Commencement

SPRING 2024

ASSOCIATE, BACCALAUREATE, MASTER’S,

AND DOCTORAL DEGREES

PENN STATE HARRISBURG

Saturday, May 4, 2024
The Giant Center, Hershey, PA
9:30 a.m.
 Penn State Harrisburg Commencement

Congratulations Spring 2024

It gives me great pleasure to extend my warmest
congratulations to you on this special day.
The completion of your studies is significant, and
today we recognize the culmination of your efforts and
accomplishments. Your hard work, self-determination, and
perseverance in achieving this milestone are to be
commended.
It is also important that we take a moment to recognize
the family, friends, colleagues, partners, and employers who
have supported you along the way. They have contributed
greatly to your success. Dr. David M. Callejo Pérez
Chancellor and Dean
Penn State Harrisburg is committed to providing a rich
educational experience through its excellent academic
programs, outstanding faculty, and widespread opportunities
inside and outside of the classroom. You, as a graduate,
are a measure of our success as an institution.
As you move beyond the campus, it is my hope that you
remain connected to Penn State Harrisburg, and the entire
Penn State community. You are now a member of
a distinguished global alumni network, one dedicated to
making an impact on the world. I urge you to become
active with your alumni network and be proud of your
connection to Penn State, just as we are proud of you.
On behalf of the Penn State Harrisburg community, let
me extend congratulations to all graduates and offer our
sincere best wishes for your continued success.

Dr. David M. Callejo Pérez

Chancellor and Dean
Penn State Harrisburg
Program Notes
ACADEMIC DRESS: Academic festivals such as today’s
commencement exercises have their roots in medieval
Europe. Medieval institutions of higher learning were
customarily operated by monastic orders, and students, as
well as their instructors, wore the habits of monks. In
1321, the University of Coimbra (Portugal) required all
bachelors, licentiates (masters), and doctors of theology to
wear monastic gowns—the first such injunction recorded.
It is still the custom of students and instructors in the
ancient universities of the British Isles to wear their gowns,
not only to lectures, but also in their daily affairs in such
cities as Oxford, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and St. Andrews
(Scotland).
Originally, the hood worn by both those holding master’s
degrees and those with doctoral degrees was a head
covering, the monk’s tippet. When caps came into fashion
in the fifteenth century, the hoods were draped down and
back and ornamented with rich silk or velvet linings and
edgings. The cap was first conferred as a symbol of the
master’s degree and varies greatly in style from institution to
institution. Some were stiff, some soft, some square, others
round. All were decorated with a tuft at the center. The
tassel used today on American “mortarboards” is an
elaboration of the tuft. The mortarboard style generally
followed throughout the United States was borrowed from
Oxford University, where the flat-topped cap is customarily
worn by those holding the master of arts degree.
The practice of wearing academic dress dates in the
United States from 1754, when King George I chartered
King’s College (now Columbia University) and translated to
the colonies academic regulations from the Universities of
Oxford and Cambridge. Colonial colleges, however, rejected
the scarlet robes of the English institutions in favor of
black, the somber shade preferred by Puritan clergy.
During most of the nineteenth century, American
colleges and universities had no standard style of academic
dress. Undergraduates wore gowns only rarely during
commencement exercises. Many faculty wore the garb of
the European institutions where they received their degrees,
and many wore robes of their own, often-eccentric design.
Only a few faculty wore hoods and mortarboards. These
were assumed to be articles of ecclesiastical dress, more
appropriate for bishops than professors.
In 1895, a commission of leading American educators,
mostly from the Ivy League colleges, was established to
devise a standard code of academic dress. It decided, for
instance, to adopt black as the standard color for
academic robes. Undergraduates were required to wear a
simple, unadorned, black robe with a mortarboard and black
tassel. Candidates for the degree of master of arts were
required to wear a simple robe, except that the sleeves were
cut through so that the hands and lower arms could be
seen. Holders of the doctorate were to wear full robes with
full sleeves. Panels of velvet down the front and chevrons
of the same material on the sleeves gave them a more
richly ornamented appearance.
The code of 1895 is still in effect, although it was
modified slightly in 1935 and again in 1960. Many
universities have, under the new rules, adopted colored robes
in place of the traditional black. Penn State, for example,
now permits its degree holders to wear blue gowns.
The hoods of those receiving graduate degrees vary
in shape and size. The larger and more heavily decorated
2 PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT
hood is worn by the holder of the doctoral degree. The
trimming around the edge of the hood varies in color and
designates the particular discipline of the degree holder. The
satin linings in the hoods are customarily drawn from the
official colors of the institution from which the degree was
received. Penn State degrees are designated by the official
blue and white satin linings.
THE MACE: An academic custom which originated in
the sixteenth century is a part of today’s commencement
ceremonies. The academic procession is led by the Mace
Bearer, carrying the official mace of Penn State Harrisburg,
followed by the Commencement Marshal.
Although not as ornate as the first mace presented by
Queen Elizabeth I to Oxford University in 1589, this mace
probably has greater meaning to the students and faculty at
the college than that felt by a similar body at Oxford more
than 400 years ago.
Two faculty members and a student of the college
designed and made the mace after it was realized that the
University mace could not be made available for all
occasions. Its design is similar to that of maces used
throughout history. It was made by retired faculty members
David Kravitz and William K. Aungst.
First used in the June 1973 Harrisburg commencement,
it is shaped from solid walnut and was fabricated in
Harrisburg’s engineering laboratories. One end holds a solid
cast aluminum flame which was designed by Rege Wynn
Leach. Leach’s design was chosen from among others
submitted in competition by students enrolled in a
humanities course in art technology. The other end is
shaped like a crown and is decorated with highly polished
Nittany Lions, replicas of the famed shrine located on
the University Park campus.
Originally an instrument for battle, the mace also has
a fascinating history in academic ceremonies.
Shortly after the British victory over the Spanish Armada
in 1588, Queen Elizabeth visited Oxford University. At a
special convocation held in her honor, the students
pretended to love the queen and, thinking she was
unfamiliar with Latin, lavished flattery on her and praised
her profusely in Latin. As a gesture of her thanks, she
stood and gave an eloquent speech in flawless Latin, at
the conclusion of which she presented Oxford with her
personal royal mace.
The second record of a mace being presented to a
university was in 1629 when King Charles I presented his
royal mace to Cambridge. It was customary thereafter in the
British Isles and throughout Europe that the mace be used
at all academic ceremonial occasions.
The mace came into use in the United States in the
nineteenth century when academic ceremonies were
becoming more elaborate and were being modeled on
European customs.
It is carried in the procession with the device head up,
which is symbolic of the University. Once the ceremony is
completed and credentials are bestowed upon graduates, the
mace is carried with the flame up, symbolizing the
recognition of the knowledge they have acquired.
Prepared by the late James G. McAree, B.A., M.A., Ph.D.,
Professor of Social Science and History
Academic Colors
For all academic purposes, including
trimmings of doctors’ gowns, edging of
hoods, and tassels of caps, the colors
associated with the different disciplines
are as follows:
Program ......................................Hood Color
SCHOOL OF BEHAVIORAL
SCIENCES AND EDUCATION
Adult Education .......................... Light Blue
Applied Behavior Analysis .................. Gold
Applied Clinical Psychology............... Gold
Community Psychology
and Social Change ............................... Gold
Teaching and Curriculum ........ Light Blue
Health Education ....................... Light Blue
Lifelong Learning and
Education...................................... Light Blue
Literacy Education .............................. White
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION
Accounting ..............................................Drab
Business Administration......................Drab
Information Systems ............................ Gold
Juris Doctor Information
Systems .................................................Purple
Juris Doctor Business
Administration .....................................Purple
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
Communications.................................. White
American Studies ................................ White
Humanities ............................................ White
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Homeland Security ............................... Gold
Criminal Justice..................................Purple
Public Administration.................... Peacock
Health Administration ......................... Sage
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE,
ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY
Electrical Engineering.....................Orange
Environmental Pollution Control....... Gold
Civil Engineering ..............................Orange
Computer Science ................................ Gold
Engineering Management .............Orange
Engineering Science .......................Orange
Environmental Engineering ................ Gold
2024 Spring Commencement Keynote Speaker
PRESIDING
David M. Callejo Pérez, Ed.D. NORMAN BRISTOL COLÓN
Chancellor and Dean Norman Bristol Colón
is an author and writer,
PROCESSIONAL strategist and international
Brass Lions speaker, coach and chief
Dr. Richard Ammon*, Euphonium John Ponnett*, Trombone diversity officer with a unique
Donald Cramer*, Tuba Rev. David Schreffler*, Trumpet knowledge and perspective
Vaughn Hennessey, Trumpet of Latinos, the nation’s
largest minority ethnic group.
WELCOME In 2023, Bristol Colón was
Chancellor and Dean Callejo Pérez appointed by Governor Josh
Shapiro as the first
Commonwealth Chief
NATIONAL ANTHEM (Francis Scott Key) Diversity Officer, leading
Christyan Seay* diversity, equity, belonging,
and inclusion programs across Commonwealth agencies. The
SALUTATION (D. Douglas Miller) chief diversity officer partners with cabinet members, senior
Adam Gustafson, Ph.D., Associate Teaching Professor of Music leaders and employees to continue to build a capable,
accessible, and diverse administration that represents all
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Pennsylvanians. The chief diversity officer develops
Norman Bristol Colón* Chief Diversity Officer and Director of Diversity, Equity recruitment, performance management, leadership development,
and Inclusion, Office of Governor Josh Shapiro and employee engagement strategies to enhance diversity,
equity, belonging, and inclusion in the Commonwealth’s
GREETINGS workforce and works with department staff to incorporate
Jennifer Chambers*, M.D., FACP, Chair, Penn State Harrisburg Board of Advisers these priorities into their programs, policies, and decision
making.
Ashon Calhoun, Student Speaker Bristol Colón was the first appointed chief diversity
officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Community
RECOGNITION OF MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT and Economic Development, where he was the principal
Holly L. Angelique, Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs architect of the agency’s diversity, equity, belonging, and
inclusion programs.
PRESENTATION OF UNDERGRADUATE CANDIDATES His extensive career in public service includes serving as
Vahid Motevalli, Ph.D., P.E., Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission
on Latino Affairs, director of Special Projects for the PA
CONFERRING OF UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES Department of State, assistant to the PA Secretary of State,
Robert J. Tribeck*, J.D. executive director of the Governor’s Census 2020 Complete
Emeriti Trustee, Board of Trustees, The Pennsylvania State University Count Commission, and special assistant to Deputy Secretary
for Community Affairs and Economic Development.
Hannah R. Lair, M.A., Nomenclator Bristol Colón is the founder and president of the Penn-
sylvania Latino Convention, a comprehensive and inclusive
PRESENTATION OF GRADUATE CANDIDATES initiative creating the statewide agenda for the more than
Michael F. Verderame, Ph.D. 1.1 million Latinos in the state, covering business and
Senior Associate Dean, The Pennsylvania State University Graduate School entrepreneurship, education, health, housing, social justice,
politics, the environment, civil rights, immigration, workforce
CONFERRING OF GRADUATE DEGREES training, and leadership/professional development.
Trustee Tribeck He is recipient of numerous awards and recognitions,
including Pennsylvania Person of the Year by Talk Magazine,
Hannah R. Lair, M.A., Nomenclator
Torch of Global Enlightenment Award by the World Affairs
Council of Harrisburg, Most Influential Latino, JP McCaskey
INDUCTION INTO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Distinguished Alumni Award, HEP/CAMP National
Parul Luthra*, M.H.A., M.B.A., President, Penn State Harrisburg Alumni Society Distinguished Alumni Award, PA Latino Gran Diamante
Award, Central Penn Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, and
CLOSING REMARKS Who’s Who 100 Most Influential Latinos in Pennsylvania.
Chancellor and Dean Callejo Pérez Bristol Colón is a proud resident of Lancaster County and
graduate of Penn State, where he served in numerous student
ALMA MATER (Fred Lewis Pattee) leadership organizations. Born in Guayama, Puerto Rico, he
Christyan Seay credits his rural island upbringing for his unwavering tenacity,
inclusive approach and perseverant spirit.
RECESSIONAL

*Alumna/us of The Pennsylvania State University PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT 3
The Pennsylvania State University
From agricultural college to world-class learning community,
Penn State’s story is rooted in a mission of teaching, research,
Board of Trustees
and public service. The mission seemed simple in 1855, when MEMBERS EX-OFFICIO ELECTED BY BOARD
the Commonwealth chartered the school at the request of the Neeli Bendapudi REPRESENTING BUSINESS
Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society. The goal was to apply President, The Pennsylvania State University AND INDUSTRY
scientific principles to farming, a radical departure from Robert F. Beard*
Cynthia A. Dunn
traditional higher education, which emphasized mathematics, Robert E. Fenza*
Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of
Naren K. Gursahaney*
rhetoric, and classical languages. Conservation and Natural Resources Karen H. Quintos*
Centre County was chosen as the site for the new college Mary Lee Schneider*
Khalid N. Mumin
after Bellefonte agriculturalist and ironmaster James Irvin gave Richard S. Sokolov*
Acting Secretary, Pennsylvania Department
200 acres for a campus. Founding President Evan Pugh drew
of Education
on the scientific education he received in Europe to plan a ELECTED BY BOARD-AT-LARGE
curriculum combining hands-on training with theoretical studies. Russell C. Redding* Tracy A. Riegel*
Penn State assumed a broader mission in 1863, when it became Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Julie Anna Potts
the Commonwealth’s only land-grant institution. Congress Agriculture Matthew W. Schuyler*
created a system of land-grant colleges and universities to foster Joshua D. Shapiro STUDENT TRUSTEE
education not only in agriculture, but in engineering and other Governor, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Kevin B. Schuyler
academic disciplines that had practical value to a nation that Evan A. Myers*
was rapidly industrializing. Later, land-grant institutions were ACADEMIC TRUSTEE
Senior Vice President, Accuweather, Inc. and
also required to disseminate knowledge for the public good – Nicholas J. Rowland
Governor’s Non-voting Representative
the foundation of Penn State’s research and public service or IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT,
outreach missions. ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Penn State admitted its first female undergraduates in 1871, APPOINTED BY THE Kelly M. Lynch*
and graduated its first international student in 1890 and first GOVERNOR EMERITI TRUSTEES
African American student in 1905. By the 1930s, it was the Abraham Amoros* Kathleen L. Casey
Commonwealth’s largest conferrer of baccalaureate degrees. David M. Davis* Donald G. Cotner*
During that same decade the University confronted the Great Daniel J. Delligatti* Mark H. Dambly*
Depression by establishing the first of a statewide system of David M. Kleppinger* Richard K. Dandrea*
campuses, offering a college education to students who were Daniel A. Onorato* Barbara L. Doran*
location-bound for economic reasons. Penn State now has 24 Terrence M. Pegula* David C. Han*
campuses, including undergraduate locations and special-mission J. Alex Hartzler*
ELECTED BY THE ALUMNI George T. Henning, Jr.*
campuses such as Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical
Edward “Ted” B. Brown III* Robert C. Jubelirer*
Center and Penn State Dickinson Law.
Alvin F. de Levie* Ira M. Lubert*
Today, Penn State awards more associate, baccalaureate,
Barry J. Fenchak* Keith E. Masser*
and graduate degrees than any other institution in the Christa A. Hasenkopf* Ryan J. McCombie*
Commonwealth. Its outreach and research programs rank Ali Krieger* William F. Oldsey*
among the nation’s top ten. Graduates of the University join a Anthony P. Lubrano* Alice W. Pope*
family of some 673,000 alumni. The Penn State Alumni Joseph “Jay” V. Paterno* Walter C. Rakowich*
Association – the largest dues-paying organization of its kind – Brandon D. Short* Robert J. Tribeck*
helps Penn Staters stay connected with each other and the Steven B. Wagman*
University through a powerful network of more than 300 ELECTED BY DELEGATES FROM
chapters and other affiliated groups in all 50 states and AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES
more than 40 foreign countries. Randall “Randy” E. Black
Donald W. Cairns*
Valerie L. Detwiler*
Lynn A. Dietrich*
M. Abraham Harpster*
Chris R. Hoffman

*Alumna/us of The Pennsylvania

State University
4 PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT
Penn State Harrisburg
Penn State Harrisburg is an undergraduate college and
graduate school serving the south central Pennsylvania region,
Board of Advisers
which includes the Commonwealth’s capital city, Harrisburg. CHAIR E. Philip Wenger*
The diversity of the student body creates a unique Jennifer Chambers* David P. Wirick
campus experience. A broader set of social and professional Richard Ziegler*
interests is apparent on campus, with various age groups, career VICE CHAIR
HONORARY MEMBERS
professionals, and traditional-aged students sharing thoughts, Matthew Tunnell*
Richard E. Bentz*
ideas, and experiences in classes, at seminars, and socially. James C. Byerly*
Students are encouraged to explore various academic SECRETARY
Kevin M. Harter*
offerings and to develop a capacity for independent judgment, David M. Callejo Pérez
Gerald K. Morrison*
cross-cultural understanding, and lifelong learning that will Vincent J. Pinizzotto*
prepare them for responsible and productive citizenship in IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Christine Sears*
a global society. H. William Weik Jr.*
Kathleen A. Smarilli*
Penn State Harrisburg offers more than 75 associate, William M. Stout
baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs, and the first MEMBERS
two years of study leading to more than 200 Penn State Alan Amici
EX-OFFICIO
undergraduate majors. Larry Asu*
James Curry
Research and scholarly activity at Penn State Harrisburg is Jay Badame*
John DiSanto
pursued by faculty and students in all five academic schools Richard M. Barger*
Gary L. Eichelberger*
and numerous research centers and institutes. This work spans Cate Barron*
several broad areas of strength and is deeply connected to the Chelton Hunter*
Philip Brenckle
needs of our region. Examples include public policy research in Laura Kurtz*
Douglas Charney*
partnership with state and local governments, business Parul Luthra*
Emery Cook*
administration and engineering research with area industry, Dave Madsen
James Dougherty*
and biomedical and behavioral health research with area Michael H. W. Pries*
Tom Giannantonio
healthcare providers, among many others. Barry Schoch*
Pete Gurt*
Since its creation, the college has grown considerably in Alice Anne Schwab
Dennis Hodgson*
the size and diversity of its student body and its breadth of Ryan Unger
Troy Holloway
academic offerings. To support this growth and to ensure the Jon G. Wilt
Gibran Jones*
quality of students’ educational experience, the college has
Erik Keptner*
undertaken numerous campus building initiatives. The newest
John Lawn
is the Student Enrichment Center, which houses comprehensive
services for students in a central location. In recent years, the Timothy Matas
college also has added state-of-the-art engineering and other Jeffrey Merritt*
laboratories, expanded athletic facilities, and student housing. Meredith Mills*
While contributing to the region through educational Farrah Mittel*
programs, research, and public service, the college looks to Steve Overly*
the community for support of its mission. Key among the Louis Paioletti*
groups to whom the college turns for counsel and support are Jeannine Peterson*
the Board of Advisers, the advisory councils for the academic Stephanie Reisinger*
schools, and the Alumni Society Board of Directors. Bradford M. Simpson*
Rachel Smithers*
Susan Steadman*
Thomas Stoessel*
Rosa C. Stroh*
Lori A. Suski*
James Talalai*
Lisa Torchia
Thomas Trite

*Alumna/us of The Pennsylvania

State University

PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT 5

Penn State Harrisburg Administration
PENN STATE HARRISBURG SCHOOL OF BEHAVIORAL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
David M. Callejo Pérez, Ed.D. SCIENCES AND EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION
Chancellor and Dean John Haddad, Ph.D.
Raffy Luquis, Ph.D.
Interim School Director Interim School Director
Vahid Motevalli, Ph.D., P.E.
Associate Degree Program and Coordinator
Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Baccalaureate Programs and Coordinators Associate in Science in Business Administration
Bachelor of Elementary Education in Sabri Yilmaz, Ph.D.
Sharareh Kermanshachi, Ph.D.
Elementary Education
Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Reuben Asempapa, Ph.D. Baccalaureate Programs and Coordinators
Dean for Research Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health Renee Flasher, Ph.D.
Weston Kensinger, Ph.D. (interim)
Holly Angelique, Ph.D. Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Analytics
Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Operations
Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
and Family Studies Andrew B. Morrow, M.B.A., M.S.I.S.
A. Patricia Aguilera-Hermida, D.Ed. Bachelor of Science in Enterprise Technology
Peter B. Idowu, Ph.D., P.E.
Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Integration
Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies Rebecca Weiler-Timmins, D.Ed. David Kitlan, Ph.D.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Bachelor of Science in Finance
Wanda B. Knight, Ph.D. Lisa Albert, Ed.D. Zeliha Ozdogan, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Bachelor of Science in Psychology Bachelor of Science in Human Capital
Cobi Michael, Ph.D. Management
Bachelor of Science in Sociology Raymond F. Gibney Jr., Ph.D.
J. Scott Lewis, Ph.D. Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design
and Development
Bachelor of Social Science in Secondary
David Kitlan, Ph.D.
Education Social Studies
Michael J. Swogger, D.Ed. Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences
and Technology
David Kitlan, Ph.D.
Master’s Programs and
Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
Professors-in-Charge Parag Pendharkar, Ph.D.
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis Bachelor of Science in Management
Jonathan W. Ivy, Ph.D. David Morand, Ph.D.
Master of Arts in Applied Clinical Psychology Bachelor of Science in Marketing
Stephanie Winkeljohn Black, Ph.D. Ozge Aybat, Ph.D.
Master of Education in Lifelong Learning and Bachelor of Science in Project and
Adult Education Supply Chain Management
Elizabeth J. Tisdell, Ed.D. Dinesh R. Pai, Ph.D.
Master of Education in Literacy Education Bachelor of Science in Security and Risk Analysis
Mary Napoli, Ph.D. Andrew B. Morrow, M.B.A., M.S.I.S.
Master of Education in Teaching and Curriculum Master’s Programs and
Professors-in-Charge
Karin Sprow Forté, D.Ed.
Master of Business Administration
Doctoral Program and Coordinator Mohammad Ali, Ph.D.
Doctor of Education in Lifelong Learning Master of Professional Accounting
and Adult Education Renee Flasher, Ph.D.
Elizabeth J. Tisdell, Ed.D. Master of Science in Information Systems
Parag Pendharkar, Ph.D.

Joint and Concurrent Degrees and

Professors-in-Charge
Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration
Mohammad Ali, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences/Master of Business
Administration
Mohammad Ali, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences/Master of Science
in Information Systems
Parag Pendharkar, Ph.D.
6 PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
Jeffrey P. Beck, Ph.D.
School Director
Associate Degree and Program Coordinator
Associate in Arts in Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Adam Gustafson, Ph.D.
Baccalaureate Programs and Coordinators
Bachelor of Arts in American Studies
Anthony Bak Buccitelli, Ph.D.
Bachelor of Arts in Communications
Amy J. Sauertieg, M.A.
Bachelor of Arts in Humanities
Adam Gustafson, Ph.D.
Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences
and Disorders
Paul Evitts, Ph.D.
Bachelor of Humanities in English
Ashley Cowger, M.F.A.
Master’s Programs and
Professors-in-Charge
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Jennifer C. Gibbs, Ph.D.
Master of Health Administration
Elizabeth Jane Beckett-Camarata, Ph.D.
Master of Professional Studies in
Homeland Security
Emma Leonard Boyle, Ph.D.
Master of Public Administration
Daniel Mallinson, Ph.D.
Doctoral Degree and Professor-in-Charge
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration
Göktuğ Morçöl, Ph.D.
Joint and Concurrent Degrees and
Professor-in-Charge
Juris Doctor and Master of Public Administration
Daniel Mallinson, Ph.D.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Technology
Issam Abu-Mahfouz, Ph.D., P.E.
Amit Banerjee, Ph.D.
Bachelor of Science in Science
Sairam V. Rudrabhatla, Ph.D.
Bachelor of Science in Structural Design and
Construction Engineering Technology
Shirley Clark, Ph.D., P.E.
Shashidhara Marikunte, Ph.D., P.E.
Master’s Programs and
Professors-in-Charge
Master in Environmental Pollution Control
Shirley Clark, Ph.D. P.E.
Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
Rafic Bachnak, Ph.D., P.E.
Master of Engineering in Engineering Science
Rafic Bachnak, Ph.D., P.E.
Master of Engineering in Environmental
Engineering

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE,
Shirley Clark, Ph.D. P.E.

Master’s Programs and ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY

Master of Professional Studies in Engineering
Management
Professors-in-Charge Rafic Bachnak, Ph.D., P.E.
Master of Arts in American Studies Shirley Clark, Ph.D., P.E.
Acting School Director Master of Science in Civil Engineering
Anthony Bak Buccitelli, Ph.D.
Grady Mathews, Ph.D., P.E.
Master of Arts in Communications Thang N. Bui, Ph.D.
Master of Science in Computer Science
Yonatan Tewelde, Ph.D. Associate Director Sukmoon Chang, Ph.D.
AB Shafaye, M.S. Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Doctoral Degree and Assistant Director Rafic Bachnak, Ph.D., P.E.
Professor-in-Charge Baccalaureate Degrees and Master of Science in Environmental
Program Chairs
Doctor of Philosophy in American Studies Pollution Control
Anthony Bak Buccitelli, Ph.D. Shirley Clark, Ph.D. P.E.
Bachelor of Science in Biology Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS Sairam V. Rudrabhatla, Ph.D. Brian Macke, Ph.D., P.E.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
L. Marvin Overby, Ph.D. Shirley Clark, Ph.D., P.E.
School Director Shashidhara Marikunte, Ph.D., P.E. Doctoral Degree and Professor-in-Charge
Baccalaureate Degrees and Program Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Systems
Vahid Motevalli, Ph.D., P.E.
Coordinators Jeremy Blum, Ph.D.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Juliette Tolay, Ph.D. Sedig S. Agili, Ph.D.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
Jennifer C. Gibbs, Ph.D. Technology
Sedig S. Agili, Ph.D.
Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and
AB Shafaye, M.S.
Administration
Elizabeth Jane Beckett-Camarata, Ph.D. Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Sciences
Jeremy Blum, Ph.D.
Bachelor of Science in Public Policy
Ronald Walker, Ph.D.
Juliette Tolay, Ph.D.
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Issam Abu-Mahfouz, Ph.D., P.E.
Amit Banerjee, Ph.D.

PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT 7

Graduation with Honors
Honors at graduation is awarded to baccalaureate degree candidates with at least 60 credits (30 credits for associate degree candidates) earned at Penn State, a minimum 3.5 cumulative
grade point average, and who are in the top 12 percent of the graduating class of the college that awards the candidate’s degree. The 12 percent is divided into two percent
SUMMA CUM LAUDE (blue and white cord), four percent MAGNA CUM LAUDE (blue cord), and six percent CUM LAUDE (white cord).

Summa Cum Laude

Conner Breitenbach Laura E. Grate Olivia R. Lowe Kimberly M. Ulishney
Finance Accounting Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Jediah W. Burkhart Olivia G. Hitz Ryan W. Mellinger John E. Warfel
Civil Engineering Elementary Education Mechanical Engineering Secondary Education Social Studies
Ashon A. Calhoun Tracy D. Kinzer Tyler J. Milsop
Communications Civil Engineering Finance
Declan T. Cudahy Matthew Kiral Isha Poudel
Finance Psychology Health Policy and Administration
Corinna M. Dienner Alex Z. Li Caleb A. Shoemaker
Elementary Education Computer Science Mechanical Engineering

Magna Cum Laude

Maryam Ahmad Peter C. Dizor Dhruv T. Kayastha Mark S. Peschel
Accounting Computer Science Biology Computer Science
Alexander E. Arensdorf Hannah S. Garland Janai A. Lockhart Kassandra R. Schuyler
Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations Communication Sciences and Disorders Elementary Education Sociology
Hannah Arnold Cayla M. Garman Cristina M. Medina-Rosado Ryan S. Smith
Elementary Education English Cybersecurity Analytics and Operations English
Jason Buszinski Mason L. Gibble Emma M. Musser Kathryn G. Sweinhart
Accounting Mechanical Engineering Elementary Education Elementary Education
Michael Cieslak Lauren E. Hess Krish A. Nair Lejla Tihic
Electrical Engineering Civil Engineering Computer Science Elementary Education
Kayla M. Clare Gregory Jacobs Kole D. Ney Sarah E. Toche-Manley
American Studies, Political Science Kinesiology Civil Engineering Criminal Justice, Sociology
Casey J. Detwiler Tyler L. Jordan Amy E. Patkos Michaela Todaro
Computer Science Finance Elementary Education Elementary Education

Cum Laude
Megan E. Askew Jaylan A. Cockley Collin A. Lumley William A. Simmons
Criminal Justice Mechanical Engineering Security and Risk Analysis Political Science
Kanisha Bhavnani Alysha E. Garrity Kelsie Lynch Abrielle L. Weger
Criminal Justice Psychology Marketing Marketing
Angad S. Bhullar Carolina S. Hernandez Sebastian Metzgar Jacob W. Weiand
Political Science, Psychology Psychology Electrical Engineering Secondary Education Social Studies
Colby A. Blakeman Asia A. Lam Joahlana A. Najunas Jonathan D. Yeckley
Secondary Education Social Studies Criminal Justice Marketing Finance
Kyla M. Brossoit Moises A. Larregui Andrew Ou
Biology Biology Information Systems
Kathryn R. Brown Chase J. Leach Marie T. Pittman
English Mechanical Engineering Criminal Justice
Tianjie Chen Aleksa E. Ley Megan Ready
Computer Science Communication Sciences and Disorders Secondary Education Social Studies

In American higher education, cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude honors are unique to undergraduate education. This unofficial list of
Spring 2024 graduates earning honors was produced on February 21, 2024 and may change as final grades are submitted for the semester.

8 PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT

Military Honor Cords
All graduating students who are military veterans,
Honors Programs
currently serving on active duty, in the reserve,
or National Guard, or who will be granted a Schreyer Honors College
commission obtained through Penn State Reserve The following have completed the requirements of the Schreyer Honors College, including the completion
Officers Training Corps (ROTC) receive a red, of an honors thesis or capstone project. Schreyer graduates are adorned with the Scholars Medal.
white and blue cord to wear with approved
academic dress at commencement ceremonies.
Maria Hernandez Kenya-Aonye Mitchell
National Honor Societies Health Policy and Administration Mathematical Sciences
Members of nationally-recognized honor
societies, who achieved their membership as a
Penn State Harrisburg student, are permitted to
wear ornamentation during the ceremony in the
form of cords and/or pins. Capital College Honors Program
Penn State Harrisburg currently has eleven The following have completed the requirements of the Capital College Honors Program, including the
honor societies that award honor cords for completion of an honors thesis or capstone project. Graduates are adorned with a gold honors
service or leadership: stole.

Alpha Lambda Omicron (political Carolina Hernandez Anna Shank

science, government, international and Psychology Marketing
public affairs), which awards a double cord
of red and white; Moises Larregui Gabrielle Zeigler
Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice), which Biology Communication Sciences and Disorders
awards a blue and gold braided cord;
Hannah Odom
Beta Gamma Sigma (Business), which Mathematical Sciences
awards a royal blue and gold braided cord Secondary Education Option
with the Beta Gamma Sigma key on one
tassel;
Chi Alpha Sigma (excellence in academics
and athletics), which awards a double cord
of gold and black;
Marshals for the Academic Schools
Kappa Delta Pi (Education), which awards Spring 2024
a purple cord;
Mu Kappa Tau (Marketing), which awards School of Behavioral Sciences School of Public Affairs
a double cord of navy blue; and Education Student: Kayla Clare
Omicron Sigma Sigma (homeland Student: Greg Jacobs B.A. Political Science;
security, intelligence, emergency B.S. Kinesiology B.A. American Studies
management and protective security), which Faculty: Rebecca Mallinson, Ph.D. and Faculty: Daniel J. Mallinson, Ph.D. and
awards cords of blue and gold; Laura Heisick, Ph.D. Seth Robert Wright, Ph.D.
Phi Kappa Phi (excellence in all academic David L. Williamson IV, Ph.D. and David L. Williamson IV, Ph.D. and
disciplines) which awards a gold satin stole,
School of Business Administration School of Science, Engineering,
braided navy and gold cords, and a medallion.
Student: Conner Breitenbach and Technology
Pi Alpha Alpha (Master of Public
B.S. Finance Student: Tracy Kinzer
Administration and Undergraduate Public B.S. Civil Engineering
Policy), which awards a blue and gold braided Faculty: Indrit Hoxha, Ph.D. and
Zeliha Ozdogan, Ph.D. Faculty: Grady F. Mathews, Ph.D. and
cord; Shashi Marikunte, Ph.D.
Psi Chi (Psychology), which awards a pin David L. Williamson IV, Ph.D. and
David L. Williamson IV, Ph.D. and
and platinum and blue cord; School of Humanities
Graduate Studies
Sigma Tau Delta (English), which awards Student: Ashon Calhoun
B.A. Communications Student: Sukaynah A. Al Haji
red and black cords;
M.S. Information Systems
Upsilon Phi Delta (Health Faculty: Amy Sauertieg, M.A., and
Yonatan Tewelde, Ph.D. Faculty: Roderick Lee, Ph.D. and
Administration), which awards a double cord
Teng Zhang, Ph.D.
of royal blue and red; and
Upsilon Pi Epsilon (computer science,
cybersecurity analytics and operations,
human-centered design and development,
information systems, information sciences
and technology, and security and risk
analysis), which awards a double braided
cord of maroon and white.

PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT 9

Penn State Harrisburg Candidates for Associate, Baccalaureate, and Graduate Degrees
CERTIFICATE IN CAREER
Page 10
CANDIDATES FOR ASSOCIATE AND
 Major in Human Development STUDIES PROGRAM
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES and Family Studies Tartil N. Jaigirdar
Page 13 Hala Bhatti Jenna S. Kornreich
CANDIDATES FOR GRADUATE DEGREES Abigail Krevsky
Alyssa L. Brubaker
Grace Cole Patrick J. Matteson*
Tyler S. Smyers
CANDIDATES FOR Dayana Contreras Martinez
Allison M. Sweger Camar Wells
ASSOCIATE AND Megan D. Tripp Tyler A. Zahos*
Tyliyah J. Vereen
BACCALAUREATE
DEGREES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Major in Kinesiology
ADMINISTRATION


SCHOOL OF BEHAVIORAL Sarah G. Crawford

Julia G. Davis ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE
SCIENCES AND EDUCATION Gregory Jacobs
Fausto Olivares
 Major in Business Administration
BACHELOR OF ELEMENTARY Ciani L. Redd-Howard Makayla L. Gesell
EDUCATION Marc J. Rodgers

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Cameron Scholl
 Major in Elementary Education Madeline G. Sparks
Hannah Arnold Alec Stonesifer  Major in Accounting
Madison L. Baumgardner John W. Tyson Maryam Ahmad
Benjamin L. Blumenthal Kyla A. Wise Josie A. Brown
Domenique Colon Jason Buszinski
Hunter M. Davies
Corinna M. Dienner
 Major in Psychology William A. Canant
Malinee Chaloemsaen
Sarah M. Gerbig Mercedes L. Fleeger
Jalil T. Clayton
Dachan Gurung Alysha E. Garrity
Timothy M. Crowley
Chandler R. Heiple Olivia Hawkins
Melissa V. Cunarro
Olivia G. Hitz Carolina S. Hernandez
Jenna E. Darrin
Allison T. Hoch-Weiss Tayla J. Jones
Iliana M. Diaz
Madison L. Ingram Matthew Kiral
Michael Dougherty
David M. Keller Maddux Ryan
Edwin Ferreras
Binita Lamichhane Omar J. Soltero De Martin
Margaret E. Flatray
Janai A. Lockhart Olivia Wagner
Rozlin C. Gasque
Emma M. Musser Nestly I. George
Amy E. Patkos
Olivia Richardson
 Major in Sociology Anthony J. Grahn
Kassandra R. Schuyler Laura E. Grate
Emilee L. Schell Julian N. Gutierrez
Kathryn G. Sweinhart Sabur N. Jamshedov
Lejla Tihic
Michaela Todaro
BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE Gabriel Jezierski
Cynthia L. Kemikli
Lauryn M. Wentzel  Major in Secondary Education
Stephen S. Keriakes
Social Studies Madissen K. King
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Brooke A. Berkheimer Melissa S. Krygier
Colby A. Blakeman Anthony J. Lozoya
 Major in Biobehavioral Health Joseph D. Carpenter Michiyo M. Margraf
Jillian Mowry Logan B. Grazuties Nikki J. Neafsey
Steven M. Negron-Candelario Ty G. Lohr Sean E. Ortiz
Nina M. Ocasio Megan Ready Lauren A. Primrose
Concurrent Degree: B.S. Psychology John E. Warfel Maria F. Rodriguez Cue
Mary Ragi Jacob W. Weiand Audrey E. Ryder
Dina F. Tangan Christian M. Sanchez
Hayden A. Tencza Sam E. Sharp
Jacob S. Shoop
Sarah E. Tanner
Nicholas Williamson
Jordyn L. Yoder
10 PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT *Completed degree requirements Fall 2023
 Major in Cybersecurity Sarmila Poudel Johnathan D. Vivanco
Analytics and Operations Raul Rodriguez Jr. Aleesha Zaman
Gopal Adhikari Concurrent Degree: B.S. Information Systems
Alexander E. Arensdorf
 Major in Management
Anna L. Braund  Major in Security and Risk Analysis
Bibek Ghimire Haveesh Reddy Alle
Weston N. Curry Durga Dahal
Cristina M. Medina-Rosado
Concurrent Degree: B.S. Marketing Jayla D. Galbreath
Lam Nguyen
Samantha Godinez Dean A. Haynes
Frederick Riedel
Yousef Hamed* Anthony Issa
Noah I. Kildare Collin A. Lumley
 Major in Finance Jocelyn Long Brett V. Montefour
Selma Becirovic Ian F. Martin Collin A. Williams
Robert A. Bobeck III Concurrent Degree: B.S. Marketing

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
Nathan C. Brandt Chadava Tarun Reddy
Conner Breitenbach Concurrent Degree: B.S. Marketing
Declan T. Cudahy Lisa K. Rogers
Justin L. Emanuel Reena Subba ASSOCIATE IN ARTS
Connor S. Flynn  Major in Multidisciplinary Studies
Sombe Wendin Gislain Parfait Gansore
Tyler L. Jordan
 Major in Marketing Liza W. Dancy
Kylinda M. Webb
Rezna H. Mahmoud Kolby L. Allen
Tyler J. Milsop Emily M. Ball
Brandon M. Moore Julia G. Choe BACHELOR OF ARTS
Concurrent Degree: B.S. Management
Jesse Panek
Emilia M. Cloppenburg
 Major in American Studies
Manav J. Patel
Camden C. Shaffer Joseph P. Corpora Ty R. Fackler
Urja K. Shah Ava R. Dagenhart
Concurrent Degree: B.S. Marketing Dalton A. Ethriedge  Major in Communications
David D. Strausser Payton R. Fogarty
Zachary R. Bloor
Aaron J. Taylor Donald L. Friday
Ashon A. Calhoun
Andrew V. Voltz Donovan C. Gray
Mitchell Carson
Jonathan D. Yeckley Lily S. Hahn
Alexander Leiba
NyAsha D. Hayes
Nada M. Roza
Justin D. Henson
 Major in Human Kainath Ilyas
Anabella A. Wardhana
Capital Management Jeffrey Jones
Matthew Wynkoop
Esma Alagic Kelsie Lynch
Malia Ames-Borrel Kevin L. Mcpherson  Major in Humanities
Benjamin D. Murray Brian L. Nguyen Daniel Hoffman
Keira B. O'Hara Jessica S. Johnson
Mary K. Odei
 Major in Human-Centered Anna M. Ortiz
Design and Development Lamia Rahman BACHELOR OF HUMANITIES
Hannah M. Sever
Mack D. Keim  Major in English
Jacob Radogna Kaitlyn M. Stambaugh
Joshua J. Titus Abrielle L. Weger Owen M. Bennett
Hannah E. Wheeler Kathryn R. Brown
Maxwell W. Clark
 Major in Information Sciences Ashley D. Fauth
and Technology  Major in Project and Cayla M. Garman
John P. Baldauff Supply Chain Management Kaitlyn V. Klein
Siddarth Chhetri Rohit Chawhan Zian Lyu
Tanish S. Mahamuni Bikash Dhimal Ryan S. Smith
Kellen McLendon Mason A. Henne Stephen Vanesko
Payalben J. Patel Yogesh Homagai
Blake B. House
Mark E. Lavelle
 Major in Information Systems Maxwell Lubeskie
Mohamed Khalil Nicolas G. Spohn
Andrew Ou

*Completed degree requirements Fall 2023 PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT 11
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Madison Lee Harley Sampson
Madison Lowery
 Major in Communication Sciences Jenna Montana
Mikhail M. Sanu
and Disorders Kara Norris
Michelle Tandon
Gabriel S. Wade
Vincent Sly Condes Julienne D. Northern Madeline Weiser
Hannah S. Garland Kevin D. Paladines Ayesha Zafar
Kyra M. Hill Wendy Parcell Dylan W. Zeigler
Aleksa E. Ley Nicholas S. Perez Alyssa A. Zimmerman
Shaina Perry Marie T. Pittman
Melody S. Slajchert Jonathan W. Ponton
Faith A. Spangler Nicole S. Powell  Major in Civil Engineering
Gabrielle R. Ziegler Wendy P. Puertas Viloria Noor Auchey
Sean Ryan Preston B. Bauer
Luzmarie Salcedo
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Renaldi Bratasena
Aleka T. Spence Jediah W. Burkhart
Mackenzie Sterner Austin Clauser
ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE Sarah E. Toche-Manley Sofia Costagliola
 Major in Criminal Justice Concurrent Degree: B.S. Sociology Joshua J. DeGraffe
Daniel P. Tori Dakota N. Dehoff
Allison P. Caputo
Julia Toth Zachary Frazier
Robin L. Haydt
Teagan Walters Lauren E. Hess
Anthony P. Pagliei
Jimmy L. Ward III Hunter S. Kerstetter
Shyann S. Whall Tracy D. Kinzer
BACHELOR OF ARTS Gianna M. Yackmack Jason Langland
Jackson Yanich Kevin P. Lehner
 Major in Political Science Joseph R. Licolli
Keegan R. Behrens
Angad S. Bhullar
 Major in Health Policy Adam L. Long
Natalie C. Neptune
Concurrent Degree: B.S. Psychology and Administration Kole D. Ney
Kayla M. Clare Somaya Bibi Mitkumar Patel
Concurrent Degree: B.A. American Studies Maheen Hamza Bradley S. Paup
Harry R. Francis Maria F. Hernandez Brianna E. Rotheram
Vaughn P. Hennessey Julianna M. Keppley Sean R. Scholes
Yinchung Ho Francesca I. Mbibouth Luke D. Shamberger
Bivaniehervej Leh Isha Poudel Joel Sneeringer
William A. Simmons Larry S. Stepansky Jr.
 Major in Public Policy Graham B. Vieczorek
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Dayana J. Henderson
Nicholas Yeagy

 Major in Criminal Justice Jane M. Jurosky

Megan E. Askew
Samantha E. Stehn  Major in Computer Science
Trey Balderston Isaiah Adigun

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE,
Ayesha Ben Slimane Haris Ahmad
Kanisha Bhavnani Syed U. Ahmad
Dalton J. Brenner ENGINEERING, AND Talen A. Benes
Jacob Bianco
TECHNOLOGY
Karl A. Carline
Jai'Lynn M. Chambers Tianjie Chen
Zakaria Coulibaly
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Emily Comunale
Kegan J. Dombroski Casey J. Detwiler
Bailey M. Dunn  Major in Biology Peter C. Dizor
Caitlin M. Eader Matteo B. Ginder
Kyla M. Brossoit
Matthew A. Grant Orifkhon Kilichev
Miranda E. Eichner
Grace H. Halvorsen Jinyoon Kim
Jeremy J. Hedian
Alexander T. Infantino Alex Z. Li
Dhruv T. Kayastha
Valeria Juarez Murguia Tyler C. Lindsay
Moises A. Larregui
Madison Kessinger Krish A. Nair
Jonathan A. Lerch
Asia A. Lam Sai Subrahmanya Pradyumna Nanduri
Melanie A. Mikhail
Kharia Laraque Zachary T. Newman
Michael T. Myers
Alexis C. Lawson My-An H. Nguyen
Jay Patel*
Concurrent Degree: B.S. Sociology Kirtan V. Patel
Rachel Y. Russell
Mark S. Peschel

12 PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT

 Chase J. Leach
PENN STATE ERIE,
Devansh Shah
Jeffrey Tetkoskie Carlos A. Lopez Erazo
Thomson Toms Olivia R. Lowe
Gianni E. Lumadue THE BEHREND COLLEGE
Quinn A. Trate
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Tyler Wallace Ryan W. Mellinger
Hanwen Wang Sameerah Mohammed
George C. Young II Som Mongar  Major in Finance
Aaron T. Moyer Kristyn M. Gwozdecki
Drew M. Nickerson
 Major in Electrical Engineering Boluwatife Obasanjo
Mohammad Abuseini Bryan Obeng COLLEGE OF ARTS AND
Khoshi Ahmed Alex T. Orr
Matthew E. Redman
ARCHITECTURE, UNIVERSITY
PARK
Luis E. Aponte Vazquez
Marko Armanious Jacob M. Roberts
Lauren E. Bellis Nicholas A. Roberts
Nicholas L. Brown Jr. Cameron S. Romberger BACHELOR OF DESIGN
Michael Cieslak Mohammed K. Sakayl  Major in Digital Multimedia Design
Matthew D. Gable Caleb A. Shoemaker
Nardos M. Bizuneh
Sebastian Metzgar Tyler F. Smith
Jordan J. Shostek Joseph T. Spear
Jacob D. Shumanis Francisco Tejada COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT,
Mariah L. Tague Kimberly M. Ulishney
Dalina T. Tu Maximillian X. Valentine
Kayla M. Vohra
Colin Witmer
UNIVERSITY PARK
Major in Electrical
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Jae Young Yang
Engineering Technology Hamza Zaman
Steven D. Carr Shannon L. Zehner
 Major in Human Development
Richard W. Clements and Family Studies
Samuel J. Hilbert David E. Kern Jr.
 Major in Mechanical
Malik A. Holland
Engineering Technology
COLLEGE OF INFORMATION
Colin J. Siegel
Michael Villalona Nunez Andrew M. Adkins
Benjamin Westhafer Jaylan A. Cockley
David S. Harris
SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY,
Mark Le UNIVERSITY PARK
 Major in Mathematical Sciences John P. Matthews
Indiana Miller
Kenya-Aonye Mitchell
Elijah A. Padulese
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Hannah Odom  Major in Information Sciences and
 Major in Science Technology
Jordan S. English
 Major in Mechanical Engineering Chelsy Sippora B. Funebe
Eyaal M. Thabateh
Kyle G. Alsaca Rafi Islam
Emanwil W. Anwar
Huy Bach
 Major in Structural Design
CANDIDATES FOR
Yash A. Bhosle
Steven T. Caldwell and Construction Engineering MASTER’S DEGREES
SCHOOL OF BEHAVIORAL
James M. Devereux Tristen D. Barge
Abdalla w. Elsout Scott A. Brosius
Anthony Gianguzi
Mason L. Gibble
Andrew R. Brown
John A. Forte
SCIENCES AND EDUCATION
Logan T. Hubbard Matthew P. Gerheart MASTER OF ARTS
Benjamin M. Jessep Tyler G. Gigliotti
Braden Karlberg Douglas H. Rubin  Major in Applied Behavior Analysis
Sivasurya Karthikeyan Terrence G. Tompkins Gina L. Curtis
Derek J. Kern Peter A. Wojcik Emily Hinson
Taehan Kim Cameryn E. Padron
Logan Kleppinger Nicole F. Seacord

PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT 13

 Major in Applied Clinical Psychology MASTER OF SCIENCE Abigail R. Forsyth
Katherine R. Braund  Major in Information Systems Nicholas A. Gentry
Sukaynah A. Al Haji Ethan R. Gershater
Molly K. Gigioli
MASTER OF EDUCATION Shujun Cai
Janvi J. Desai Patrick Howe
 Major in Lifelong Learning Thomas E. Kennedy Hanna L. Hummert
and Adult Education Adam Lenker Megan Johnson
Chandra Shekhar Niredi Jennifer L. Koehl
Kathleen Salisbury
Siddharth Panasa Siotame H. Latu
Samantha Sefick
Purav Patel* Jonathan M. Liggitt
Pavani Sunku Jason M. Lingo
 Major in Literacy Education Tatiana R. Ludwig
Michael Molinari
SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
Jenna N. Beam
Madison J. Shaw Francisco J. Munoz
Kathleen Shea Nour S. Negley
Kaitlyn M. Starkey MASTER OF ARTS Edel A. Ogolla
Rebecca A. Walseman  Major in American Studies Meera Patel
Emily M. Yu Spencer T. Price
Timothy S. Swartz Nathan Rector
Derrick Rieger
 Major in Teaching and Curriculum  Major in Communications Delvin Rivera-Polanco
Dara M. Boden Amber N. Ruiz
Laura M. Gifford
Holly R. Moyer Justin E. Salom
Aaditya Krishnamurthy
Abigail N. Portko Mark A. Santos
Rebecca K. Rosten Botsalo C. Sima
Madison K. Spagnola SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS Bernard K. Talps
Joshua C. Valdez
MASTER OF ARTS Christine R. Weeks
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Samuel D. Wicker
Major in Criminal Justice
ADMINISTRATION

Joshua T. Ballard*
MASTER OF BUSINESS Mikia Crawford MASTER OF PUBLIC
ADMINISTRATION
Upama Khatiwoda ADMINISTRATION
Angela Maschuck
 Major in Business Administration  Major in Public Administration
Victoria Braccini Billy J. Ancheta
Concurrent Degree: J.D. Law Dickinson Law MASTER OF HEALTH Kurt D. Baldwin
Gwenda S. Burkholder ADMINISTRATION Olivia C. Carbone
Olivia F. Claycomb
Amy E. Corbett  Major in Health Administration Savannah B. Clement
Corey R. Duesler
Madeleine Kuhns-Baione Marlayna L. Bowers Nicholas L. DiDomenico
Concurrent Degree: J.D. Law Dickinson Law Neelma Dawood Samuel Dikeumunna
Luke M. Myers Alea S. Shakil Kristen M. Esquivel
Concurrent Degrees: B.S. Biology, B.S. Finance Dhaka R. Subedi Kimberly M. Foye
Joahlana A. Najunas Rifat Sultana Erich R. Friedrich
Concurrent Degree: B.S. Marketing Dena L. Gleason
MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL
Roseline Akosua Nyantakyi Natasha Gorham
Tingyuan Qiu Lindsey N. Hawkins
Nicholas P. Rhoads STUDIES Steven R. Jones
James W. Souders  Major in Homeland Security Kathryn M. Koetje-Simin
Marti L. Speck Ashley L. Medina
Eajai Alvarez
Tara L. Valent Dana A. Mitro
Samantha Berman
Ryan Wilson Karey J. Oakley
Nathaniel Burrell
Melanie A. Rodriguez
Samantha P. Coburn
Vanessa U. Thacker
MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL Marc Colon Gaeta
Carly Diffenderfer
Talia B. Wade
ACCOUNTING Matthew C. Dodson
 Major in Accounting Blaise Enonchong
Ann Francone Glenn Field
Jodie Golier
Kyle P. Jeffries
14 PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT *Completed degree requirements Fall 2023
 SCHOOL OF SCIENCE, SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES
Siddhika Sriram
Sumant Vishnu Suryawanshi
ENGINEERING, AND Abhinav Vij
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
TECHNOLOGY Major in American Studies
 Major in Electrical Engineering Jared T. Frederick
MASTER OF ENGINEERING Raheeq H. Darweesh
Thesis Title: The Unfinished Work: The Hidden
Major in Electrical Engineering
Aastha Singla**
 History of Gettysburg and the Second World War.
Christopher M. Belcher Dissertation adviser: Dr. Charles Kupfer
Edward J. Donofrio  Major in Environmental Pollution
Ian J. Fleming Control Maria R. Rovito
Daniel A. Galvao Min Young Lee Thesis Title: Free Woman: An Autotheoretical and
Chad Heitman Feminist Disability Analysis of Endometriosis Pain in
Dennis Ivan Medicine and Culture.
Oscar Magana Pantoja  Major in Mechanical Engineering
Mathias J. McDonough Sushanth Reddy Budur Dissertation adviser: Dr. John Haddad
Nathan M. Miller Anshul Jaswal
Arpan Patel Yash S. Lad
Jeffrey Pistacchio Adithya Sridhar SCHOOL OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Marharyta Pliazhuk
Bridget L. Taylor DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Taylor A. Varner CANDIDATES FOR Major in Public Administration
MASTER OF ENGINEERING DOCTORAL DEGREES Shehab S. Alnasser
Thesis Title: Making Sense of Open Government: A
MANAGEMENT
 Major in Engineering Management
SCHOOL OF BEHAVIORAL Comprehensive Analysis of its Definitions, Intellectual

SCIENCES AND EDUCATION

Roots, and Contingency Factors.
Mani Vardhan Reddy Akkasani Dissertation adviser: Dr. Bing Ran
Shreshta Anil Kumar
Vineet Balla
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION
Krishna Surya Varma Nadimpalli Major in Adult Education Essa K. Alrashidi
Thesis Title: Higher Education Privatization in Saudi
Rohan Yalamanchili Lisabeth E. Gencavage
Vision 2030: An Analysis of the Prospect and
Thesis Title: Navigating Complexity: The Military
MASTER OF SCIENCE
Impact on National Development.
Veteran Re-Entry Experience into a Satisfying
Dissertation adviser: Dr. Younhee Kim
 Major in Civil Engineering Civilian Career
Scott S. Barshinger Dissertation adviser: Dr. Elizabeth J. Tisdell Majda A. Nassif
Hannah E. Hess
Thesis Title: Exploring the Relationship between Social
Major in Lifelong Learning Capital and Volunteering Across Contexts
 Major in Computer Science and Adult Education
Dissertation adviser: Dr. Daniel Mallinson
Jigyasa Agrawal Julie C. Lentes
Mohammad Ahmad Thesis Title: Seeds of Empathy, Rooted in Critical Mingean Park
Adil Asad Reflection: Nurturing Cultural Humility in Global
Thesis Title: Policy and Population: Institutions and
Sanjana Athmaraman Health Trainees
Fertility Behavior
Pranav Batra Dissertation adviser: Dr. Elizabeth J.Tisdell
Rucha S. Daware Dissertation adviser: Dr. Younhee Kim
Samhitha Jangiti Danielle M. Lynch
Devang Jayachandran Thesis Title: The Exploration of Black Male
Parth S. Kumthekar Professional Athletes and their Lived Experiences in
Vedant Sewak Lanjewar Light of Social Justice Movements 2013-2023
Abhishek Mandar Mahakal The University is committed to equal access to programs, facili-
Pranit Shrikrishna Maldikar Dissertation adviser: Dr. Karin Sprow Forté ties, admission, and employment for all persons. It is the policy
of the University to maintain an environment free of harassment
Soumya Namani and free of discrimination against any person because of age,
race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, service in the
Naman Raghuvanshi PLEASE NOTE: This document was produced uniformed services (as defined in state and federal law), veteran
Naga Venkata S. Rayabharam status, sex, sexual orientation, marital or family status, pregnancy,
on April 26, 2024 as an unofficial list of pregnancy-related conditions, physical or mental disability, gender,
Ganesh Sadanala students who indicated their intent to graduate perceived gender, gender identity, genetic information or political
Ishika Saini this semester for purposes of the ceremony. ideas. Discriminatory conduct and harassment, as well as sexual
misconduct and relationship violence, violates the dignity of
Students who submitted their intent after this
Abhishek Sharma date are not listed. Official graduation is conferred
individuals, impedes the realization of the University’s educational
mission, and will not be tolerated. Direct all inquiries regarding
for students when successful completion of all the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Office, The
degree requirements is recorded. Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University
Park, PA 16802-5901, Email: aao@psu.edu, Tel 814-863-0471.
UBR HBG 24-89

**Completed degree requirements Summer 2023 PENN STATE HARRISBURG | 2024 SPRING COMMENCEMENT 15
 WELCOME TO THE PRIDE!
Congratulations on your graduation, and welcome to the Penn State Alumni Association
—the largest and most powerful alumni network in the world.
New graduates receive a complimentary one-year membership (valid one year from the date of
graduation) in the Penn State Alumni Association. As you enter the pride, you'll join the ranks of alumni
who keep their connection to Penn State strong through membership. We encourage you to stay
connected and learn more about the 30+ benefits that are included with your membership.
Watch the mail for your welcome kit and make the most of your
complimentary one-year membership.

Exclusive Member Benefits

CAREER AND
EDUCATION • Alumni Career Services: Attend premium Alumni Career Services events
for free or at a substantial discount.
• Discounts on Kaplan Test Preparation Services
• Alumni Library Online: Exclusive access to Penn State Libraries Digitized
Collections and University library databases.

NETWORKING
AND EVENTS
Make new connections, reconnect with classmates and friends, have
new experiences, and be enriched by participating in the world’s largest
alumni network.

DISCOUNTS

%
Members receive access to discounts including merchandise at Penn State
Bookstore campus locations; access to discounted health, auto, renters, home,
life, long-term care, and pet insurance; and more national and local discounts.

Additional benefits include early invitations to Alumni Association events, access to the
Alumni Directory, publications including the Penn Stater magazine, and much more!

To access a full list of membership benefits and to find your local Penn State Alumni Association chapter, visit:
alumni.psu.edu/newalumni
National Anthem Alma Mater
by Francis Scott Key by Fred Lewis Pattee

O say, can you see, by the dawn’s early light For the glory of old State,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming; For her founders strong and great,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro’ the perilous fight, For the future that we wait,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly, streaming? Raise the song, raise the song,
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air
Sing our love and loyalty,
Gave proof thro’ the night that our flag was still there.
Sing our hopes that bright and free,
O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave
Rest, O Mother dear, with thee.
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
All with thee, all with thee.

When we stood at childhood’s gate,

Shapeless in the hands of fate,
Thou didst mold us, dear old State,
Dear old State, dear old State.

May no act of ours bring shame,

To one heart that loves thy name,
May our lives but swell thy fame,
Dear old State, dear old State.