University Confers More than 600 Master’s and Doctorate Degrees at Commencement
The University of Scranton conferred more than 600 doctorate and master’s degrees at its graduate commencement May 28 on campus.
The University of Scranton conferred 40 doctor of physical therapy degrees and 570 master’s degrees at its graduate commencement on May 28 in the Byron Recreation Complex.
Graduates represented 35 states and several foreign countries, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, New Mexico, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand, among others. The programs with the most graduates at Scranton were the master of business administration, educational administration, occupational therapy, curriculum and instruction and human resources.
Joseph P. Bannon, M.D. ’83, chairman of the Department of Surgery at Regional Hospital of Scranton, was the principal speaker at the graduate degree commencement. He also received an honorary degree from the University at the ceremony, as did Mary Lou and James L. Burne, D.D.S. ’63, founders of Family to Family Thanksgiving Food Basket Program.
“I was struck by what makes this group of graduates unique,” said Dr. Bannon in his address. “You are armed with diverse group of graduate degrees, from a Catholic and Jesuit University, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This group, our graduates, whether you know it or not, are poised to become leaders in a wide variety of professional careers and endeavors.” He noted that a Scranton education “encourages the sharing of knowledge, fosters a commitment to civic and social responsibility, and educates leaders and lifelong learners.”
“Those beneficiaries of a Jesuit education – done the Scranton way – can be found throughout our country and internationally, and are our best ambassadors,” said Dr. Bannon.
University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn, S.J., also addressed the graduates and their guests. Degrees were conferred by Father Quinn to candidates presented by Debra A. Pellegrino, Ed.D., dean of the Panuska College of Professional Studies; Michael O. Mensah, Ph.D., dean of the Kania School of Management; and Brian P. Conniff, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Also speaking at the ceremony were Patricia Harrington, Ed.D., acting provost and senior vice president for academic affairs; Patricia Tetreault, associate vice president for human resources; Mary Beth D’Andrea ’82, G’93 Alumni Society Advisory Board member; and Daniel Sweeney, S.J., assistant professor of political science.
Graduate students honored for academic achievement in their academic area. Outstanding Academic Awards were presented to Kelsey Louise Hunsicker of Scranton for the Doctor of Physical Therapy. Outstanding Academic Awards for master’s level programs were presented to the following graduates in the programs as listed: Mohammed Khalaf M. Almutairi of Scranton, management information systems; Jarman Saeed Alqahtani of Scranton, health administration; William J. Aquilino of Archbald, human resources; Ashley Arroyo of Park Ridge, New Jersey, educational administration; Vincent A. Castellani of Jessup, finance/accounting; Christa M. Collarini of Jessup, reading education; Nicole Costanzo of Clarks Summit, finance; Lauren Louise Duckham of Smithtown, New York, accounting; Emily Haines of Westfield, New Jersey, healthcare management; Philip V. Ingrassia of Syracuse, New York, nurse anesthesia; John Peter Mayer of Glen Rock, New Jersey, theology; Marisa Lynn McTernan of Milford, school counseling; Laura K. Megargel of Morristown, New Jersey, special education; Keith Dennis Molinari of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, marketing; Daniel L. Ortiz of Suffern, New York, operations management; Dana E. Raciti of Philadelphia, rehabilitation counseling; Alice Rajlai of Tafton, early and primary teacher education; Gina Marie Richardella of Jupiter, Florida, accountancy; Conner W. Simmons of Hopewell Junction, New York, software engineering; John Joseph Stempin of Horseheads, New York, general business; Mia Styles of Spotswood, New Jersey, curriculum and instruction; Joseph P. Terry of Scranton, secondary education; Sarah Elizabeth Triano of Scranton, clinical mental heath counseling; Ashley Marie Vavro of Andreas, enterprise resource planning; Mariah Vellek of Carmel, New York, occupational therapy; Lawrence V. Wasnock of Langhorne, international business; and Natalie Wentz of Nicholson, biochemistry.
For a list of DPT graduates (click here). For a list of master’s degree graduates (click here).
