saint francis university 2015 commencement
DESCRIPTION
A PDF version of the printed program given out at the 2015 ceremoniesTRANSCRIPT
James W. Morhard, Esq., ‘78 Graduate Ceremony Speaker
James Morhard has a B.S. in accounting from Saint Francis, an M.B.A. in management science from George Washington University and a juris doctorate from Georgetown University. He has been admitted to the practice of law in the District of Columbia and in Pennsylvania.
Morhard has worked at the Pentagon as well as the United States Senate, where he has been on the staff of ten different Senators.
In 1991, he joined the Senate Appropriations Committee and wrote legislation for the Defense and Military Construction subcommittees. As part of his duties he managed a budget of more than $10 billion.
Morhard authored and managed the emergency legislation which funded the rebuilding of roads and bridges in Bosnia and Kosovo
destroyed during the conflicts there. His efforts helped rebuild the post-war economy.
In 1997, Morhard was put in charge of Commerce, Justice, State, and Judiciary appropriations. He created legislation to appropriate $38 billion for the operation of these agencies.
Prior to 9/11, Morhard drafted and passed legislation for all federal exercise, training, and equipment programs for state and local first responders. In addition, he founded the Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Post Graduate School in California, the first master’s level program focused on combating terrorism. After the Columbine shootings, Morhard began the School Resource Officer program. He also established the first Cyber Tipline for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
In 2003, Morhard became chief of staff of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its $731 billion dollar budget. His job included preparing for and managing hearings, mark ups, Senate floor debate and conferences with the House of Representatives for all thirteen appropriations bills.
He assembled and personally negotiated the final 2004 and 2005 Omnibus appropriations bills. To win passage of these bills, he worked closely with House and Senate leadership, the director of the Office of Management and Budget and the offices of the President and Vice President.
He retired from the Senate in 2005 and founded Morhard & Associates, a law and lobbying firm. He joined the adjunct faculty at the Naval Post Graduate School as well.
Morhard completed his second term on the Saint Francis University Board of Trustees earlier this year. He also has been a board member of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and has served on the U.S. Institute of Peace International Advisory Council.
In January, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell asked Morhard to become the deputy sergeant-at-arms of the United States Senate. In that position he is responsible for the safety and security of the Capitol and all who work and visit there. He oversees all information technology in the Senate as well as many other services that allow the Senate to function.
Sister Ilia Delio, O.S.F., Ph.D.Undergraduate Ceremony SpeakerHonorary Degree: Doctor of Science
You might refer to her as the scientific theologian. Or perhaps the religious scientist. What you cannot do is dismiss the challenge Ilia Delio has issued to Catholic universities to find a way for science and religion to collaborate so that we might—in her words—“restore soul to the university.”
Who is this person who wants to bridge the intellectual gap between science and religion?
She is a scientist who holds undergraduate and master’s degrees in biology, and a Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of the New Jersey Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
She is a prominent theologian who earned a Ph.D. in historical theology, and who is the author or co-author of 15 books on
topics ranging from Franciscan spirituality to the theology of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.
Oh, yes, she’s also a Franciscan sister.
To the uninformed, Sister Ilia Delio lives in two different worlds. She, however, sees science and religion as “complimentary disciplines.”
“I see these so blended in my life,” says Sr. Ilia. “They’re both seeking to discover the one large process of life, so to speak. Religion, I think, seeks to discover that deep connectivity with the source of life, which is God,” she continues. “And science seeks to understand how do the things of nature work.”
“Either discipline alone is sort of lame or blind . . . only together do we have a deep, rich insight to our world that we call home,” says Sr. Ilia.
Finding a way to connect the two disciplines has never been simple, even for Sr. Ilia. Her scientific research specialization, spinal cord physiology, earned her a post doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins, but she turned it down to seek a contemplative life. In 1984 she entered the Carmelite order and served four years in the cloister before eventually joining a Franciscan community.
The Franciscans sent her to Fordham for graduate study in theology, and it was there that she was introduced to the work of Teilhard, an early 20th century Jesuit scientist and philosopher. In Teilhard’s writings she found a kindred spirit.
Sr. Ilia’s “real” job as director of Catholic studies at Georgetown University focuses on making Catholicity more evident to the university community. Her office creates interdisciplinary courses to engage faculty and students in line with their Catholic studies motto, “Faith seeking understanding.”
“We’re trying to develop the program and courses so that it’s a thinking faith, an acting faith,” says Sr. Ilia. “It’s a faith that really makes a difference in how one does what one does.”
She continues her prolific publication schedule. She is the general editor for a new series published by Orbis
She calls our commencement theme, “Respect for the Uniqueness of Individual Persons,” a “wonderful” goal, and one that is “deeply Franciscan.”
“Respect for the human person is certainly right in line with Francis’ own thinking,” says Sr. Ilia.
“It’s not about law; it’s not about duty; it’s not about the church, per se; it’s about the human person, because in this person, God lives,” she explains further.
Sr. Ilia is a member of the Franciscan Servants of the Holy Child Jesus. She lives in Washington, D.C.
Press, and is author of the first installment in that series. Making All Things New: Catholicity, Cosmology, Consciousness is due out in September.
Very Reverend Christian R. Oravec, T.O.R., Ph.D., ‘60Honorary Degree: Doctor of Humane Letters (posthumously)
Make no mistake, the Very Reverend Christian Oravec would have loved accepting an honorary degree today from the institution he nurtured for 27 years as president and another eight as chair of the university’s board of trustees.
To paraphrase a line delivered to Fr. Christian in 2002 as he was being honored on the occasion of his 25th year as SFU president, he was a “Johnstown boy [who] made good.”
Indeed, he was. He made good; he did good.
Despite literally traveling the world in pursuit of his doctoral degree, as part of his duties as minister provincial of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and as president of Saint Francis University, Fr. Christian remained firmly rooted in Cambria County. Except for brief stints serving his novitiate and
attending graduate school, he never lived anywhere else. He never wanted to.
He was born into St. Francis of Assisi parish in the west end of Johnstown, and that early link with il poverello foretold the much deeper association soon to come.
spending money delivering milk for Sani-Dairy. After he was graduated from Johnstown High, he entered the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular in 1955. He began his novitiate a year later and pronounced solemn vows in July, 1960. While in formation, he took classes towards his undergraduate degree at Saint Francis College. He was graduated in 1960 with a B.A. in philosophy.
He immediately entered Saint Francis Seminary to prepare for the priesthood. He was ordained at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona in May, 1964, by Bishop J. Carroll McCormick.
Fr. Christian attended the Universite de Louvain in Belgium and earned the Ph.D. in systematic theology in 1969. His dissertation on Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the first scholarly examinations of the Lutheran theologian. While in Europe, he assisted with chaplain duties on U.S. military bases and in hospitals during weekends and school vacations.
Back in the U.S., he became director of postulants for the province. At the same time he served as professor of systematic theology at Saint Francis Seminary. Among his students were many priests now serving in posts throughout the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown.
In 1976 he was named executive vice president of Saint Francis College, and a year later he was elected president at the age of 39. Fr. Christian was inaugurated as the 30th president of Saint Francis on October 2, 1977.
Throughout his presidency he served multiple times as chairman of accreditation teams for the Middle States Association of the Commission on Higher Education and of certification teams for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
“Bob” Oravec was a paper boy for the Tribune-Democrat and an altar server at his parish, and he earned
Fr. Christian was elected minister provincial of the Sacred Heart Province in 2003, and re-elected four years later. In that role he represented the province at meetings of the Plenary Council of the Order around the world.
His service to local, state and regional boards was extensive. While minister provincial, he was chair of the board of trustees at both Saint Francis University and the Franciscan University of Steubenville.
His list of awards and honors is long. Included on that list is an honorary doctorate from Franciscan University and the Master of the Order award bestowed by the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis.
The Saint Francis University Board of Trustees named him President Emeritus in 2006.
Those who knew Fr. Christian well know exactly what he would have said on this auspicious occasion: “Thank you. Thank you, very much.”
Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R.PresidentSaint Francis UniversityP.O. Box 600Loretto, PA 15940-0060
Dear Father Malachi:
Thank you for informing me officially about the honorary doctorate to be presented to me by Saint Francis University at the Commencement ceremony of 2015. It is indeed a great honor to be recognized for service to our University, our province, and to our local region.
My years of service to the University were enhanced by the hard work and dedication of the entire University community – friars, trustees, faculty, administrative and operational staff, students, alumni, and many generous benefactors. To them, and to the grace of God, I owe a great debt of gratitude for any success that we achieved together. God willing, and with the cooperation of mind and body, I hope to continue to serve the University as adjunct professor. If there are other ways I can assist you and the institution, please let me know.
I look forward to next year’s Commencement. In the meantime, be sure of the prayers as you begin your presidential responsibilities at Saint Francis and as you continue your leadership in our Province.
Reverend Christian R. Oravec, T.O.R.
o
Graduate ProgramPreludes Rev. John Mark Klaus, T.O.R., organist
Grand Chorus Esther Higgins (1903-1994)Prelude in G minor Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)Adagio Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)Canon in D Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706)St. Anthony Chorale Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)Voluntary John Stanley (1712-1786)Marche Pontificale Jacques Lemmens (1823-1881)Air from Water Music George Frederick Handel (1685-1759) Hymn of Joy Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827)
PROCESSIONAL Rondo from Sinfonies De Fanfares Jean Joseph Mouret (1682-1738)
Division III: Master’s and Doctoral Degree Candidates Laurie Grosik, Ph.D.Assistant Professor, MMS/MHS Marshal
Division II: Faculty Melissa Kagarise. D.H.Sc., ‘95, ‘98Associate Professor, MMS/MHS Marshal
Division I: Platform Party Deborah Budash, Ph.D.Director, MMS/MHSGrand Marshal
PRESIDING Very Rev. Richard L. Davis, T.O.R., ‘74Minister Provincial, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Chairman, University Board of Trustees
INVOCATION
NATIONAL ANTHEM Jordan Gibson
WELCOME Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.President, Saint Francis University
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.
Vice President for Mission IntegrationRev. Joseph J. Lehman, T.O.R., Ph.D.
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS James W. Morhard, Esq., ‘78
INTERLUDE Anthem to Saint Francis UniversityGustave Holst, music Stephen Rombouts, Ph.D., textJordan Gibson, vocalistRev. John Mark Klaus, T.O.R., organist
PRESENTATION OF DEGREE CANDIDATES Wayne Powel, Ph.D.Provost
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES AND PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.
Master’s Degrees and Doctoral Degrees
WELCOME TO NEW ALUMNI
ALMA MATER Jordan Gibson
BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL Gaudeamus Igitur (Traditional) Rev. John Mark Klaus, T.O.R., organist
mIn imitation of Francis of Assisi, who was open to human
personality in all its variety and who saw the image of God multiplied but never monotonous...
Very Rev. Richard L. Davis, T.O.R., ‘74
Undergraduate ProgramPreludes The Pittsburgh Brass Project Rev. John Mark Klaus, T.O.R., organist
Pilgrims’ Chorus Richard Wagner (1813-1883)Grand Chorus Esther Higgins (1903-1994)Toccata Edmond Haines (1914-1974) Chorale from “Jupiter” arr. Kevin McManus (b. 1978)St. Anthony Chorale Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) My Home Among the Hills arr. Kevin McManus (b. 1978)Prelude in G minor Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) Salvation is Created arr. Kevin McManus (b. 1978)Adagio Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)Canzona per Sonore No. 2 Giovanni Gabrielli (1557-1612)
PROCESSIONAL Rondo from Sinfonies De Fanfares Jean Joseph Mouret (1682 - 1738)
Division III: Associate and Bachelor Degree Candidates Stephen Gilmour, Ph.D. Professor, Psychology Marshal
Devonna Sue Shoemaker, Ph.D.Professor, Biology Marshal
Division II: Faculty Charles Olson, M.A.Professor, ArtMarshal
Marian Langer, Ph.D.Professor, BiologyMarshal
Division I: Platform PartyStephen Baker, Ph.D.Associate Professor, Psychology Grand Marshal
5...we recognize that each individual person is a unique
combination of God-given abilities.
PRESIDING Very Rev. Richard L. Davis, T.O.R., ‘74 Minister Provincial, Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Chairman, University Board of Trustees
NATIONAL ANTHEM VOCALS Shannon Adams Annette Gingerich Ashley McMahon Paige Mundy
WELCOME Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.President, Saint Francis University
CONFERRAL OF HONORARY DEGREES Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.
Sister Ilia Delio, O.S.F., Ph.D.
Very Reverend Christian R. Oravec, T.O.R., Ph.D., ‘60(posthumously)
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS Sister Ilia Delio, O.S.F., Ph.D.
INTERLUDE Anthem to Saint Francis UniversityGustave Holst, musicStephen Rombouts, Ph.D., text
Shannon AdamsAnnette Gingerich Ashley McMahon Paige Mundy
Rev. John Mark Klaus, T.O.R., organist
PRESENTATION OF DEGREE CANDIDATES Wayne Powel, Ph.D.
ASLEmily GabrielJennifer SantoSamantha SmithKarissa Wess
Vice President for Mission Integration
INVOCATION Rev. Joseph J. Lehman, T.O.R., Ph.D.
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES AND PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS Rev. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D.
Associate’s Degrees and Bachelor’s Degrees
TASSEL CEREMONY Gretta GhanerSenior Class President
WELCOME TO NEW ALUMNI
NATIONAL ANTHEM VOCALS Shannon Adams Annette Gingerich Ashley McMahon Paige Mundy
BENEDICTION
RECESSIONAL Gaudeamus Igitur (Traditional)Rev. John Mark Klaus, T.O.R., organist
The Pittsburgh Brass ProjectKevin M. McManus,
Trombone and DirectorJosh Boudreau, Trumpet
Ralph Guzzi, TrumpetHeidi Lucas, Horn
James Gourlay, Tuba
hWe know that each person expresses the goodness of God in a particular way.
ASLLindsey DellingerMiranda KellenbergerKrista SwopeKatie Vena
Very Rev. Richard L. Davis, T.O.R., ‘74
2015 Student, Faculty and Staff AwardsThe Mr. and Ms. Frankie awards, presented annually to the top male and female students of the senior class, are based on scholastic achievement; commitment to Franciscan values; volunteer service to the university and the community; personal character and demeanor; and diverse membership and leadership in campus activities and programs.
Mr. FrankieChase W. Bamat
Ms. FrankieGretta D. Ghaner
Saint Francis Honor Society Distinguished Faculty Award
Gerald W. and Helen L. Swatsworth Faculty AwardDr. Irene Wolf
John Soriano Outstanding Service Award for Operational Staff Ms. Theresa M. Kelly
Theodore Soriano Outstanding Service Award for Administrative Staff
vEvery member of the University community thus deserves tobe treated respectfully and each should treat others with respect.
5
Dr. Thomas Woods, ’87
Ms. Renee M. Bernard, ’95
Presidents of Saint Francis College/UniversityPresident TenureBro. Giles Carroll, O.S.F. 1850Bro. Bernardine Rogers, O.S.F. 1860Bro. James O’Connell, O.S.F. 1880Bro. Athanasius Gleason, O.S.F. 1889-1891, 1895-1896Bro. Lawrence O’Donnell, O.S.F. 1870, 1881-1882Bro. Angelus Laughlin, O.S.F. 1882-1884, 1897-1900, 1904-1906, 1909-1910Bro. Francis Carney, O.S.F. 1891-1893Bro. Joseph Conway, O.S.F. 1901-1902Bro. Aloysius Gilmartin, O.S.F. 1907-1908Fr. Victor Brown, T.O.R. 1910-1911Fr. Cyril Murphy, T.O.R. 1911-1912Fr. Linus Lynch, T.O.R. 1912-1914Fr. John Doyle, T.O.R. 1914-1916, 1921-1924Fr. Damian J. Segourn, T.O.R. 1916-1917Fr. Louis Donahue, T.O.R. 1917-1918Fr. Benedict English, T.O.R. 1918-1921Fr. DeSales Dwerlkotte, T.O.R. 1924-1926Fr. Raphael E. Breheny, T.O.R. 1926-1933Fr. John P.J. Sullivan, T.O.R. 1933-1937, 1940-1945Fr. Edward P. Caraher, T.O.R. 1937-1940Fr. John Bocella, T.O.R. 1945-1946Fr. Adrian J. Veigle, T.O.R. 1946-1953Fr. Xavier T. Crowley, T.O.R. 1953-1956Fr. Kevin R. Keelan, T.O.R 1956-1959Fr. Columba J. Devlin, T.O.R. 1959-1962Fr. Gabriel J. Loncosky, T.O.R. 1962-1966Fr. Vincent R. Negherbon, T.O.R. 1966-1972Fr. James P. Long, T.O.R. 1972Fr. Sean M. Sullivan, T.O.R., Ph.D. 1973-1977Fr. Christian R. Oravec, T.O.R., Ph.D. 1977-2004Fr. Gabriel J. Zeis, T.O.R. 2004-2014Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, T.O.R., Ph.D. 2014-
xStudents especially should be accorded as much personal attention as possible.
Professors Emeriti/EmeritaeDr. Emilie Allan, Professor Emerita of Sociology
Dr. Adrian Baylock, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics
Dr. Patricia Bentivegna, Professor Emerita of Spanish
Dr. Raymond Bradley, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy
Mr. Paul Deskevich, Associate Professor Emeritus of Mathematics
Dr. William Duryea, Professor Emeritus of Biology
Dr. Edward Fitzpatrick, Professor Emeritus of English
Dr. Elizabeth Gensante, Professor Emerita of Education
Dr. Jerome Jareb, Professor Emeritus of History
Dr. Arthur Julian, Professor Emeritus of Education
Dr. Rodrigue Labrie, Professor Emeritus of English
Dr. Dennis McIlnay, Professor Emeritus of Business Administration Mr. John Murphy, Associate Professor Emeritus of History
Dr. Lawrence Pion, Professor Emeritus of Biology Dr. Vincent Remillard, Professor Emeritus of French
Mr. Samuel Resconich, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry
Dr. Claire Sackin, Professor Emerita of Social Work
Dr. Jean Samii, Professor Emerita of Nursing
Dr. Robert Stith, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy
Dr. Wayne Takacs, Professor Emeritus of Biology
Dr. Dee Ann Wallace, Professor Emerita of Education
Dr. Kirk Weixel, Professor Emeritus of English
Dr. Philip Woo, Professor Emeritus of Economics
Dr. Albert Zanzuccki, Professor Emeritus of Accounting
The University MaceThe mace has been used as a symbol of authority for centuries. Official emblems were carried before ancient Roman magistrates, and in the Middle Ages, ceremonial maces were borne by bodyguards of French and English monarchs. Later, the mace became an important symbol of office in both civil and academic processions. One of the oldest traditions in academia, dating from 1385 at the University of Vienna, the university mace is meant to reflect the character and values of an institution. In academic processions, the mace precedes the University President as a symbol of order and authority, responsibility and service.
The re-designed Saint Francis University mace was first used in 2001 to celebrate the 150th Commencement at Saint Francis and our first as a University.
The mace is topped with a Celtic cross, signifying the preeminence of Jesus Christ in the life of the University, the Catholic identity of the institution, and the Irish heritage of the six Franciscan friars who established Saint Francis Academy in 1847.
The cross rests atop an orb, which symbolizes the global vision and universal mission of Franciscan higher education and represents the many countries of the world from which Saint Francis students, staff, and alumni have come.
Encircling the orb is a band of brass inscribed with the three names by which our institution has been known while spanning three centuries: Saint Francis Academy, Saint Francis College, and Saint Francis University.
The orb rests upon an octagon, its eight sides symbolizing the eight Articles of the first Charter written by the Franciscan founders for their friary and academy in 1848, and the eight Goals of Franciscan Higher Education at Saint Francis, developed in 1991. The octagon incorporates eight symbolic elements on its lateral faces.
On four sides of the octagon, institutional seals are engraved: the seal of Saint Francis Academy, which is also the seal of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis (T.O.R.), the Franciscan Order to which the friars of Saint Francis University belong; the seal of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, that portion of the Third Order Regular in the United States which sponsors the University; the seal of Saint Francis College, the name of the institution for over one hundred years; and the seal of Saint Francis University. The same four seals are represented on the Presidential Chain of Office, worn by the University President for Commencement and other special institutional functions.
The other sides of the octagon have these four images: Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron of the University, as he is depicted on the fountain sculpture in the center of the campus mall; the rose window from the University Chapel, portraying “The Canticle of the Creatures” of Saint Francis of Assisi; the Bell Tower, one of the oldest structures on campus and the only remnant of Old Main, once the primary building for the Academy and the College; a pine cone and branch, symbolizing both the newness of life and the evergreen trees that have graced the school “among the pines” from its beginning.
Below the octagon, the staff of the mace is decorated with fluting, common to classical columns. The entire mace is constructed from the wood of pine, maple, and black walnut trees, all of which are found on the University campus.
The Saint Francis University mace was designed by Dr. Stephen Rombouts, Registrar, from a concept proposed by the Very Rev. Christian R. Oravec, T.O.R., Minister Provincial, Sacred Heart Province, and was constructed by Leonard Siedlarczyk, former master carpenter at Saint Francis. The cross and brass elements were crafted by Servinsky Jewelers of Cresson, Pennsylvania.
Academic Attire The academic attire worn today originated in the universities of the Middle Ages, when a warm gown and hood were useful for scholars and clerics in unheated buildings. The distinctive gown served to set students apart from fellow citizens. The cap, or mortarboard, usually has a black tassel, though doctoral tassels may be of gold.
The cap is worn throughout the entire ceremony. Gentlemen remove their caps during prayer, the national anthem, and the alma mater. Degree candidates wear their tassels on the right, shifting them to the left when diplomas are received.
Although academic gowns may appear similar, there are differences, which denote the wearer’s educational degree. Sleeves are pointed for the bachelor’s degree, oblong for the master’s, and full, round and bell-shaped for the doctor’s. The doctoral gown may also be faced with velvet.
The hoods worn with the gowns also vary according to academic degree, the bachelor’s hood being 36 inches long, the master’s hood 42 inches long and the doctor’s hood 48 inches long. The colored inner lining of the academic hood is the official color of the institution granting the degree. The velvet edging of the hood, the width of which varies from two inches to five inches according to the degree, represents the academic field for which the degree was granted.
Colors of the edging on the hoods and the banners on display represent various academic disciplines, including the following:
Arts, Letters and Humanities: WhiteBusiness Administration: DrabEconomics: CopperEducation: Light BlueEngineering: OrangeFine Arts: Brown Human Resources: DrabJournalism: CrimsonLaw: PurpleLibrary Science: LemonMedicine: GreenMusic: PinkNursing: ApricotOccupational Therapy: Slate BluePhilosophy: Dark BluePhysical Therapy: TealPhysician Assistant: GreenScience: Golden YellowSocial Science: CreamSocial Work: CitronTheology: Scarlet
nWith education of the whole person as our goal...
Academic HonorsDegrees with honors are conferred by the University for exceptional scholastic achievement. The degrees with honors are as follows:
Cum Laude for a general Q.P.A. of 3.5 Magna Cum Laude for a general Q.P.A. of 3.7 Summa Cum Laude for a general Q.P.A. of 3.9
Graduates are presented with bronze, silver and gold medallions to designate these honors.
Those receiving the Honors Program diploma have maintained a minimum cumulative Q.P.A. of 3.25 and have completed the Honors Program curriculum, including a thesis requirement. To qualify for Departmental Honors a student must have department approval and must complete an independent study of at least six credits that earns an “A.”
The University SealThe official seal of the University bears the University’s name in Latin, date of founding, coat of arms, and motto.
The left side of the shield contains symbols of the Franciscans who founded Saint Francis Academy in 1847 and the friars of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis. On the upper left are the cross among clouds and the Franciscan symbol of the crossed arms of Jesus and Saint Francis of Assisi. In the center a crown of thorns and three nails reflect the passion of Christ and signify sacrifice, conversion and reconciliation. On the lower left, flames issue from the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
symbolizing love. The crescent moon symbolizes Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
The right side of the shield bears symbols reflecting the University. On the top right, the open book symbolizes wisdom and knowledge. The left page of the book bears a circle, a sign of eternal truth, while the right page shows a straight vertical line, a sign of finite truth. The ray emanating from the book expresses the Franciscan spirit of teaching truth, knowing truth, and loving truth. The ray of light begins as a narrow burst and widens to suggest that truth originates from and is imbued with the divine.
On the bottom right, the evergreen tree is a sign of the Irish heritage of the founding Franciscan friars as well as the school’s designation for many years as “the College among the Pines.”
Atop the shield rests a crown to represent Saint Louis, King of France, and Saint Elizabeth, Queen of Hungary, patron and patroness of the Third Order of Saint Francis. Below the shield, the Latin motto Virtus, Veritas, Virtus is translated as Valor, Truth, Honor. The entire University community is called to embrace truth with valor and honor.
/...we endeavor to foster the intellectual, physical, social, and spiritual
growth of Saint Francis students...
Alma MaterHail, Saint Francis, ever true
we stand and sing of love for thee. from the halls of inspiration
onward move in dignity.
When our college days are through we will ever loyal be
to the memories that we cherish and the love of friends we knew.
Chorus
Praise thee ever, Alma Mater virtue with love combines
Proudly now we hail to theeAlma Mater among the pines.
a...and to prepare them not just for productive careers but for fruitful lives.
Master of Human Resource Management Mary BrownRita L. EvansYoussef FekharKyle J. GibsonSherry HancockBrock A. HettingerPriscilla R. HoffmanAmanda L. KickKelsey L. KohlerBobbi L. LaCountMichael J. MashKristina N. MooreAaron PackerKevin J. Parker Jr.Sarah J. PastorekDevin PlenertAmy RaffertyTeika M. RobinsonDavid RoseroCaroline E. SandrickSheena D. SimpkinsEric Matthew StombaughAmy L. Tirpak*Holli A. UrgolitesMichael Vaughn Jr.Gary J. Witherow Sr.
List of all candidates as of April 22, 2015
Master of EducationElizabeth L. AnastasioBrittany K. BakerBrittany L. BakerLogan C. BarkmanWilliam M. BassettSusan J. BettsAbby A. BickelShari L. BuckChristopher R. CarrierCathy A. DamianoStacy Anne DatskoRocco E. DePiro IIIJoshua P. DetrichMelissa DobbinsJonathan M. FarabaughCasey T. FlahertyCynthia E KnopsnyderSarah A. LumadueLeo M. MagulickDustin A. MarshallKellie S. MasonChelsey E. McMahonJoshua L. MountzMark C. NorrisSara E. O’RoarkHillary J. PiggottBrande R. PlylerOlivia K. QuynnAlex D. RaupSandra K. RickabaughSherri N RitenourNicole T. ScartonKatelyn A. SedlockJennifer R TreeceDarla TrentBrooke S. WarnerDavina A. WieczorekAmanda L. Woodring
*Degree Completion Summer 2015
Master of Business AdministrationMelisa A. BerardiAshley N. CreamerAllison J. DalyTyler A. DavidsonKasey T. DeYulis*Sarah A. DummSandy M. DusackJoshua Neal FayMitchell L. Frederick IIDale A. GrayLewis P. GregoryAmanda R. GroveSean T. HornPeter A. KazeryAngela KordellRobin A. LatchfordAlicia M. LombardoKent D. Malzi Jr.Cassandra ManelickCharles MartinBrody W. Maughan-EvansonSusan M. MeierJordan M. MillerAntony Stephen MooreShelby E. MurphyLori A. MyersGarrett OakesAimee R. RitcheyDavid A. RosendaleCaroline E. SandrickKimberly R. SeidelShawn T. Simmers*Jessica L. Snyder*Courtney L. StewartDiana M. ToiaMaria Teresa Urquizu ArocenaYuze Wang
*Degree Completion Summer 2015
Master of Medical Science Eric M. AbbottAna M. AcostaHeather A. AlbertsonJames J. AmettisPhilippe D. AndreNneka T. AsiamigbeIvan D. BaezKathryn M. BakerAhleah C. BalawenderKonstantin W. BalayanYanette BarceloAlexandria C. BartlettKendra E. BauerMegan G. BellStephanie L. BengsConstance N. BezankengNicole M. BonanniTina T. BordonaroBrandon L. BrownHeidi A. BurnsJennifer S. CarrolCarlos D. CastanedaZheng ChenChriston J. ChilenLuis A. ChristieAnna M. ChunLindsey C. ClarkBarbara A. CloreySara E. CookCandace J. DaughertyJessica L. DeStefanoMarislene DelvaRobert N. DoughertySusan N. ElhofyJulia A. EneaAmy L. FosterBeryle K. FrankAnna R. GallardoChristopher R. GardinerAlexander G. GrellDanielle N. GutierrezCharise P. HasdorffJill G. HeckendorfMichele M. HillsNianbin Hu
Rosemarie L. HughesJennie L. JohnsonAbigail L. JordanShawna K. KarmanDiana M. KesselStephanie R. KirkJobby A. KurianSamuel J. LagunasCarmen M. LedesmaJinho A. LeeAshley M. LicursiJeanine MackiewiczMichael P. MastrangeloNaicka MathiasLisa F. MeinsenAlexander W. MeloyDouglas W. MetzAshley L. MetzgerKevin S. MorrisJesse A. MosesMarie B. Mvogo MessoboDemi A. NavaImade I. OsaghaeAngela M. OvertonKathryn R.A. PageMelissa PetersenRebecca W. PowellPatricia J. QuartinAshton T. RedstoneAndrew E. ReidThirza M. RobertoAlison J. RybaNamat A. SaidJulie M. SamoraSusan K. SasakiErica E. SimmonsKathleen E. SkillinBailey K. SnyderBrigitte SoucyTyler C. SouthardTraci L. StrandKellee R. SwiderKandice D. SwindleCatherine M. SzotTony J. TanBrittany R. ThomasAna C. TrisanMelissa A. Tucker KhanAgnieszka TylMary L. Udseth
Jason E. ValderramaJanice L. Van BockernRyan M. WhitworthLauren H. WilsonJohnson WongBrittany A. WoodJennifer L. YasharalJinhui YuanCrystal L. Zelinske
Master of Physician Assistant Science Lauren AretzCasey L. BaumgardnerKenneth G. BillingsStephanie J. BoulterScott A. BrandenbergerHannah M. BrooksBrooke C. BudionAmy M. ClevengerMegan M. CollinsDevon M. CourtneyJessica C. CroteauLauren C. DelGrossoTrista EdwardsKayla D. EsterlineSara GhannadiBrittny N. GudalisBrian HancoxSamantha J. HessomKatie P. HochreinSarah HolmgrenAnna E. JeffriesColleen A. KellyMuir L. KeplerKaitlyn KingBrooke E. KochRyan C. LaDukeShauna LandreyJennifer M. LichtenthalMaria C. MazichBrittany M. McElhenyCassie N. McGeeGabrielle R. MickusJoy MullinsJenna K. NewhouseCarly J. NolaQuinn E. PendredMegan E. PfeilAngelica RamirezAshley J. RanselEmily H. RecknerJocelyn K. ScilliaBenjamin Henry SealeHaley Elizabeth ShearsHeath Boyer SimmonsKatelyn R. StaufferJeffrey Michael StebbinsSara E. Sweeney
Melissa Leigh TivnanKara A. TopkaConda J. WeimerCaitlin B. WeirSheri D. WinegardnerHillary R. Woods
Master of Occupational TherapyAshley N. BabilyaJanice E. BauerMarla J. BeckMelissa M. CarrMeghan T. CarrollAdam D. CinerSarah DeCarloJillian DiColaConnie I. DupontAllison R. FeatherAshley D. GibsonJessica M. GrossKellie M. HimesAngela M. HoffmanJerrika HoovenLindsay HurleyAirik S. HuttonAmanda ImlerMichael J. KoehleMelissa A. KrugLynsey M. LivotiCourtney A. LooseKelly L. MarcotteAlyssia A. MarshallCasey J. McConahyAllison M. NovotnySophia PatsyAlana M. PedronTheresa M. PeranteauGabrielle PierreGrace E. SalugaCody E. SkutchBrandis L. SternJilian L. StoneRebecca L. StullMaura F. WhetstoneKelly L. Wichrowski
Master of Health ScienceDarla J. AntonisCarol A. BarolliMegan E. BeaverLeanne D. CampbellPorfirio G. CanoMelissa M. CarrollChiara CastelliMaglyn L. ChavarriaDebra K. ConnellyMary H. ConnorsBarbara J. DawsonAllison M. DwyerTracy L. EwingShuka S. FaridTina M. FrankLester E. FreemanNicole Y. Garcia SantiagoJennifer T. GehlSandra M. GoreDarla J. GrahamLinda C. GravesTracy N. Hinton*Hellena L. HopkinsJennifer B. HornerAshley M. HuntZulay IlbertFrances JeanKimberly L. KlebineBrenda E. KnappEmily E. LewisLana L. LyleRenee K. MacDougallCarol L. MadiaMarlana D. MalcottiTryphaena C. ManoharanFrank T. MateriaVanessa R. MontoyaBeth E. MyersWorlali NegbegbleRiva L. OliphantMary N. OnwumahAlison M. OzgurCrystal A. PerlmanMegan PetersEsta L. RatzlaffRobert L. ReedAmber C. Reyes
Wanda M. Rodriguez-DonhamManuel J. RolonHeather L. SamudovskyMarie L. SedilloCoriann R. StoutApril G. ThompsonBreanne M. WeidleSharon D. Wolfe
*Degree Completion Summer 2015
Doctor of Physical Therapy Brittany L. AaronNicholas A. BancroftIrene M. BoyleJennifer D. BrennanLiza R. CataniaKathryn M. ChelkoJulie Ann DayClay W. DodsonJoseph J GocekTeodorico J. HeckmanDerek S. HeislerJacob Nathaniel HershbergerAlison P. HortaLauren E. KleinMelissa S. KlineEmily L. KnottZykia M. LaRueMallory Zerena McPheronMatt Michael MignotJennifer L. NicholsonJennifer L. RavottiKathryn D. RobinholtJames SeifriedRenea C ShafferBrittany A. Shall*Alexander SharrDesirae Marie SkadalAndrew Charles SlifkoKelsey N. StonerMitchell L. StraubBrian SweeneyNathan L. TurcoRebecca A. WebsterElizabeth M. WilliamsLauren S. WingardLauren S. Xiques
Associate of ScienceZachary A. BowserAlyssa M. CiccarelliSpencer Alan Nicholson
Associate of Applied ScienceEric James Stombaugh
Bachelor of Health Science *Richard Lance BooneErikka P. ChamberlainKaren M. LinkErin Adair McKinneyRebecca R. Nihart*Melissa A. Stasik
*Degree Completion Summer 2015
Bachelor of ScienceFrank A. AdamczykShannon E. AdamsSelena Adamshick*Nochienna T. AgubuzoChristopher Albright
Honors Program GraduateDepartmental Honors in
Chemistry Emily C. AndersonJessica Catherine AndrewEric J. AnelloJeremy J. ArboreCorissa K. ArcherAshley I. ArdellitzKathy A. Ashcom LepschMorganne L. AultJillian N. BainesChase W. BamatDylan R. BaranowskyAmy BardMalyn A. BarkeyMadison M. BaronnerLawson A. BarterTaylor A. BarthZachary D. BartolottaStephanie J. BasileMarissa A. BaumgartDylan J. BearRachel A. BehneAnn N. Beliles
Honors Program GraduateDepartmental Honors in
Biology *Sara A. BenferHoward Lyle BennettBenjamin R. BerkebileJared G. BlackAbigail Blair
Honors Program GraduateDepartmental Honors in
BiologyAlanna J. BlenkarnLisa BollmanHolly K. BowersoxAnthony J. Bowman
Tracy Lin BradfordChristopher C. BraunAlexis A. BrickelMacy R. BrinkBrandon M. BuntingCathy M. BurkettPaige ButlerDaniel J. BuzasRyan M. ByersHannah J. CarnevaliSergio Carvajal SanchezBryan C. CauseyJuliet E. CawthernKaitlin N. ChaslerPhilip ChovanecRosemary K. ClarkKenisa J. ColbertJon Ander Colino SansoneKylie R. ConnorDevin M. ConradLauren M. ConradKathleen E ConrathLindsay A. CornerMallory B. CortisLorenzo J. CoscarelliShannon M. CoughlanAshley N. CreamerMargaret S. CreciunArielle R. CrumChristopher L. CrumplerTori L. CutshallJohn M. DavisRebecca F. DavisErika M. DeisslerLindsey DellingerMichael DennisErica A. DeValRacquel D. DeWittCamila DiazRachel R. DieterichKristen M. DiGiovanniClaire A. DiNucciDeanna M. DiVirgilioKatlyn DodsonMarlee J. DrumhellerDerek T. EllisBryanna E. EvensAmanda K. FabianLindsey E. FarrellKevin Matthew Fawcett
Andrea M. FelskiChristopher A. FischerLeigha D. FleckChristopher S. J. FooreTrent ForsheyEmily N. GabrielJeremy V. GastonMegan E. GattoMegan GaydoshBrouk Dejene GebreabBlaken A. GeiselBrandon L. GeorgeGretta D. GhanerAnnette F. GingerichZachary A. GlessnerAric A. GreskoJordan N. GrgurichKimberly A. GronskiKristy L. HammBreanna HaselrigJulia H. Havko
Honors Program GraduateDepartmental Honors in
BiologyCharles A. HawkinsJessica A. HawthorneAnthony James HeathCody J. HegedusTimothy A. HeissBrandon E. HermanAndrea B. HetmanskyMichael HollenSarah E. HoltzerDylan C. HorneJulie Ann HornerTimothy C. HornickMary C. HorrellAshley N. HortonKaylie E. HorvatRebecca HuberJocelyn M. HughesRyan IckesBrian IsenbergNatalie IsettOllie E. JacksonHelana JacobsBreanne J. JamesElise M. JancefEmilee M. JanidloLuz Maria Jasso Gascon
*Degree Completion Summer 2015
Kayla S. JeckellChristopher A. JimenezRebecca A. Johnson*Khalid A. JonesAmanda Frances JorinscayDavina A. KachnovitzPaul A. KantoskiMitchel KavlickJerold R. KeiferTimothy A. KeithMiranda L. KellenbergerNicholas T. KellerMairead M. Kelly
Honors Program GraduateRyan J. KennedyLeah S. KesslerGrace G. Kim*Jami L. KishJaclyn P. Kittleberger
Honors Program GraduateMaria T. KlinePatricia A. KlineLindsey R. KnetzerKayla M. KobaJesse KocharaBreanna L. KochinskyPolina KovalevCara E. KrausMichael M. KreschKyle W. KroutEmily N. KrumenackerRebecca L. KrumenackerCraig M. Labuskes
Honors Program GraduateHanna L. Lauff
Honors Program GraduateStephanie Lyn LavelyChristina M. LeidColby A. LenzLisa E. LeonardQingzhuo LiGretchen M. LiskaRyan F. LomickaKelli A. LongAllison E. LozinakKayla A. Mack*Elizabeth A. MaggioDominique P. MajorCarissa Rose Faith MakeaTammie A. Mallow
Rochelle Deanne MarchJacob R. MarkleyBarbara Maros de CarvalhoMary A. MartinMarc A. MarucaMarissa E. MatassaMarissa M. MazurakKristi C. McClellanDaniel J. McConnellHeidi R. McCrackenGabrielle A. McDermott
Honors Program GraduateDaVon G. McGantAshley N. McMahonAlecia C. McNiffBrandon A. Meck*Jose Pablo Medina ZapiainMatthew D. Mendillo
Honors Program GraduateSara MiddlerStephen MitarnowskiKayann M. MobleyMaria MollShane M. MorrisPaige C. Mundy
Honors Program GraduateDepartmental Honors in
BiologyJames W. Murphy
Honors Program GraduateJodi Nicole MurrayDaniel MyersKathryn L. NallonAndrea L. NavratilBishop G. NealRebecca R. NihartConor S. Norris
Honors Program GraduateTierra L. NovakVictor U. NwakpudaPatrick E. OberTess M. Onink
Honors Program GraduateDepartmental Honors in Physician Assistant
Abigail M. OpielaBriana M. OrdKelsey E. OswaltKatelyn N. OwensJuan Andres Pardo Montoya
Nathaniel A. Parrish*Shivani PatelLogan PattersonApril L. PearceAutumn E. PellmanIan L. PereiraAlexander N. Peruso*Hope E. Phillips*Kelsy E. PielmeierAlexandra PizzutoAndrew M. PonterioJessica PopyackMary R. PramukBriana K. QuistRobert S. RandallMolly J. RazumAndrew J. ReddenSean R. ReeseLindsey S. Reid*Tasha K. Reid*Bridget B. ReillyCody C. ReimersElizabeth RezkBritani A. RiceDanielle R. RittsMallory E. RomanoKathryn A. RossKelli E. RossmanNickolas G. RouncevilleDanielle M. Rura*Shaun E. Russell Jr.Jalina SabatoseSherry M. Sagath
Honors Program GraduateDepartmental Honors in Physician Assistant
Brent A. SandersNathaniel L. SandersJennifer M. SantoJoshua K. SchallDeanna M. SchantzenSteven F. SchmittJacqueline S. SecriskeyLinda K. SellAlexa C. SemelsbergerKristen L. ShaferNickolas R. ShawverJoseph S. ShookVan Adam SimpsonJustin M. Skipper
*Degree Completion Summer 2015
Kathleen Mary SlingerlandCassandra C. Smego
Honors Program GraduateDepartmental Honors in Physical Therapy
Ashley E. SmithHonors Program GraduateDepartmental Honors in Physical Therapy
Robert James SmithSamantha L. SmithLindsay E. SnyderNicole C. SnyderRichard I. Somiari Jr.Patrick G. StaggSarah A. Stakem*Melissa A. StasikBlake A. SteeleShaqeia N. StokesAndrew M. StopkoLogan S. StrouseMeghan J. Studds
Honors Program GraduateSara K. TarrNicholas E. TedeschiEmily R. TercekMaritsa TinnickMaria J. TomkowskiEmily A. TruebloodAshley L. TurnbullDanielle N. VanDevereJoey VelazquezKatie M. VenaNicole M. VillaKatrina L. Vosteen*Jennifer WagnerMargaret C. WaldronMackenzie Walter*Mary E. WardleKaelea R. WarnerAbigail C. WebbMaura C. WehnerKarissa R. WessBraden W. WhitedDouglas A. WhitselStephon J. WhyattDanielle L. WiegerMatthew E. WilliamsFranklyn K. WilliamsonPaige A. WojdylaKayleigh Sue WolfhopeMatthew N. Wong
*Degree Completion Summer 2015
Naiyi WuNicholas E. YacobucciJoseph A. YasalonisSarah E. YeagerYikun YingRobert L. YohnFrank N. YoumbiJenna N. Zemlock
Bachelor of ArtsShannon E. AdamsAbenezer S. AlemuAlan AlexanderRyan J. BeiswengerSydney R. Beunier-LucasAdam R. BoltonEarl B. BrownJoshua R. ChumrikStephanie CiraulaDavid J. ColemanShannon M. CoughlanChelsea M. DesJardinsDanielle M. DeskevichCamila DiazCharles J. DiesoSamantha L. Dilling
Honors Program Graduate Marlee J. DrumhellerNerissa DuncanAnna FieldingWashi GervaisAlexa N. HaywardBrian IsenbergKylie S. Jackson
Honors Program Graduate Andrew J. KeimGabrielle C. KepnerKarlee M. KuceraCory A. LeonardGarrett LucasCecelia A. MacDonald
Honors Program GraduateDepartmental Honors in English
Carissa Rose Faith MakeaJustin A. MatthewsGabrielle A. McDermott
Honors Program GraduateDepartmental Honors in English
Lindsey R. MillerAndrea L. NavratilChristie J. OlekAbigayle E. OrloskyPatrick L. Reed*Chelsea E. RexAnthony S. SabatinoAlexandra P. SachsNathaniel L. Sanders
Mitchell T. ShawJenna M. SkubikAllison Smith*Terell D. SmithKrista Sue SwopeGabrielle TownsendMakeya Jennifer Marie VanChristopher H. VillarrialDerek WaksmunskiJennifer E. Wilde
Honors Program Graduate Departmental Honors in Psychology
*Degree Completion Summer 2015