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Thiel College Confers Degrees To
224 Students
For immediate release
May 15, 2005
Four of six class
valedictorians and the class salutatorian listen as they are honored for their academic achievements. From left
are salutatorian Nicole Nolan and valedictorians Kevin DeFrancesco, Carla Firetto, Meghan Friedrich and Julie Greer.
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GREENVILLE, Pa. - Thiel College granted degrees to 224 men and women during Saturday's
Spring Commencement exercises in the college's William A. Passavant Memorial Center.
Two hundred and twenty-three bachelor of arts degrees and three associate of arts degrees were awarded during the
college's 131st spring graduation ceremony. Four honorary doctorates were also presented and five retiring faculty
members were granted emeritus status.
Thiel College President and CEO Dr. Lance A. Masters welcomed the graduating class, parents, and friends. He also
conferred the degrees and distributed the diplomas.
U.S. Rep. Phil English (R-Pa.), currently in his sixth term serving western Pennsylvania's 3rd District which includes
Erie County and parts of Armstrong, Butler, Crawford, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties, provided the keynote
address titled "Recommit to Civic Duty."
"What kind of America do you want the next generation to inherit?" English asked the graduating seniors.
English urged students to lead by example and commit themselves to civic duty. Our nation was created by the sacrifices
and contributions of generations of Americans, English said, and the students should carry on this practice to
ensure the strength of America's future.
Change begins now and with the graduating students. He challenged them to be leading citizens, to be voices in
their communities and to be supportive of political candidates who share their views.
Following his address, English and three others - the Rev. Ralph E. Jones, bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania
Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); Virginia Lancaster McGarvey, the former owner and director
of Meadow Brook Dairy and Country Fair convenience stores; and Peter Mortensen, chairman F.N.B. Corporation - were
awarded honorary doctorate degrees.
Dr. Robert C. Olson, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, announced four retiring faculty
members - Douglas Cerroni, director of the library; Barbara B. Hassel, professor of languages; Dr. John C. Nichols,
professor of mathematics; and Dr. Frank M. Stratiff, professor of education. Each was awarded professor emeritus
status.
Olson, also marking his retirement, was honored by Masters, granted emeritus status, and received a standing ovation.
Six students - Kevin Anthony DeFrancesco
of Pittsburgh, Carla Marie Firetto
of Baden, Pa., Meghan Jean Friedrich
of Ashtabula, Ohio, Julie Ann Greer
of Uhrichsville, Ohio, Theresa Joann Igersheim
and John Paul Stuyvesant, both of
Greenville - earned valedictorian honors for achieving perfect 4.0 grade point averages. Nicole Lee Nolan of Port Allegany, Pa., was named salutatorian
for achieving a 3.979 grade point average.
DeFrancesco graduated summa cum laude,
an honor presented to students who have earned a grade point average of 3.8 or higher. He graduated with a bachelor
of arts degree in history. He received departmental honors in history and education and was also awarded a Dean's
Key for being named to the dean's list all eight semesters.
Firetto, who also graduated summa
cum laude, earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and sociology. She received departmental honors in her
majors and was also the recipient of the Dean's Key.
Friedrich graduated summa cum laude
and earned a bachelor of arts degree in accounting and actuarial studies. She received departmental honors in her
majors and was also the recipient of the Dean's Key.
Greer graduated summa cum laude and earned
a bachelor of arts degree in English. She received departmental honors in English and education and was awarded
the Dean's Key.
Igersheim graduated summa cum laude and
earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. She received departmental honors in education.
Stuyvesant graduated summa cum laude
and earned a bachelor of arts degree in accounting and business administration. He was awarded the Dean's Key.
Nolan graduated summa cum laude and earned
a bachelor of arts degree in English. She received departmental honors in her major, was awarded the Dean's Key,
and was a member of the Honors Program.
Senior Class President and member of the Senior Gift Committee Mark E. McKinney of Jefferson Hills, Pa., presented the college with the senior class gift - a pavilion for
student use to be placed on West Campus.
Senior orator Jill B. Speer of Brookville,
Pa., delivered the senior address "The Voice Within."
Olson, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, presented the class for degrees. Dr. Christopher
H. Moinet, English professor, served as faculty marshal. The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Baglyos, college pastor, provided
the invocation and benediction. Special music was provided by the Kathryn A. Gray, adjunct professor of music,
and the Thiel Choir under the direction of Dr. Michael R. Bray.
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