ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FIFTH Commencement

2021

GREETINGS / FROM PRESIDENT MALONEY

On behalf of the trustees, faculty, and staff of Worcester State University, I would like to congratulate you on your outstanding accomplishment. This virtual commencement is not how we planned to celebrate with you today. However, the coronavirus pandemic has strengthened your resolve to persevere in the face of uncertainty. You are here today as a result of hard work and commitment to your studies, but also, for many of you, because of the support of your family, friends, and our dedicated educators. We are confident that you will use your remarkable talents wherever your path may take you.

We are also proud to recognize you as alumni of Worcester State University, a distinction that dates back to 1874 with our first incarnation as the Worcester Normal School for teachers. Though we have made significant and historical changes to our institution since the late 1800s, we anticipate that you, like the first graduating class, will maintain our time-honored traditions of rigorous academics and giving back to your community and the world.

As president of Worcester State University, I am honored to celebrate this milestone with you, and I sincerely hope that you will stay connected with us. We look forward to becoming a partner in your continuing professional and personal development, and we will always be here if you need us.

With warmest best wishes for your future,

Barry M. Maloney President

2021 Commencement i GREETINGS From President Maloney...... i

WELCOME From the Class Committee...... 1

ORDER OF COMMENCEMENT...... 2-3

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER Brian Skerry ’84...... 5

ACADEMIC TRADITIONS...... 6

ACADEMIC ATTIRE...... 8

DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS, HONORIS CAUSA Brian Skerry ’84...... 9

BACHELOR’S DEGREES Baccalaureate Degree Recipients...... 10

HONORS AND AWARDS Massachusetts Commonwealth Honors Scholars...... 19 The Lt. Col. James F. Sheehan ’55, USMC Ret. Award Recipient...... 19 John F. Eager Continuing Education Table of Contents Excellence Award Recipient...... 19 Ellen J. Meyers M.Ed. ’88 Memorial Academic Merit Award Recipient...... 19 Ella M. Whitney Award Recipient...... 19

GEORGE I. ALDEN EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING RECIPIENTS...... 20

SPECIAL RECOGNITION Members of the Board of Trustees, Worcester State University...... 21 Class of 2021 Committee Members...... 21 Class of 2021 Advisors...... 21 Senior Class Marshals...... 21 Armed Services Commission...... 21 Members of the Board of Higher Education Commonwealth of Massachusetts...... 21 Members of the Board of Worcester State Foundation...... 21 Alumni Association’s Advisory Board Members...... 21 Academic Ceremonies Committee...... 21

HISTORY...... 22

ALMA MATER...... Inside Back Cover WELCOME / FROM THE CLASS COMMITTEE

Welcome Class of 2021 graduates, family, and friends,

Today we get to applaud ourselves as graduates of the Class of 2021. We get to applaud all of our hard work during our years here at Worcester State University and can now refer to ourselves as college graduates. Congratulations Woo family and welcome to the 2021 Undergraduate Commencement.

A journey cannot be called a journey without experiences. Throughout our time at Worcester State, we went from being young adults to adults ready to take on the next experience in our journey. This could not have been possible without the motivation and upliftment from our family, friends, faculty, and staff. From the times we shed our tears because of the stress we endured, to the times we jumped with excitement because of a grade that meant the world to us. You all have been there for us and we all want to thank you for that. Now we are together once more celebrating this academic achievement.

College is about mainly preparing a person for success in life, but it was more than that at Lancer Nation. Coming from different backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles helped us learn how to work together no matter what situation is brought forth. As we go out there and face the real world, we will forever take that with us. Now we can say loud and clear that our mission has been accomplished even through a pandemic that affected many. We fought together as Lancer Nation and made it through successfully. As we leave Woo State, we carry the experience with us forever in the future ahead.

The Class Committee for the Class of 2021 wants to congratulate all graduates and wish you luck in your future endeavors. Always remember, there is no limit to what you can achieve.

Theodora Amerley Pappoe Hulda Boateng Imahni Bruno-Reeves Chair

Hailie Lemieux Twishi Puri Jaymi-Lyn Souza

2021 Commencement 1 Order of Commencement

WELCOME REMARKS Lois A. Wims, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

REMARKS Barry M. Maloney President

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REMARKS Theodora Pappoe ’21 Class Committee Chair

FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE REMARKS Meghna Dilip, Ph.D.

GREETINGS AND HONORARY DEGREE CONFERRAL Stephen Madaus Chair, Board of Trustees

2 WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS Brian Skerry ’84

CLOSING REMARKS Lois A. Wims, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

WELL WISHES Brought by alumni, trustees, elected officials, faculty, staff, and friends of the University

TURNING OF THE TASSEL Hailie Lemieux ’21 Hulda Boateng ’21 Twishi Puri ’21 Imahni Bruno-Reeves ’21 Jaymi-Lyn Souza ’21 Senior Class Marshals

2021 Commencement 3 Learn

So many things we’re still learning. “It’s so exciting. Every day is a new experience.

—Elaine Pusateri Cowan ’91

4 WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY BRIAN SKERRY ’84

Brian Skerry ’84 was born in Milford, Benchley Award for Excellence in Media. Massachusetts, and grew up in Uxbridge, In 2010, National Geographic Magazine Massachusetts. He attended Quinsigamond named one of Brian’s images among Community College before transferring their 50 Greatest Photographs of All to Worcester State University, where Time and he was awarded the 2016 he graduated with a bachelor of science National Geographic Photographer’s in media. Brian turned his avocation for Photographer Award, an honor bestowed photography into his professional passion by his colleagues. and, since 1998, has been a contract photographer for National Geographic He has had solo photographer exhibits at Magazine (NGM) covering a wide range of Visa Pour l’Image in Perpignan, France, subjects and stories—from the harp seal’s as well as in cities such as Geneva, struggle to survive in frozen waters and the Barcelona, Lisbon, and Shanghai, and alarming decrease in the world’s fisheries, at the Smithsonian National Museum of to dolphin intelligence, all of which were Natural History in Washington, D.C. cover stories. Brian’s story about predatory Brian frequently lectures on photography, sharks was published in NGM as a three- exploration, and conservation issues, part consecutive feature story. presenting at venues such as the United In 2014, he was one of five photographers Nations General Assembly, The World named as a National Geographic Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Photography Fellow. His cover story in the TED Talks, The National Press Club in February 2017 issue of NGM focusing on Washington, D.C., The Royal Geographical protecting special underwater ecosystems Society in London, and the Sydney Opera in U.S. waters also included the first images House in Australia. He has appeared as of a U.S. president underwater. In 2017, a guest on television programs including Brian was named a National Geographic NBC’s TODAY show and CBS This Morning Society Storytelling Fellow and in June of and on radio stations across the United that year, he was awarded the title of Rolex States. National Geographic Explorer of the Year. He is currently at work on his 28th story Brian’s work has also been featured in for NGM. publications such as Sports Illustrated, Brian is the explorer in residence and a The New York Times, BBC Wildlife, Paris trustee at the New England Aquarium, Match, GEO, The Washington Post, The Wall a founding member of the International Street Journal, Smithsonian, Esquire, Audubon League of Conservation Photographers, and Men’s Journal. He is the author of director of The New England Ocean 11 books including the acclaimed Odyssey for The Conservation Law monographs Ocean Soul and Shark. Foundation, and a Fellow National of The Brian is an 11-time award winner in the Explorers Club. He also serves as a Marine prestigious Wildlife Photographer of Fellow with Conservation International, the Year competition. He has also been and serves on the World Wildlife Fund’s recognized with awards from Pictures National Council and the World Wildlife of the Year International, Nature’s Best, Federation’s Marine Leadership Council. and Communication Arts. He is the only photographer to win the coveted Peter

2021 Commencement 5 ACADEMIC TRADITIONS

The academic procession begins with a The official seal is present on the center trumpet fanfare. The Bearer of the Mace, stage podium and on the face of the Mace. our Faculty Marshal, leads the procession, It is representative of the following: beginning with students, then faculty and staff. Next, the Master of Ceremonies • The Palladian window links the past and follows ahead of the President, the the future. A distinguishing feature of the Commencement speaker, vice presidents, Helen G. Shaughnessy Administration deans, and other University officials. The Building, the oldest building on campus, Mace is presented at the center of the stage, the window symbolizes the educational while those processing enter and take their ideals on which the University was places. Once the Mace is placed on the founded. stand, the ceremony begins. • The globe represents the wide world beyond the campus, as well as the global The Mace is used at all academic impact of a Worcester State education. ceremonies. In medieval times, Maces were weapons of warfare, but today the Mace • The rays of sunlight shining over the represents the President’s authority as the world reflect knowledge, enlightenment, chief academic and administrative officer hope, and the promise of new horizons. and is present at all academic ceremonies of the University. The Presidential Medallion, worn by the President, was designed by Mr. Dominic DiPasquale and symbolizes the union between the President and the University. This hand-tooled medallion of the original seal is passed on to succeeding presidents.

6 WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY Dream

Whatever dream it is that you have, “someone is going to live it. Why not you?

—Kara Emily Krantz ’05

Alumna Kara Emily Krantz ’05, reflecting on her challenges and accomplishments at Worcester State University.

2021 Commencement 7 Maureen to approve

ACADEMIC ATTIRE

Ceremonial garments worn at academic holders of bachelor’s and master’s degrees. functions take their meaning from the Gold tassels are reserved for those with Church of the Middle Ages, the original doctorate degrees and for governing center of Western learning. Distinctive officers of educational institutions. markings on the gown and hood indicate the level and subject area of the degree At this ceremony, the colors of many earned as well as the institution granting universities and colleges may be seen. The the degree. designated colors for academic disciplines are as follows: The hood offers the most information about its owner. The inner lining identifies the Agriculture...... Maize institution at which the degree was earned; Arts, Letters, Humanities...... White the velvet trim indicates the major field of Business, Commerce, Accountancy..... Drab study. A final feature concerns the length Criminal Justice...... Midnight Blue and width of the hood. The length of the Economics...... Copper hood for the bachelor’s degree is three Education...... Light Blue feet and the velvet border is two inches; Engineering...... Orange the master’s is three and one-half feet in Fine Arts, Architecture...... Brown length with a three-inch-wide border; the Forestry...... Russet certificate of advanced graduate study Journalism...... Crimson shield is three feet with a graduated border Law...... Purple from three inches wide to six and one-half Library Science...... Lemon inches wide; and the doctoral level hood is Medicine...... Green four feet in length with a five-inch border. Music...... Pink Nursing...... Apricot The gown’s cut signifies the level of Philosophy...... Dark Blue degree attained, ranging from the relative Physical Education...... Sage Green simplicity of the bachelor’s gown to the Public Administration...... Peacock velvet panels and bell-shaped sleeves of the Public Health...... Salmon Pink doctorate gown. Science...... Golden Yellow Social Science...... Cream The cap or mortarboard has been adopted Social Work...... Citron by institutions throughout the United Veterinary Science...... Gray States. It is black with black tassels for

8 WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa

BRIAN J. SKERRY, CLASS OF 1984

Brian J. Skerry is an award-winning director of The New England Ocean photojournalist who specializes in marine Odyssey for The Conservation Law wildlife and underwater environments. Foundation, and a Fellow National A 1984 graduate of Worcester State of The Explorers Club. He also serves University, he had his first underwater as a Marine Fellow with Conservation photograph of a shipwreck in Boston International, serves on the World Harbor published in the Boston Globe Wildlife Fund’s National Council and that same year. the WWF’s Marine Leadership Council, and is on the board of directors of the Mr. Skerry wrote for several scuba diving Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. magazines in the 1990s that featured many of his photos. In 1996, his image of Mr. Skerry has held exhibitions of his the first-ever living oarfish – the longest photography at Visa Pour l’Image in known species of bony fish which inspired Perpignan, France, and the Smithsonian the legend of sea serpents – was published. Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., and is a sought-after Mr. Skerry’s career with National lecturer and expert on photography, Geographic Magazine (NGM) began in conservation, and exploration. He has 1998. Since then, he has published nearly presented to the United Nations General two dozen feature articles and contributed Assembly, The World Economic Forum to several others. His feature stories for in Davos, Switzerland, TED Talks, NGM include harp seals, squid, right The National Press Club in Washington, whales, leatherback sea turtles, bluefin D.C., The Royal Geographical Society in tuna, dolphins, and coral reefs. His story London, and the Sydney Opera House on the life of predatory sharks appeared in Australia. He has appeared on NBC’s in a three-part consecutive feature spread TODAY show, CBS This Morning, and in 2016. During that same year, while on countless radio shows and podcasts a different assignment, he captured the throughout the nation. first photo of a U.S. president (Barack Obama) snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean. Mr. Skerry is the author of 11 books including the acclaimed monographs Mr. Skerry was one of five photographers Ocean Soul and Shark. named as a National Geographic Photography Fellow in 2014, was named Therefore, in recognition of your a Nikon Ambassador in 2015, and in outstanding career as a photojournalist 2017 was named the National Geographic and lifetime commitment to conservation Society Storytelling Fellow and awarded and sharing your knowledge of the title of Rolex National Geographic underwater life and ecosystems, Explorer of the Year. Worcester State University confers upon you, Brian J. Skerry, the degree Mr. Skerry has won many awards, of doctor of humane letters, honoris causa. including the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year 11 times. He is the explorer in residence and a trustee at the New England Aquarium, a founding member of the International League of Conservation Photographers,

2021 Commencement 9 Baccalaureate Degree Recipients

School of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences

Biology Kassandra R. Nazzaro Biotechnology Kelvin A. Acquah-Marfo Amy B. Nouriel Maeda I. Allqadoori Madisyn R. Angelo Lydia I. Osuagwu Tallia E. Annese Ryan Asante Theodora A. Pappoe† Baffour Asare Victoria J. Babcock Erin G. Parker† Tyler J. Davis Genevive Baddoo††† Whitney L. Perry Joshua M. Enright Tasneem K. Baker Emmy Pham Seth A. Fitzgerald†† Elizabeth Annette Blackburn† Thy X. Pham Emma K. Greenberg†† Hulda Elia Boateng Laura L. Piccirillo Ondine Grosser Judy C. Bosch Boadu A. Prempeh Heidi Mae Jackson Alannah A. Casello Twishi Puri† Erica C. John Oresti Celaj Krishnamurthy K. Zivar Khalighi Stephanie M. Cofske Raghavendra Zachary J. Marcinkiewicz Jorge L. Concepcion-Cruz† Tyler Marie Rano Vanessa L. Nina Madisyn N. Constantine Emelyn C. Rivera Brian Cuong Phan†† Maegan Nicole Daly Gianluca Romeo Xhuliana Picari†† Vincent J. Demattia Amanda Nicole Roux†† Joseph L. Pryor Navita Dhanjal Gabriela Santana Louisa Noelle Tannous††† Casey L. Dion† Jose M. Santiago Meghan P. Thornquist Brian V. Dos Lauren Santos Julia Lynn Fitzpatrick††† Richard T. Scales Olivia L. Flanagan Juljana Senko Chemistry Cortney Manning Fratoni Victoria L. Simonian Adam N. Bengtson Eric R. Fyrberg††† Sandra S. Soliman Emily M. Doran†† Ashley Guerin Sophie L. Staryos Christopher C. Frabotta Victoria S. Hallas† Mohamad K. Tanta† Juliet L. Helock† Jennifer I. Hanson Maral Taoukdjian Geanna Sonjai Landrum††† Brandon R. Hardial Amanda Lauren Turner Amanda Lane Amanda Harris Nyeilla Danielle Veale Judy Le†† Kyle B. Hayter† Hoang D. Vo†† Osama Mahmoud Lucas Paul Horan Eric T. Vorrasi Han Phan Quynh Nguyen† Sydney K. Howe†† Julianne E. Welsh†† Michael L. Jameson††† Michael R. Wheeler Yaw O. Kanin††† Benjamin R. White Daniel M. Keller††† Michael J. Willett Sarmad Khalid Gladys Yeboah Christopher H. Lam Mario Zguro Natalia Melissa Lamourt Reyes Candace M. Laura Ashley Ann Lavoie†† Krysta Luz Lopez Donald R. Mahan, III Isabel M. Mazzarella† Alexis N. Melton† Bernice K.A. Mensah††† Aleen M. Merzoian†† Fatima Nadeem††

10 WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY Communication Sciences Early Childhood Education Cayce R. Pappas† and Disorders Rosina Adongo Madison J. Parker† Anna P. Bachman Kelsey K. Allen Megan M. Quigley††† Madelyn N. Cinelli Amanda Sage Alves† Meaghan L. Riedle Kaleigh E. Cole Rosemary Antoinette Blair Caroline M. Root††† Sabrina E. Dass†† Alexis L. Booth†† Emma JoAnne Rose Stacy B. Francis†† Brittany L. Cormier Kelsey L. Seabold† Jenna R. Goodreau† Maeve C. Donovan Kelly M. Sheehan Julia A. Graziano Kelci T. Dorr Henley A. Shipley†† Kelley A. Hall†† Alexandra Espiritusanto-Vega Brianna L. Stomski†† Nora D. LeBlanc† Alyssa Grace Herter Marissa L. Stuart†† Casey S. Lee† Victoria A. Hogan Rachael L. Thibeault†† Sydney G. LeVasseur† Katelyn J. Holden Celeste Walsh Sofia R. Macias† Lauren E. Jachimczyk Matthew E. Wheeler† Abby M. Magnuson Erin E. Kelly Nicolle M. Zenaro Rylee C. McHugh†† Sara Kowaleski Monika Mularski Jaclyn T. Loiseau Environmental Science Patricia R. Murphy Rebecca Anne Londono† Annelise Batista Kathleen M. Powers Marisa L. Lortie Nicholas Bohigian Benjamin D. Ratick††† Katherine M. Lottes Katherine N. Burris Wendy Soto† Jordan R. Lyons† Bryce J. Cleveland Elizabeth Marie Motyka Colleen M. Cutting Computer Science Molly V. Mulhern Alex M. Dalelio Afua A. Agyare†† Erin C. Murphy Christina M. Duplease Shams Al-Farees† Maegan E. Pittsley† Deanna Elizabeth Elliott† Faraaz M. Baig Linette Ruiz††† Elise M. Gallagher William K. Chan Shauna M. Rutter Prince A. Gyau Matthew P. DePalo Jordan P. Turgeon†† Amy R. Kaiser† Timothy E. Drevitch†† Samantha Valach Anthony M. Madonna† Nicholas Dudo Erin M. Sacharanski Austin J. Engel†† Elementary Education Maria C. Savignano†† Marcos A. Felipe†† Tayla N. Aleci John R. Veneziano†† Derek M. Hebert Ariana N. Blaisdell††† Timothy M. Herbst† Emerson R. Chapski† Geography Arisha Jahan Khan Taylor Ann Coady Joseph Edward Capps II Alexander M. Le Elena G. Cormier Cameron Julian Dietz Michael H. Mendes††† Kelsey A. Dilling†† Lucas E. Ferreira Nicholas C. Mucci Sarah N. Donermeyer† Kyle P. Gray Jeison R. Ortega Rachel M. Duda† Maureen W. Kinyanjui Liam C. Phan Meghan L. Foley Sharoon D. Martinez Nicholas G. Ramsdell Paige D. Fullen Melanie R. Meadors††† Migena Shkurti Taylor M. George Jessica A. Simons John S. Simolaris† Amanda D. Gevry† Harou Song† Riley K. Green Rainiery Tavarez††† Ashley N. Healy Matthew P. Toomey Alyssa-Anne M. Hicks† Ashley L. Hogan† Robyn S. Jones Rachel A. Jorge†† Elise L. Leviton† Holly L. Montgomery††

2021 Commencement 11 Baccalaureate Degree Recipients

School of Education, Health, and Natural Sciences

Health Education Nursing Kayden M. O’Sullivan Elizabeth Amoah Adesina A. Adegoke Lori Patterson†† Cameron J. Buckingham Antea V. Alexander Mackenzie Erin Pelletier†† Hali Burke Dominique Teresa Alves† Madison R. Pelletier Lawrence F. Ciarletta Amanda Jane Babbitt†† Sarah E. Pettine Matthew R. Cummings Sydney E. Beless† Jules Rezidor Angelo B. DeMalia Catherine E. Blatchford† Jenise Louise Richard Tyler J. Dion Haley R. Brown† Adreanna Rodriguez Jillian M. Dombroski† Caitlin E. Cafarella† Natalie J. Ross Holly J. Eplite Christian Capoccia Kassandra Sanchez Manuela Beth Francis Rachel E. Casey Emily Ann Shorey† Elizabeth V. Higgins† Elena A. Chechile† Jennifer G. Stell Kirby E. Impoinvil Caroline A. Cyr Rachel E. Stelmach†† Dimitry L. Laforest Hade Dabbagh† Alyssa M. Strapponi Hailie E. Lemieux Ana Paula DeCarvalho Anita J. Swift†† Lemis A. Melendez Rachel E. Dixson† Caroline Colby Tuttle† Ian J. Merry Katelyn R. Duca Gladys E. Urzua†† Sierra L. Molina Sarah E. Duff† Michaella Vecchiarelli Tayla M. O’Leary†† Jenna A. Eddy Lindsey Marie Walczak Dante I. Ortiz Ashley J. Eskett† Claudia A. Webb Isaiah S. Ramirez† Juan Espinal† Lisa M. Russo† Emily R. Finnegan†† Occupational Studies Gianna Marie Sasso Morgan O. Fontana Camryn M. Barry† Angela M. Steed Jessica C. Fournier Alivia K. Burns†† Jenny S. Tarakengo Katrina Marie Garbacik†† Devin E. Burns Allison J. Woeller††† Courtney E. Gaudette Madison Mae Cuozzi† Christina M. Woods Emily A. George Deanna A. Dalli Stephen W. Healy† Anna R. Dee† Mathematics Vanessa C. Holmes Lauren Marie Fleming Alexa M. Bobbin Lyndsay R. Jansson Hannah E. Joyner†† Matthew P. Carpenter Sheena Marie Johnson Courtney P. Lamothe† Pasquale J. Doucimo††† Kathryn L. Johnston† Victoria M. Lemire†† Kylie J. Gilroy††† Rachel Kansakar Jessica E. Lutz†† Ethan P. Miller††† Breana L. Keegan Brittany E. Marchetti Kaitlyn L. Olmstead††† Lyan Khanji† Erika R. Markham†† Shaylee J. Puleo†† Alexis K. King† Erin M. McCormack† Kelsey G. Rustin††† Kelsey J. Konow† Amanda C. Meimarides†† Jason Thomas Truax†† Sophia A. Kontoes Mackenna E. Milton Joseph Kojo Kum Elena Marie Mouradian†† Natural Science Madison N. Kuzio Jessica T. Muise† Zachary J. Eilert Kimberly A. Landry Rosemarie Murray††† Ross F. Collins-Wooley Melissa E. Landry Alexis V. Nye† Grace M. Lapan† Rebecca L. Rigoli†† André Filipe Ramos Lopes† Haley L. Sears† Bruce Marchand Monica K. Tran Theresa E. McMahon† Julia M. Wolf Tatiana Mesa Megan A. Miller†† Pamela Osesenaga Osaighale††

12 WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY Public Health Rhianna-Lynn Parent†† Emmanuela Amateri Yamini B. Patel Stephen Kofi Ampofo Ameilia M. Pelletier Sanyu Ashaba Ashley Perugini† Porcha P. Boateng† Valencia Lydia Piverger Tabitha Afio Boiquaye Rejane Renaud Marvens Bozil Lianaliz E. Reynoso†† Tayla Renee Brown Karina Rezende Doreen A. Buabeng Madisen J. Roy Mary Elizabeth Burgess† Akuti N. Salvi Michael G. Butten Tyler P. Schwalbe Megan Elsa Campagnone††† Danvas Sereti Mina Lynn Carrabba Rachel K. Sharp Brittany J. Cavarretta Christian D. Squatrito† Julia Michele Cohen† Zachary J. Sweet Jennifer C. Coiscou Logan J. Sylvester Emma K. Crowley Bryan F. Tavares Samantha Czernicki Anne Margaret von Zweck†† Fernanda C. DaSilva†† Cassidy M. Windler Myah C. Dawson† Janneth M. De Leon Lisa A. Donzo Ailish Driscoll† Claire T. Duong Dennis-Owusu Eshia Alyssa J. Espinosa Chelsea Fargnoli Hajah T. Fofana Elyzabeth Frontaan Megan F. Gatsogiannis††† Isabelle Lena GianDomenico Megan R. Greenough† Yoliana E. Greis Ellen Hang Kylie R. Hill† Aiyana J. Johnson Mahlet Negewo Kelecha††† Emily Julia Lanoie Charissa H. Le†† Megan M. Mattox† Emilia Monica Noyes Celia C. O’Malley Hannah D. Owusu Elizabeth Marie Paiva††

2021 Commencement 13 Baccalaureate Degree Recipients

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Business Administration Dylan Matthew Driscoll Zachary Mehdi Ahmed A. Abdeljaber Tanner R. Dumphy Mohamed L. Meite Vida C. Abrafi David S. Echavarria†† Lusanny Mojica Sarah R. Achi†† Gaelle Edmond Jon J. Monge Clara Akuba Ackason Jacob E. Elbirt††† Sarah N. Mott Janelis Alcantara Yinaury M. Espinal Prado† Brian W. Mulhern Neila Kangal Alexander Melissa M. Fahey Patricia A. Mulligan† Abdullah Aliyu Madelyn Fong† Brendan Goodney Murphy Adam A. Amoah William J. Fonner Kristi J. Nakollari Emmanuel Anku Jack W. Fulginiti Cameron J. Neary†† Bedros H. Aprahamian Nathan Joseph Gagne†† Sandy K. Ngo Renald Attakora Nicholas J. Gallo Kelly T. Nguyen†† Jefferson R. Auger Patrick J. Galvin††† Selena T. Nguyen† Caroline Leisel Bailey Biserka Gega† Tori L. Nikki†† Evangelia A. Bakoyiannis Zachary P. Gili† Eric Winston Norman Emmanuel B. Bangandozou Daria A. Goryaynova††† Dominic J. Notaro Kasey M. Barrett Andrew J. Gravina Jason O. Ogbevoen William J. Barry Craig E. Hill Jonathan M. Pagan Earl Richard Bassett III Lisa M. Hilton Meera Patel Graham Bateman††† Thinh P. Ho† Kevin N. Phan Jonathan F. Beaudoin Kim B. Hoang David Pierre Collin James Bennett Ann J. Hoscilo Cameron R. Plank Parker J. Bigelow†† Vu T. Huynh†† Madison L. Poirier† Alexandra Martina Biro††† Trendafile Ibrahimi Bogumila J. Polska† Ashley E. Borkowski Ryan C. James Andrew T. Proietti Riley O. Brooks Angela Maria Kaperonis Natalie M. Raheb Michael H. Bryne Rouzbeh Karkonan Giana N. Railey Sara Budic Jennah M. Kellie Evander G. Rainville Matas V. Buivydas† Drew M. Kelliher Hannah E. Regin Adam J. Canty Tommy Khuu Rebbecca Rivera Michael A. Capps Alfred Koroma Christian Kenneth Robert Christopher B. Cardoso Michael Krasowski Alessandro G. Romeo†† Nicholas M. Coleman Kelsey J. Kunar Claudia R. Ruble††† Emma M. Collings†† Jenna L. Lanciault Eddie Ruiz Aidan J. Conlon† Mackenzie A. Lavin† Maida Sabotic††† Callum D. Connacher Emily R. Leary Jackeline Saez Justin Patrick Connor Amber L. Lempke†† Sumavatey Stormy Sarin†† Morgan E. Cooper Shane Thomas LeRoy† Samantha P. Sarkisian† Richard E. Custodio Javier Lizardo Ryan A. Satterfield† Mikala M. Davis† Tucker D. Llewelyn†† Daniel J. Soloperto Jake B. Dayata Jeremy R. Lowell††† Kristen M. Spinney Jeremiah Dayata Adam Scott Lyons† Samantha Lee Stake Ryan M. DelGizzi Sean Michael Mahan Eva Sulollari Dominic A. DeMalia Richardson Maitre Steven S. Tarwa Natasha M. Deschenes Matthew Manning†† Ashley M. Tejada-Villa Kelly T. Diep††† Danyel M. Mariano-Gonzalez Jennifer Tejeda Taylor A. Dion Laura C. Martinez Shavaun A. Thomas Quynh Diem Doan†† Amanda J. McKernan Paul Tran Anthony M. Dobronte Julia D. McNamara Thoa Q. Tran† Alexandre Dominique Michelle J. Medeiros Owen A. Trifone

14 WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY David M. Turner Adam P. Pasquale Jr Joshua P. Eaton Brian M. Twomey Erik D. Pritchard Lacey M. Eaton†† Cali A. Vaccarello Joseph A. Raymond Anton Elkomos† Sonia Elizabeth Vivar Arden L. Reinhardt†† Yliza L. Fantauzzi Patrick J. Wallace Mac T. Rice Jason Anfernee Feliciano Ryan D. Wambach Johanna Evelyn Seattle Hannah Eileen Garrity Owen T. Wetherell† Riddle† Hannah L. Gianfriddo Selena M. Wilson Briana M. Shelly Alexandra E. Giaquinto† Meagan Patricia Woodruff Kyra J. Siano†† Jay Gittao††† Matthew Scott Wyman Brendan Severin Smith Joseph Wesley Goodreau Minming Zheng Libbey P. Stearns† Alec C. Greenawalt††† Jillian R. Zinkus Paul Ryan Stevens Gerald B. Guerra Wendy Dawn Storm Erika M. Hall††† Communication Justin W. Terry† Nichole L. Hayes Marcus T. Babineau Jordyn N. Thompson Andrew E. Jackson†† Jeremy T. Bacon Allison N. Tocman†† Lonnie J. Jackson Imahni C. Bruno-Reeves Jake Ryan Turner Yanira Yvette Kiley Amanda M. Cassels† Keara Lynn Vangel John A. Knowles Brandon C. Cisneros† Bryce R. Wdowiak Tanner A. Landini Andrew P. Civinskas Brett R. Willand Jaimee E. Lemoine Nathaniel P. Connell Kevin Yepez Alexander J. Lemovitz Bryce J. Conroy Zachary Dylan Zupko†† Prunier Courtney Elizabeth Conway†† Rebecca C. Lowe††† Tyler J. Deacon† Criminal Justice Matthew J. Lubanski Jaclyn I. DelMonico Avery M. Andrews† Charles F. Luby Sophia M. Depasquale† Sean M. Battista Lord Nolan A. MacDonald† Jacob F. Frazier Dominick R. Benjamin Johanna Lee Marrero David Germain Justin Jason Bennett Haley J. Mathis Ciara A. Haddad† Christina R. Berard Anthony R. Mattero Jereme Lawrence Hamel Edward B. Boamah Connor P. McBride Lincoln Henry† Timothy J. Borgilt Shaun M. McCarthy Heather M. Hibbard††† Jordan Michalah Bourque Samantha M. McGourty†† Anthony Isildakli Michael P. Branch Anne Millott Eddivette Jimenez Correa††† Tyler J. Brodeur William J. Mitchell Mackenzie A. Kegans Riley J. Brown Dana Mohammad† Josie R. Lavin Juan M. Brunelle Fernando Montalban†† Jake E. Look Jessibelle Burgos Alyssa V. Monti††† Aidan Lucey Mario Daniel Cabrera Thomas N. Moore Lea M. Markham Makayla A. Caisse Justin Moran†† Dante McPherson†† Alphonse E. Caruso Patrick E. Mortimer Aleksis K. Melo Courtney Clarke Steve N. Ofori-Osafo Stephen F. Miranda Sean Patrick Creighton Jafet L. Ortiz Trishina Moitra Jaime E. Cruz Junilda Palla Fabiana A. Montoya†† Leslie G. Donovan H. Bobby Panagiotopoulos Mitchell Tyler Moss Lucas-Philip L. Dos Santos Veronica A. Paulo Lauren Laraine Nixon Stephanie E. Doyle† Taylor M. Pena Andrew D. O’Neill Zachary H. Duguay Brenna K. Perry Sean C. O’Toole† Kendra B. Dumas Michelle E. Perry Philip J. Ozzone Jared K. Dunn Valerie Phuong Vy Pham

2021 Commencement 15 Baccalaureate Degree Recipients

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Daniel R. Powers Dylan Davitt Murray Liberal Studies Tia M. Powers† Callista M. Pacheco†† Molly Frances Andes† Emily M. Provasoli Amanda Pecyna Ryan R. Berry Antonio Ramirez Camiron Lee Reyes† Emma K. Boisvert Augustine R. Ramstrom Selena M. Sheldon Susan Elizabeth Burtchell Cameron J. Richards†† Sean M. Sullivan David W. Campbell Anum R. Rizvi Mia Elise Wilbur Nolan M. Craine Michael E. Shanley††† Angela Marie Woodford†† Matthew C. Demma Nathalya Souza Patrick B. Young Noreen M. Erickson Matthew G. Stefanczak Megan E. Gage Joseph Paul Stella History Katelyn E. Halloran Giovanni Stivaletta†† Nicholas I. Behonick Sun-Mee E. Kasper Paige Brianne Stone Matthew A. Bigos Lewis C. Kotros Andrew S. Tadros† Jillian K. Brady† Sacha Nichole Langford Michael R. Tanis Kyler P. Brown Philip Edward Licari Lenny Damian Then Casey E. Cabral Abigail R. MacGregor Christopher J. Trotta††† Philip Gunn Cannon III Shelby T. McCready Lian S. Uk Harrison J. Carter Caitlin N. McHugh Steffy L. Valcin Amani A. Chambe† Ethan P. Melia Patrick Waugh Hawraa H. Chreim Princess E. Miller Jeffrey W. White Mark J. Clemente†† Margarita Oquendo Thomas E. Conroy Victoria L. Picotte Economics Michael J. Dow†† Alexis L. Ramos††† Thomas J. Cafarella Joshua D. Dukes†† Kylie N. Ross Cameron J. Caracciolo Gina M. Endres Tristan Roukoz Tyler J. Clayfield Isabelle R. Fox Shardai L. Sam-Clarke Jose G. DeLeon Hunter R. Gallagher Ibraheem Sandakli† Kayla R. Gorham† Stephen M. Gargas††† Jordan A. Segal Brian P. Hackett† Alexander C. Godfrin† Mayase T. Sikazwe Nathaniel G. Hopper Baron V. Horwath Madison Frances Troy††† Heather E. Larson† Merrick Turner Alexandra Elisabeth Wilson Vy H. Le Jarmulowicz†† Dana M. Worthen† Matthew W. Lockwood Jacob M. Lewandowski Liberty H. MacMillan† English Manuel E. Marrero† Abigail J. Brady Lindsay A. Mellan Amanda Lynn Collins Veronica I. Murtagh Connor L. Collins††† David J. Novack Samuel Commito Steven C. Setaro Laura Cosentino Jack T. Simone††† Timothy P. Courtney† Gabrielle Ruth Sklar Sarah B. Curry Jaymi-Lyn Souza Anthony A. DiPietro Jocelyn E. Stokowski†† Anthony J. Fichtner†† Sarah A. Synk††† Emily Ikonen† Julia L. VandenAkker† Julia C. Konow†† Seth M. Wesinger Dominic C. Lapomardo Matthew K. Whalen Cheyenne L. McCassie†† Kassidy R. Murphy†††

16 WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY Psychology Julia C. Harrington† Isabella M. Quattrucci†† Kennaly Acosta† Connor W. Harris Rebekah L. Riley Zeeny Ahmed-Sharif Jaymee Lee Hayes† Jayleen M. Rodriguez Megan G. Askew McKena L. Hendriks Nilka Rodriguez† Valerie Elizabeth Báez Julia Kate Hoffman†† Madison R. Sandler Nicole Marie Ballard Alexander Iziokhai Jessilyn A. Smith† Lynn M. Batista†† Sandra Emilet Jackson Rebecca Smith Genevieve Marie Bellavance Artavia Brittney Soares† Jamie E. Bergmann Courtney L. Jacobson Kaitlyn R. Stewart Sabrina G. Bernard Emily E. Jones Sara Stoja†† Nicholas D. Billington Henry S. Jones Brittany A. Stymiest Kelsea M. Blair Brandon J. Kania Kelly A. Sugarman† Colby S. Brennan† Colleen E. Kenney Meghan E. Sullivan Joshua Ryan Buck John A. Kingston Zoe Alexandra Tarter Rashea Jazz Bunce† Allyson L. Kirkland Andrienne Taylor Antoinette Cabral Alexandria Kuchinski Sara A. Teed Mikayla Rae Calcia Caitlin Noelle LaMonda††† Diana Thabet Autumn Campbell Cameron M. Lankenau Marisa N. Tisi Amarelis R. Candelaria Ellie Cooper Lapan Jorgo Tollkuci Yoharenny Carrasco Erica R. Lapointe Bezaida G. Torres Aleah M. Castonguay Jessica L. Lascom Andrea M. Torres-Garcia Elizabeth J. Cedrone Antonella P. Leal Anastasia L. Turley Kerrigan Paige Champagne Joranne E. Legros Natalia T. Vasquez Norma Charles-Rodriguez Emily M. Letendre Anne Marie Wall Moises J. Chauca Audrey S. Lloyd Brittany A. Welch Kylie E. Chupka†† Kimberly Martinez Taylor R. Whittredge Sarah C. Cohan Madeline R. Martin-Mills Abigail E. Wiskow Luke E. Collins† Michael D. Mattox† Olivia C. Wittkop† Lauren J. Conners Emily E. McGinley Tory E. Zalauskas† Lauren O. Cosgrove Miranda A. Mendes Lindsey N. Zanni Mia C. Couto† Nicole E. Mongeau††† Kathleen U. Cruz Shannon L. Montgomery Christopher P. Curran Ariela E. Moreno Gabrielle A. Darling Heidi M. Morin Leo Grayson DeCosta Sarah N. Morrissey Zabrina A. DeLaura Aisha Lina Mufti Alejandro Diaz Jamie L. Murray Kerrin E. Duddy† Arianna E. Navedo Jessica Lynette Dwelly† Esmeralda Noguera Catherine E. Farmer Kimarilis Ojeda Cruz† Kayla R. Finnegan Alexis N. O’Rourke Jonathan Thomas Foley Haylee Lourdes Ouellette†† Stacia Marie Gagne†† Alexis June Palmer Emilee E. Gaimari Alexia C. Paquette Olivia A. Gilman Carolina H. Pereira Nicole C. Gonsalves† Lauren Mackenzie Pereira Veronica M. Gonzalez Ingris Vargas Pierre Anna Grady††† Theresa A. Porter†† Faith L. Gudaitis Keira Jaide Potvin†

2021 Commencement 17 Baccalaureate Degree Recipients

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Sociology Spanish Ward Abdulky† Joseph Giovanni Jimenez Lauren J. Arbec†† Santos Donnell T. Boyd Sofía G. Meléndez Rojas Samantha L. Brabbs† Christian Josue Santana Catherine A. Bulikowski Kathleen M. Cafarelli Urban Studies Sarah Lynne Casello Katherinne G. Cornejo Patrick J. DiGregorio Geovanni Cruz Letisha A. Ferabolli†† Elizabeth N. DeLand Shannon L. Goldberg Imani S. Hutchins Emily L. Guertin Ryan T. Kilcourse Maria L. Hatchoua Tonya M. Lanpher Pauline M. Holland Wayne B. Macharia Jennifer A Jerome†† Beryl Pettiford Amaireny Jose†† Geoff R. Pironti Eleni O. Karapatsas Casey Alexandria Thomas Shannon Marie Kittredge Cheryl M. Thomas Alex J. Magliaro† Hulda L. Vega Margaret S. May Steven J. Wallace Julia L. McCarthy Maci C. Melendy Visual and Performing Arts Abigail L. Meyer† Zachary E. Alicandro† Tavian M. Miranda Emily E. Cawley†† Devan J. Mobley Alyaa N. Dawood Steven J. O’Leary††† Ryan P. Finneran Gallagher Lindsay Marie O’Meara†† Kalie Elise Harding† Estefanie Palma Natalie N. Lamptey Jae’Vaughn T. Perry Erick W. Lindenberger Patrickson M. Pierre Renae M. Renihan†† Timothy J. Regan Michelle Solano† Dana M. Rivard Mercedes R. Tredeau† Bradley J. Roche John E. Rocheleau† Malika Rae Rodriguez Miqueas Rodriguez Emily Viner Jennifer Tran Vo†

18 WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY HONORS AND AWARDS

Graduation Honors Massachusetts Ella M. Whitney Award Students graduating with Commonwealth Gina M. Endres honors must attain the Honors Scholars following cumulative GPA Rachel Dixson Ella M. Whitney Award based on a minimum Gina Endres Nominees of 48 credits earned at Emma Greenberg Worcester State University. Ashley Hogan Lauren Arbec Hannah Joyner Nicole Blair ††† Summa Cum Laude Judy Le Moises Chauca 3.9 – 4.00 Alexis Melton Issiac Christiansen Phan Quynh Han Nguyen Megan Gage Jaymi-Lyn Souza †† Magna Cum Laude Riley Harrington 3.7 – 3.89 Rachel Stelmach Stephen Healy Monica Tran Victoria Lemire † Cum Laude Hoang Vo 3.5 – 3.69 Laura Martinez The Lt. Col. Samantha McGourty James F. Sheehan ’55, Bernice Mensah USMC Ret. Award Kimarilis Ojeda Jaymi-Lyn Souza Nilka Rodriguez Jaymi-Lyn Souza John F. Eager Monica Tran Continuing Education Hoang Vo Excellence Award Theofanis Klarakis Jr.

Ellen J. Meyers M.Ed. ’88 Memorial Academic Merit Award Lauren McIntyre

2021 Commencement 19 GEORGE I. ALDEN EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARDS

This, the University’s highest teaching honor, is given to two faculty members who exemplify excellence in teaching, advising, and mentoring.

The awardees serve as an inspiration to their students and enhance their lives by expanding their knowledge and by providing mentorship and guidance.

Mary Fowler Kathryn Frazier Mathematics Psychology School of Education, Health, School of Humanities and Natural Sciences and Social Sciences

20 WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY Special Recognition

Members of the Members of Alumni Association’s Board of Trustees The Board of Higher Advisory Board Members Worcester State University Education Elizabeth A. Bitar ’11, President Stephen F. Madaus, Chair Commonwealth of Kurt M. Correia ‘16, Maryanne M. Hammond ’69, Massachusetts Vice President M.Ed. ’72, Vice Chair Chris Gabrieli, Chairman Theresa M. Dorsey-Potts ’73, Marina L. Taylor, Vice Chair Sheila M. Harrity, Ed.D., Secretary Lisa M. Colombo ’87 Vice Chair Andrew Huy Ngo ‘17, Aleta M. Fazzone Ann Christensen Executive Committee Anna Johnson ’22 Veronica Conforme Member at Large Karen M. LaFond Alex Cortez Beth Sannella ’69, M.Ed. ’73, William D. Mosley Patty Eppinger Executive Committee Dina A. Nichols J.D. LaRock, J.D., Ed.D. Member at Large Lawrence Sasso ’90, Paul Mattera, J.D. M.S. ’13 Michael O’Brien Academic Ceremonies David H. Tuttle ’01 Judy Pagliuca Oversight Committee James Peyser, Ex Officio Hulda Boateng ‘21 Class of 2021 Paul F. Toner, J.D. Julie Chaffee Committee Members Charles Bianchi, Dawn Eades Theodora Amerley Pappoe, Student Member Tara Hancock Chair Nicole Kapurch Hulda Boateng Non-Voting Roberta Kyle Imahni Bruno-Reeves Student Advisors Michael McKenna Hailie Lemieux Jorgo Gushi Matthew Palm Twishi Puri Kush Patel Vincent Pellegrino ‘21 Jaymi-Lyn Souza Twishi Puri ‘21 Members of the Karen Shalev ‘21 Class Advisors Board of Worcester Maia Shalev, graduate student Joshua Katz State Foundation Emily Soltano Talita Rodovalho Ann L. DeBiasio ’79, Chair Maureen Stokes James D. Glickman, Henry Theriault Class Marshals Vice Chair Hulda Boateng Kevin T. Campbell ’73, Academic Ceremonies Imahni Bruno-Reeves Vice Chair Organizing Committee Hailie Lemieux Edward L. Sherr, Treasurer Bridget Carroll Twishi Puri Robin J. Quill ’97, Assistant Julie Chaffee Jaymi-Lyn Souza Treasurer Tara Hancock Craig A. Bovaird ’77, Nicole Kapurch Immediate Past Chair Joshua Katz Armed Services Thomas M. McNamara ’94, Roberta Kyle Commission President and Clerk Mark LaCroix MARINES Fran Manocchio Christopher K. Trotta Mike McKenna Cover Watercolor Sarah McMaster Mark Waitkus Kristie McNamara John Meany Maureen Stokes Sarah Strout Louise Taylor Jonathan Tegg Henry Theriault

2021 Commencement 21 HISTORY OF WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY

Worcester State University was founded as the include the area’s first master of science in speech Worcester Normal School in 1874, the fifth state- language pathology and the first bachelor’s funded normal school in Massachusetts and one degree in occupational therapy in the state college of dozens of teacher-training schools established system. during the 19th century. During the presidency of Dr. Kalyan K. Ghosh In 1932, all the normal schools were renamed, and (1992-2002), the College incorporated the Worcester’s became Worcester State Teachers widespread use of technology, from computer- College. That same year, the College moved to based learning to a campus-wide network. In its present location on Chandler Street. A large, 2000, the College opened the 110,000-square- colonial-style building was constructed on the site foot Kalyan K. Ghosh Center for Science and of Willow Farm, owned by Worcester inventor Technology, with instructional laboratories for and philanthropist George I. Rockwood. 12 academic programs and a 196-seat multimedia lecture hall. In 1942, Rockwood donated an additional 35 acres, paving the way for campus expansion. In 2002, the College welcomed its first female The College’s fifth president, Dr. Eugene A. president, Dr. Janelle C. Ashley (2002-2011). Sullivan (1947-1970), oversaw a period of Under her leadership, the student population unprecedented growth, as enrollment grew from grew as the campus undertook major renovations 150 students to nearly 2,800. and building projects, including the construction of the award-winning residence hall named after By 1963, the former teachers college had evolved philanthropist Phillip M. Wasylean II ’63, which into a liberal arts and sciences college, and thus opened in 2004. the Board of Education renamed it Worcester State College. Under the leadership of Dr. Robert In 2010, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts E. Leestamper (1970-1975), the College opened granted university status to all nine Massachusetts its first residence hall, Chandler Village, in 1973. state colleges. Also during his tenure, bachelor of science Barry M. Maloney became the 11th president of degrees in business administration and nursing the University in July 2011. Under his leadership, were added. In 1974, the graduate school was Worcester State University has increased its established. full-time faculty, increased fundraising, and The growth period continued under the improved student measures of success. Student administration of President Joseph J. Orze opportunities for civic engagement and service (1975-1982). In 1979, the College added its learning and for student exchange and study away second residence hall, Dowden Hall, named for have grown substantially. A 400-bed residence Mrs. Vera M. (Dowden) Baldwin ’34, M.Ed. hall, named for Lt. Col. James F. Sheehan ’55, ’53, the school’s first dean of students. Under the opened in the fall of 2014, and a 101,000-square- leadership of President Philip D. Vairo (1982- foot Wellness Center, a state-of-the-art athletic 1991), the College expanded its programs to and recreation facility, opened in 2016.

22 WORCESTER STATE UNIVERSITY Worcester State, our noble college, we take pride in you, As we gather gaining knowledge, we will e’er be true. When we came to our dear campus, strangers all were we, Forming bonds, we did with many, learning set us free. Years do pass at Worcester State and as we travel on, We’ll recall the joys we had, our hearts will ne’er be gone. Alma Mater Chorus: Worcester State, listen! Raise each voice, as we now sing your praise! Memories we all will cherish of our college days! —Lyrics by Cynthia Talbert, ’57, ’76