TheOne Hundred Thirty-Eighth

Commencementof

Thiel College

Sunday, May SixthTwo Thousand Twelve

Two O’ClockWilliam A. Passavant Memorial Center

Greenville, Pennsylvania

PRELUDE Rondeau and Fanfares ...............................................................................Jean-Joseph Mouret

Kathryn A. Gray, M.M., Adjunct Professor of Music, College Organist

Andrew S. Erb, Director of Bands, trumpet

Arioso, BWV 156 ................................................................................................. J.S. Bach Trumpet Voluntary in C .................................................................................. Maurice Greene Meditation from “Thais” .............................................................................................. Jules Massenet

*PROCESSIONAL Faculty Marshal Candidates for Degrees Faculty Platform Party

Pomp and Circumstance, Op. 39, No. 1 .................................................................... Edward ElgarMs. Gray

*PLACING OF THE COLLEGE MACE ....................................................Christopher H. Moinet, Ph.D.Professor of English

Faculty Marshal

*INVOCATION ............................................................................... The Rev. H. William BixbyCampus Pastor

WELCOME ........................................................................................Troy D. VanAken, Ph.D.President

INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER ........................ Carl A. Hoffman, D.O. ’69President and Corporate Medical Director, PrimeCare Medical, Inc.

Member, Thiel College Board of Trustees

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS .................................................................. Joyce M. Cuff, Ph.D.Professor of Biology and

Paul M. Rike Professor in Life Sciences

CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREE .................................................. Edward A. Bartko ’72Chair, Board of Trustees

Robert H. Baker, M.D. ..................................................... Presented by John A. Leipheimer ’74Director of Athletics

RECOGNITION OF EMERITI FACULTY ..................................................Dr. Lynn Franken, Ph.D.Vice President for Academic Affairs

and Dean of the College Michael E. Bacon, Ph.D., Professor of Physics Susan E. Cowan, M.S.N., R.N., Professor of Biology Joyce M. Cuff, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Paul M. Rike Professor of Life Sciences Mark R. Vennis, M.S., Associate Professor of Health & Physical Education

The Order of the Exercises

SPECIAL MUSIC A Farewell .................................................................................................................Molly Ijames May God Bless and Keep You .................................................................................Robert Wetzler ’54

The Thiel Choir ~ Michael A. Bray, D.M.A., Conductor

GREETINGS FROM THE CLASS OF 2012 .....................................................Ryan M. Prescott ’12AND PRESENTATION OF THE SENIOR CLASS GIFT Senior Class President

INTRODUCTION OF THE SENIOR ORATOR ............................................. Michael T. Balas, Ph.D.Professor of Biology, Faculty Chairperson

SENIOR ADDRESS ................................................................................... Annie M. Camp ’12 “Travelers on a Journey” Senior Orator

PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS ......................................................................... Dr. Franken

CONFERRING OF DEGREES ...............................................................................Dr. VanAken

PRESENTATION OF THE GRADUATES .................................................................. Dr. Franken

DISTRIBUTION OF DIPLOMAS ............................................................................Dr. VanAkenMr. Bartko

SPECIAL RECOGNITION Valedictorian and Salutatorian ...................................................................................... Dr. Franken

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS ...................................................................................... Dr. Moinet

*HAIL ALMA MATER .......................................................................................Friedrich F. Flemmingwords by E. Grace Hunton, 1900

*BENEDICTION .................................................................................................. Rev. Bixby

*REMOVAL OF THE COLLEGE MACE .................................................................... Dr. Moinet

*RECESSIONAL Procesión Alegre ......................................................................................... Garry A. Cornell

Ms. Gray

* The audience will please rise.

The Order of the Exercises

2. Hail, Alma Mater, may thy torch foreverShed light resplendent for thy God and Country;

Send the flame onward to all generations.Hail, Alma Mater!

1. Hail, Alma Mater, on thy hill enthroned,Firm as a mountain may’st thou stand enduring

Fair as the Valley of thine own Shenango.Hail, Alma Mater!

3. Hail Alma Mater, we thy children pledge theeHere our devotion, loyal, true and tender;

Thee will we cherish, praise thy name forever.Hail, Alma Mater!

Joyce M. Cuff, Ph.D.Professor of Biology and Paul M. Rike Professor of Life Sciences

D Commencement Speaker d

Dr. Joyce Cuff, who is retiring from Thiel College after 30 years, has a plethora of accomplishments, honors and professional, academic and philanthropic activities to her credit, including assisting in the development of Thiel’s neuroscience program; co-authoring a book with Dr. Curt Thompson (“God and Nature: A Theologian and a Scientist Conversing on the Divine Promise of Possibility”); serving as adviser to Tri-Beta (national honorary society in biology); coordinating the Earth Day workshops for local school children; and serving on numerous college committees and as faculty chairperson and assistant academic dean—among many others. Additionally, Cuff frequently carried one of the largest teaching loads in terms of credit hours and served as the academic adviser for many of Thiel College’s life science students.

Known as a world traveler, Cuff spent her year-long sabbatical last year in northern Tanzania, working to establish a laboratory attached to a health clinic in the village of Karatu and serving the health needs of more than 10,000 new and continuing patients. The experience allowed her to apply 35 years of teaching and learning to issues of health care in Africa, while also providing her with experiences that helped to strengthen a variety of courses at Thiel. While there, she continued to serve Thiel students, specifically serving as a mentor for a student studying abroad in a neighboring village.

During her years at Thiel, Cuff has received numerous fellowships, grants and honors, including Professor of the Year at Thiel in 1993, 2001 and 2012, a Fulbright Award and many others. She serves the large community as a member of the boards of UP—Unlimited Possibilities (a nonprofit committed to service locally and globally that she also co-founded), Shenango River Watchers and Mercer County Affordable Housing.

Cuff was appointed to the Thiel faculty in 1981, became an associate professor in 1985 and was promoted to full professor in 1991. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Regis College in Massachusetts and received her Ph.D. from the University of Rochester Medical School. A native of Manchester, N.H., Cuff plans to return to Tanzania and continue her work there after retirement.

Robert H. Baker, M.D.Partner, Greenville Orthopedic Association, Inc.

D Honorary Doctor of Science d

Having provided medical care in the area for nearly 60 years, Dr. Robert H. Baker is a respected orthopedic surgeon and active member of the Greenville community.

After graduating from Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., with a bachelor’s degree in 1946 and a medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pa., in 1947, Baker served his internship at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lancaster and his residency at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Aurora, Colo., and St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Mo., where he also was a professor of military science and tactics from 1951 to 1952.

During that time, he served in the original M.A.S.H. unit in Korea and in several hospitals in Germany as a major in the Army Medical Corp. He began his private practice in 1955 in Greenville, Pa., with John L. Thomas, M.D. He later opened Greenville Orthopedic Association, Inc. in 1976. His current partners are John P. Scullin, M.D., and Stuart D. Anderson, M.D. Baker was an orthopedic volunteer teacher for CARE-Medico in Nigeria in 1963 and 1966 and Algeria in 1964.

For more than 40 years, Baker served as team physician and adviser to the Thiel College Department of Athletics. With caring, devotion and dedication, he helped generations of Thiel student-athletes maintain their health and wellness while striving to improve their performance. While he has stepped back from the position in recent years, his practice still serves as the College’s “team physician.” Moreover, he has been enmeshed in the life of Thiel College through taking classes, attending lectures and events, and forming relationships with faculty, staff and students. He was honored in 2002 with the A. Louis and Barbara Thiel Distinguished Service Award and was named Tomcat Football Game Day Honoree (as part of Greenville Orthopedic Association, Inc.) during the 2009 season.

Baker is a member of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Society of Sports Medicine, American Society of Arthroscopic Surgery and American Academy of Physicians and Surgeons. He currently volunteers time with the Children’s Aid Society of Mercer County, is a trustee emeritus at The Butler Institute of American Art and belongs to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Greenville. He is a former member of the Thiel College Board of Trustees and the Greenville School Board of Education. Baker lives in Greenville.

Michael E. Bacon, Ph.D.Since 1981, Dr. Michael Bacon has not

only taught numerous students about physics, he has been an active scholar and mentor for student research, often using his own research to advance his teaching.

His published research, which stretches several pages of his curriculum vitae, encompasses a broad range of topics, including windmills, the Blue Man Group pipes, plasma and much more. Often listed right next to his name are the names of Thiel students who assisted in his research, including two patents. He was named Distinguished Scholar at the 2012 Founders’ Day convocation.

Prior to his appointment at Thiel, Bacon taught at Swarthmore College, Queens College of CUNY, and the University of Natal in South Africa. He also did research in plasma spectroscopy at the University of British Columbia and worked as a research associate at the Aerospace Research Laboratories at Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

Bacon holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Natal (South Africa) and master’s and doctoral degrees in physics from the Colorado State University. Bacon was named a Fulbright Scholar in 1993-1995, spending a year at the National University of Lesotho. He is a member of the American Association of Physics Teachers.

A native of Zimbabwe, Bacon has two sons, a daughter and four grandchildren. He and his partner, Connie Zappia, live in Greenville, Pa. He retired from Thiel at the end of the spring semester.

Susan E. Cowan, M.S.N, R.N.Susan Cowan was first appointed to the

Thiel College faculty in 1987 as an assistant professor in the Nursing Department and advanced to full professor in the Department of Biology. She is well known for her commitment to excellent education and service to Thiel students.

With the closing of the Thiel nursing program in 2002, Cowan moved into her new role in the Department of Biology, teaching allied health courses. She provided leadership for the College through a variety of committee and task force assignments, including promotion & tenure (chair), enrollment management, academic standing, salary & fringe and the ACT 101 Advisory Board, among others. She was especially instrumental in developing curriculum and clinical experiences for the nursing students. Cowan was a pioneer in the use of instructional technology in her teaching, prior even to the installation of SMART technology in the classrooms. She implemented online testing for the Nursing Department and offered allied health courses as online summer courses.

In 2002, in addition to faculty duties, Cowan began serving as the coordinator of the Office of Special Needs, working to integrate special needs services throughout the College and allowing people with disabilities to fully participate in all the programs offered at Thiel, not just academics.

Cowan continues to be heavily involved with the American Heart Association and was a member of Sigma Theta Tau (nursing honorary) and the Association on Higher Education and Disability. She also conducted CPR classes, with student involvement, within the Thiel and Greenville communities. A frequent traveler, Cowan often shares international travel experiences with students.

She holds a diploma from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing, bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Slippery Rock University and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Akron.

Mark R. Vennis, M.S.Mark Vennis first joined the Thiel College

Athletic Department in 1982 as assistant football coach and head wrestling coach. Since then he has been a major influence on both athletics and the Health and Physical Education Department.

During his time at Thiel, Vennis served as head wrestling coach (18 years), head football coach (3 years), assistant football coach (12 years), head baseball coach (3 years), head women’s volleyball coach (1 year) and head women’s soccer coach (1 year). His coach career achievements are many and varied: 13-time Presidents’ Athletic Conference Coach of the Year, 11 PAC wrestling team championships, three-time nominee for DIII National Wrestling Coach of the Year, 15 Division III wrestling All-Americans, 20 Division IIII Scholar All-Americans, eight “Top 20” team finishes in national championships, three regional team championships and six “top 8” finishes at the Division III National Dual Meet Championships. Vennis was elected to the Division III National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003.

Vennis also served the Division III Wrestling Coaches Association and National Wrestling Coaches Association as president, vice president, Midwest regional representative and chair of several committees. As president of the DIII Association, Vennis started the DIII Wrestling Coaches Association National Duals and the Scholar Team Awards, among other accomplishments.

Since stepping down from coaching in 2001, Vennis has taught courses such as physical fitness, weight training and aerobics and was instrumental in starting the coaching minor at Thiel. He retired at the end of the fall semester in 2011.

Vennis, who is originally from Fairmont, W.Va., holds social studies comprehensive and health, physical education and recreation degrees from Fairmont State University and a master’s degree in education from Youngstown State University. He and his wife, Diane, live in Geneva, Ohio, and have two children, Todd and Traci, both Thiel alumni.

Emeriti Faculty

Candidates for Degrees

Associate of Arts DegreeJacquelyne Marie Kinney vSouthview, PennsylvaniaBusiness AdministrationManagement Information Systems

Bachelor of Science DegreesElizabeth Anne Amoline w+

Warren, OhioChemistry

Thomas J. Cermak Jr.Erie, PennsylvaniaEnvironmental Science

Marion Ann EdwardsCorry, PennsylvaniaActuarial Studies

Christina Nicole Ellis wBrentwood, PennsylvaniaChemistryMedicinal Chemistry

Barbara Grace HornHollywood, MarylandWeb Development

Scott Kenneth HunkusKinsman, OhioActuarial Studies

Alex James JohnsonNewton Falls, OhioActuarial Studies

Jacquelyne Marie Kinney vSouthview, PennsylvaniaE-Commerce

Kyle Michael KohutHermitage, PennsylvaniaEnvironmental Science

Evan Michael James Krizon wFranklin, PennsylvaniaApplied PhysicsChemistry

Matthew James LowryTitusville, PennsylvaniaActuarial Studies

Joy Atieno MboyaNairobi, KenyaActuarial Studies

Darren Cody McAninchSharpsville, PennsylvaniaEnvironmental Science

Mark Jawdat Nikoula +Greensburg, PAE-Commerce

Ning Zhang *Shanghai, ChinaActuarial Studies

Associate of Science DegreesNichole Lynn Giddings gJamestown, PennsylvaniaE-Commerce

Jacquelyne Marie Kinney vSouthview, PennsylvaniaWeb Development

Candidates for Degrees

Devon Lamar AdamsPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaCriminal Justice StudiesSociology

Jebediah Lafayette AleyMercer, PennsylvaniaAccountingBusiness Administration

Jaimee Gwendolyn Anderson vEmlenton, PennsylvaniaBiology

Randy Thomas Bartlett v*•Slippery Rock, PennsylvaniaElementary EducationMathematics

Heather Kaye Bean gFranklin, PennsylvaniaBusiness AdministrationBusiness Communication

Bradley J. BeeWarren, OhioBusiness Administration

Eleanor Grace Belleau gWarren, PennsylvaniaAccountingBusiness Administration

Rebecca Ann Betteridge gConneaut, OhioElementary Education

Michelle Ann Blose vTarentum, PennsylvaniaNeurosciencePsychology

Emily Elizabeth Bock+

Glenshaw, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Theodore Cameron Borden *Cranberry Township, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Katherine Elizabeth Bretz gNew Middletown, OhioPsychology

Corey Patrick BrownGreenville, PennsylvaniaCriminal Justice StudiesSociology

Aimee Lynn Buchanan +Sharon, PennsylvaniaBiology

Heather Marie BuckWarren, OhioCriminal Justice StudiesPsychology

Brandon Joshua BukovinskyTransfer, PennsylvaniaAccountingBusiness Administration

Zachary Stephan Bykovets gPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaCriminal Justice StudiesSociology

Ann Marie CampGreenville, PennsylvaniaPsychology

Bachelor of Arts Degrees

Justin James CarrMasury, OhioFine ArtCommercial Art

Abigail Lynn Charsar g•Sharpsville, PennsylvaniaEnglish LiteratureEnglish

Maria Christina *Sewickley, PennsylvaniaSociology

Chelsi Renee ClarkGreenwich, OhioCommunication Sciences & DisordersPsychology

Sarah Lynn Conte vRussellton, PennsylvaniaPsychologySociology

Elliot Wayne CoonferGirard, PennsylvaniaBiology

Theresa Marie CurticianTransfer, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Cylvie Cyuzuzo gRwanda, AfricaBusiness Communication

Kylie Christine CzulewiczWest Alexander, PennsylvaniaBiology

Austin Robert Dalesio *Wexford, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Ryan Keith DawesTransfer, PennsylvaniaCriminal Justice StudiesSociology

Brittany Lee DellAshtabula, OhioBiology

Evan David Ditty vTitusville, PennsylvaniaHistory

Stephanie Anne DolinarFinleyville, PennsylvaniaAccountingBusiness Administration

Rachel Jean DoranYorkville, IllinoisElementary Education

Philip Charles Double g•Evans City, PennsylvaniaHistory

Brendan Joseph DuLaney *New Windsor, MarylandAccountingBusiness Administration

Ron EdisonArnold, PennsylvaniaHistory

Marion Ann EdwardsCorry, PennsylvaniaMathematics

John Sheridan EichBoardman, OhioBusiness Administration

Candidates for Degrees

Candidates for DegreesTyler H. EnnisHadley, PennsylvaniaAccountingBusiness Administration

Lynnette Georgia EnterlinePoland, OhioNeurosciencePsychology

Shaun Edward FergusonGreenville, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Matthew Alan FullingtonState College, PennsylvaniaReligion

Ross William Gargano *Sharon, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Nicholas Mario Gargaro +McKees Rocks, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Bonita Marie Garland-Wilson +Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaBiology

Laura Danielle GrahamMunhall, PennsylvaniaBiology

Jacey Lynn Grant +New Brighton, PennsylvaniaBiology

Joseph N. Grech gWarren, OhioBiology

Nicole Lynn GreeneGreenville, PennsylvaniaFine Art

Sabreena Diane HarrisonSebring, OhioCommunication Studies

Deryk Vane Herold gPetrolia, PennsylvaniaElementary Education

Jacqueline Nicole Hietsch vg

New Castle, PennsylvaniaBiology

Brittany Ann HillBedford, OhioMedia Communication

Robert James Hillier gAvon Lake, OhioPsychology

Rebecca Dawn House gYoungstown, OhioElementary Education

Adam James HouseholderHadley, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Stephen Anthony Hozella gBethany Park, PennsylvaniaCriminal Justice StudiesSociology

Stephanie Nicole HudsonBatavia, IllinoisReligion

Scott Kenneth HunkusKinsman, OhioMathematics

Takayuki Imai *Chiba, JapanPsychology

Stephen Mark Jacobson ^Sharon, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Joseph John Janicki vMcKees Rocks, PennsylvaniaChemistry

Candace Marie JeskaErie, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Jason James JoensDelray Beach, FloridaFine Art

Alex James Johnson vNewton Falls, OhioMathematics

Stephanie Marie Johnson *Cleveland, OhioBiology

Sarah Elizabeth JonesMercer, PennsylvaniaCommunication StudiesMedia Communication

Megan Helen KayGirard, OhioElementary Education

Kelly Marie KennedyCochranton, PennsylvaniaConservation Biology

Victoria Lee KerinRussellton, PennsylvaniaBiology

Hannah Lee Kichman *Portville, New YorkElementary Education

Jacquelyne Marie Kinney vSouthview, PennsylvaniaBusiness Communication

Amy Marie Kramer *Butler, PennsylvaniaAccountingBusiness Administration

Edward James Kruse •Fairview, PennsylvaniaMathematics

Kasey Lynn LandisWilliamsfield, OhioBiology

Douglas Deshaun LewisGreenville, PennsylvaniaComputer Science

DanDan Li *ShenZhen, ChinaBusiness Administration

Blake Erik LiebendorferEllwood City, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Brenden Alexander LoweryDover, OhioBiology

Matthew James LowryTitusville, PennsylvaniaMathematics

John Joseph Madeline Jr.Hubbard, OhioBusiness Administration

Michael Robert MagyarWilliamsfield, OhioBiology

Candidates for Degrees

Candidates for DegreesJeffrey Anthony MarianettiOntario, New YorkBusiness Administration

Zachary Clay Markley v+

Orwell, OhioMedia Communication

Daniel Jeffrey MartinoBrookfield, OhioEnglish Writing

Amy Jane MatchettBulger, PennsylvaniaEnglish LiteraturePsychology

Joseph John MateckaTarentum, PennsylvaniaPhilosophyPsychology

Joy Atieno MboyaNairobi, KenyaBusiness Administration

Hubert Barrington McCarthy III gHaines City, FloridaNew Media and ArtsPsychology

Earl McCloud Jr. gBuffalo, New YorkBusiness Administration

Alexandra Lee McClurgCanfield, OhioBiology

Ian Terence MeakimDowningtown, PennsylvaniaReligion

Avon Lynn MiltonCanonsburg, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Kristen Marie MorelandDover, OhioAccountingBusiness AdministrationFine Art

Patrick Chay MorrisGraysville, PennsylvaniaCriminal Justice StudiesSociology

David Husin MossaMcKeesport, PennsylvaniaBusiness AdministrationCriminal Justice Studies

Amy Nicole NaceyDelmont, PennsylvaniaPsychologySociology

Brian Elliott NewmeyerLatrobe, PennsylvaniaBiology

Tzoulia NiforosWarren, OhioPsychology

Julie Patricia Novotny vMadison, OhioElementary Education

Shawn Daniel O’HaraPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAccountingBusiness Administration

David Willis OwensPolk, PennsylvaniaPsychologySociology

Candidates for DegreesHannah Christine Paytosh *Chesterland, OhioCommunication Studies

Jonathan Paul PedersenFredonia, PennsylvaniaBiology

Kristin Marie Perpar+

Andover, OhioPsychology

Richard Kellen PetersonCochranton, PennsylvaniaSociology

Darwin Porras gCutler Bay, FloridaMedia Communication

Brock Cameron PorterDuncansville, PennsylvaniaEnglish Literature

Ryan Matthew Prescott gSpringdale, PennsylvaniaCommunication StudiesMedia Communication

Rebecca Elizabeth QuinetLake City, PennsylvaniaCriminal Justice StudiesPsychology

William Moses QuintanillaArcadia, CaliforniaCriminal Justice Studies

Audrey Lynn Rattay gApollo, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Alexander Bryant ReedNorth East, PennsylvaniaCommunication Studies

Erica Marie Rinehart vNorth Lima, OhioBiology

Erica Ann RiolaAurora, OhioElementary Education

Michael Anthony RobertsSandy Lake, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Jeff Scott RockensteinHouston, TexasCriminal Justice StudiesSociology

William M. Roosa IV Salamanca, New YorkBusiness Administration

Walter Michael Santa II gButler, PennsylvaniaElementary Education

Dara Leigh SeftonSandy Lake, PennsylvaniaPolitical SciencePsychology

Jacob Jeffery Shaffer vHermitage, PennsylvaniaMathematics

Joshua Aaron Shaffer g •Greenville, PennsylvaniaMathematics

Melissa Anne Sincek v+

Canonsburg, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Samuel George Slaven +Lowellville, OhioChemistry

Candidates for DegreesBrandi Angelia Smith gLeavittsburg, OhioBusiness Administration

Heidi Lynn SmithGreenville, PennsylvaniaElementary Education

Kraig Ronald SmithAliquippa, PennsylvaniaAccountingBusiness AdministrationForensic Accounting

Monica Rose Smith gEmlenton, PennsylvaniaElementary Education

Weston William SnyderAlbion, PennsylvaniaBusiness AdministrationConservation Biology

Jared William SoellOakmont, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

William Thomas SorokesMurrysville, PennsylvaniaPolitical Science

Jillian Nicole SpinoToledo, OhioConservation Biology

Melynda Ann SteeleGreenville, PennsylvaniaPhilosophyPsychology

John Eric StenbergDarlington, PennsylvaniaBiology

Tara Elizabeth StureyCochranton, PennsylvaniaPsychology

Anqi Sun *Hefei, Anhui, ChinaAccountingBusiness Administration

Julie Ann Swartzbeck gGreenville, PennsylvaniaConservation Biology

Sarah Elizabeth Szczypinski vMcKees Rocks, PennsylvaniaBiology

Yuki TadamatsuSaitama, JapanBusiness Administration

Rebecca Joy TateColumbiana, OhioPsychologySociology

John Joseph TellErie, PennsylvaniaHistory

Jason M. Thomas *Homestead, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Rianne Blaire Thornton gDayton, OhioMedia Communication

Steve P. Toth Jr. gTarentum, PennsylvaniaElementary Education

Alicia Lynn Marie TrescottWarren, OhioPsychologySociology

Justin Wayne Turnbaugh *Sharpsville, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

David Mead Urey IV gMasury, OhioElementary Education

Julie Ann Walters +Hartstown, PennsylvaniaMedical Technology

Keith Douglas WatsonNineveh, PennsylvaniaCriminal Justice StudiesPsychology

Jacqueline Murphy WeberBoardman, OhioCommunication Sciences & Disorders

Sarah Kimberly WeikartWashingtonville, OhioCriminal Justice StudiesPsychology

Elyse Christyne WelshPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaBusiness Administration

Zachary Isiah WertMcElhattan, PennsylvaniaSociology

Rebecca West gGreenville, PennsylvaniaElementary Education

Gary Michael Whitla vWellsville, OhioPolitical Science

John Kahoohanohano Whitman +Vista, CaliforniaCriminal Justice Studies

Rachel Christine Wills v Valencia, PennsylvaniaBiology

Mindy Lynn WolfeTransfer, PennsylvaniaBiology

Ashlee Nicole Wood vNewton Falls, OhioBiology

Elizabeth Ann YurkyIndiana, PennsylvaniaElementary Education

Ning Zhang *Shanghai, ChinaMathematics

Egor ZhelezovskiyMinsk, BelarusBiology

Candidates for Degrees

v Honors Program Graduate

• Candidate for Pennsylvania Department of Education Teacher Certification

w These students met requirements for the American Chemical Society Certification

^ These students satisfied degree requirements in August 2011.

* These students satisfied degree requirements in December 2011.

+ These students will satisfy degree requirements during summer 2012.

g These students will satisfy degree requirements in December 2012.

Graduation Honors: Seniors who have completed at least 60 credit hours in residence at Thiel are eligible for graduation honors. Those who have a grade point average of 3.80 or higher are graduated summa cum laude. Those who have attained a grade point average of 3.60 to 3.79 are graduated magna cum laude, while those who have a grade point average of 3.40 to 3.59 are awarded cum laude.

w The Dean’s Key is awarded to those students who made the Dean’s List during all eight semesters at Thiel. Transfer students who attended Thiel for at least one year, were on the Dean’s List every semester at Thiel and were on the Dean’s List every term at his/her former college(s) also receive the Dean’s Key.

Graduation HonorsSumma Cum Laude

Michelle Ann Blose wSarah Lynn Conte w

Brendan Joseph DuLaney wMarion Ann Edwards w

Lynnette Georgia Enterline wBrittany Ann Hill w

Scott Kenneth Hunkus wJoseph John Janicki

Alex James Johnson wMegan Helen Kay w

Jacquelyne Marie Kinney wEvan Michael James Krizon w

Kasey Lynn Landis wMatthew James Lowry w

Amy Jane Matchett wDarren Cody McAninch wKristen Marie Moreland wJulie Patricia Novotny wDavid Willis Owens wGary Michael Whitla w

Rachel Christine Wills wElizabeth Ann Yurky w

Ning Zhang w

Cum Laude

Jebediah Lafayette AleyHeather Marie Buck

Ann Marie CampJustin James CarrEvan David Ditty

Christina Nicole EllisTyler H. Ennis

John Joseph Madeline Jr.Joy Atieno Mboya

Richard Kellen PetersonErica Marie Rinehart

Erica Ann Riola wJared William SoellJohn Eric Stenberg

Sarah Elizabeth SzczypinskiAshlee Nicole Wood

magna Cum Laude

Jaimee Gwendolyn AndersonRandy Thomas Bartlett wCorey Patrick Brown w

Chelsi Renee ClarkKylie Christine Czulewicz

Rachel Jean DoranTakayuki Imai

Victoria Lee Kerin wAmy Marie Kramer

Jeffrey Anthony Marianetti wAlexandra Lee McClurgJonathan Paul Pedersen

Alicia Lynn Marie TrescottJacqueline Murphy WeberSarah Kimberly Weikart w

Mindy Lynn Wolfe

Departmental Honors are a prerogative of each department and are calculated and submitted by those departments that recognize such a distinction.

Departmental HonorsAccounting, Business AdministrAtion And

internAtionAl Business

Jebediah Lafayette AleyEleanor Grace Belleau

Brendan Joseph DulaneyAmy Marie Kramer

DanDan LiJohn Joseph Madeline Jr.

Jeffrey Anthony MarianettiKristen Marie Moreland

Anqi Sun

Art

Justin James CarrKristen Marie Moreland

Biology & life sciences

Jaimee Gwendolyn AndersonKylie Christine Czulewicz

Jacey Lynn GrantStephanie Marie Johnson

Victoria Lee KerinKasey Lynn Landis

Alexandra Lee McClurgErica Marie RinehartJohn Eric Stenberg

Sarah Elizabeth SzczypinskiRachel Christine Wills

Mindy Lynn WolfeAshlee Nicole Wood

chemistry

Christina Nicole Ellis Joseph John Janicki

Evan Michael James Krizon

communicAtion

Sabreena Diane HarrisonBrittany Ann Hill

Jacquelyne Marie KinneyZachary Clay Markley

communicAtion sciences & disorders

Chelsi Renee ClarkJacqueline Murphy Weber

criminAl Justice studies

Corey Patrick BrownHeather Marie Buck

Sarah Kimberly Weikert

educAtion

Randy Thomas BartlettRebecca Ann Betteridge

Abigail Lynn CharsarRachel Jean Doran

Philip Charles DoubleDeryk Vane Herold

Rebecca Dawn HouseMegan Helen Kay

Julie Patricia NovotnyErica Ann Riola

Walter Michael Santa IIMonica Rose SmithElizabeth Ann Yurky

english

Abigail Lynn CharsarAmy Jane Matchett

environmentAl science

Darren Cody McAninch

history

Philip Charles Double

mAthemAtics And

computer science

Marion Ann EdwardsScott Kenneth Hunkus

Alex James JohnsonMatthew James Lowry

Ning Zhang

neuroscience

Michelle Ann BloseLynnette Georgia Enterline

politicAl science

Gary Michael Whitla

psychology

Michelle Ann BloseHeather Marie BuckChelsi Renee ClarkSarah Lynn Conte

Lynnette Georgia EnterlineTakayuki Imai

Amy Jane MatchettDavid Willis Owens

Alicia Lynn Marie TrescottSarah Kimberly Weikart

sociology

Corey Patrick BrownSarah Lynn Conte

David Willis OwensRichard Kellen Peterson

Alicia Lynn Marie Trescott

Graduates wearing honor cords and tassels are members of designated honorary societies.

Black & Silver Cords ........................................................................................Thiel College Honors ProgramGreen & Blue Cords ..................................................... Alpha Chi, national college honor scholarship societyRed & White Cords .........Les Lauriers, senior honorary society based on scholarship, service and leadershipBrown Cords .............................................................Alpha Psi Omega, national honorary dramatic fraternityGold Cords with Gold Tassels ................................... Alpha Mu Gamma, national language honorary societyRed & Green Cords with Green Ribbons & Medallions..... Beta Beta Beta, national biology honorary societyScarlet Cords ............................Theta Alpha Kappa, national religious studies and theology honorary societyPurple & Green Cords ............................................Kappa Delta Pi, international honor society for educatorsRose Pink & Silver Cords .................................................Kappa Mu Epsilon, national mathematics honoraryBlue & White Cords .................................... Chi Alpha Epsilon, national honorary for academic achievementBlack & Gold Cords ..................................................Chi Alpha Sigma, national college athlete honor societyDrab Cords ......................................................................Chi Eta Sigma, national commerce honorary societyBlue & Gold Cords ...............................................................................Psi Chi, national psychology honoraryRed & Light Blue Cords ............................................ Phi Alpha Theta, international history honorary societyPurple & White Cords ................................................................Phi Sigma Tau, national philosophy honoraryGold Cords with Tassels .................................... Lambda Pi Eta, national honorary in speech communicationBlue & Gold Cords ............................................................Lambda Sigma, national sophomore honor societyScarlet & Black Cords ..........................................................Sigma Tau Delta, international English honoraryBlack, White & Red Cords .............................................. Pi Sigma Alpha, national political science honorary

Senior Class OfficersRyan M. Prescott, President

Sarah K. Weikart, Vice PresidentMegan H. Kay, Treasurer

Katherine E. Bretz, Secretary

Senior Class Gift CommitteeMichelle A.Blose

Katherine E. BretzJoseph N. GrechAlex J. Johnson Megan H. Kay

Darren C. McAninchAmy N. NaceyDarwin Porras

Ryan M. PrescottJacqueline M. Weber

Sarah K. WeikartRachel C. Wills

Elizabeth A. Yurky

Golden Anniversary — Class of 1962David R. AlexanderHilton Head Island, SC*

William L. AlexanderSlippery Rock, PA*

Leland G. AlmesOil City, PA

Donald Carl AndersonHorseheads, NY

Lyle E. Anderson Jr.Plantation, FL

James A. ArmourGibsonia, PA

Roger L. AyresConcord, CA

William H. Ayres U

E. Theodore Bachmann U

Clyde D. BakerThe Plains, OH

Janice S. (Stoll) BakerSouthampton, NJ

J. Paul Balas IIIFort Valley, VA

John C. Bane U

Ellen M. (Ohman) BarnesNewark, NY

Barbara (Gorton) BarrettHouston, TX

Jon H. BarrettSarasota, FL

Rita (Ellis) BarsunBloomington, IN

Katherine Lynn (Knox) BehunBrockway, PA

Matthew F. Behun U

Linda (Smith) BeloteHancock, MI

Karen Jean Benson U

Constance P. (Perazzy) BoganStrongsville, OH

Fredrika BostNew York, NY

Susan V. BrooksColumbus, OH

Arthur E. Brown Jr.Geneva, OH *

William W. Bruggeman Jr.Roswell, NM

William C. BubeckGreenville, PA

Katheryn R. (Rockey) BuffingtonErie, PA

John CaldwellNorth Wales, PA

Michael A. CaterinoElk Grove, CA *

Merle E. CharlesSt. Thomas, VI

Susan ChurchfieldAsheville, NC

Marcia F. Clark, USAF (Ret.)Seattle, WA

Robert E. ClarkGreenville, PA

Judith E. (Myers) CocoAllison Park, PA

Raymond B. ComfortHolly Springs, NC

Judith (Mccandless) CoxStratford, CT*

Nancy I. CummerickGreensburg, PA

Diane K. DakanWestfield, NJ*

Donald J. DeanhardtThe Villages, FL

Bonnie (Stevenson) DefilippiNew Kensington, PA

Brigitte (Smorodsky) DeHartBrookeville, MD

Ann (Myford) Dickinson U

Nicholas J. Diakiw **

Jeanne L. (Sieber) EddingtonToronto, Ontario

Edward D. Eddy U

Douglas L. FairfaxHertford, NC *

Christine A. FergusonIngomar, PA *

Robert C. FieldOreland, PA *

Anna H. (Sellers) FinePittsburgh, PA

Richard L. FinkKalamazoo, MI

James P. FisherNashua, NH

Robert FletcherCranberry Township, PA

John M. FoulkPonte Vedra Beac, FL

Magdaline C. (Dozer) FrazierPittsburgh, PA

George A. FultonHenderson, NV

Kathryn (Zundel) GaussHouston, TX

Mont E. George U

William R. GeorgePhiladelphia, PA

James A. GertzNorristown, PA

Robert H. GibsonSomerset, PA

Susan Glatz U

Sandra (Goodman) GonzalezArlington, VA

Ronald GreenleeWebster, NY

Henry B. Hall Jr.Butler, PA

Charles J. HartbauerMcMurray, PA

William L. Haugh Jr.Middletown, MD

Willard Frank Heaps U

Susan (Duran) HeideNaples, FL

Alan K. HeinemanErie, PA

Jane L. (Mickley) HeinemanErie, PA

Sandra J. HildebranHadley, PA *

Thomas A. HowerGreensburg, PA

Roy T. Huber Jr.North East, PA

Ronald K. HuchRichmond, KY

Marie G. (Shepard) IbbetsonMaryville, TN

Robert ImhoffGibsonia, PA

Carol Sue (Edmiston) JohnsSan Antonio, TX

Judith K. (Nelson) JohnsonErie, PA

Walter H. JuddMitchelville, MD

Sandra (Haberman) Kibbe U

Marla (Freshcorn) KioskiFond du Lac, WI

Harry A. KiskaddenHudson, OH

James J. Klaus Jr.Bonners Ferry, ID

George H. Klimack Jr.Sebring, FL *

Lawrence KnappWexford, PA

Norma J. (Freyermuth) KnutsonLittle Rock, AR

Helen KulusichHermitage, PA

Anna (Wohlin) LasherExport, PA

Edith O. (Bartholomay) LaurenceHartwell, GA

Paul LekanderBelleview, FL

Pauline E. (Eicher) Lewis U

James C. LongMalibu, CA *

Janice L. (Cunningham) LooneyFort Myers, FL

John G. Loutzenhiser U

Robert G. MahanSalisbury, NC

Diane E. (Chase) MarburgerRoswell, GA

David R. McConahyFairview, PA

Zelma McConnell U

Patricia (Burgh) McDonaldBuffalo Grove, IL *

Dorothy L. (Rockhill) McDowellHadley, PA

James C. McHughLatrobe, PA

Allen K. McIntoshWarren, PA *

William L. MercerOcean Isle Beach, NC

Judith (Bushman) MershonPittsburgh, PA

Dorothy (Ermacoff) MethenyWashington, PA

Carol F. (Schau) MillerIndian River, MI

Larry A. MillerOntario, Canada

William H. MitcheltreeWinterville, GA

George A. MorrisGlenwood Springs, CO

Barbara MosgraveAnnandale, VA

Judith (Baisler) MoylePearl River, LA

Trudie A. (Palmer) MyersHernando, FL

Philip W. NamyGoose Creek, SC

J. Gordon NaughtonErie, PA

Marilyn (Jones) NeeVirginia Beach, VA

Lois Anne (Rittmeyer) O’ToolePittsburgh, PA

D. Lucille (Moyer) ObermanNew Cumberland, PA

Richard E. OckerYoungstown, OH

Sally (Griffith) OckerYoungstown, OH

Doris E. (Gunther) OlsenAmawalk, NY

Carl J. OlsonCary, NC

Ruth R. (Rohm) OlsonPooler, GA

C. Vern ParkerCortland, OH

Walter H. Parker U

Paul S. ParobeckPittsburgh, PA

Virginia L. (Oliver) Piccolin U

Elizabeth Plumer U

Arthur R. PollockAkron, OH

Edith (Webster) PorterOakridge, OR

Martha M.E. Pretzlaf U

Roland RahamBuffalo, MO

Suzanne K. (Baldauff) Ralph Monroeville, PA *

Miles E. Ranck IIIEbensburg, PA

Beverly (Blistan) RauschenbergerSwannanoa, NC

John RauschenbergerSwannanoa, NC

Frederick J. RayGreenville, PA

Max W. Ray U

Jon Arlwin ReedGreensboro, NC

Mark K. ReinerLatrobe, PA

Daniel G. ReinkeDublin, OH

Joyce A. (Paulson) RiverShelton, WA

Mary Ann (Eddy) RobertsWarren, OH

* Last known address** Address unknownU In Memoriam

Donald RossettiMonroeville, PA

Berwyn H. Russell U

Ronald M. SandenElsinore, UT

Elizabeth Sanderson U

Thomas D. SayersEast Hampton, CT

Elsa (Calderwood) SchlentnerZephyrhills, FL

Kathleen (McNay) SchliengerNorthfield, NJ

David G. SeipleWilmington, NC

Terry L. ShaefferEnterprise, AL

Larry D. ShafferEast Liverpool, OH

Harriet (Patrias) ShalloAiken, SC

William S. Shaw IIIPittsburgh, PA

Mary Jane (Boyce) SheddPort Orange, FL

Virginia (Rogers) ShillingtonBonsall, CA

Christopher ShinkmanBethesda, MD

Robert J. Seilhamer U

David M. SimboliSurprise, AZ *

David J. SissonDestin, FL

Roberta (Anderson) SkopowErie, PA

Barbara A. (Taylor) SlusserLititz, PA

Bruce G. SmithLynchburg, VA

Charles A. SmithNewport Beach, CA

Joanne (Boles) SmithLavonia, GA

Karen L. (Davies) Smith

Mariam L. (Speer) SniderLehigh Acres, FL

Diane (Bost) SpencerJamestown, PA

Martha (Butler) Springer U

Katherine E. (Steinford) StauffPittsburgh, PA

James E. StoughHummelstown, PA

Fred V. Stoeber U

Lynn (Brown) StoyerYork, PA

Phillip G. StutzmanPainesville, OH

Phillip W. StuyvesantCuyahoga Falls, OH

Michael SutchHavana, FL

Robert Swanson **

Donald E. TalbotApo New York, NY *

John T. TeubnerScottsdale, AZ *

John Teutsch U

Nancy Jean (White) ThomasPittsburgh, PA

Robert E. Thomas Esq.Somerset, PA

Jerry L. ThorntonTucson, AZ

John W. Titus Jr.Henderson, NV

Nancy J. (Leslie) ToddGoose Creek, SC

John S. TurnbullAllison Park, PA

Nancy L. (Allshouse) VarleySt. Louis, MO

Judith (Bezuska) Vensel U

Dennis F. VestLeetsdale, PA *

Dennis F. WeberCoraopolis, PA

Kenneth W. WeigelEdmonds, WA

Lois WellerCleveland, OH

Richard H. Wells Jr.Richmond, VA *

John D. WestButler, PA

Brenda (Hamilton) WhiteMinerva, NY

Raymond V. WickAlbuquerque, NM

Harold J. WillErie, PA

Terry R. Williams U

Lynne (Ayres) WiltsieLily Dale, NY

Nancy E. WingHickory, NC

Charles LeRoy Yeschke U

Matthew R. YunaskaWarminster, PA

George ZackeyAlba, TX

Troy D. VanAken, Ph.D.President

Lynn Franken, Ph.D.Vice President for Academic Affairs and

Dean of the College

Jessica Abbott, M.A.Assistant Professor of Sociology

Jesse B. Amar, M.F.A.Associate Professor of Art

Nancy A. Antonino, Ph.D.Lecturer of Communication Sciences &

Disorders and Program Coordinator

Michael E. Bacon, Ph.D.Professor of Physics

Michael T. Balas, Ph.D.Professor of Biology

Bart A. Biroschak, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Political Science

George Branch-Trevathan, Ph.D.Lecturer of Religion

Michael R. Bray, D.M.A.Professor of Music

Martin Bright, Ed.D.Associate Professor of Psychology

David R. Buck, Ph.D.Associate Professor of History

Joyce M. Cuff, Ph.D.Professor of Biology and Paul M. Rike

Professor in Life Sciences

Jennifer J. Curry, M.B.A.Lecturer of Mathematics & Computer Science

Brenda K. DelMaramo, M.A.Lecturer of English

Mark J. DelMaramo, Ph.D.Professor of English

Nicholas G. Despo, Ph.D.Professor of Biology

Daniel F. Eppley, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Religion

Andy Erb, M.M.Director of Bands

Victor D. Evans, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Communication

Kathryn K. Frantz, Ph.D.Professor of Chemistry

Angelo A. Giannini, M.B.A.Professor of Business Administration

& Accounting

Jennifer S. Griffin, Ph.D.Professor of Psychology

Andrew Grover, M.S.Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science

Mercedes Gutiérrez García, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Languages–Spanish

Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D.Professor of English

Douglas R. Hazlett, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Education

Patrick C. Hecking, Ph.D.Professor of Physics

David Huddleston, M.B.A.Associate Professor of Business Administration

& Accounting

Allan M. Hunchuk, Ph.D.Professor of Sociology

Justin P. Jakovac, M.A.Lecturer of English

Gayle R. Jesse, D. Sc.Assistant Professor of Mathematics &

Computer Science

Guru Rattan Kaur Khalsa, Ph.D.Professor of Chemistry

Jeonghun Kim, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Mathematics &

Computer Science

James C. Koshan, Ph.D.Professor of History

Cynthia Sharrer Kreisel, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of History

Ellen J. Lippert, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Art

Sean P. McConnor, M.F.A.Professor/Curator of Art

Toni L. Mild, M.Ed.Lecturer of Education and

Director of Teacher Education

David M. Miller, M.B.A.Professor of Economics & Business

Administration and Norman P. Mortensen Chair

of Economics

Ludmilla A. Miller, M.A.Lecturer of German

Christopher H. Moinet, Ph.D.Professor of English

Matthew R. Morgan, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Philosophy

Laurie J. Moroco, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Communication

Chaelon I. O. Myme, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Neuroscience

Derek R. Nelson, Ph.D.Associate Professor of Religion

Judith G. Newton, M.S.Professor of Mathematics & Computer Science

Melissa S. Oakes, C.P.A./C.F.E.Instructor of Business Administration

Fatimata A. Palé, Ph.D.Professor of Biology

Beth Parkinson, Ph.D.Professor of Psychology

Mary M. Reames, M.Ed.Lecturer of Education

Connie Reinhart, M.Ed.Associate Professor of Education

Anna Reinsel, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Chemistry and

Environmental Science

William A. Robinson, Ph.D.Professor of Performing Arts

David F. Shaffer, M.Ed.Lecturer of Education

Max E. Shellenbarger, M.A.Lecturer of Mathematics & Computer Science

Christopher M. Stanisky, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Cynthia L. Sutton, Ph.D.Professor of Sociology

Curtis L. Thompson, Ph.D.Professor of Religion

Mark R. Vennis, M.S.Associate Professor of Health &

Physical Education

Lisa Walton, J.D.Assistant Professor of Sociology and

Political Science

Robert A. Wells, Ph.D.Professor of Political Science

Arthur A. White Jr., Ph.D.Professor of Philosophy

Gary Witosky, C.P.A.Associate Professor of Business Administration

& Accounting

Jie Wu, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Mathematics &

Computer Science

FACULTY

To the Class of 2012:

On behalf of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, I congratulate you upon your achievement of graduation. Your Thiel educational experience is an excellent foundation of preparation for challenges of career, graduate education and contributions to our larger community. It is my hope that you find your Thiel experience to be as valuable to your life endeavors as it has been for mine.

Upon receiving your degree you transcend from student to alumni. The Thiel alumni body comprises more than 14,000 Thiel graduates. The Alumni Association is a perpetual resource for campus events, news, networking, career assistance and connection to classmates. I encourage you to remain involved with Thiel and continue support of our mission and future objectives. Our ambition to be the finest of liberal arts colleges depends on alumni contributions of time, talents and treasure. Alumni are the greatest resource of the College.

As fellow Thiel alumni, we look forward to your success and sincerely hope that you remain connected to our Thiel family for many rewarding years ahead.

Godspeed,Raymond B. Hanlon, M.S. ’74President, Alumni Association

Parents and friends are invited to take photographs in the area to the left of the stage. In order to avoid blocking audience view, please assemble in the far left aisle and step

forward only when taking photographs, remaining behind the designated areas.

Special “legacy” photographs will be taken for those graduates whose immediate family members are Thiel College alumni. Please meet near the terrace in front of Greenville Hall (rain site will be the Weyers Student Lounge in the HMSC)

immediately following the Commencement ceremonies.