Community Honors 2011 Graduates During Commencement and Partners Day
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Nearly 500 people were in attendance as Harrisburg University of Science and Technology conferred degrees to its fifth class of graduates during the 2011 Commencement and Partners Day event held Thursday, May 12th, 6:30 pm at the Whitaker Center Sunoco Theatre in Harrisburg.
“Perhaps never before have the solutions to so many of the world’s problems needed to rely on the benefits of science and technology. It seems the rest of the nation is finally realizing what Central Pennsylvania discovered a decade ago—we need more STEM educated students if we are going to meet the human challenges of the 21st century,” Harrisburg University President Mel Schiavelli told the Class of 2011. “Solving those problems will require those of you on stage tonight. Tonight you will receive a degree in one of the nationally-critical STEM disciplines.
He also noted that only again many of the University’s students were going on to new careers at area companies such as Highmark, Gannett Fleming and Digital Planet.
These companies, among others, welcome our students and we are elated by the support they show us in the classroom, as internship hosts, and philanthropic investors.
The event featured a Commencement Address from The Honorable Pedro A. Cortés, the first confirmed Latino Cabinet member and the longest serving Secretary of State in Pennsylvania history.
Robert Dolan, Chairman of the Board, Conrad Siegel Actuaries and Chair of the Board of Trustees at Harrisburg University, reminded students to remember those who helped them during their college studies.
“As you claim your diploma, remember those who have helped you along the way. Share your success with those who gave their time, talents and treasures. Always remember that gratitude is the sign of an educated person.”
Dr. Eric Darr, Executive Vice President and Provost, challenged each graduate to “fully embrace your duty and ability.” The chief academic officer reminded graduates that “Harrisburg University programs prepare you to change the world. Science and technology solutions are needed to solve world hunger, to provide alternative energies, to strengthen world health and to solve poverty. I encourage you to take what you have learned, build on your significant achievement, and apply yourself fully to positively changing your community, your business, your family and yourself.”
Other highlights of the event included the University recognizing individually each graduate who attended commencement. Each graduate walked to the area in front of the stage, where his or her name was announced.
The Class of 2011:
- Master of Science, Information Technology Project Management
Barry E. Altman, Ali Gungor, Senthil Mecheri Sridharan, Gopalakrishnan Natarajan, Jason Edward Powley - Master of Science, Information Systems Engineering and Management
Pascal Bidjogo Bodo, Adamou Garba - Master of Science, Learning Technologies
Lisa G. Butler, Kevin Edward Emery, Edward Eugene Gibbons, Angela Suzanne Rupert - Bachelor of Science, Biotechnology and Biosciences
Iris Nicole Arrington, Lakichia Lee Carrier, Nikki Matthew Coleman, Pamela Sue Ibric (Cum Laude), Janai Nicole Jefferson, Louis Sheehan (Magna Cum Laude), Lyana Marie Torres, Brian Keith Simmons, Jr. - Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences
Abdoulaye Camara, James Thomas Gale (Cum Laude), Jason Aaron Hyers, Aaron Kilcoyne, Michael Allan Magdule, Jeffrey Philip Miesemer (Summa Cum Laude), Pavithra Vaideeswaran (Summa Cum Laude), Kellie Thi Le, David Light Van Der Goes - Bachelor of Science, eBusiness and Management
Ashley Sue Harris (Cum Laude) - Bachelor of Science, Integrative Sciences
Oluyemi Samuel Afuape, Edward Albert Gerst (Magna Cum Laude), Alison Elena Jacob, Karen Lee Shaputis
The above list is not an official indication of graduation. The diploma of The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, or an official transcript, is the testimony to graduation.
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