UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As part of Penn State’s spring 2022 commencement activities, 36 students will represent the College of the Liberal Arts as student marshals.
Student marshals are chosen to represent the college based on outstanding academic achievement and contributions to Liberal Arts student life.
The College of the Liberal Arts’ commencement ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, in the Bryce Jordan Center. For more information about spring 2022 commencement, visit the University’s commencement web site.
Nora Van Horn is the college student marshal and philosophy major marshal. She is the daughter of Sarah Schroeder and Stewart Van Horn, of Loretto, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, Van Horn is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in philosophy, Chinese and global and international studies. She was an at-large member of the University Park Student Fee Board where she led the creation of the Environmental Sustainability Fund. Van Horn was also the vice chair of the Schreyer Gender Equity Coalition and the founder of Penn State Forward. After graduation, she will attend law school this fall and then plans to pursue a career in environmental law.
Keep reading to learn more about the student marshals, each of whom were selected to represent a major offered within the College of the Liberal Arts.
AFRICAN STUDIES
Jennifer McConnell is the daughter of Julie and James McConnell, of Knox, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in African studies and global and international studies, with a minor in teaching English to speakers of other languages. McConnell was the director of programming for Empower Orphans PSU, and she was involved with GIVE Volunteers, where she took a volunteer trip to Tanzania in 2019. She also volunteered with Mid-State Literacy Council and tutored English language learners. After graduation, McConnell will serve in the Peace Corps as a primary education English co-teacher in Rwanda.
ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCE
Gillian Russell is the daughter of Elizabeth and Derek Russell, of Wakefield, Massachusetts. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of science degrees in anthropological science and global and international studies. Russell was involved in Club Cross Country, Club Cross Country Benefiting THON and EcoReps. After graduation, she plans to work in conservation, sustainability, archaeology and cultural resource management.
ANTHROPOLOGY
Sarah Castleberry is the daughter of David and Tessa Castleberry, of Mystic, Connecticut. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in anthropology and art history, with a minor in Latin. Castleberry sang advanced choral repertoire with Oriana Singers in the School of Music for six semesters. She also spent three weeks in Rome after her first year through the Department of Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies’ study tour of Roman History and Archaeology and studied abroad in Perugia, Italy, last fall. After graduation, Castleberry will return home to Connecticut to work as a field archaeologist at Heritage Consultants for the summer and then plans to find anthropological or museum work near Boston, Massachusetts, next fall.
ASIAN STUDIES
Cecil Houseknecht is the son of Torie and Michael Houseknecht, of Warriors Mark, Pennsylvania. He is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in Asian studies. Houseknecht was a peer educator for the Center of Sexual and Gender Diversity and a Chinese conversation partner through Penn State Global. After graduation, he will continue studying Chinese through the American Councils for International Education’s Taiwan Intensive Summer Language Program in Tainan, Taiwan. Then, Houseknecht will move to Portland, Oregon, to pursue advocacy work for the Chinese and LGBTQ communities, including educational outreach for the general Oregonian population outside of these communities.
CHINESE
Rachel Phillips is the daughter of Wendy Phillips, of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in Chinese and English. Phillips served on the Academic Integrity Committee for the College of the Liberal Arts and competed in Mock Trial. She also was a resident assistant during her third year and served as a volunteer tutor for English as a Second Language (ESL). After graduation, Phillips will attend Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law on a full-tuition scholarship.
CLASSICS AND ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN STUDIES
Robert Gress is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in classics and ancient Mediterranean studies. He was the 2021 recipient of the Robert E. Dengler Classics Grant-in-Aid Award. Gress previously worked for United Parcel Service and the United States Coast Guard Reserve. After graduation, he will continue studying classics in graduate school.
COMMUNICATION ARTS AND SCIENCES
Emma Lutz is the daughter of Francis and Marjorie Lutz, of Landenberg, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in communication arts and sciences and global and international studies, with a minor in Spanish. Lutz was the secretary general of the Pennsylvania High School United Nations Conference (PHUNC IX) and worked with the Schreyer Honors College Career Development Program to provide resources for students interested in social impact careers. She was also an orientation leader for Schreyer Honors College and AURORA, Penn State’s outdoor orientation program. After graduation, Lutz will work on social justice issues and immigration reform at a national-level foundation or nonprofit.
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
Samantha Landmesser is the daughter of Elaine and John Landmesser, of Warrington, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in comparative literature and philosophy as well as a master of arts in comparative literature. Landmesser was an intern for the Comparative Literature Studies Journal as part of Penn State University Press, a graduate research assistant for two years, and a French and Italian language tutor through Penn State Learning. She also studied abroad in Todi, Italy, and Amman, Jordan. After graduation, Landmesser will travel abroad to teach English as a Second Language.
CRIMINOLOGY
Blake Toliver is the son of Brent Toliver and Yvonne Prioleau, of Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, he is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in criminology and a bachelor of arts degree in English, with a minor in communication arts and sciences. Toliver previously served as the Black Caucus Representative for the University Park Undergraduate Association. He was also the president of the Multicultural Undergraduate Law Association and an orientation leader for Schreyer Honors College. After graduation, Toliver will continue his education at Penn State to complete his master’s degree in public policy.
ECONOMICS
Josie Krieger is the daughter of Sean and Dana Krieger, of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in economics and a bachelor of arts degree in history, with minors in Jewish studies and Middle East studies. Krieger was the co-founder of Students Teaching Students and a member of the Presidential Leadership Academy. She also interned with the Jewish Studies program and worked as a teaching assistant for Penn State’s Department of Economics. After graduation, Krieger will study in Turkey as part of the Critical Language Scholarship. Then, she will begin working with AmeriCorps VISTA on refugee case management and economic empowerment as the first Rhea S. Schwartz Fellow in the College of the Liberal Arts.
ENGLISH
Reilly Wagner is the daughter of Jonathan and Heather Wagner, of Haymarket, Virginia. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in English and labor and human resources. Wagner worked as a writing tutor for Penn State Learning and was an undergraduate research assistant for Cheryl Glenn. She was also the vice president of membership for her sorority, Delta Gamma. After graduation, Wagner will attend law school.
FRENCH AND FRANCOPHONE STUDIES
Megan DeMario is the daughter of Angela and Joseph DeMario, of Enola, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with bachelor of science degrees in French and Francophone studies and finance. DeMario was a peer adviser for the College of the Liberal Arts and the president of Penn State’s Language and Linguistics Club. She was also a member of Women in Business and Penn State’s chapter of the international business honor society Beta Gamma Sigma. After graduation, DeMario will move to Indiana to pursue a career in finance.
GERMAN
Jessica Jablonski is the daughter of Adam and Shelly Jablonski, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in German and a bachelor of science degree in world languages education. Jablonski was the president of the German Club and an undergraduate research assistant for a Partnerships in International Research and Education (PIRE) project. She was also involved in Axis Benefiting THON. After graduation, Jablonski plans to teach German to middle or high school students in either Michigan or Pennsylvania.
GLOBAL AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Ashley Naraine is the daughter of Bobby and Nalini Naraine, of Fredericksburg, Virginia. She is also representing ROTC as the student marshal. Naraine is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in global and international studies and communication arts and sciences. She was an intercollegiate competition member of Penn State’s Division I Figure Skating Team and an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) cadet. Naraine was also the vice commander of Scabbard and Blade. After graduation, she will be commissioned into the United States Space Force as a Second Lieutenant (O-1) with the Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC)/Job as a 14N - Intelligence Officer. Naraine will also study Mandarin Chinese at Tamkang University in Taiwan for three months, as part of the Critical Language Scholarship.
HISTORY
Simon Hebert is the son of Michelle and Randy Hebert, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, he is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in history and English. Hebert was editor-in-chief of Kalliope, Penn State’s literary magazine. He also interned for the Hemingway Letters Project in the College of the Liberal Arts and Abba Java Coffee House. After graduation, Hebert plans to pursue work in editing or nonprofits.
INTEGRATED SOCIAL SCIENCES
Abigail Donavan is the daughter of Glory Cadenhead and Leif Cadenhead, and stepdaughter of Anna Marie Cadenhead, of San Diego, California. She is also the mother of Elaine and Claire. Donavan is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in integrated social sciences. She is a senior associate scientist for Pfizer Global Research and Development, was involved in World Campus Student Affairs activities, and was inducted as a member of the Pi Delta Chi chapter of the honor society Alpha Sigma Lambda. After graduation, she hopes to apply to Azusa Pacific University’s entry-level master’s in nursing program and serve with a practice founded on anti-racism and inclusivity.
INTERNATIONAL POLITICS
Ishaan Anavkar is the son of Prashant and Harshada Anavkar, of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, he is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in history, international politics, and geography, with minors in anthropology and linguistics and certificates in geographic information sciences and human geography. Anavkar was a maps and geospatial information assistant at Penn State’s Donald W. Hamer Center and a geospatial data and product testing intern at RoadGoat. After graduation, he plans to attend graduate school to pursue a doctorate and go on to teach as a professor.
ITALIAN
Julia Montevechi is the daughter of Marykathryn Montevechi, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the late Raymond Montevechi. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in criminology and Italian. Montevechi was a resident assistant for the First Year in Liberal Arts Living Learning Community and was involved in the Paranormal Research Society and the Restorative Justice Initiative at Penn State. She was also a social work intern for the Lackawanna County Office of Youth and Family Services and an intern and big sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre County. After graduation, Montevechi will pursue a master’s degree in social work at Smith College School for Social Work, with the hopes of becoming a counselor for adolescents impacted by the criminal justice system.
JAPANESE
Yushi Hou is the daughter of Yan Shen, of Guangdong, China. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in Japanese and bachelor of science degrees in enterprise risk management and applied statistics. Hou was president of the Enterprise Risk Management Association, vice president of the Penn State ERO Billiards Club and a Smeal Student Mentor and Smeal Global Representative. She was also a business continuity planning and business development intern for Kenja K.K., a global entrepreneurial company based in Japan specializing in blockchain technology. After graduation, Hou will start a full-time position with Kenja K.K. remotely this fall, before returning to Japan in 2023.
JEWISH STUDIES
Dov Gordon is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in Jewish studies, a minor in Hebrew, and a certificate in Holocaust and genocide studies. He was a Jewish studies teacher for sixth and seventh grades at Congregation Brit Shalom, a Chaiken Scholar, and involved with Aish Penn State. After graduation, Gordon will pursue a master’s degree in Jewish professional studies at Gratz College remotely, while continuing his work with the local Jewish community in State College, Pennsylvania.
KOREAN
Rachel Bodnar is the daughter of Jeffrey and Dolores Bodnar, of Barto, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in Korean and Chinese. Bodnar was a recipient of the Janssen Prize in Asian Studies for Korean Major and the Acha Award. She worked as an ESL tutor for Penn State Career Pathways and was a member of the Korean Learning Club. After graduation, Bodnar plans to become a medical interpreter or translator.
LABOR AND HUMAN RESOURCES
Nina Bar-Ness is the daughter of Solange and Ely Bar-Ness, of New Rochelle, New York. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in labor and human resources, with minors in business and the liberal arts and dispute management and resolution. Bar-Ness served as an intern for Penn State Hillel’s Building Israel Connections Engagement Project and vice president of scholarship and Panhellenic delegate for the Sigma Delta Tau sorority. She was also a teaching assistant for the Department of Psychology. After graduation, Bar-Ness will join IBM as a talent acquisition professional at their global headquarters in Armonk, New York.
LAW AND SOCIETY
Donna Lynne Butler is the daughter of Marilyn Ida Butler, of North Brunswick, New Jersey, and the late James Daniel Butler. Butler previously earned an associate degree in letters, arts, and sciences from Penn State in 2014 and is now graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in law and society. She served as magistrate and exchequer of the Penn State World Campus chapter of the international legal honor society Phi Delta Phi. Butler was the recipient of Penn State’s Outstanding Adult Student Award in 2019. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and study to become a legislative attorney.
LETTERS, ARTS, AND SCIENCES
Kiara Smith is the child of Linda and Dirk Copland, of State College, Pennsylvania. They are also representing nutritional sciences as the student marshal in the College of Health and Human Development. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, Smith is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in letters, arts, and sciences, and bachelor of science and master of science degrees in nutritional sciences, with a minor in German. After graduation, they will attend a dietetic internship to sit for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) accreditation exam to become a registered dietitian.
LINGUISTICS
Amanda Harman is the daughter of Brian and Stacey Harman, of Allentown, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in linguistics, with minors in classics and ancient Mediterranean studies and architecture studies. Harman was the recipient of the Provost Award Scholarship and was involved on campus as a research assistant working on the Central Pennsylvania Dialect Project. After graduation, she will intern with Penn State Cru, after having served as vice president, secretary, prayer team leader, Bible study leader, and discipler for Cru as an undergraduate student.
MEDIEVAL STUDIES
Benjamin Wilson is the son of Scott and Susan Wilson, of Emmaus, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, he is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in Medieval studies, history and political science. Wilson is the recipient of the Norene Purtell Memorial Scholarship and the Lee Global Trustee Scholarship. He was also a member of the honor society Phi Alpha Theta and the national honor fraternity Phi Sigma Pi. After graduation, Wilson will pursue a doctorate in Scandinavian studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Christy Parker is the daughter of John and Joyce Soltysiak, of Lebanon, Missouri. She is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in organizational leadership, with a minor in business administration. Parker was a member and chair of the Penn State World Campus Student Government Association’s Student Affairs Committee. She also served as a student ambassador and mentor for incoming World Campus students. After graduation, Parker will serve as director of the 25th Annual Kern County SHRM Symposium and obtain her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.
ORGANIZATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION
Jasmine Thomassy is the wife of Max Thomassy and mother of Emma Thomassy, of Norfolk, Virginia. She is graduating with a bachelor of science degree in organizational and professional communication. While Thomassy’s post-graduation plans remain uncertain, she will continue applying and searching for full-time employment.
POLITICAL SCIENCE
Emma Cohen is the daughter of Saul Cohen, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and JoAnn Cohen, of Allentown, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with bachelor of science degrees in political science and economics, with a minor in statistics. Cohen was a member of the Women in Economics Club and treasurer and event coordinator for Penn State’s chapter of the women’s health and fitness organization CHAARG (Changing Health, Attitudes, and Actions to Re-create Girls). She also was a research assistant for the Department of Political Science, a teaching assistant for various economics and statistics courses and interned at the Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. After graduation, Cohen will join Bates White as an economic consultant in Washington, D.C.
PSYCHOLOGY
Melody Munitz is the daughter of Shari and Andy Munitz of Cortlandt Manor, New York. A Schreyer Scholar, she is graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and a bachelor of fine arts in musical theater. Munitz was the recipient of the College of Arts and Architecture’s Creative Achievement Award. She also was a researcher in the Empathy and Moral Psychology Lab and director of Arts in Health — an initiative emphasizing the power of the arts in communal and personal well-being. After graduation, Munitz will continue as a researcher in the Scientists, Technologists and Artists Generating Exploration (STAGE) Lab at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering while pursuing a professional career in theater as a performer, playwright and director.
RUSSIAN
Will Baumgardner is the son of Catherine and Brad Baumgardner, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, he is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in Russian and international politics as well as a master of international affairs degree. Baumgardner was president of the Russian Club at Penn State and service chair for Orthodox Christian Fellowship at Penn State. He also was a Russian studies intern at the American Enterprise Institute and a Russia team intelligence analyst intern at the Institute for the Study of War. After graduation, Baumgardner plans to continue working as a Russia studies research assistant at the American Enterprise Institute.
SOCIAL DATA ANALYTICS
Nicholas Birosik is the son of Chris and Jeanne Birosik of Emmaus, Pennsylvania. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, he is graduating with a bachelor of science in social data analytics and a bachelor of arts in political science, with a minor in history, as well as a master of international affairs degree. Birosik was a Liberal Arts Change Maker and is the founder and president of NicNac Charities Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating the digital divide and launching other nonprofits. He also was a resident assistant and participated in Penn State Racquetball Club. After graduation, Birosik will continue his nonprofit and grant writing work, namely jumpstarting other nonprofits and advocating for suicide prevention.
SOCIOLOGY
Karissa Dialectos is the daughter of Mark and Mary Dialectos, of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in sociology and criminology. Dialectos participated in THON as a lieutenant for the Operations Committee and served as assistant music director for Savoir Faire A Cappella, the only all-female a cappella singing group at Penn State. She also interned with the Berks County Courthouse and was a research assistant for the Department of Sociology and Criminology. After graduation, Dialectos will attend Duquesne University School of Law, with plans to eventually pursue a career as a lawyer in juvenile dependency court.
SPANISH
Linden Markley is the daughter of Bill and Jennifer Markley, of Tyrone, Pennsylvania. She is graduating with bachelor of arts degrees in Spanish, journalism and comparative literature. Markley is the recipient of the President Sparks Award and the Evan Pugh Scholar Senior Award. Throughout her time at Penn State, she has been involved with the Lion Ambassadors and Penn State Network Television’s "More Than A Lion." She was also a social media intern for the Department of Comparative Literature. After graduation, Markley plans to use her love for Spanish and writing to work in the news production industry with opportunities for travel, with hopes of ultimately pursuing a career in international journalism with beats in culture and investigative reporting.
WOMEN’S STUDIES
April Hannon is the daughter of Barbara Bryant, of North East, Maryland, and Joseph Kaniecki, of Sykesville, Maryland. She is also blessed to have a bonus mom, Mary Louise Kaniecki. Hannon is graduating with a bachelor of arts in women’s studies. She was a recipient of the Mimi Barash Coppersmith Endowed Scholarship in Women’s Studies in 2021. After graduation, Hannon plans to pursue her master of divinity degree with a concentration in Chaplaincy Studies, at the Chicago Theological Seminary.