DUBOIS, Pa. — Penn State DuBois graduates lined up to celebrate their accomplishments on a rainy Friday morning in an outdoor ceremony at Heindl Memorial Field on May 6. Jungwoo Ryoo, chancellor and chief academic officer presided over the ceremony, with Arshad Khan, professor of chemistry, serving as faculty marshal.

Though a joyous occasion, a moment of silence was held to honor Marcie Brubaker, assistant student engagement coordinator and a beloved member of the Penn State DuBois campus, who passed suddenly one week prior. Brubaker was an amazing person, valued member of the campus community, and an exceptional colleague who touched the lives of many students, faculty and staff.

Penn State DuBois welcomed back Bryan Burhans, executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and a campus alumnus, to offer the commencement address. “Thirty-five years ago, I was sitting in your seat. Since that day, I have developed a deep appreciation for the education and opportunities Penn State DuBois provided me," said Burhans.

Burhans also offered advice to the graduates: “Follow your path. Listen to your inner voice. Only you can determine your path, and only you can take responsibility for the path you take.” He stressed the importance of not limiting yourself, making solid choices, and appreciating your support networks.

Burhans holds a master's degree in wildlife and fisheries biology from Frostburg State University, a bachelor's degree in wildlife science from Penn State, and an associate of science degree in wildlife technology from Penn State DuBois.

Penn State DuBois presents academic awards to both the associate and baccalaureate degree students with the highest grade-point average. The Associate Award was presented to Karter Witmer, who is graduating magna cum laude with an associate of science degree in wildlife technology. Given the chance to speak, Witmer spoke of his appreciation for the faculty and staff in the wildlife technology program. “I was somewhat of a leach for information, and that can be annoying at times, but they [wildlife faculty] took it with stride," said Witmer. "They created a learning environment that allowed me to be successful.”

Deborah Schatz, who also graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in business, was presented with the Baccalaureate Award. Schatz spoke of her experience with classmates: “Through COVID, and all the restrictions, the masks, and through all the extra technology challenges, my classmates from day one showed such incredibly good character, wisdom, grace, and integrity in helping others when help was needed.”

Kristen Vida, president of the DuBois Educational Foundation announced the Educator of the Year award as Holly Tkacik, associate teaching professor, physical therapist assistant. Comments from student evaluations mention how beneficial Tkacik’s hands-on style of teaching was to their success in learning. Her numerous nominations stated that she is very knowledgeable, professional and prepared. She is recognized for being a professor who provides a welcoming environment while incorporating a variety of challenging learning activities.

The program continued with Ryoo announcing Colleen Lanzoni, campus counselor, as the recipient of the 2022 Staff Excellence Award. Lanzoni is credited with bringing outstanding programs and new ways to support students to campus including art therapy, coffee talk, therapy dogs, and finding funding when necessary. She is well known for her compassion, kindness, calming nature, and the positive impact she has on the health and well-being of students and colleagues alike.

The awards presentations concluded with the announcement of Fred Groh, adjunct lecturer of earth sciences, earning the 2021-22 Adjunct Educator of the Year Award. Nominators stated that his enthusiasm for teaching is evident as a dedicated instructor. Groh also received the Student’s Choice Service Award at the recognition and awards banquet last week.

The full 2021-2022 Penn State DuBois Commencement ceremony is available to view here.

Penn State DuBois 2021-2022 degree recipients include:

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Degree of Bachelor of Arts

Administration of Justice:

• Braiden Blair, Warren, PA
• Savannah Terwilliger, Brockway, PA

 

Letters, Arts, and Sciences:

• Corrin Kanour (Cum Laude), Clearfield, PA

 

Degree of Bachelor of Science

Administration of Justice:

• Derek Bennett+, Brockway, PA
• Osagie Evbuomwan, Fort Polk, Louisiana
• Nathan Knox+, Brockway, PA
• Cierra O’Shell+, Coalport, PA
• Tamara Selzler, DuBois, PA
• Daniel Torok (Magna Cum Laude), Fredonia, PA
• Layton Yarus, DuBois, PA

 

Business:

• Morgan Bell, Somerset, PA
• Lucas Bowser, Rimersburg, PA
• Kordell Grubbs, Winburne, PA
• Trevor Hanna, Lock Haven, PA
• Molly Mazzaferro, Reynoldsville, PA
• Haley McAninch (Cum Laude), DuBois, PA
• Thane Morgan, Bigler, PA
• Deborah Schatz (Magna Cum Laude), Saint Marys, PA
• Elizabeth Scott, Morrisdale, PA
• Mario Scotto, DuBois, PA
• Richard Shaffer, Clearfield, PA
• Michaela Stottish+, Falls Creek, PA

 

Forest Ecosystem Management:

• Casey Grove+, Williamsburg, PA

 

Human Development and Family Studies:

• Paul Brosky, Brockway, PA
• Malik Gordon , Allentown, PA
• Erica Hanes+, Clearfield, PA
• Hannah Hoover+ (Cum Laude), Curwensville, PA
• Cayleigh Huffman, Cabot, Arizona
• Shawn Knobloch+, DuBois, PA
• Haley Rummel, Brockway, PA
• Trevon Williams+, Johnstown, PA

 

Information Sciences and Technology:

• Alexander Adamski (Cum Laude), Reynoldsville, PA
• Cory Anderson+, Bellefonte, PA
• Nathan Halowell, Falls Creek, PA
• Nathaniel Keth+, Westover, PA
• Evan McDowell, DuBois, PA
• Austin Miller (Cum Laude), Rockton, PA

 

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Degree of Bachelor of Engineering

Engineering:

• Nathan Banner (Cum Laude), Venus, PA
• Nicolette Brossard, Frenchville, PA
• Scot Coble (Magna Cum Laude), Marion Center, PA
• Austin Fairman, DuBois, PA         
• Alena Keen (Cum Laude), DuBois, PA
• Austin Klinger, Bellefonte, PA
• Daniel Stauffer (Magna Cum Laude), Saint Marys, PA
• Caleb Thompson (Magna Cum Laude), Reynoldsville, PA

 

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Degree of Associate in Science

Business Administration:

• Christopher Fenton+, Clearfield, PA
• Wendy Inzana+ (Cum Laude), Brockway, PA
• Richard Taylor+, Saint Marys, PA
• Justice Williams, Reynoldsville, PA
• Luke Witherite, Woodland, PA

 

Degree of Associate in Science

Information Sciences and Technology:

• Tanner Conner, Luthersburg, PA
• Evan McDowell, DuBois, PA
• Nathan Murarik (Magna Cum Laude), Karthaus, PA
• Cameron Strom+, Penfield, PA
• Gaven Wolfgang, DuBois, PA
• Ryan Zadorecky, DuBois, PA

 

Occupational Therapy Assistant:

• Aspen Bishop+ , Woodland, PA
• Cassandra Carnesali+, DuBois, PA
• Shane Ponzi, DuBois, PA 
• Paige Price+, Marienville, PA
• Karly Rumsky+, Clearfield, PA
• Alexa Shick+, Rimersburg, PA
• Tammy Westover+, Westover, PA

 

Physical Therapist Assistant:

• Kris Anderson*, Saint Marys, PA
• Megan Baumcratz*, Lucinda, PA
• Allie Danko*, Morrisdale, PA
• Amanda Kucic*, New Bethlehem, PA
• Karli Ripka*, Spring Mills, PA
• Morgan Warrick*, Curwensville, PA
• Tyler Yough*, Chicora, PA

 

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTRUAL SCIENCES

Degree of Associate in Science

Wildlife Technology:

• Haeden Allbeck, Millville, PA
• Lillian Biddle, La Belle, PA
• Eileen Cox, Camp Hill, PA
• Darien Ehrensberger, Saint Marys, PA
• Laurie Enders (Magna Cum Laude), Ford City, PA
• Austin Hartenstine+, Russell, PA
• Matthew Irons+, Catawissa, PA
• Hailey Kuhn+, New Oxford, PA
• Kylee Mammone, DuBois, PA
• Olivia McGarry+, Curwensville, PA
• Justice Rhoads, Weedville, PA
• Dakota Shadle+, Galeton, PA
• Jack Shuchart, Seven Valleys, PA
• Collin Sischo, Sinclairville, New York
• Levi Thompson (Cum Laude), Reynoldsville, PA
• Derrick Via+, Lebanon, PA
• Karter Witmer (Magna Cum Laude), Wellsboro, PA

 

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Degree of Associate in Engineering Technology

Mechanical Engineering Technology:

• Dylan Gilmore, West Decatur, PA
• David Hetrick, Kersey, PA
• Aaron Holsopple (Cum Laude), Ridgway, PA
• Heath Means, Rockton, PA
• Caleb Stiles, Curwensville, PA
• Christopher Wickett+, Ridgway, PA
• Daniel Wisor+ (Summa Cum Laude), Clearfield, PA

 

+Indicates Fall 2021 Graduate

*Indicates Summer 2022 Graduate