kent state university administration graduates, congratulations ... criminology & justice...

The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula

Kent State University Administration

Mark Astorino

Robert Billman

Cheryle Chiaramonte

Vince Gildone

Tim Green

LaVette Hennigan

Patty Hoyson

Laura E. Jones

Chuck Lafferty

Marie Lane

Ryan Richards

John Rubesich

Marianne Sezon

Ashtabula Area College Committee, Inc.

Dr. Beverly Warren Dr. Susan Stocker

Dr. Beverly J. WarrenPresident

Dr. Todd A. DiaconSenior Vice President for

Academic Affairs and Provost

Dr. Nathan P. RitcheyVice President for Kent State

System Integration

Kent State University at Ashtabula Administration

Dr. Susan J. StockerDean and Chief Administrative Officer, Kent State University at Ashtabula

Interim Dean, Kent State University at GeaugaPh.D., Kent State University

Kevin L. DeemerAssistant Dean

M.L.S., University of Kentucky

Amanda C. DolanDirector, Enrollment Management and Student Services

M.Ed., Kent State University

W. David SchultzDirector, Business Affairs and OperationsB.S.B.A., Bowling Green State University

Jason A. TirottaManager, Communications & Marketing

B.A., Baldwin-Wallace College


A Message From The Dean

Dear Graduates,

Congratulations! Today you have reached a major milestone in your lives. By earning your college degree, you have proven you have what it takes to excel. As you prepare to travel new and exciting avenues, I want to congratulate you on your accomplishment. As a graduate of a world renowned University, your Kent State degree will open many doors for you.

On behalf of the entire Kent State community, and especially your family here at Kent State Ashtabula, I commend you and your family and friends who have supported and encouraged you along every step of your college journey. Even though you are graduating, we encourage you to stay in touch with your Kent State family as an alumnus of this great University. We extend an open invitation to you to return to visit us, whether in person or online. We wish you the best, both in personal well-being and in great professional success. Most importantly, we offer our best wishes to you today as you celebrate your well-deserved achievement. Congratulations,

Susan J. Stocker, Ph.D.


Please turn off cell phones and pagers.

Musical Prelude performed by Clay Metcalf

Academic ProcessionalPomp and CircumstanceElgar(Audience, please stand)

National AnthemStar Spangled BannerKey/Smith(Audience, please remain standing and join in singing)

Welcome and Introductions Dr. Susan J. Stocker, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, Ashtabula Campus

Recognition of ExcellenceAshtabula Area College Committee, Inc. Academic Achievement Awards

Student Address Jordan Rimpela

Commencement AddressDr. Mel Anthony May

Certification of GraduatesDr. Bradley Keefer

Conferring of Degrees Dr. Susan J. Stocker

Presentation of Diplomas

Congratulatory RemarksMeg May, President-Elect, Kent State University Alumni Association

Closing RemarksDr. Susan J. Stocker

Alma MaterHail to Thee, Our Alma MaterStump & Steere(Audience, please stand and join in singing)

RecessionalLargoHandel(Please remain standing until graduates have left the gymnasium)

Please join us for a reception in the Blue and Gold Room and The Commons following the ceremony

Order of Exercise


Associate of ArtsJustice Studies

Associate of Applied BusinessBusiness Management TechnologyComputer TechnologyInformation Technology for Administrative Professionals

Associate of Applied ScienceHuman Services TechnologyNursingOccupational Therapy Assistant TechnologyPhysical Therapist Assistant TechnologyRespiratory Therapy TechnologyViticulture

Associate of Science

Associate of Technical StudyEmergency Medical Services Technology

Bachelor of ArtsCommunication StudiesCriminology & Justice StudiesEnglishPsychology

Bachelor of Business AdministrationAccountingBusiness Management

Bachelor of ScienceHospitality ManagementPsychologySpanish

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Public Health

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care

Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies

Conferring of Degrees

The listing of graduates is based upon information provided prior to printing of the program. The appearance or absence of any name in the program does not constitute recognition or denial of completion of degree requirements nor the conferring of honors.

The program is issued as a ceremonial publication and is not an official record of graduates. The awarding of degrees will be based on the out-come of final examinations and final grades. The University apologizes for any errors or omissions.


Mel Anthony May, Ph.D.

Dr. Mel Anthony May retired from Cuyahoga Community College in June, 2016 after serving eight years as the Dean of Student Affairs at the Eastern Campus. In this role he was responsible for over 6000 students annually, and oversaw the design and construction of the new One Stop Enrollment Center and the new Natatorium and Fitness Center. He completed the American Association of Community Colleges’ Future Presidents Institute in 2012.

Since retiring, May is engaged in higher education consulting, and currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Geauga County YMCA and on the Board of Directors for the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild.

Prior to joining Tri-C, May held administrative positions at five of the eight campuses of Kent State University, including Assistant Dean for the Ashtabula Campus, Assistant Dean for Academic and Student Affairs for the Regional Campus System, and Executive Director of Educational Technology and

Distance Learning for the University. He held the faculty rank of Adjunct Assistant Professor in the College of Technology in addition to his administrative appointment, teaching primarily Computer Technology courses.

May earned four degrees from Kent State University, culminating with his doctorate in Educational Administration. His doctoral dissertation studied student satisfaction with services in traditional and web-based environments. He is the co-editor of “The Encyclopedia of Women and Baseball” a project that allowed him to combine his love of both history and baseball.

May’s wife Meg is an economist who works as a Product Analyst at Progressive Insurance and serves as the President-elect of the National Board of Directors of the Kent State University Alumni Association. They make their home in Newbury, Ohio and are actively engaged in their community.

Commencement Speaker


Jordan RimpelaBachelor of Arts, English

Jordan Rimpela has the privilege and honor of delivering the student commencement address this evening to the Fall 2017 graduating class. He is receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in English.

A lifelong resident of Ashtabula County, aside from what he describes as all-too-brief stints in Germany, Rimpela chose English as his major from the encouragement of his mentor, the late Roger Smith. He served as the first president of the English Society on campus and witnessed the creation of that group’s first publication, The Platypus, which featured poetry and photography from fellow students.

Rimpela studied with five other Kent State Ashtabula students in Dresden, Germany for a semester to earn certificates in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. He then accepted an internship teaching English as a Second Language at the Kent campus, then taking

another internship in Dresden, Germany introducing kindergartners to English. He then returned to the Ashtabula campus to complete his degree.

For nearly a decade, Rimpela has worked at the Ashtabula Arts Center.

Student Speaker


Graduation with Honors

Jeremiah AllenKyle BarnaCassandra BarronJennifer BosticEva ButlerValerie Cole Cassidy DiFrancoMary FetskoAngelina FinlawMaxwell HackmanMichelle HamiltonTrista HarrisCarl HuffMaura HuntAndrew HurlaKimberly JoestWalter KenderskiTim KetchumDustin KillianKayla KnerrMadison Lamppert

Logan LeichtmanNoemi MaldonadoKelsey MarburgerNicole McCarthanJoAnna MooreBrandi MuellerJessica OrwickMelanie PattisonAlison PetricLaurie PhillipsJackie ProferaMichelle ReinsmithCassandra SerdulaTodd SnyderKatherine TannerKelsey TaylorRebecca TimminsTracy VorisekHeather WhitakerHannah Young

Cum LaudeHonors are awarded to those students earning a bachelor’s degree with an average of at least 3.5 to 3.69 on a 4.0 scale. Graduates who achieve Cum Laude are wearing blue cords during the ceremony.

Michelle HamiltonJoel HeringCharles HuntChristopher KonieczkoLindsay Sandella

Magna Cum LaudeHigh Honors are awarded to those students earning a bachelor’s degree with an average of at least 3.7 to 3.89 on a 4.0 scale. Graduates who achieve Magna Cum Laude are wearing gold cords during the ceremony.

Jessica FarrenErin SelzerJames SnyderDavid StoufferAlyssa Tersigni

Because the list of graduates and those graduating with honor or distinction is prepared prior to the completion of the semester, this list is tentative. Certification of the indicated degree is subject to the completion requirements. The official registry for the conferral of degrees is the Office of the Registrar, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.

Associate Degree With DistinctionAn associate degree student graduating with distinction de-notes that the student has earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale. These calculations are based on the prior semester’s cumulative grade point average.

Academic Achievement AwardAwarded by the Ashtabula Area College Committee, Inc. to graduates who have completed at least 45 of 60 or more credit hours at the Ashtabula Campus and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.70 or better in their last semester prior to graduation. This semester’s recipients are:

Cassidy DiFrancoJessica FarrenMaura HuntLogan LeichtmanNoemi MaldonadoMelanie PattisonErin SelzerCassandra SerdulaJames SnyderDavid StoufferTracy VorisekHannah Young


Candidates for DegreesAssociate Degrees

Associate of ArtsKati Renee McCroneTimothy John RendaKatarina RobyAbigail Janine Weirich =

Accounting TechnologyMarissa E. Morgan

Justice StudiesJonathan Ryan Williams

Associate of Applied BusinessBusiness Management TechnologyCassandra Dunn Maura E. HuntKatelynn Elizabeth Metz =Ashley WestJason Yauger

Computer TechnologyChristopher L. BowersTimothy Ryan KetchumValerie Ann Teed

Information Technology for Administrative ProfessionalsRebecca A. Olmstead

Associate of Applied ScienceHuman Services TechnologyGuinevere J. CopelandShannon Rea RuffoHarry Leon Wells, Jr.Lindsey Ann Wiles

Viola C. WilsonHannah Elisabeth Nell Young =

NursingMariah Georgia Marie BeeryJordan E. BevinsAngela Marie BylerAmelia Elizabeth Cooper-MogelMia Renee CrawfordJennifer Danielle FitzpatrickBritainy L. GrafKaitlyn N. GrossmanTrista Gwen HarrisDanielle Lenee KufchakKimberly Jean LeggSamantha Locher ‡JoAnna Marie MooreMonica D. ToddPatricia ToddJaimie Christine TomineyMegan Gabrielle WrightSarah M. YearyRachel Elizabeth YilitKaitlynn Christina Young

Occupational TherapyAssistant TechnologyCassandra L. BarronCrystal BartunekJ’Me R. BradyLauren Ashley BrazeeBrianna Rhae ElliottMeg Joyace Ann FerlAngelina Leanne FinlawCassidie M. HallChristina Marie HehmeyerDestinie Renee HillDaniel Steven KrausKelly M. Lewis

Noemi MaldonadoMelanie PattisonAlison Renee PetricJackie Kathleen ProferaKayla R. SheetsAbigail Janine Weirich =Larinda Ann Yankie

Physical Therapist Assistant TechnologyJeremiah E. AllenAbbigale Grace BatokiValerie Brooke ColeCassidy Marie DiFrancoKenneth Allen DrummondMary Christina FetskoTroy Thomas FrankelCarolyn Michelle GombertMaxwell M. HackmanLogan L. LeichtmanRyan Lee ManistaAnthony MondaCassandra Powers SerdulaMegan J. SockoKatherine L. TannerTracy Lynn VorisekKyle S. WarnerErin Melissa Wheatley

Physical TherapistAssistant Technology - Athletic Trainer ConcentrationKyle BarnaMegan A. BastinJennifer Dawn BosticElizabeth Kendall BrayEva Nicole ButlerNicholas Andrew CahillJustine Carlson


Candidates for DegreesGilbert Orville CochranKatlyn CorsmeierCarl Bradley HuffAndrew Francis HurlaKenyatta Ameer JenkinsBeau JenkinsKimberly Ann JoestWalter John KenderskiDustin Jay KillianKayla KnerrMadison Marie LamppertJennifer R. LeiningerKelsey L. MarburgerNicole Marie McCarthanKim McElhinnyBrandi MuellerJonathan Regis NalevankoMichael NewmanJessica Loreene OrwickLaurie Ann PhillipsMichelle ReinsmithKyana Javette SmithTodd Anthony SnyderKelsey Rae TaylorRebecca Grace TimminsMaury Joshua UhlmansiekSteven Allen WatsonHeather WhitakerCaroline Ashley WilliamsMara Nicole Wlodyka

Respiratory Therapy TechnologyDawn M. FishelKebrina Lenellechase HaislahMakenna R. HudsonKathlyn JohnsonHallie J. NovakAmber PrinceLyndsey Elaine WheelerReed Scott Zawacki

ViticultureLori AlbrechtLaura Jean Witherow

Associate of ScienceShannon Lee BoothJesse BoveeMaggie Jean DarlingtonMackenzie Dunlap Jessica FrancisLynnae Marie HasselLorraine Leigh KordesJenna Maxwell Tori Elizabeth MooreDaniel R. PeelCourtney Marie ShearsJordan StillsShannon WallaceJordan WilhelmHannah Elisabeth Nell Young =

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor of ArtsCommunication StudiesDavid J. StoufferMatthew Sterling Wunsch

Criminology & Justice StudiesLeeAnne Denise BanyasBarbara S. DixonJustin Jacob HumphriesKayla Nycole JonesAshley A. MillardJohn R. NorrisPamela M. RichcreekJonathan Michael Simon

EnglishCheryl Dee NewhartJordan W. Rimpela

PsychologyChristopher J. KonieczkoBrittany N. Morrison =

Bachelor of Business AdministrationAccountingJames William Snyder

Business ManagementStephen J. KaneAllison T. KaydoKatelyn Elizabeth Metz =Lindsay E. SandellaDanielle Lynette Williams

Bachelor of ScienceHospitality ManagementKaylee Deanne MaddenJordan Nicole ManningBrooke Ashley MihalickLeonard Robert Norwood

PsychologyTyler Day Legere

Speech Pathology & AudiologyAlyssa J. Tersigni

Bachelor of Science in NursingScarlett AndersonKristi Ann Baker


Audra L. BloodJohn Cody CarrollStephanie Renae DalinJessica Suzanne FarrenLindsay A. GomezJoel E. HeringCharles O. HuntMarlene Monroe SartiniBrittany N. Morrison =Kay Elizabeth RuckSarah Elizabeth Yearwood

Bachelor of Science in Public HealthGary Thomas MartinErin N. Selzer

Bachelor of Science in Respiratory CareAngela C. DealKurtney Labig

Bachelor of Technical andApplied StudiesJohn Anthony BowlerJoseph Michael CarducciMark HederstromTyler Hornbeck Dustin KocinaCassandra PeltonGino E. RosatiDillon M. RossLauren Marie SemanMichael J. Valentic

Candidates for Degrees‡ = indicates degree awarded

posthumously

= indicates graduating with dual degrees

+ indicates graduating with multiple majors


Resident FacultyAnn C. Abraham, Associate ProfessorChemistryPh.D., University of Pittsburgh

Megan AliceaRespiratory TherapyM.Ed., Boise State University

Katherine Amey, Assistant ProfessorGeographyPh.D., Kent State University

Stacy J. Beck, Associate LecturerRadiologic TechnologyM.P.H., Kent State University

Laurie S. Bentley, Associate LecturerCommunication StudiesM.A., Kent State University

Deborah M. Bice, Associate ProfessorEnglishPh.D., Case Western Reserve University

R. Michael Blake, Assistant ProfessorPhysical Therapist Assistant TechnologyM.S., Duke University

Abigail Bowers, Assistant ProfessorEnglishPh.D., Texas A&M University

Caralisa Breidenbaugh, Associate LecturerBiological SciencesM.S., Youngstown State University

Michael J. Brennan, Senior LecturerBiological SciencesM. Ed., Edinboro University

Christina Burnworth, LecturerInformation Technology for Administrative ProfessionalsM.S.T., Kent State University

Carolyn J. Carvalho, Associate LecturerComputer TechnologyM.S.T., Kent State University

Brian C. Castellani, ProfessorSociologyPh.D., Kent State University

Tamra J. Courey, Associate ProfessorNursingD.N.P., Kent State University

Michael A. Czayka, Senior LecturerEngineering TechnologyM.S.T., Kent State University

Kevin Deemer, Assistant ProfessorLibrary ScienceM.L.S., University of Kentucky

Thierry Delorme, Associate ProfessorBiological SciencesPh.D., Université Claude-Bernard-Lyon

Elizabeth E. Devore, Associate LecturerEnglishM.A., New Mexico Highlands University

Donald D. Driscoll, Jr., Associate ProfessorPhysicsPh.D., Case Western Reserve University

Marna Drum, Associate LecturerCriminology & Justice StudiesM.A., University of Akron


Resident FacultyMarnie K. Ellis, LecturerEnglishM.F.A., Bowling Green State University

F. Anne Freitas, Assistant ProfessorNursingPh.D., Kent State University

Natalie Jean Huya, Associate LecturerTheater ArtsM.A., Villanova University

Bryan A. Jones, Associate ProfessorPsychologyPh.D., Stony Brook University

Michael Jones, Assistant ProfessorPhysical Therapist Assistant TechnologyD.P.T., University of Akron

Bradley S. Keefer, Associate ProfessorHistoryPh.D., Kent State University

Lisa G. King, Associate LecturerNursingM.S.N., Ashland University

Aleksandr Kitsis, LecturerManagement & Information ServicesM.B.A., John Carroll University

Joseph T. Kuvshinikov, Associate ProfessorAccounting TechnologyPh.D., Gannon University

Jessica Leveto, Assistant ProfessorSociologyPh.D., Kent State University

Kerri K. Lochmueller, LecturerMathematical SciencesM.S., Youngstown State University

Shelley Marshall, LecturerComputer TechnologyM.S.T., Kent State University

Lora J. Morris, Associate ProfessorNursingD.N.P., Ursuline College

Mahmoud Najafi, ProfessorMathematical SciencesPh.D., Wichita State University

David J. Perusek, Associate ProfessorAnthropologyPh.D., Michigan State University

Rebecca Rempe, LecturerPhysical Therapist Assistant TechnologyB.S., Ohio University

Janine Ricketts, LecturerOccupational Therapy Assistant TechnologyM.S., D’Youville College

Stacy Rose, Associate ProfessorNursingM.S.N., Case Western Reserve University

Elizabeth A. Schlosser, Associate LecturerPhysical Therapist Assistant TechnologyB.S.P.T., Bowling Green State University

Robert Schmalzried, LecturerMathematical SciencesM.Ed., Youngstown State University


Jon A. Sefcek, Associate ProfessorPsychologyPh.D., University of Arizona at Tuscon

Julie Senita, Associate ProfessorNursingD.N.P., Kent State University

Megan Shumaker, LecturerOccupational TherapyB.S., Cleveland State University

Robin Sikut, LecturerBiological SciencesM.S., University of Akron

Joan Steidl, Associate LecturerHuman Services TechnologyM.A., John Carroll University

Susan J. Stocker, Associate ProfessorNursingPh.D., Kent State University

John B. Stoker, Assistant ProfessorEnglishM.A., Kent State University

Amy Thomas, Assistant ProfessorLibrary ScienceM.L.I.S., Kent State University

Edward Trebets, LecturerViticulture and EnologyM.Ed., John Carroll University

Scot B. Tribuzi, Senior LecturerHospitality ManagementPh.D., Kent State University

Mandy Ulicney, LecturerHospitality ManagementM.S., Kent State University

Daryl G. Upole III, Assistant ProfessorBusiness ManagementM.B.A., Cleveland State University

Debra Whittaker, LecturerNursingM.S.N., Cleveland State University

Resident Faculty


Technical, Professional and Support Staff

Kevin K. AciernoManager, Information TechnologyM.T., Kent State University

Michael D. BallSystems AdministratorM.T., Kent State University

Kathy BarbatoSenior Secretary, Academic AffairsA.A.B., Lakeland Community College

Teresa L. BatesClerical Specialist, Academic Services

Sandra K. BeebeSecretary, Business ServicesA.A.B., Kent State University

Kristina CallFinancial Aid CoordinatorM.Ed., TUI University

Ava C. ChaneyClerical Specialist, Student Services

Mary A. CollinsSecretary, Communications & Marketing/DevelopmentB.G.S., Kent State University

Sherry DetrickProgram Coordinator, NursingM.B.A., Indiana Wesleyan University

Elizabeth M. Driscoll DeWittSenior Advisor IIL.S.M., Kent State University

Arin FranklinAcademic AdvisorB.B.A., Kent State University

Yvonne GeorgeProgram Director, Respiratory TherapyM.Ed., Cleveland State University

Taylor ParanaStore Manager, Barnes & Noble College StoreB.S., Kent State University

Paula GhizAcademic AdvisorB.S., Kent State University

Rebecca HarveyAdministrative Assistant to the DeanB.A., Lake Erie College

Jill M. HazyClerical Specialist, Student Services

Theresa HootmanSecretary, Allied Health ProgramsA.A.S., ITT Technical Institute

Lisa R. JacksonFinancial Aid Representative

Carol JonesCoordinator, Academic ServicesM.S., Kansas State University

Jeffrey A. KaydoSecurity Officer

Tiffany M. KiphartProgram Director, Physical Therapist Assistant TechnologyM.Ed., Kent State University

Temple M. KincaidAdministrative Clerk, Nursing/ Viticulture & EnologyB.S.P.H., Kent State University


Technical, Professional and Support Staff

Dennis KonczalMaintenance Repair Worker

James KrackerBuilding and Grounds SupervisorA.A.S., The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute

Megan KrippelAdmissions CoordinatorB.A., Cleveland State University

Barbara A. LarsonClinical Coordinator, Radiologic TechnologyB.S., Weber State University

Lori L. LeeSenior Special Assistant, Academic AffairsJ.D., Washington College of Law

Andrew LuomaClient Services RepresentativeM.T., Kent State University

Julie MirabellProgram Director, Occupational Therapy Assistant TechnologyM.S., Western Michigan University

Gary J. MisichLabratory ManagerB.S., Cleveland State University

Jodi L. NievesAccount Clerk M.T., Kent State University

Becky OlmsteadSecretary, Nursing and Respiratory TherapyA.A.B., Kent State University

Russell D. PorterInstructional DesignerB.S.T., Kent State University

Amy A. RodenhausenDirector, Clinical Education, Respiratory TherapyM. Ed., Youngstown State University

Gail M. SchroederProgram Director, Radiologic Technology M.P.H., Kent State University

Irene J. SkleresAcademic Advisor IIM.S. Ed., Youngstown State University

Bethany J. TackettLibrary AssociateB.G.S., Kent State University

Amy N. ThomasLibrary DirectorM.I.L.S., Kent State University

Amy S. ThompsonSenior Business ManagerB.G.S., Kent State University

Jim TrucklyMaintenance Repair Worker

Ashley D. VlasovClinical Coordinator, Physical Therapist Assistant TechnologyB.S.P.H., Kent State University

Danielle M. Weiser-ClineAcademic Advisor IIM.A., Kent State University

Gerald WilliamsMaintenance Repair Worker

kent state university administration graduates, congratulations ... criminology & justice...

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