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This is the place to find out all about the achievements and activities of students and alumni of area school districts. Send your education news and photos to pjohns@timesherald.com and we'll post them!

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Millersville U names local graduates

MILLERSVILLE, PA (readMedia)-- The following area residents were among the 1,110 students who graduated from Millersville University of Pennsylvania durin grecent commencement exercises: Shannon Egan, of King of Prussia, BA degree in geography. Christopher Littlewood of King Of Prussia, BS degree in business administration. Zachary Schulz of Norristown, BS degree in physics. Matt Simyak of King Of Prussia, BS degree in speech communication. Amanda Delvecchio of Norristown, BS degree in biology. Sonja Hiergesell of Trappe, BSE degree in German. Grace Choi of Collegeville, BA degree in art. Jamie Thomas of Conshohocken, BS degree in industrial technology. Erinn Nordeman of Schwenksville, BFA degree in art. Kelly Capizzi of Trappe,cum laude, BS degree in speech communication. Maribeth Jaeske of Collegeville, BSE degree in social studies history. Thomas Hanahan, of Schwenksville, cum laude, BS degree in business administration. Timothy Bosler of Audubon, BS degree in business administration. Samantha Scott of Schwenksville, cum laude, BSE degree in early childhood education. Shannon Sisson of Collegeville, graduated BS degree in speech communication. Kelsey Shapiro of Blue Bell, cum laude, BA degree in English. Emma Stanton, of Collegeville, BS degree in speech communication. Jessica Subers of Schwenksville, cum laude, BA degree in social work. Kimberly Landmesser of King Of Prussia, BA degree in psychology. Samantha D'Innocenzo of Norristown, BA degree in history. David Loconsole of Norristown, BA degree in psychology. Douglas Kochel of Collegeville, BS degree in business administration. Keith Prushankin of Blue Bell, BA degree in government. Brittany Mazzurco of Collegeville, summa cum laude, BA degree in music. Samantha Seeberger of Audubon, BA degree in art. Lauren Mateja of King Of Prussia, cum laude, BA degree in English.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Area residents earn degrees

Several area residents have received degrees from their respective schools. Clarion University CLARION, PA (readMedia)-- Sachin Rath of Eagleville graduated from Clarion University with a business administration MBA degree. Colby College WATERVILLE, ME (readMedia)-- Jayeon Kim of Blue Bell was one of 502 seniors who graduated from Colby College on May 26, receiving a bachelor of arts degree at the College’s bicentennial-year commencement in Waterville, Maine. Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Colby alumnus Gregory White Smith was the speaker. Kim, the daughter of Daehwan Kim and Miea Kim-Seong of Blue Bell, Pa., majored in sociology and Russian language and culture. She is a graduate of Wissahickon High School. Rice University HOUSTON, TX (readMedia)-- Patrick Hayes of Blue Bell, graduated from Rice University with bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering. Located in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked one of America’s best teaching and research universities. Rice celebrated its centennial year in 2012. SMU DALLAS, TX (readMedia)-- Michael DiRenzo, a resident of Collegeville received a Master of Interactive Technology in digital game development - level design during the May 2013 SMU Commencement ceremony. After the University-wide Commencement, SMU’s schools and departments held individual receptions throughout the day to honor graduates. SMU is a nationally ranked private university in Dallas founded 100 years ago. Today, SMU enrolls nearly 11,000 students who benefit from the academic opportunities and international reach of seven degree-granting schools.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Residents receive degrees from respective colleges

Washington and Lee University LEXINGTON, VA (readMedia)-- Zachary F. Cylinder of Lafayette Hill, received a BA degree from Washington and Lee University. Commencement ceremonies for 422 Washington and Lee seniors were held on the university's historic Front Lawn. Cylinder majored in Spanish and politics. Washington and Lee University, the nation's ninth oldest institution of higher education, is among the nation's premier liberal arts colleges and universities. Susquehanna University SELINSGROVE—Andrew Turner of Norristown, graduated with a bachelor of srts degree in communications with an emphasis in broadcasting as Susquehanna University. He is the son of Brian Turner and Patricia Stern and a graduate of Norristown Area High School. The Class of 2013 was the first to enter Susquehanna under a new curriculum that guarantees each student will have a cross-cultural experience. In his commencement address to students, Allan E. Goodman, president of the Institute of International Education (IIE), who honored Susquehanna in March with the institute’s Andrew Heiskell Award for Internationalizing Campus, emphasized that the graduates’ experience is “quite rare” since only one percent of citizens in higher education study abroad. Clearwater Christian College CLEARWATER, FL(readMedia)-- Justina Bechtel of Schwenksville graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in elementary rducation from Clearwater Christian College in Clearwater, Fla. A graduate of Calvary Baptist School in Lansdale, Justina is the daughter of Don and Robin Bechtel of Schwenksville. Located on a 138-acre property on Tampa Bay, Clearwater Christian College is home to over 500 undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a distinct Christian education in a traditional liberal arts environment. Clearwater Christian College is recognized by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Justina also received the President's List Award at Clearwater Christian College for scholastic achievement . In order to be recognized for this award, honorees must have been enrolled full-time and earn a minimum grade point average of 3.90 on a 4.00 scale. Local students receive degrees from Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown ELIZABETHTOWN (readMedia)-- Elizabethtown College recognized the accomplishments of the class of 2013. The following local students received degrees from Elizabethtown College: Scott Douglas of Eagleville graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in biology. Melissa Mandia of Collegeville graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications. Alyson Thorp of Conshohocken graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Emily Whiteside of Norristown graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Residents receive degrees from U Sciences

PHILADELPHIA, PA readMedia)-- The following local residents received a degree from University of the Sciences during a bachelor's degree conferment ceremony . Kelly Kilmartin of Eagleville, bachelor of science in pharmaceutical and healthcare studies degree and now continues on a path towards a doctor of pharmacy degree; Edward Suh of Norristown, a bachelor of science in pharmaceutical and healthcare studies degree and now continues on a path towards a doctor of pharmacy degree; Nicholas Szalejko of Norristown, a bachelor of science in pharmaceutical and healthcare studies degree and now continues on a path towards a doctor of pharmacy degree; Richard Walsh of Norristown, a bachelor of science in health science degree and now continues on a path towards a doctor of physical therapy degree. Samantha Liu of Jeffersonville, a bachelor of science in health science degree and now continues on a path towards a master of occupational therapy degree.

Residents named to dean's lists

Area residents have been named to the dean's lists at their respective schools. Clarkson University POTSDAM, NY (readMedia)-- Brian C. Tyson of Audubon who is majoring in mechanical engineering, was named to the dean's list at Clarkson University. Dean's list students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours. Grove City College GROVE CITY, PA (readMedia)-- The following area residents were named to the dean's list at Grove City College. Hannah Wright, a preK-8 special education major who is a 2012 graduate of Homeschooled and is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Robert Wright (Michelle) from Norristown; Peter Sulaiman, a molecular biology major who is a 2009 graduate of West Mont Christian Academy and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Osama Sulaiman (Caryn) from Collegeville; Allison Novicki, an accounting major who received High Distinction and is a 2012 graduate of Buxmont Christian Education Institute Incorporated and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Novicki (Kelly) from Schwenksville. Students eligible for the Dean's List have a GPA of 3.40 to 3.59; for the Dean's List with Distinction a GPA of 3.6 to 3.84 and for the Dean's List with High Distinction a GPA of 3.85 to 4.00. Ohio Wesleyan DELAWARE, OH (readMedia)-- Noelle Davis of Plymouth Meeting, has been named to the 2013 spring semester Dean's List at Ohio Wesleyan University. To qualify for dean's list recognition, Ohio Wesleyan students must achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale in all applicable classes. Juniata College HUNTINGDON, PA (readMedia)-- Juniata College has named 371 students to the dean's list . Julia Anne Mathis of Collegeville, the daughter of Bill Mathis and Patricia Boylan, and a 2011 graduate of Spring-Ford Senior High School, was named to the 2013 spring dean's list. The dean's list recognizes grade point averages of at least 3.6 out of a possible 4.0. Juniata College is a national liberal arts college located in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. With an enrollment of 1,550, Juniata is a community dedicated to providing the highest quality liberal arts education.

Monday, October 21, 2013

U of Scranton awards graduate degrees

SCRANTON, PA (readMedia)-- The University of Scranton conferred 65 doctoral degrees in physical therapy and 748 master's degrees at its commencement on May 25 on campus. Graduates of the Jesuit university represented 38 states, including Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas and Virginia. Programs with the most graduates at Scranton were educational administration, curriculum and instruction, MBA, occupational therapy and physical therapy. Austin Burke, president of the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, served as the principal speaker. A leader in community development for four decades, Burke has served as the chamber's president since 1981. He served in Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell's cabinet as secretary for community and economic development. "Graduates, the master's degree you earned today will help you to prepare for a lifetime of surprises," said Burke. "You will encounter challenges and frustrations, as well as moments of pure euphoria. My hope is that your euphoria will be intense and richly satisfying; that your euphoria will be the result of endeavors which benefit our children and grandchildren." 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 W. Jeffrey Welsh, Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate and Continuing Education. The following area residents received post-baccalaureate degrees from The University of Scranton. Jeffrey S. Powers of Conshohocken earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree with a major in physical therapy from The University of Scranton. Michael J. Tornetta of Blue Bell earned a Master of Business Administration degree with a major in finance and accounting from The University of Scranton. Brittany M. Speer of Collegeville earned a Master in Health Administration degree with a major in health administration from The University of Scranton. Lauren M. Stout of Penllyn earned a Master of Science degree with a major in curriculum and instruction from The University of Scranton. Melissa T. Wojciechowski of Conshohocken earned a Master of Science degree with a major in curriculum and instruction from The University of Scranton. Amy Zawislak of Bridgeport earned a Master of Science degree with a major in curriculum and instruction from The University of Scranton. The University of Scranton is located in northeast Pennsylvania.

Area residents receive degrees from York College

YORK -- Nearly 700 students received their degrees from York College of Pennsylvania. Local residents among them are: Walter Fogarty of Norristown, with a bachelor of science degree in management; Ashley Hengemihle of Audubon, cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education/special education; Sarah Harris of Collegeville, with a bachelor of science degree in marketing; Kelly Collins of Collegeville, with a bachelor of srts degree in mass communications; Shannon Santoni of Conshohocken, with a bachelor of science degree in sociology.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Area residents graduate from DeSales University

CENTER VALLEY -- The following area residents graduated from DeSales University: Danielle M. Desimone of Norristown graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in dance and communication; Kevin P. Durkin of Norristown graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in English; Justine M. McNulty of Collegeville graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice; Lindsay A. Dender of Plymouth Meeting graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education; John P. Kavetski, II of Plymouth Meeting graduated with a bachelor of science degree in sport management; Amanda L. Kristofco of Schwenksville; graduated with a master of education degree in special education; Matthew T. Pirrall of Schwenksville graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in TV/film and marketing. During the ceremony, DeSales President Father Bernard O'Connor, OSFS, conferred degrees upon 405 graduates, including undergraduate and graduate students. Professor Michael A. Hayes, president of Mary Immaculate College in Limerick, Ireland, delivered the commencement address and was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters degree.

Residents receive college degrees

A number of area residents have recently received degrees from their respective colleges. The following local students are graduates of Lycoming College: Bianca DeMito of East Norriton graduated with a bachelor's degree in business-management. Leeann Randall of Audubon graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Three hundred and twelve seniors were awarded bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degrees on Saturday during ceremonies marking Juniata College's 135th commencement. Among the graduates is the following local student: Sarah Elizabeth McMichael of Norristown, daughter of Patrick and Elizabeth McMichael, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with secondary emphases in English and Psychology and was 2009 NCAA Division 3 national volleyball runner up and 2010 NCAA Division 3 National volleyball final four. McMichael is a 2009 graduate of Methacton High School. Juniata College is a national, liberal arts college located in Huntingdon, Pa. Chenelle Lee of Conshohocken graduated from Rosemont College. Lee earned a master of arts degree in Education . Latin Honors were awarded to graduating seniors in the School of Professional Studies and the Undergraduate College who earned a minimum of 57 credits in residence at Rosemont with a minimum grade point average of 3.67. Keene State College's Commencement honored its biggest-ever graduating class. A total of 1,219 degrees were awarded to 1,146 students. This year's graduates included Jaime Del Pizzo of Collegeville, earning a BA, cum laude. Keene is located in Keene, N.H. The Harrisburg campus of Widener Law recently celebrated the commencement of its 22nd graduating class. Gabor Ovari of Collegeville received a Juris Doctor degree at the ceremony.