Sunday, May Third
Two Thousand Twenty-Six
Waynesburg University educates students to make connections between faith, learning and serving so they might faithfully transform their communities and the world. As a Christian comprehensive University, we strive to inspire and challenge every undergraduate and graduate student to a life of leadership and purpose for the glory of God.
THE PROCESSIONAL
Mr. Graham Sterling, Organist
Coronation March ............................................................................................. Meyerbeer
Rondeau from Sinfonies DeFanares .......................................................................Mouret With Trumpets and Horns from Water Music Handel
THE INVOCATION
Mr. Anthony Jarrell University Chaplain
THE ANTHEM
Waynesburg University Lamplighters Touring Choir Melanie Catana, Assistant Professor of Voice, Director of Choral Activities
LITANY
Dr. Melinda Walls Provost
Reader: Lord of earth and heaven, your call resounds like a clear, bright trumpet blast.
Congregation: Come, worship the giver of all good gifts!
Reader: Holy God, you take delight in our gifts and talents offered back to you as a living sacrifice.
Congregation: May our worship express gratitude for the accomplishments of these years past.
Reader: Faithful Father, you ask us to trust you for the future.
Graduates: May our worship express our faith that you will guide and direct our paths in the years to come.
Reader: Redeemer King, you equip and prepare your people to bear your loving Kingdom to a world in need.
Graduates: May our worship declare our commitment to do your will through loving service.
Reader: Lord of Hosts, you send forth your Spirit to free us - body, mind and heart - to live with unceasing praise.
Congregation: May our worship reflect the dedication of our hands and feet, wealth and resources, time and talents to the purifying fire of your Spirit!
All: Lord, we are yours, draw us near to you!
*THE HYMN
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (#20).............................................Henry Van Dyke, 1907 Ludwig van Beethoven, 1824
Verse 1
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of Love Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!
Verse 2
All thy works with joy surround thee, earth and heaven reflect thy rays, Stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, Chanting bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in thee.
Verse 3
Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, Well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Thou our Father, Christ our Brother all who live in love are thine; Teach us how to love each other, life us to the joy divine.
THE SCRIPTURE LESSON ..................................... Isaiah 58:6-8 and Matthew 5:13-16
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER ...............................................
Mr. Douglas G. Lee ‘81 President of the University
THE BACCALAUREATE SERMON
Rev. Dr. Glen Bell Senior Vice President of Development at the Presbyterian Foundation
“Searching for the Light”
*The congregation is requested to stand and join in the singing.
Be Thou My Vision (#532) ......................... Mary E. Byrne, 1905; Eleanor H. Hull, 1912 Fanny J. Crosby, 1875
Verse 1
Be thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; naught be all Else to me, save that thou art – thou best though, by Day or by night, waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Verse 2
Be thou my Wisdom, and thou my true Word, I ever With thee and thou with me, Lord; thou and thou only, First in my heart, high King of heaven, my Treasure thou art.
Verse 3
High King of heaven, my victory won, may I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun! Heart of my own heart, what –Evert be-fall, still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.
THE BENEDICTION ........................................................................
Mr. Anthony Jarrell University Chaplain
THE RECESSIONAL ......................................................
Mr. Graham Sterling, Organist
(The congregation is requested to remain seated during the recessional)
THE ORGAN POSTLUDE ............................................
Mr. Graham Sterling, Organist
*The congregation is requested to stand and join in the singing.
Mr. Rea Redd, Faculty Marshal
Dr. Kenneth Cairns, Deputy Faculty Marshal
Mr. Andrew Heisey, Assistant Faculty Marshal
Dr. Heidi Fletcher, Assistant Faculty Marshal
During the Commencement Procession through the parks, degree candidates will split ranks to line both sides of the walkway to Miller Hall as a sign of respect and appreciation to faculty, administration and special guests passing through the rows of graduates.
As the recessional takes place at the conclusion of the Commencement Exercises, graduates will receive the same sign of respect and appreciation as they, in turn, pass through members of the faculty and administration lining the pathway through the park.
THE CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY
THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
THE WAYNESBURG UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSITY
THE FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY
*The Military Color Guard consists of Cadets from the WVU Army and Air Force ROTC. Waynesburg University is an ROTC partner school with West Virginia University.
THE PROCESSIONAL
THE WELCOME
Mr. Rea Redd Faculty Marshal
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM “Star Spangled Banner” Francis Scott Key Senior Lamplighter
Sierra Rotz
THE INVOCATION ..........................................................................
Mr. Anthony Jarrell University Chaplain
GREETINGS FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ........................ J.W. Montgomery III Chairman of the Board
INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER ...............................................
Mr. Douglas G. Lee ‘81 President of the University
THE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS ............................................
Mrs. Gayle Manchin Federal Co-Chair Appalachian Regional Commission
“First Lady 101”
CONFERRING OF HONORARY DEGREES
Recipients presented by HEIDI KNAUFF and MARK HARNER
Assisting with the investitures will be JACK MONTGOMERY, DONALD WILSON and GREGORY HALVATZIS
DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS
WARREN GLEN BELL
DOCTOR OF HUMANE LETTERS
GAYLE C. MANCHIN
RECOGNITION OF 2026 VALEDICTORIANS .............................
Emily Renee Barker and Abigail Eileen Speer
THE VALEDICTORY TO THE UNIVERSITY
Emily Renee Barker Class of 2026
GRADUATE PROGRAM REPRESENTATIVE ................................. Walter Paskert ‘24 Master of Business Administration
CONFERRING OF DEGREES
Candidates will be presented to President Douglas G. Lee ‘81 by Dr. Melinda Walls, Provost
THE PRESENTATION OF THE DOUGLAS G. AND KATHRYN D. LEE SERVANT LEADERSHIP AWARD .............................................
Presented by J.W. Montgomery III Chairman of the Board
THE PRESENTATION OF COMMISSION AND OATH OF OFFICE IN THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
PRESENTATION OF COMMISSION AND OATH OF OFFICE .......................................................................... LTC Eron Hilty President of the Military Science
The following individual, having satisfied all academic and United States Army training requirements, and upon joint recommendation of the Faculty of the Waynesburg University and the United States Army, and by the direction of the President of the United States, is commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Army of the United States of America:
2LT Samuel Hamilton Logistics Officer and Platoon Leader 623rd Transportation Company, Lake Park, Florida
VALEDICTORY TO THE GRADUATES .................................. Mr. Douglas G. Lee ‘81 President of the University
THE BENEDICTION ......................................................................... Mr. Anthony Jarrell University Chaplain
THE RECESSIONAL ................................................ The James D. Randolph Kiltie Band
Jeremy Olisar, Director
Camilo Jauregui, Drum Instructor
Andrew Heisey, Rebecca Tenney and Tricia Sarada
As part of the Senior Class Gift program, the Class of 2026 has selected for this year’s funds to be used to improve Guesman Café, located just outside the second floor of the Stover Campus Center. The project will introduce a defined lattice wall on the side nearest Stover, complemented by added greenery. Visit waynesburg.edu/classof2026 for more information.
Following the Commencement Exercises, graduates will recess to Fountain Park, where they will receive a small gift courtesy of the Alumni Office.
Rev. Dr. Glen Bell joined the Presbyterian Foundation in August 2020 as Senior Vice President of Development. Rev. Dr. Bell and his team are responsible for the development operations of the Foundation which consists of asset gathering from churches and individuals, stewardship education and fundraising consulting services to other Presbyterian organizations.
Before joining the Foundation, Rev. Dr. Bell dedicated 30 years as a pastor in a wide variety of Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations, serving churches in North Carolina, Indiana and Florida. His roles and duties have spanned preaching, teaching and pastoral care; leadership, management and operations; and stewardship and funds development.
Rev. Dr. Bell was pastor of Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church in Laurinburg, North Carolina; pastor/head of staff of Faith Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana; executive pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana; and pastor/ head of staff at First Presbyterian Church in Sarasota, Florida.
Rev. Dr. Bell has written for Journal for Preachers, Presbyterian Outlook, and Family Ministry. He has been the opening preacher for the PC(USA)’s Stewardship Kaleidoscope conference. He has served on the boards of NEXT Church, Presbyterian Outlook and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Rev. Dr. Bell holds a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Gayle Manchin Federal Co-Chair
Gayle Manchin was sworn in as the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) thirteenth Federal CoChair in 2021, becoming the first ARC Federal Co-Chair from West Virginia. In this role, she works with ARC’s 13-member governors, their state alternates, program managers and local development districts to strengthen economic growth throughout Appalachia, enhancing the region’s national and global competitiveness.
An alumna of West Virginia University, Manchin previously worked as an educator in Marion County Schools and served on the faculty of Fairmont State University, directing the university’s first Community Service Learning Program. She also led the AmeriCorps Promise Fellows in West Virginia.
Manchin previously served as West Virginia’s First Lady, as a member and president of the State Board of Education and chair of the Board for Reconnecting McDowell, Inc., an AFT initiative serving rural West Virginia. She is a past president of the Vandalia Rotary Club of Charleston and an emeritus member of The Education Alliance. She also served as cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Office of Education and the Arts, and as cofounder of the WV Public Education Collaborative, where she served as the Board Chair until her appointment to the ARC.
As Federal Co-Chair, Manchin emphasizes partnerships across Appalachia’s 13 states. Her priorities include expanding economic opportunities, increasing broadband access and critical infrastructure, and restoring hope to communities affected by the opioid crisis through crossregional collaboration.
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Doctor of Nursi Ng P ractice
Florence Azuka Chielu Pittsburgh, PA
Utilizing Hourly Rounding Reduced Falls in the Long-Term Care Facility: A Quality Improvement Project
Ngozi Prisca Ezike Monroeville, PA
Utilizing the Elderly Mobility Scale to Identify Patients at Risk for Mobility Decline in a Long-Term Care Facility to Reduce Functional Decline—Quality Improvement Initiative
Nicole Marie Hood Gibsonia, PA
Quality Improvement Project: Enhancing Nurse Confidence Through Mock Code Simulation
Carolyn Irena Hutton Pittsburgh, PA
Implementation of a Spontaneous Awakening Trial Algorithm to Enhance Nursing Compliance: A Quality Improvement Project
Jennifer Melanie Joyce Ackerson Pittsburgh, PA
Drawing Out an Art Therapy Supervision Model: A Grounded Theory Study
Sarah Ann Bell Jefferson, PA
Exploring the Lived Experience of Female Leaders and Perceived Factors of Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS) in the Counseling Profession
Zaynab Alao Philadelphia, PA
Christine Altomare Newtown, PA
Kiana Mae Bagnell Inwood, WV
Cameo Alexis Behr Meadville, PA
Katelin Marie Bryan Proctor, WV
Shawna Ashley Kelly Pittsburgh, PA
Experiences of Counselors in Schools: Working with High-Risk Youth
Christen Marie Robl Pittsburgh, PA
A Phenomenological Study of Art Therapy Internship Experiences Through the Retrospective Reflections of New Professionals
M aster of a rts
Jacob Michael Buttermore Carmichaels, PA
Meghan Brooke Conrad Fairmont, WV
Braylee Lynn Corbin Petersburg, WV
Laura R. Cotter Pittsburgh, PA
Katlin Lorraine Denny Carmichaels, PA
Savanah Lea Carns Bala Cynwyd, PA
Devin Robert Delo Mount Union, PA
Erin Nicole Eckard Westminster, MD
Jordan Robert Fisher Munhall, PA
Devin M. Fortna Canonsburg, PA
Jamie D. Frisbie Cumbola, PA
Josiah Ben Gordon Strongsville, OH
Lindsay Ann Gorman McMurray, PA
Tanner Henschel Hauglie Spartanburg, SC
Samuel Riley Hawkins Saint Inigoes, MD
Logan Thomas Hawn Meadville, PA
Blair James Howarth Uniontown, PA
Larissa Lee Howe Waynesburg, PA
Adam N. Huckestein Saxonburg, PA
Hope Kathleen Johnston Waynesburg, PA
Gordon J. Keck Connoquenessing, PA
Jalen Dru Koontz Odenton, MD
Sara Jane Lacaria Washington, PA
Joshua Allen LaFace Wilmerding, PA
Brooklynn Aurielle Laymon Waynesburg, PA
Dillon James Lowell Pittsburgh, PA
Tyler Joseph Maynard Morgantown, WV
Tyler Jacob Mohrbacher Freedom, PA
Dalton Jarrett Mount Sykesville,MD
Timothy John Nielsen Morgantown, WV
Ryan Matthew Oberle Davisburg, MI
Jordan Nicole Parsons Parkersburg, WV
Walter John Paskert IV Washington, PA
Nicole Danae Pierce Harrisville, PA
Jill Chambers Porada New Castle, PA
Stephen Francis Ratajack Bethel Park, PA
Breanna Nichole Rice Morgantown, WV
Ian Seamus Scanlon Eighty Four, PA
Robert Allen Springer Waynesburg, PA
Jennifer Jessica Stoneking Spraggs, PA
Charles Cleveland Taylor V Annapolis, MD
Alex Owen Torrance Latrobe, PA
Nolan Edward Vertullo McDonald, PA
Clayton Taylor Webb Blue Ridge, VA
Alana Rose Winkler Wexford, PA
Vincent Michael Wise Carmichaels, PA
M aster of eDucatioN
Andrew Paul Harmon McDonald, PA
Caroline F. Poole Greencastle, PA
M aster of scie Nce i N athletic t rai N i Ng
Katelynn Marie Britenbaugh Glenshaw, PA
Alec Ryan Engelmore Pittsburgh, PA
Gavin Cade Pratt Carmichaels, PA
M aster of scie Nce i N Nursi Ng
Jeanna Lee Brewer Washington, PA
Sarah Michele Ford Bridgeport, WV
Caitlin Mackenzie Jane McCarty Bristol, TN
Amy Jean Schultz Greensburg, PA
Seth Eli Adams Scenery Hill, PA
Bachelor of a rts
Logan Michael Arblaster Slippery Rock, PA
Jonathan Thomas Arnett Morgantown, WV
Eliza Margaret Baily Waynesburg, PA
Emily Renee Barker Mount Sterling, OH
Penelope Grace Barnett Paris, KY
Tessa N. Barnett Osceola Mills, PA
Madison Rose Barnhart Philipsburg, PA
Christopher Paul Barrish Carmichaels, PA
Brandon Bennett Carmichaels, PA
Jacob Adam Beppler Canonsburg, PA
Scott Bilovus Imperial, PA
Lydia Grace Brown Waynesburg, PA
Alexander Michael Canestraro Wheeling, WV
Madilyn Cicero Madison, OH
Joshua Michael Clingan Greensboro, NC
Riley Anne Corradi Darlington, PA
Jaylen Myles Davis Willoughby, OH
Benicio Anakin DeFalco Baldwin, PA
Isabella Rose DeMark Carnegie, PA
Anthony Michael DiFilippo Murrysville, PA
Nicholas Anthony Doncals Washington, PA
Tyler M. Drum Cheswick, PA
Felicia Duffy Douglassville, PA
Nolan Trey Dunn Pittsburgh, PA
Alexis Marie Durbin Washington, PA
Ramsey Lauren Easterday Egg Harbor Township, NJ
Jamie Lee Eichman†† Washington, PA
Academic Excellence in Adult Programs
Owen James Farrier Waynesburg, PA
Emily Lynn Febinger Sycamore, PA
Brandon Fisher Apollo, PA
Kaitlyn Rae Gallagher Carmichaels, PA
Kendra Alexis Galloway Waynesburg, PA
Jonah Allen Gannoe Saint Clairsville, OH
Kaylah Diane Garland Morgantown, WV
Kassandra Rayne Gaston Parkersburg, WV
Sydney Elise Gilbert Waynesburg, PA
Alauria Vyn Gillis Carmichaels, PA
Isaiah Acoyer Grenway Elkridge, MD
Samuel M. Hamilton Bowie, MD
Shane Hastings Eden, MD
Benjamin Scott Heaps Sykesville, MD
Aaron Chase Henkins Waynesburg, PA
Laneah Isabelle Hunker Mount Pleasant, PA
Faith Erin Jackson Catlettsburg, KY
James Lee Jones Jr. Uniontown, PA
Jordan Danielle Karvan Wind Ridge, PA
Brett Alexander Keelin Glenshaw, PA
Olivia Kathryn Kiger Waynesburg, PA
Chloe Catherine Kirsch McMurray, PA
Taylor Riann Lane Wheeling, WV
Joshua Caleb Leonard Connellsville, PA
Madison Grayce Livingston Lemont Furnace, PA
Dalton Isaac Lucey Holbrook, PA
Ethan Michael Luketich Bentleyville, PA
Julia Anne Luzar Washington, PA
Ryan Christopher Martin Rhinebeck, NY
Paige Marie McAvoy Canonsburg, PA
Tia Lynn McKee Windber, PA
Michael John McKenzie East Liverpool, OH
Emalee Haydee Mejia Carmichaels, PA
Noah Robert Merrill Houston, TX
Sekye N. Miles Philadelphia, PA
Linzey Richelle Miller Vandergrift, PA
Izabell Faith Montani Masontown, PA
Jack Robert Nagy Edinboro, PA
Lydia Esther Otto Wooster, OH
Alexander N. Paulsen Harmony, PA
Kristina L. Proksch Waldorf, MD
Paige Kendall Redman Spraggs, PA
Gina Marie Reeves Carmichaels, PA
Joseph Rivera Monessen, PA
Daniel Aram Rogers Ellwood City, PA
Kali Ross Derry, PA
Sebastian Charles Nesta Ross Hollidaysburg, PA
Sierra Nicole Rotz Landisburg, PA
Riley Elizabeth Ruffley Bedford, PA
Alaire Victoria Salonsky Sunbury, OH
Dalton Dean Scruggs Lusby, MD
Dean Robert Shazer Coraopolis, PA
Benjamin Cole Smoyer Vandergrift, PA
Alex Philip Solomon Morgantown, WV
Abigail Eileen Speer Bridgeville, PA
Ethan M. Spozarski Pittsburgh, PA
John Y. Stewart Lancaster, PA
Lauren Bryn Strelick Waynesburg, PA
Emily Grace Stutzman Chambersburg, PA
Samantha Lynn Swisher Elizabeth, PA
Kaitlyn Nicole Thomas Uniontown, PA
Isaac J. Trout Tarrs, PA
Brandon Alexander Tyson Upper Marlboro, MD
Tyler Robert Weber Houston, PA
Josephine Isabella Weingardt Waynesburg, PA
Tori Marie Wesolowski Canonsburg, PA
Noah John Westover Burnside, PA
Hanah Ashton Wise Waynesburg, PA
Brielle M. Yeager Greensboro, PA
Alivia Ann Young Darlington, PA
Heather Marie Zeigler Pittsburgh, PA
Elisabeth Daniele Adams California, PA
Allison Louise Bailey Mount Pleasant, PA
Katherine J. Barton Guthrie, OK
Rachel Lynn Bright Macomb, IL
Katelynn Marie Britenbaugh Glenshaw, PA
Thomas Louis Burke III Leechburg, PA
Samuel Wayne Campbell New Waterford, OH
Giovanni James Cipoletti Prosperity, PA
Garrett L. Closser Washington, PA
Macee Renee Cree Garards Fort, PA
Hailey Nicole Crusenberry Toano, VA
Jasmine Nichole Demaske Waynesburg, PA
Riley Noelle Ellis Pittsburgh, PA
Alec Ryan Engelmore Pittsburgh, PA
Rachel Elizabeth Engle Duncansville, PA
Luke Hastings Waynesburg, PA
Beau William Hawkins Saint Inigoes, MD
GraceMarie Hazelton Saylorsburg, PA
Conner Jason Holloway Freeport, PA
Abigail Joy Hopkins Export, PA
Matthew William Karpeal Smithfield, PA
Abigail P. Kuklinca Willoughby, OH
Tyler Garret Kunz Alliance, OH
Alison L. Landon Alliance, OH
Lauren Elizabeth McCoy†† Aliquippa, PA
Clara Paige Miller Waynesburg, PA
Reagan Marie Mittendorf Bluffton, OH
Kalena Jo Mostoller Stoystown, PA
Zackary David Myers Ravenna, OH
Aishat Damilola Orekoya Randallstown, MD
Marah Pegram Washington, PA
Josette Marie Plazio Export, PA
Gavin Cade Pratt Carmichaels, PA
Alyssa Nicole Rager Washington, PA
Joshua David Reynolds Waynesburg, PA
Mya Rose Riggle Ford City, PA
Jasmine Lynn Rowan Mount Morris, PA
Lilly Anne Ryer Indiana, PA
Ellana Rose Sheedy Rector, PA
Elizabeth Grace Shields Pittsburgh, PA
Truman Wilson Snyder Oak Harbor, OH
Troy Garrett Statler Waynesburg, PA
Grace Ann Tanksley Bedford, IN
Kassidy Laine Trimble Elizabeth, WV
Alyssa Grace Weaver Knox, PA
Quinlon DaGyn DeWayne Williams Leslie, AR
Kory Michael Ansell Mount Pleasant, PA
Patrick Andrew Barber Brewerton, NY
Grant Mitchell Barnhart Saint Marys, WV
Jacob Nathan Brisky Latrobe, PA
Nick Landson Bryan Olathe, KS
Max Clevenger Indiana, PA
Julia Corey Eighty Four, PA
Dequan M. DeBauche Brookfield, WI
Matthew Richard Dennis Cibolo, TX
Sydney Kathryn Devey Murrysville, PA
Grace Ann Fedor Allison, PA
Kalista Laken Friday Woodsfield, OH
Noah James Gabriel Pittsburgh, PA
Ashton Getz Chesterfield, VA
Jalen W. Goins Morgantown, WV
Hunter Jeffrey Hamilton Holbrook, PA
Bailey Jay Holbert Smithfield, PA
Ameer Amun Hunter Hummelstown, PA
Casey Keesee Tipp City, OH
Tyler Scott Martin Parker, CO
Gracie Ann Mayhle Waynesburg, PA
Korey Alexander Mitchum Jacksonville, FL
Gavin Robert Novak Carnegie, PA
Hudson Blake Pincavitch Waynesburg, PA
Madison Jayde Platt Follansbee, WV
Jackson D. Rhodes Mantua, New Zealand
Autumn Nicole Stemple Morgantown, WV
Prentiss Suggs Jr. Twinsburg, OH
Amanda Grace Sweeney Hagerstown, MD
Thomas Nelson Torcaso Pittsburgh, PA
Alek Wagor Masontown, PA
Noah Mathew Webb Williamsburg, PA
Logan Ephram White Williamstown, WV
Bachelor of
Virtue K. Bama Baltimore, MD
Jocelyn N. Bowers Dunkirk, NY
Maylee R. Vandermark North East, PA
Alivia Rae Ammons Wadestown, WV
Mya Kathryn Augustynowicz McMurray, PA
Ryan Bachar Export, PA
Bria Kathryn Bachurski Perryopolis, PA
Isabel Genevieve Beichner Washington, PA
Bria Kathryn Bachurski Perryopolis, PA
Isabel Genevieve Beichner Washington, PA
Ella Jean Boothe Fredericktown, PA
Taylor Nicole Brown South Park, PA
Aubrey Nicole Burns Kittanning, PA
Leah Nichole Campbell Jersey Shore, PA
Amber Nicole Donley Dilliner, PA
Brianna Renee Dutton Claysville, PA
Tiffany Jane Etling Merrittstown, PA
Lauren Elizabeth Haas Bridgeville, PA
Elena Noel Hallman Douglassville, PA
Maeve Alexandra Hanley Punxsutawney, PA
Danae Elizabeth Hurd Spring Mills, PA
Seoyoun Im Yongin-Si, Gyeonggi
Sarah Elizabeth Maskarinec Washington, PA
Rachael McGuire†† Bridgeville, DE
Paige Olivia Mortimore Pittsburgh, PA
Grace Elizabeth Murin Greensboro, PA
Yvette Renee Nicholson Leisenring, PA
Kianna Oda Hilo, HI
Sara Rose Otto Adah, PA
Jamie Anne Polinski Waynesburg, PA
Gabriel James Reed Belle Vernon, PA
†† Academic Excellence in Adult Programs
Heidi Lynn Rice†† Slippery Rock, PA
Kaylee Marie Turcheck Waynesburg, PA
Bonnie Lynn Weber-Moore†† McKees Rocks, PA
Katharyn Aza Yablonski Hesston, PA
Hannah Elizabeth Yorty Monessen, PA
Ashley Elizabeth Zosky Brownsville, PA
a ssociate of a rts
Mya Makay Farber Turkhannock, PA
The academic attire worn at American colleges’ exercises today goes back in its essential features to the Middle Ages. The oldest universities of northern Europe, such as Oxford, grew out of church schools, and both faculty and students were regarded in the Middle Ages as a part of the clergy. Hence, they wore clerical garb, largely borrowed from the monastic dress of their day, not merely on special occasions, but as their regular attire.
The head covering of the academic attire developed out of the skullcap worn by the clergy in cold weather to protect their tonsured heads. In the universities, this skullcap acquired a point on top, which gradually evolved into a tassel. The bonnet with tassel is still worn by degree-holders of the European universities. But, in this country, it has been replaced by the familiar mortar-board, which still, however, retains the medieval tassel.
The hood (the medieval caputium) was originally a head-covering worn over the head in bad weather, and otherwise dropped onto the shoulders, like the monk’s cowl. At first, it was worn by faculty and students alike, but in the early 16th century it was restricted to graduates, and thus came to be the mark of a degree-holder. The hoods contained pockets — for donations from students. Higher degrees provided larger hoods and larger pockets. Today, each college has its distinctive colored hood-lining by which its graduates may be recognized in academic processions.
The gown worn today is the medieval roba, and seems to have been borrowed from the habit of the Benedictine monks. The gown was intended to keep the professors warm in the cold monasteries. In the Middle Ages, undergraduates, bachelors and masters could be distinguished by the simplicity or elaborateness of their gowns, and this practice remains today. The doctoral gown has three furred strips (called Chevrons) on each sleeve; the master’s gown generally has open sleeves; and the bachelor’s gown is plain.
The wide velvet borders extending down the front of the doctoral gown, the velvet bars on the sleeves and the borders of most hoods are colored according to the scholarly field of the wearer. The most usual of these are:
White Arts, Letters and Humanities
Olive drab Business Administration
Copper Economics
Brown Fine Arts and Architecture
Purple Law
Lemon Library Science
Green Medicine
Pink Music
Light blue Education
Dark blue Philosophy
Sage green Physical Education
Gold yellow Science
Scarlet Theology
Apricot
Nursing
Salmon pink Public Health
