Commencement SPRING SEMESTER 2020

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION May 9, 2020 National Anthem Alma Mater by Francis Scott Key by

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

When we stood at childhood’s gate, Shapeless in the hands of fate, Thou didst mold us, dear old State, Dear old State, dear old State.

May no act of ours bring shame To one heart that loves thy name, May our lives but swell thy fame, Dear old State, dear old State! Dean’s message On behalf of the College of Education family at Penn State, I extend a sincere congratulations and best of luck to the College’s Class of 2020. I understand that this academic year took an unexpected turn to remote instruction, depriving graduating students of many of the opportunities and end-of-year rituals. You didn’t get to say an in-person good-bye to your friends and faculty members. The usual on-campus activities did not happen, and even commencement has to be virtual – for now. Yes, there has been a lot of loss this spring due to the impacts of COVID-19. At the same time, there is a lot to celebrate. When we switched to remote learning mid- semester, your collective response was exemplary. While the situation has been far from normal, you all worked hard to normalize the current operations. You have been flexible and worked hard to adapt your learning to this new environment. You all made great sacrifices and adjustments, and demonstrated the perseverance and the drive to make it to the finish line and graduate, and I could not possibly be more proud of you. Your resilience and ability to come together as a community and help each other demonstrates what #WeAre means, and that truly is inspiring. While all graduations are special, this graduation is especially personal for me, as it is my first as the dean of the College of Education. Over the course of the past year, I have had the privilege to learn about the power and impact of the College and its constituent members. This process has made it clear that each of us – the graduating students, faculty, staff, parents and friends – will be inextricably bound together by the mutual bond of Penn State. As lifetime members of the College of Education, regardless of our specific connection to Penn State, we all have the opportunity to enrich the lives of those around us. Graduating students, as you embark upon and progress through your careers, I urge you to always remember this connection and why you chose your respective professions and the sacrifices that you endured in order to make it happen: to serve our communities and improve the quality of life of their members with compassion, honesty and integrity through education. You have been exceptional representatives of the College and University. I have no doubt that you will continue to serve as incredible ambassadors for the College by building upon our reputation for excellence. I would also like to give special thanks to the parents, spouses, children and friends of our graduates for their patience, understanding, sacrifices and support – both moral and financial – during these challenging, but rewarding, years at the College. I hope you relish in the shared feeling of pride in what your graduate has accomplished and the abundant opportunities ahead. In the coming years, I would ask that you not forget Penn State, the College of Education, former professors, and fellow and future Nittany Lions. I encourage you to not only give back to the College by supporting College activities, programs and scholarships, but also by keeping us updated on the many achievements you will experience in your careers and personal lives. We will always take great pride in your achievements. And I encourage you all to return to campus when the University is able to recognize your achievements in person. Congratulations again to the graduates of our programs. The entire Penn State College of Education family is very proud of you! #WeAre Take care and stay in touch,

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. U.Ed. EDU 20-92

3 Commencement Speaker | K.B. Strawder

Motivational speaker K.B. companies and organizations helping people find their Strawder Jr. has become a passion to live better for their purpose in life. passionate and dedicated public speaker, radio/ Being a full-time entrepreneur has enabled Strawder TV personality, business to travel across the nation speaking, teaching and consultant and author. preaching to generations of people from within the Raised with a strong work school systems, churches, colleges and the corporate ethic, Strawder entered the world. workforce at age 15, and His entrepreneurship has thrived from offering services worked more than 15 jobs including life coaching, public speaking, business before the age of 20. consulting, community partnerships and Real Talk He then enlisted in the seminar sessions that help promote ways to deal with United States Air Force, and overcome the tumultuous, troubling issues of life. where he quickly excelled Strawder is best known for his ability to deliver in ranks as a Military Police messages of true meaning while utilizing powerful Officer. delivery and providing new insights to teach on multiple During the next several years, Strawder experienced a topics of discussion in the everyday purposes of life. great deal of hardship with family, friends, love, health His message is simple: “Find your purpose to serve, and his faith in God. As a result, he transitioned out of not just a lifestyle to live.” His message is about the military and prayed for his purpose so that he could purpose being a priority, serving with inspiring passion, live better. maintaining perseverance in every circumstance, and In the midst of facing difficult circumstances, Strawder helping to change lives for the better. started Live Better Inc., a company he formed from Strawder also launched The Live Better Foundation, his desire to find his own purpose in life and to show KB Strawder Enterprises, KB Strawder Ministries and others how to live purposeful lives. His company Yes Sir, a young men’s mentorship program. His first of provides materials, workshops and personal/professional four published book series will be released this year. development programs geared toward individuals, Strawder currently resides in Houston, Texas.

College Student Marshal | Shannon Walker

Shannon Walker has been selected as the College of She also has been a Education’s student marshal for Penn State’s spring 2020 Community Education Commencement ceremony, which will be held virtually Extended Learning support at 2 p.m. May 9. staff and a substitute teacher in the State College Walker selected Efraín Marimon, assistant professor of Area School District; a education, to escort her as the College’s faculty marshal. summer instructor at a Stephanie Hopkins has served as her academic adviser. community school musical From Furlong, Pennsylvania, Walker has been on the theatre camp in the Central dean’s list since fall 2016. She is graduating with a 4.0 Bucks School District; and a GPA, with a bachelor of science in elementary and early classroom support teacher at the Bennett Family childhood education and minors in special education, Center on the Penn State education policy studies and theatre. She also is in the University Park campus. . Walker has held leadership Walker was a first-grade student teacher from August roles in the Student Pennsylvania State Education to November 2019 at Strodes Mills Elementary in Association and the Penn State Thespian Society. She the Mifflin County School District. Her experiences was a fellow for the D.C. Social Justice Fellowship in there included teaching research-based curriculum; 2018. She also danced in THON this year. developing a writing unit and lesson plans for all subject areas; and participating in schoolwide and professional After graduation, Walker plans to work in a public development training opportunities. She finished her school as an elementary teacher. She also hopes to work student teaching abroad in Thessaloniki, Greece, where with children’s theatre programs, either in a school or she assisted English teachers for grades one to 11. community setting.

4 College and Program Marshals Commencement College Marshal Shannon Walker Program ESCORT: Efraín Marimon, B.A., B.S., M.S. Ed., J.D., LL.M. NATIONAL ANTHEM Program Marshals Amina Faye ’20, Musical Theatre, College of Arts and Architecture Education and Public Policy Emma Rohan PRESIDING ESCORT: Kai Schafft, B.A., M.A., M.S., Ph.D. Eric J. Barron, B.S., M.S., Ph.D. Elementary and Early Childhood Education President of The Pennsylvania State Katherine Kosick University ESCORT: Kathleen Sillman, B.S., M.S., Ph.D. Erika Felker SPECIAL REMARKS ESCORT: Paula Marden, B.S., M.Ed. President Barron Middle Level Education Olivia Simoncic REMARKS AND INTRODUCTIONS ESCORT: Fran Arbaugh, B.S., M.Ed., Ph.D. Nicholas P. Jones, B.E., M.S., Ph.D. Rehabilitation and Human Services Executive Vice President and Provost of Brynn Parkin the University ESCORT: Jessica Henry, CRC, LPC, Ph.D. AUTHORIZATION TO CONFER Secondary Education DEGREES Madisyn Aman ESCORT: Albert D’Ambrosia, Ed. Adm., M.Ed. Mark H. Dambly, B.S. Chair, Board of Trustees Special Education Stephanie Magnotta RECOGNITION OF MERITORIOUS ESCORT: Jeremy Moeller, Ph.D. ACHIEVEMENT World Languages Education Penn State Students Colin Murphy ESCORT: Mindy Kornhaber, B.A., M.Ed., Ed.M., Ed.D. CONFERRAL OF DEGREES Presiding: Provost Jones College Leadership Conferring: President Barron Kimberly A. Lawless, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. INDUCTION INTO ALUMNI Dean, ASSOCIATION College of Education Randolph B. Houston Jr., B.A., J.D. Gregory J. Kelly, B.S., Ph.D. President, Penn State Alumni Association Senior Associate Dean for Research, Outreach, and Technology, SPECIAL THANKS College of Education Penn State Students Rayne A. Sperling, B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Associate Dean, Undergraduate and Graduate Studies, PENN STATE ALMA MATER College of Education Penn State Students Maria J. Schmidt, B.S., M.Ed. Assistant Dean, Education and Social Equity, Penn State Blue Band College of Education

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Undergraduate Degree Recipients

Subject to completion of all degree requirements, degrees will be conferred as indicated upon the individuals listed herein and upon such others as may meet the requirements. This list was produced April 10, as an unofficial list of graduating students and those earning honors. Distinction may be conferred as indicated upon the individuals listed herein and upon such others as may meet the requirements. This group is made up of those students who have completed the required number of credits at the University and who are in the top 12 percent of their graduating class in their college. The 12 percent is divided into 2 percent SUMMA CUM LAUDE, 4 percent MAGNA CUM LAUDE and 6 percent CUM LAUDE. If you have question about your name, degree or distinction listed in this program, please reach out to Samantha Roan at [email protected]. Congratulations on your achievements! Education and Public Emily Blank Taylor Jackson Policy (B.S.) Katelyn Nicole Boardman Kelly M Jonovich Leslie Julia Boyer Emily Wynn Kalish This degree prepares students to enter professional careers Emma Elizabeth Bressler Lia Khatchadourian in educational organizations, Peter James Bridgewater Brooke Kieserman government, community Hannah Jean Brodish Sarah E Klukaszewski2 development, public service, non- profits, consulting, philanthropy, Sydney J Brouse Eva Kathryn Klukiewicz and interest groups for the Emily Elizabeth Buitekant Katherine Diane Kosick1 betterment of a diverse and Kai Ayanna Butler Kristin Clare Krause democratic society. Allison M Caruso Ashley Kuhn Christopher Jason Carver Cassandra Marie Caruso MaryKate Elizabeth Leinhos2 Dasol Choi Carley Cassandro Alison Lightfoot Qianzi Cong Taylor Elise Clark2 Sarah Elizabeth Long2 Matthew Corcoran Kathleen McGinley Crossey3 Rebecca Lucas Rachel Cvitanovich Samantha Christine Dallier Madison Mary Lydon Dylan Andrew Hamilton Emma Kathleen Davin Molly Lynch Rayna Isabel Landa Caroline Audrey Dawson Melanie Marcano Joie Nicole Nearn Lauren Direnzo3 Gabriela Elaine Marsh Danieltta Pantoe Sarah Kirkland Diszler Julia Anne Marullo Rafael Prado Martinez Julia E Eneboe3 Erin Mathis S3 Emma Lee Rohan Cassandra Marlene Essis Lea Grace McCartney Anna M Schoen Kennedy Eyer Megan Elizabeth McCluskey Claire Marie Talley Erika P Felker1 Taylor M McDevitt Sarah K Witherow Isabelle S Ferber Lauren Nicole McGregor Kaitlyn Jordan Ferensic Abigail Joan McGurrin Elementary and Early Erin Donohue Fiorillo Emily Mairead McKeown Childhood Education Jaclyn H Handelman Melynda Rose McKinney (B.S.) Natalie Lynn Handley Kristen Rose McNamara This degree prepares candidates Morgan Campbell Healey Marisa B Meyers to teach children in preschool Erin E Helbig Hayley Victoria Miller through fourth grade. Ian Thomas Herm Tori Drew Millman Courtney Ann Antonelli Morgan Hesse Rebecca Emily Mugrage Julia Elizabeth Baird Julia Claire Horwitz Braden H Neal Stephanie Paige Bernstein Julia Aileen Howard Kavenie Mae Newhart Taylor Leilani Berry Alyssa Athanasia Ioannou Hallie Madison Newman

6 • Class of 2020 •

Carly Jean Opar Middle Level Rehabilitation and 3 Kailey Erin Ormsby Education (B.S.) Human Services (B.S.) Gabriella Theresa Orsini This degree prepares candidates These degrees prepare candidates Emma Mary Pacifico for a variety of positions in to teach all subjects in grades Jennifer Elizabeth Panny rehabilitation, mental health, four to six and mathematics, Alyssa Marie Perschino welfare, and employment services English or social studies in grades or for graduate work in the Carly Anne Pfaff seven and eight. helping professions. Lexi Principe Bayleigh Noelle Adams Shannon Irene Quigley Hannah M Bodnar Brianna Moriah Bicky Mary Elizabeth Raabe Matthew James Boyle Kaleigh Erin Bieling Marielle Christina Ramp Cahil James Carey Emma Rose Brown Gabrielle Rapone Seth Ryan Cocolin Ford Koyama Carlson Brandon Lee Reed-Porter Clarisse Carolyn Cofrancesco3 Faith T Cole Caroline Richards2 Casey Ann Cook Marissa N Coleman Alison Kendall Root Nikki Renee Coleman Rachel Sari Rubinstein Kevin Joseph Cummings Hunter M Datres A’Nasia Evette Rudolph Caroline Anne Daly Sarah Elizabeth Dickey Faith AnnScanlan Levi Thomas Davis Lindsay Frances DiGiorgio Kyra Schaeffer Bethany A Dudeck Kayla Nicole Evans Hayley Grace Schlosser Rachael Pearl Ewing Rachel Lynn Fisher Emily Lauren Schwarz 2 Olivia Gettle Madison Rose Glew Nicole Cari Seraita Juliana Gabrielle Gidaro Emily G Guido Alyssa-Brian Sibiga3 Spencer James Hay Melissa Catherine Guina Allison Silano Connor Thomas Hemdal Abigail Hanlon Adam Michael Simonson Emma Mathias Islinger Alison Hickey Elizabeth Nicole Smart Cassidy Kauffman Lonni Blair Sopinsky Carly Anne King Kathleen Keys S Rachel E Sporer Lauren Nicole Kirkman Kyla Kierstein 3 Caitlin Ashley Stigall Michael William Komorowski Juan Villagomez Lemus S2 Carolyn Elizabeth Stoughton Alyssa Kruman Emily Ann Leniart Carolyn Stout2 Abigail Marissa McMenamin Emma Taylor Lutzke Brianna Nicole Torrisi Bryan Christopher Murphy Raquel Angelina Mabry Colleen Mary Tracy Heather P Macdougall Taylor Constance Randolph Alea Troup Julia Macgregor Devon Marie Viola Sarah Elizabeth Read Matthew A Maclay Shannon L WalkerS1 Matthew James Renninger Nicolette Macri Grace Michele Wanamaker Brady William Sahm Emily Elizabeth Madeira Brittany LeeAnne Wangel Breanna Francesca Saulsbury Taylor S McClelland Carolyn Whitlock Olivia Claire Simoncic3 Leah Isabella McCloy Kaitlyn Elizabeth Wiesner Rachel Millan Isabella Speer Brooke A Wolf Olivia Michelle Mitchell Jillian Testa Sydney S Wolff Shannon Victoria Moore Bailey Renee Yeagley Katie Marie Wasilko Kelsey Joan Mullen Gabrielle L Yom Claire Marie Watsik Gabrielle Ivy Mund Abigail Hayes Zarro Gianna Marie Ziccardi Angela Marie Myers

7 • Class of 2020 •

Maggie Jo Noll Matthew Herman Madison Lane Schulte Thomas Peter Novak Thomas Adam Holodick David Allan Shorten Jr. 2 Brynn Gabrielle Parkin Nathan Daniel Kerlin Sydney Reann Trimmer Yumei Qing Dillon Thomas Madigan Amanda Jane Wieler Erin Nicole Reed Bailey Noelle Matush Rebecca Leigh Reeves3 Barrett Perry McMurtry Brenna Forster Richards3 Trinity Middlebrooks Workforce Education Jacquelyn Mary Schwartz Maxine Eiley Montany and Development (AS, Abigail Spor Molly Elizabeth Mowatt B.S.) Kendyl D Stewart Abbilyn Irene Moyer Tianna Heather Thorpe Samantha Niedziejko This degree prepares candidates Alaina K VanDyke2 Claire Gertrude O’Dea to teach a specific trade or skill Sophia Vario Andrew Robert Page in a vocational-technical school, trade school, or community Amanda Christine Wallace Cara Pakes college, or to coordinate Abigail Ireland Welch Carina Papa or supervise in a vocational 2 Fanwen Zhang Hailey Brooke Penuel education setting. Candidates S Sarah Michele Petri choose from three options: Health Secondary Education Madison Paige Peyton Occupations Education, Industrial (B.S.) Grant Troxell Pusey Education, or Occupational Home Madeline Putterman Economics Education, all of which This degree prepares candidates for teaching positions related Jeffrey Qiu lead to a teacher certificate; or a to their content areas in grades Meaghan Reed non-certificate Industrial Training 7-12. Candidates pursue one or Anthony Robert Romeo option. Each degree candidate more of the following teaching 3 has also shown competency in options: Biological Science, Joshua I Rosenbaum their respective trade or skill. Chemistry, Citizenship Education, Abigail Rummel3 Earth and Space Science, English/ Sivonn Simonpur Justin David Bierly Communication, Environmental 2 Education, General Science, Jennifer Elizabeth Snyder Mathematics, Physics, and Social Justin Patrick Staub World Languages Studies. Brady Scott Thomas Education (B.S.) Madisyn E Aman2 Alyssa Weidlich Taylor Aisha BallietS Emilee West This degree prepares candidates Anais Bailey Biesecker Colleen Patrice Weston for K–12 teaching positions or Cullen J Browell other employment fields related Ian Byron Brumbaugh Special to their content language area, Hannah Chisler Education (B.S.) which may be French, German, Latin, Russian, or Spanish. Anna Elizabeth Ciambotti This degree prepares candidates David Carl Columbus for teaching individuals with Colin Morrissey Murphy Audrey Willow Cromell special learning needs, at any age Gabriella Alejandra Rivera 3 or ability level. Luke Joseph Darrup Corchado Catherine Delsandro Megan Ann French Talia Grace Diclaudio Tyler Kemp 1 = Summa Cum Laude 2 Cassandra Lyn Diehl Brady Robbins Kimble Emily 2 = Magna Cum Laude Tiffany Domingues M Klingler 3 = Cum Laude Lucinda Valerie Ellis Stephanie Ann Magnotta S = Schreyer Honors College Jill Lynn Farina Michelle Elizabeth Patlakh Bold = College Marshal Nicholas Joseph Franz Italic = Program Marshal

8 The College of Education Penn State’s College of Education was respective program rankings, with four established in 1923 by then-president programs in the top 10. The College John Thomas and was directed by has approximately 56,000 living its first dean, Will G. Chambers. Its alumni. mission is to deepen and extend The College’s endowment exceeds knowledge about the formation and $58.3 million, and last year, Education utilization of human capabilities. Kimberly A. Lawless began her tenure students received about as dean in fall 2019. $1.6 million in scholarships. The College is the recipient of Its academic programs are approved several large, multi-year grants, by the Pennsylvania Department including Quality Talk, an innovative, of Education (PDE) and accredited teacher-facilitated discourse nationally by organizations such as the model that promotes high-level American Psychological Association comprehension of text; Supporting (APA), the Council for Accreditation of Early Adolescents’ Learning and Counseling and Related Educational Social Success (SEALS), which helps Programs (CACREP), the National teachers in urban schools support Council on Rehabilitation Education their students who are at-risk for (NCRE), and the Council for the school adjustment difficulties; Accreditation of Educator Preparation and a grant that identifies risk (CAEP). factors for ADHD diagnosis in U.S. The College has been consistently schoolchildren and the predicted ranked among the top colleges and effects of treatments they receive for universities among more than 1,400 the disorder. education institutions in the country. The College’s faculty members serve This year, the College enrolled more as members of panels, governing than 1,900 undergraduate students boards for state and national at all campuses. It provides teacher organizations, and editorial boards preparation in 20 specialty areas, with for major journals. The faculty has additional programs in Rehabilitation received five Fulbright awards in the and Human Services and Education last seven years. College faculty have and Public Policy. More than 320 editorial responsibilities for more than student-teachers were placed 33 major journals in education and in schools this academic year in counseling, including the American Pennsylvania and abroad. Journal of Education. This year, more than 600 graduate Penn State has student teaching sites students took courses in 12 fields at international locations, partnership of study. U.S. News & World Report agreements with 17 institutions in ranks 10 of the College’s graduate 36 countries, and 208 international programs in the top 15 of their students currently enrolled.

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WELCOME TO THE PRIDE!

Congratulations on your graduation, and welcome to the Penn State Alumni Association —the largest and most powerful alumni network in the world. New graduates receive a complimentary one-year membership in the Penn State Alumni Association. As you enter the pride, you’ll join the ranks of alumni who keep their connection to Penn State strong through membership. We encourage you to stay connected and learn more about the 30+ benefits that are included with your membership.

Membership materials, including your membership card, will be mailed to you after graduation. Benefits are available to you immediately upon receiving your membership card.

Exclusive Member Benefits

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

ALUMNI EMAIL

Members of the Alumni Association can sign up for a personal Penn State email account (@alumni.psu.edu). Accounts are hosted by Google for Education and also include unlimited online storage and a collection of digital tools.

DISCOUNTS

Members receive access to discounts including travel and merchandise at Penn State Bookstore campus locations. They also receive access to discounted health, auto, renters, home, life, long-term care, and pet insurance.

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

To access a full list of membership benefits and to find your local Penn State Alumni Association chapter, visit: alumni.psu.edu/newalumni