. Camille L. Baptiste ’24
Ms. Taylar G. Getsy ’24
Mr. Hunter M. Peterson ’24
Benediction ............................................................................................................................... Rev. Mohr
* The audience will please stand as you are able. + Words located at the end of program.
Recessional ............................................................................ Westminster College Faculty Brass Quintet
* *+ *
Camille L. Baptiste
Malia L. Duffy
Brianna Lee Dunlap
Caroline Kendel Fox
Sophia K. Galietta
Reese M. Leone
Jackson S. Alexander
Morgan Ashley Byers
Abigail Rebekah Cannon
Carter J. Chinn
Katherine Clare Fitzpatrick
Chloe Renee Hankey
Saige A. Heigel
Chloe Larson Hudecki
Honors
Graduation Honors
Summa Cum Laude
Abigail Grace Macher
Hannah Rose Piccirilli
Lillian Nicole Quick
Madelyn A. Scarmack
Theresa Marie Schall
Jacob Andrew Steinbeck
Magna Cum Laude
Emily R. Huff
Jayneil Kehler Latham-Mason
Ashley M. Madasz
Elizabeth M. Malczak
Madison V. Mueller-Howell
Emma Elizabeth Parker
Victoria Marie Peltonen
Michael Christopher Petronzio
Cum Laude
Mark Anthony Armile
Joseph Ryan Armstrong
Jonathan Perry Bates
Lindsay Jayne Bell
Joshua D. Butcher
John B. Colella
Reanna Nicole Daniels
Kent Dunn
Bethany Marleigh Edwards
Joshua K. Elm
David Anthony Evangelista
Krysta Ann Germanoski
Caitlyn A. Goodrich
Victoria R. Harden
Taylor Brooke Harman
Olivia Theresa Herman
Hunter Allan Hoag
Alaina N. Kutsch
Annika Lynn McCabe
Austin Reid O’Hara
Grace Kathryn Phillips
Vito Pilosi
Kerstyn Mae Pomfret
Joseph Robert Ranft
All-College Honors Program
Ian Alexander Sullivan
Ashley Marie Tarter
Raina Nicole Vilsack
Lane Joseph Voytik
Jocelyn A. Whalen
Alexa Oliva Ransom
Nina G. Rascona
Samantha Wilson Reed
Natalie J. Rose
Jordan E. Roser
Victoria A. Shultz
Noah James Sofran
Mykenzie Lee Riggle
Cherise N. Schultz
Jennie Ann Stitzel
Tomi Abigael Taiwo
Amy Tutt
Antonio Nicholas Ulizzi
Madison R. Utiss
Mariah M. Vincent
Alison E. Weir
Benjamin David Williams
Aya Zaanoune
The All-College Honors Program provides opportunities for selected students to gain a deep appreciation of the multiple dimensions of knowledge. Only the most outstanding students in the incoming first-year class or rising sophomores are eligible, and selection is competitive. These graduates wear a special All-College Honors medallion.
Joseph Ryan Armstrong - Interdisciplinary Biology & History
Abigail R. Cannon - Business Administration
Caroline Kendal Fox - Biology
Sophia K. Galietta - Psychology
Chloe Renee Hankey - Biology
Victoria R. Harden - Interdisciplinary History & Culture
Taylor Brooke Harman - Neuroscience
Emma Elizabeth Parker - Biochemistry
Grace Kathryn Phillips - English
Hannah Rose Piccirilli - Neuroscience
Zion Luke Posey - Philosophy
Samantha Wilson Reed - Psychology
Natalie J. Rose - Biochemistry
Jacob Andrew Steinbeck - Biology
Jackson S. Alexander (+)
Degrees in Course
Bachelor of Arts
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Wexford PA PreK-12 Special Education
Magna Cum Laude
Joseph Ryan Armstrong History Pocono Summit PA
All-College Honors in Interdisciplinary - Biology and History
Cum Laude
Ashley Taylor Baldwin (+) Professional Communication Rostraver Township PA & Leadership
Lindsay Jayne Bell (2)
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Boardman OH PreK-12 Special Education Cum Laude
Tori Jaye Bowersock (2) Criminal Justice Studies Lisbon OH
Alaina Ann Cantakis Child & Family Studies New Castle PA
Sierra E. Cerezo (+)
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Bessemer PA PreK-12 Special Education
Alexandra Grace Coker (+) Psychology Export PA
Caitlyn Ann Condoleon (+)
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Warren OH PreK-12 Special Education
Cameron Paige Corrigan (+) Psychology Verona PA
Makenzie P. Crawford (+)
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Camden DE PreK-12 Special Education
Jasmine N. Currie Criminal Justice Studies Hermitage PA
Reanna Nicole Daniels Psychology Hermitage PA Cum Laude
Rylan Scott Darrenkamp (2) History Collegeville PA
Colleen J. Dreyer (+)
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Butler PA PreK-12 Special Education
Nia Jeanette Drummond Sociology Highspire PA
Bethany Marleigh Edwards Creative Media Production Carnegie PA Cum Laude
Mayson E. Everette (+) Psychology Rochester PA
Alia Antonella Filipelli Sociology New Brighton PA
Katherine Clare Fitzpatrick
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Cumberland Center ME PreK-12 Special Education
Magna Cum Laude
Kellen Michael Frazer Spanish Eugene OR International Studies
Sophia K. Galietta Fine Art Bethel Park PA Psychology
All-College Honors in Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Kendra Paige Granchi (+) Psychology Geneva OH
Bradley W. Green Political Science Landisville PA
Saylee Marie Grinnen Criminal Justice Studies Wampum PA
Victoria R. Harden
Individual Interdisciplinary Greensburg PA
All-College Honors in Interdisciplinary - History and Culture
Cum Laude
Bachelor of Arts (continued)
Edan Joseph Harrison (+) Criminal Justice Studies Fredericksburg VA
Caden Zane Harsh English Pittsburgh PA
Saige A. Heigel
Strategic Communication Kersey PA & Social Media
Magna Cum Laude
Hunter Allan Hoag Music Kane PA Cum Laude
Chloe Larson Hudecki History East Amherst NY
Magna Cum Laude
Tyler Hunter English Trafford PA
Kevin James Ivany (+) Creative Media Production Malden MA
Paul M. Kallaur Criminal Justice Studies Bethel Park PA
Anthony P. Kamenski History Chicora PA
Alaina N. Kutsch Psychology Home PA
Olivia A. Lapikas (+)
Cum Laude
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Sharpsville PA
PreK-12 Special Education
Riley K. Lenard-Haley Psychology Pittsburgh PA
Mackenzie H. Leskovac (2) Psychology Hermitage PA
Devin Michael O’Neil Little (+) Criminal Justice Studies Beaver Falls PA
Brandegee Hugh Livingstone Psychology Savannah GA
Abigail Grace Macher (2) English Imperial PA
Elizabeth M. Malczak
Summa Cum Laude
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Grove City PA
PreK-12 Special Education
Magna Cum Laude
Franklin David Lee Manios History Warren OH
Alexander S. Marinski Strategic Communication Washington PA & Social Media
Damon Matthew Maul (2) Child & Family Studies Portage PA
Annika Lynn McCabe English Youngstown OH
Cum Laude
Felicity N. McDaniel (2) Criminal Justice Studies Carrollton OH
Julie Denise McKenzie
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Verona PA
PreK-12 Special Education
Alexander Samuel Nyiri (2) Broadcasting & Media Production Gettysburg PA
Grace Kathryn Phillips English Saxonburg PA
All-College Honors in English
Cum Laude
Hannah Rose Piccirilli International Studies Erie PA
Summa Cum Laude
Kaitlyn Marie Pietrusinski Child & Family Studies Mars PA
Vito Pilosi History Prospect PA
Cum Laude
Zion Luke Posey Philosophy Douglasville GA
All-College Honors in Philosophy
Brooke Marie Powell Child & Family Studies Clymer PA
Lillian Nicole Quick (2) English Cortland NY Political Science
Summa Cum Laude
Matthew Joseph Randza (+)
Alexa Oliva Ransom
Child & Family Studies Beaver Falls PA
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Wampum PA
PreK-12 Special Education
Magna Cum Laude
Samantha Wilson Reed Psychology Zionsville PA
All-College Honors in Psychology
Magna Cum Laude
Maxwell E. Robinson
Ryan Christian Phill Romero
Strategic Communiation Pittsburgh PA & Social Media
Professional Communication Port Matilda PA & Leadership
Grace Anna Ryser Fine Art Hubbard OH
Theresa Marie Schall
Criminal Justice Studies Sheffield PA Psychology
Summa Cum Laude
Victoria A. Shultz Psychology New Castle PA
Magna Cum Laude
Abigail Marie Sloss Child & Family Studies Franklin PA
Danielle Marie Soloski Creative Media Production Farrell PA
Jennie Ann Stitzel
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Poland OH
PreK-12 Special Education
Cum Laude
Jakob Thomas Tanner (2) Music East Liverpool OH
Ashley Marie Tarter Political Science Alliance OH English
Andrew Thomas Tedesco
Ryan Gilles Thibault
Marcus Bradley Tokar
Summa Cum Laude
Broadcasting & Sports Emsworth PA Communication
Creative Media Production Glenshaw PA
Strategic Communication New Wilmington PA & Social Media
Zachery J. Tomlinson (+) History Lancaster PA
Antonio Nicholas Ulizzi
PreK-4 Early Childhood Education/ Coraopolis PA
PreK-12 Special Education
Cum Laude
Benjamin David Williams History Volant PA
Cum Laude
Aya Zaanoune (1) International Studies Bowie MD
Cum Laude
Bachelor of Music
Peyton M. Aujay (+)
Camille L. Baptiste
Taylar G. Getsy (+)
Liam Patrick Horgan (+)
Charles Robert Lisella
Music Education Lowber PA
Music Performance - Instrumental
Music Education Slippery Rock PA
Summa Cum Laude
Music Education North Versailles PA
Music Education Pittsburgh PA
Music Education Harmony PA
Bachelor of Arts (continued)
Madison V. Mueller-Howell
Hunter M. Peterson (+)
Bachelor of Music (continued)
Music Education Bridgeville PA
Magna Cum Laude
Music Performance - Organ Russell PA
Amy Elizabeth Smith (+) Music Education Mechanicsville MD
Music Performance - Instrumental
Cameron M. Stahl (+) Music Education Beaver PA
Bachelor of Science
Aaron Connor Alderette (+)
Marketing & Professional Sales Bethel Park PA
Leyla Violet Alibrahimi Computer Information Systems Pittsburgh PA
Aislinn Rae Andrews Biology New Castle PA
Mark Anthony Armile Accounting Youngstown OH Finance
Cum Laude
Joseph Ryan Armstrong Biology Pocono Summit PA
All-College Honors in Interdisciplinary - Biology and History
Cum Laude
Thomas James Bablak
Kolton Kurt Banfi
Marketing & Professional Sales Russell PA
Business Administration Harrisville PA
Jonathan Perry Bates Biology Cheswick PA Cum Laude
Daniel James Blank (+) Biology New Castle PA
Douglas C. Brady
Marketing & Professional Sales Pittsburgh PA
Joshua D. Butcher Biology Beaver Falls PA Cum Laude
Morgan Ashley Byers
Marketing & Professional Sales Venetia PA Sports Management
Magna Cum Laude
Abigail Rebekah Cannon Business Administration Bethel Park PA
All-College Honors in Business Administration
Magna Cum Laude
Carter J. Chinn (2) Business Administration Grove City PA
Magna Cum Laude
Andrew Roberts Clark Finance New Middletown OH
John B. Colella Finance New Galilee PA Accounting Cum Laude
Madison A. Conley Biology New Castle PA
Mikaela Shaylyn Crumlich Business Administration Youngstown OH
Erica Dawn Cunningham Biology Grove City PA
Dino Mario D’Alesio Biology Youngstown OH
Breannda S. Davis Finance Streetsboro OH
Business Administration
Srioviya Deivaprakash Biology Mount Laurel NJ
Gabriel Anthony Diulus Finance Allison Park PA
Jake Thomas Dockum
Malia L. Duffy
Sports Management Victor NY
Accounting Allison Park PA
Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Science (continued)
Michaela Paige Duke Biology Cambridge Springs PA Accounting
Brianna Lee Dunlap Individual Interdisciplinary Canfield OH
Summa Cum Laude
Kent Dunn Finance West Valley City UT Accounting
Cum Laude
Mackenzie Lou Dunn Molecular Biology Canton OH
Patrick Jayson Ekeu (+) Computer Science Leesburg VA
Joshua K. Elm (+) Business Administration Pittsburgh PA
David Anthony Evangelista
Cum Laude
Marketing & Professional Sales Pittsburgh PA
Cum Laude
Logan Michael Exler Accounting Verona PA
Jordan S. Fore Biology Columbia MD
Caroline Kendel Fox Biology Acton CA
All-College Honors in Biology
Summa Cum Laude
Lily Angelene Fox Neuroscience Ford City PA
Natalie Elizabeth Franke
Marketing & Professional Sales New Wilmington PA
Maximillian G. Furimsky Biology New Wilmington PA
Krysta Ann Germanoski Finance Meadville PA Accounting
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Caitlyn A. Goodrich Biology Chardon OH
Cum Laude
Kendra Paige Granchi (+) Business Administration Geneva OH Human Resource Management
Noah N. Gray Biology Beaver PA
Chloe Renee Hankey Biology Ford City PA
All-College Honors in Biology
Magna Cum Laude
Dylan Jacob Hanna Business Administration Uniontown OH
Taylor Brooke Harman Neuroscience Edinburg PA
All-College Honors in Neuroscience
Cum Laude
Kai Andrew Haseyama Finance Encinitas CA
Grace E. Hazlet Business Administration Boyers PA
Gage Brian Hendrickson (^) Biology Irvine PA
Olivia Theresa Herman Biochemistry Hamburg NY
Cum Laude
Devin Allen Higginbottham Accounting Austintown OH
Kaylee M. Horn Mathematics Franklin PA
Emily R. Huff Biochemistry New Wilmington PA
Kelsey Lynn Humes
Chase Ryder Jones (+)
Magna Cum Laude
Marketing & Professional Sales Bridgeville PA
Business Administration Dardanelle AR Human Resource Management
Victoria Elizabeth Kattler Neuroscience Brooklyn Heights OH
Phillip Andrew Keller
Madilynn J. Kerr
Sports Management Wilson NC
Business Administration Harmony PA Finance
Taylor Dawn King Biology Youngstown OH
Colleen Faith Kinney (+) Business Administration Washington PA International Business
Joshua S. Kurtz (2)
Marketing &Professional Sales New Castle PA Business Administration
Alaina N. Kutsch Neuroscience Home PA Cum Laude
Lucas James Lander Mathematics Apollo PA
Jayneil Kehler Latham-Mason (+) Individual Interdisciplinary Pittsburgh PA
Magna Cum Laude
Everett Browne Lefever (+) Business Administration Pittsburgh PA
Reese M. Leone
Sports Management Alliance OH
Summa Cum Laude
Riley Lyn Lewis Sports Management Clinton PA
Broadcasting & Sports Communication
Corbin James Liang (+) Finance Grand Prairie TX
Kathryn A. Lynn Biology Meadville PA
Ashley M. Madasz (+) Biology Medina OH
Magna Cum Laude
Kaylee Ann Madey Accounting Emsworth PA
Nicholas Daniel McDonald (2) Individual Interdisciplinary Reynoldsville PA
Grace E. Merkel Biology New Castle PA
Ah’Tarius Jamal Miller (+) Sports Management Titusville FL
Logan Matthew Murgenovich Business Administration Aliquippa PA
Ethan Douglas Nejad Finance Rocky River OH Accounting
Austin Reid O’Hara Mathematics Girard OH Cum Laude
Colin P. O’Malley Accounting Pittsburgh PA
Michael Anthony Orsi Business Administration Pittsburgh PA Finance
Emma Elizabeth Parker Biochemistry Poolesville MD
All-College Honors in Biochemistry
Magna Cum Laude
Christian M. Pasquarello Biology New Castle PA
Nicholas Gary Pasquarello Biology New Castle PA
Victoria Marie Peltonen Biology Stoneboro PA
Sean Robert Perrone
Magna Cum Laude
Business Administration Avondale PA
Michael Christopher Petronzio (2) Molecular Biology Gates Mills OH
Magna Cum Laude
Hannah Rose Piccirilli Neuroscience Erie PA
All-College Honors in Neuroscience
Summa Cum Laude
Joseph Robert Ranft
Accounting Pittsburgh PA
Business Administration
Cum Laude
Bachelor of Science (continued)
Bachelor of Science (continued)
Nina G. Rascona Neuroscience Somerset PA
Michael Anthony Rezk
Magna Cum Laude
Computer Science New Castle PA Mathematics
Sierra Jane Richard Finance East Palestine OH
Mykenzie Lee Riggle Biology Ford City PA
Cum Laude
Natalie J. Rose Biochemistry Streetsboro OH
All-College Honors in Biochemistry
Magna Cum Laude
Jordan E. Roser
Business Administration Titusville PA
Magna Cum Laude
Emma Rose Rudolph Molecular Biology Santa Clarita CA
Grace Anna Ryser Biochemistry Hubbard OH
Juliette Bee Saunders (+) Business Administration West Mifflin PA
Madelyn A. Scarmack Biology Sharon PA
Theresa Marie Schneider
Cherise N. Schultz
Summa Cum Laude
Business Administration Chardon OH
Business Administration Home PA
Marketing & Professional Sales
Cum Laude
James Albert Sentz (+) Biology Catonsville MD
Alex Bernard Shaughnessy (+)
Sports Management Canonsburg PA
Donald Joseph Shimko Biochemistry Greensburg PA
Haley Justine Simcic Physics Carnegie PA
Rachel Alexis Smith Biology Evans City PA
Noah James Sofran Accounting Pittsburgh PA
Joseph Allen Somora (+)
Magna Cum Laude
Business Administration Grove City PA
Jacob Andrew Steinbeck Biology Windber PA
All-College Honors in Biology
Summa Cum Laude
Johnpaul A. Stewart
Business Administration Lewiston NY
Macy Nicole Stoddard (+) Neuroscience Erie PA
Samantha Jane Story
Marketing & Professional Sales Imperial PA
Taylor Brianne Stumpf (+) Individual Interdisciplinary Northern Cambria PA
Ian Alexander Sullivan Biochemistry Hermitage PA
Karen E. Swartzentruber
Tomi Abigael Taiwo
Summa Cum Laude
Human Resource Management Knox PA Sports Management
Business Administration Pittsburgh PA
Marketing & Professional Sales
Cum Laude
Claire Danielle Tobin Biology Battle Creek MI
Chase R. Tomko Finance Hermitage PA
Amy Tutt Biology Poway CA
Madison R. Utiss (2)
Cum Laude
Computer Information Systems Cheswick PA
Cum Laude
Raina Nicole Vilsack Biology Murrysville PA
Summa Cum Laude
Mariah M. Vincent Mathematics Franklin PA
Cum Laude
Lane Joseph Voytik Biology Sharon PA
Summa Cum Laude
Payton Keith Waight Marketing & Professional Sales Ithaca NY
Alison E. Weir Accounting Venetia PA
Cum Laude
Savannah S. Weller Biology Birdsboro PA
Jocelyn A. Whalen Biology New Brighton PA
Summa Cum Laude
Lucas Bryan Whitcomb Chemistry St. Petersburg PA
Karina Ann Wilson Biology Scenery Hill PA
Felix Albert Zamborsky (2) Sports Management Homestead PA
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Jessica Fatigati Nursing McDonald PA
Bailey Louise Kasbee Nursing Stoneboro PA
Natalie Hall Murrio Nursing Pittsburgh PA
Kerstyn Mae Pomfret Nursing Sarver PA
Cum Laude
Samantha J. Stinner Nursing North Huntingdon PA
Alyssa Morgan Stock Nursing New Brighton PA
Lauren E. Tanis Nursing Reading PA
Cecilia Wallace Wozniak Nursing New Wilmington PA
Science
Bachelor of
(continued)
Master of Arts
Anna Pesante Muraca Clinical Mental Health Counseling St. Augustine FL
Master of Business Administration
James George Diamond (1)
Master of Business Administration Moon Township PA
Camden C. Hergenrother Master of Business Administration Salem OH
Jad Yazan Jadallah
Vincent Anthony Morelli
Nicholas Robert Pirollo
Cassidy Lee Preste
Noah Blake Weiss (1)
Anastasia Elizabeth Woosley (1)
Master of Business Administration Canfield OH
Master of Business Administration Ambridge PA
Master of Business Administration Canonsburg PA
Master of Business Administration Branchville NJ
Master of Business Administration South Park PA
Master of Business Administration Pittsburgh PA
Master of Education
Tomianne Anderson K-12 Principal Ellwood City PA with Certification
Natalie Susan DeCarbo General Education Wampum PA
Carolyn Elizabeth Novak (2) School Counselor Education Pittsburgh PA with Certification
Kent Paulini School Counselor Education Poland OH with Certification
Kara Riley Rubaker (2) General Education Pulaski PA
Melanie Anne Zeitler School Counselor Education Pittsburgh PA with Certification
(+) Sufficiently advanced so that graduation before the end of 2024 is possible
(^) Degree awarded posthumously
(1) Graduated August 2023
(2) Graduated December 2023
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy in Westminster’s Commencement program, printing deadlines sometimes prevent inclusion of a graduate’s name, or may result in use of names of persons who have not completed graduation requirements. This printed program, therefore, should not be used to determine a student’s academic degree status.
Honorary Degree Recipient
PAUL D. TROKHAN ’68
Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa
Paul Trokhan ’68, retired senior inventor at Procter & Gamble (P&G), is recognized as the leading mind behind the unique technology of an iconic product that many Americans know, love, and use daily: the Bounty paper towel.
In 1982 Trokhan—a researcher in P&G’s Paper Technology Division—developed the superior “Quicker Picker Upper” technology that resulted in high-quality paper products such as Bounty, Charmin toilet paper, and Puffs tissues.
Trokhan joined P&G’s Corporate Research Laboratories in 1972, and in 1974 he moved to the paper product development area. He became the paper sector expert on strong, highly absorbent, soft paper structures, on paper and fiber physics, and in ultra-violet photopolymer casting processes.
His greatest breakthrough technology, however, was the development of photopolymer molding templates for use in high-speed through-air-dried (TAD) tissue-making processes. The TAD process significantly changed the way tissue products are made and the critical property-imparting element in that process is the molding template.
His photopolymer technology is utilized on virtually all of P&G’s global bath tissue and paper towel products. His work on photopolymer templates contributed to P&G being awarded the 1995 National Medal of Technology, an award typically given to an individual researcher.
Trokhan became a charter member of the P&G Victor Mills Society in 1992—a first-ever recognition of individual achievement within P&G and P&G Research and Development. In 1998 he was honored as one of 38 worldwide corporate inventors at the National Salute to Corporate Inventors. In 2001, he was awarded a Westminster College Alumni Citation for his significant professional accomplishments. In 2023, he earned the P&G Alumni Innovation Award.
In 2022, Trokhan retired from P&G after 51 years with the company. At the time of his retirement, he was a named inventor on more than 450 U.S. patents.
Trokhan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Westminster College in 1968. As a student, he was a member of the basketball, cross country and track teams and was active with the Sigma Nu fraternity. After serving 15 months in the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam, he conducted graduate studies in chemical engineering at Lehigh University.
Trokhan and his wife, Marcia, have established the Paul D. Trokhan ’68 and Marcia L. Trokhan Endowed Scholarship in Chemistry to benefit female students majoring in chemistry or biochemistry.
The Trokhans reside in Hamilton, Ohio.
Westminster College Board of Trustees 2023-2024
Chair
Jeffrey A. McCandless ’80 Pittsburgh, PA
Richard P. Beard ’95 Export, PA
Jennifer L. Bertetto Lower Burrell, PA
Anthony D. Brown ’84 Twinsburg, OH
Randall K. Bush Glen Burnie, MD
Christian G. Carmody ’96 Mars, PA
Mark G. DeWitt Pittsburgh, PA
David M. Farner’85 Pittsburgh, PA
Christopher C. Frye Jr. New Castle, PA
Robin W. Gooch ’75 Bonita Springs, FL
Michael E. Aleprete Jr. Zelienople, PA
Douglas C. Brady ’24 Pittsburgh, PA
Taylor B. Harman ’24 Edinburg, PA
George R. Berlin Canfield, OH
Robert J. Bruce New Castle, PA
Leonard M. Carroll Jackson Center, PA
James Dewar Central City, PA
Vice Chair Ashley E. Davis ’97 Washington, D.C.
Christian G. Heilmann ’72 New Hartford, NY
Robert C. Jackson Jr. ’91 Pittsburgh, PA
Robert C. Jazwinski ’75 Hermitage, PA
Linda C. Jenkins ’80 Ardsley-on-Hudson, NY
Kristin E. Kaiser ’86 Allison Park, PA
Deborah P. Majoras ’85 McLean, VA
Doreen A. McCall Harrisburg, PA
Stephen D. McConnell ’80 Sarasota, FL
Leslie Cox Pemberton ’82 Venice, FL
Associate Trustees
Nanci D. Kleese Hosick ’95 M’03 Hermitage, PA
Diana I. Ortiz Matos New Wilmington, PA
Pamela A. Richardson New Wilmington, PA
Trustees Emeriti
George C. Greer Rector, PA
Carolyn J. Jones Allison Park, PA
Thomas S. Mansell New Castle, PA
Wayne A. Miller Kalispell, MT
Lisa B. Peters Sewickley, PA
Patrick J. Sentner ’90 Bridgeville, PA
Tracy L. Stuck ’88 Columbus, OH
Glenn H. Thompson ’68 Butler, PA
Thomas A. Tupitza ’79 Erie, PA
Jeffrey T. Wiley ’75 Allison Park, PA
Joseph F. Zunic ’85 Sewickley, PA
Lane J. Voytik ’24 Sharon, PA
Robert F. Patton Pittsburgh, PA
Richard L. White Greenville, SC
Martha V. Wile Williamsburg, VA
Academic Heraldry
The caps, gowns, and hoods worn in the Commencement exercises are patterned after the attire of monks and students in the Middle Ages. The bachelor’s degree gown is distinguished by the long pleated front, intricate shirring across the shoulders and back, and long pointed sleeves. The master’s degree gown is similar but is different in the oblong, hanging sleeves. Those who hold the doctor’s degree wear a gown featuring broad velvet panels down the front and three velvet bars on each sleeve. This velvet trimming may be either black or the distinctive color of the field of learning represented by the degree.
Black is the traditional color of the gowns. However, many faculty who hold doctorates wear gowns distinguished by the primary color or colors of the institutions which awarded the degrees.
The caps worn are of many different types. There is the traditional “mortarboard,” the soft “beret” type, and the “Florentine” style. The tassels of the caps are worn on the left side by those who already possess bachelor’s degrees. Those who are to receive bachelor’s degrees in today’s exercises wear theirs on the right side until the presentations are made, at which time they will shift the tassels to the left.
The hood is probably the most distinct feature of the costumes being worn. The size of the hood varies according to the level of the degree held. The bachelor’s is the smallest, the master’s is somewhat larger, and the doctor’s the largest of the three. The inner silk lining of the hood symbolizes the colors of the institution which conferred the degree. The outer velvet border of the hood signifies the field of learning to which the degree pertains, such as the following:
Arts, Letters, Humanities - White Medicine - Dark Green
Business, Accounting - Drab
Economics - Copper
Education - Light Blue
Fine Arts - Brown
Law - Purple
Library Science - Lemon Yellow
Music - Pink
Philosophy - Dark Blue
Physical Education - Sage Green
Science - Golden Yellow
Speech - Silver Gray
Theology - Scarlet Red
— Walter E. Scheid Professor of
Speech
Emeritus
Westminster College Medallion
The Westminster College medallion is a symbol of the Office of the President and is worn by the president with academic regalia at formal ceremonies and convocations. The medallion was specially crafted to represent simultaneously the College’s faith heritage and continuing quest for educational excellence. About four inches in diameter, it is fabricated in bronze with gold plating, and is worn suspended from a velvet ribbon, two inches wide, bearing the College’s colors of blue and white.
The medallion’s central portion is adorned with the image of an Olive Tree branch, selected to symbolize both peace and humanity’s connection to God the Creator. The outer ring encircling the olive branch contains the inscription Collegium Westmonasterium, the Latin form of Westminster College, plus two stars located in positions similar to those on the College Seal. The date of the College’s founding, 1852, is placed to the left of the branch and is written in Roman numerals. Directly above it, in Latin, is reference to its location in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The medallion is completed by inclusion of the phrase Quaerite Et Invenietis, translated “Seek and you will find,” immediately beneath the olive branch. This phrase was taken from the Gospel According to St. Matthew 7:7, and is written as found in the “official” Latin translation of the New Testament (commonly called “The Vulgate”), prepared by St. Jerome in the late fourth century and revised in the sixteenth century. The phrase was selected to remind all of the Good News of the Gospel and that understanding and knowledge is advanced through diligent inquiry, and complements the Old Testament passage “Bind up the testimony and seal the law” (Isaiah 8:16) found on the College Seal.
The medallion was designed in 1995 through the collaborative efforts of three Westminster faculty members, A. Dwight Castro, professor of classics emeritus, Peggy L. Cox, professor of art, and John Deegan Jr., former Dean of the College. The medallion was created through the generous contributions of the friends of Mr. Raymond G. Preston ’59 in his memory, and is permanently on display in the President’s Office in Old Main.
Westminster College Mace
The Westminster College mace was handcrafted in 1995 by Mr. William C. Miller of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Mr. Miller, a master craftsman, made the thirty-four-inch mace out of black walnut wood, taken from a tree cut near the College, and brass. Considerable lathe work and hand carving was required to obtain the elaborate shape and original designs in the wood, as well as the turning of brass for decorative ornamentation. The headpiece of the mace is adorned with four medals, two bearing the image of the Westminster College medallion and two bearing the image of the Westminster College seal. The mace was given to Westminster College by James G. James Jr. ’78 and Mary Cooley James ’84, and is permanently on display in the Office of Academic Affairs in Old Main.
Diploma Covers
The drawing on the inside of the diploma covers graduates are receiving today was created by Donna White, daughter-in-law of trustee emeritus Richard L. White ’61 and wife of Todd White ’88.
“Old Main Memorial in Pen and Ink” portrays the College’s signature building, Old Main Memorial, built in 1929. Mrs. White created the work for the College’s Sesquincentennial celebration, honoring Westminster’s 150th birthday.
About Westminster College
Westminster College was founded as a coeducational institution by two presbyteries of the Associate Presbyterian Church. Originally called Westminster Collegiate Institute, it opened for classes in the spring of 1852 and was one of the first private undergraduate colleges to grant degrees to men, women and persons of color. In 1857, Sarah McMichael became the first woman to be granted the A.B. degree in Pennsylvania.
Beginning in one small brick building, the campus now has 24 major buildings and several athletic courts and fields located on 300 acres. From three departments of study in the early years, the academic program has grown to offer 41 majors and pre-professional programs housed in seven schools. The College began offering graduate programs in 1945. Westminster is regularly listed among the top private liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Money, Princeton Review and The Wall Street Journal.
Westminster students benefit from a distinctly experiential and collaborative learning environment. They are mentored by faculty members who are dedicated to excellence in teaching and to engaging in active research—often with their students as collaborators. Each spring, students present their original research and share their artistic talents during the day-long Undergraduate Research and Arts Celebration. More than 70 percent of students gain real-world experience in their field through an internship or practicum experience. The College promotes students’ professional opportunites through the Professional Networking Symposium each fall; the Center for the Environment Symposium; the Entrepreneurship Symposium; and other opportunities that create networks and career pathways. The success of our Titan athletic teams in conference, regional and national championships is a point of pride at Westminster. We are equally proud of our students’ commitment to philanthropic outreach and to developing the competencies, commitments and characteristics that have distinguished human beings at their best.
Alma Mater
Hail, hail to thee, our Mother Fair, Westminster, Thy sons and daughters thee with homage greet; While rings thy song within thy sacred portals, Fresh wreaths we twine and lay them at thy feet.
Long may she live, our Mother Fair, Westminster! Fling to the breeze her banner White and Blue! Halls of our youth, by happy mem’ries hallowed, Our Alma Mater, glorious, grand and true!
Morgan Barnes (alt.)
