Thiel College celebrates graduation of physician assistant studies master’s degree students

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College celebrated the graduation of 36 students in its Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program during a commencement ceremony held Saturday in the William A. Passavant Memorial Center.

• Watch the livestream of the Commencement Exercises (Ceremony begins at the 36:00 mark).

Robert B. Morgenstern, M.D. H’25, a board-certified internist who has practiced in the Shenango Valley for more than 40 years, served as the commencement speaker. Morgenstern was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the College in recognition of his professional leadership and longstanding support of physician assistant education.

The ceremony also featured remarks from student speaker Madeline Paige Lauther M.S. ’25, of Sharpsville, Pa. The graduates represented the program’s third cohort since its founding.

Miranda Nicole Behe M.S. ’25, of Franklin, Pa., and Sophia Gail Antonopoulos M.S. ’25, of Towson, Md., were recognized for earning the highest grade-point averages in the class. The Faith Winner Service Award was presented to Mariah Renee Mosier M.S. ’25, of Towanda, Pa. David Kurss, M.D., of Williamsville, N.Y., was named Preceptor of the Year, while Meadville Medical Center received the Clinical Site of the Year Award.

Thiel College Associate Professor of Psychology Kristel Gallagher, Ph.D. was inducted into Pi Alpha, the national honor society for physician assistants. Army reservist Brooke L. Phelps M.S. ’25, of Linesville, Pa., was recognized with the Military Service Award. Members of Students Without Borders and additional Pi Alpha inductees were also honored during the program.

Graduates included:

• James Nicholas Abicunas M.S. ’25, Ringtown, Pa.
• Sophia Gail Antonopoulos M.S. ’25, Towson, Md.
• Miranda Nicole Behe M.S. ’25, Franklin, Pa.
• Harmony Mung Jun Brewer M.S. ’25, Leetonia, Ohio
• Jada Marina Clendenin M.S. ’25, New Philadelphia, Ohio
• Brent Clutter M.S. ’25, Washington, Pa.
• Marissa Leeann Cupp M.S. ’25, Saint Clairsville, Ohio
• Kara Michelle Davis M.S. ’25, Beaver, Pa.
• Autumn Jaclyn Duncan M.S. ’25, Youngstown, Ohio
• Feven Seleshe Kahsay M.S. ’25, Silver Spring, Md.
• Kalissa Marie Krapf M.S. ’25, Milmay, N.J.
• Ja Ding Pan Lahpai M.S. ’25, Springfield, Va.
• Fiona Lam M.S. ’25, New York, N.Y.
• Madeline Paige Lauther M.S. ’25, Sharpsville, Pa.
• Maria Christine Lawhorne M.S. ’25, Pittsburgh, Pa.
• Caroline Julia Lawrence M.S. ’25, Galena, Ohio
• Anthony Dominic Lefoer M.S. ’25, Poland, Ohio
• Mackenzie Elizabeth Maasen M.S. ’25, Scottsdale, Ariz.
• Zachary Michael Malicky M.S. ’25, Northern Cambria, Pa.
• Kayla Annabel Martinez M.S. ’25, Aurora, Ill.
• Bryan Josue Merino M.S. ’25, Jacksonville, Fla.
• Aliya Cheyenne Mitchell M.S. ’25, Troy, Ohio
• Brady Lawrence Moore M.S. ’25, Tabernacle, N.J.
• Mariah Renee Mosier M.S. ’25, Towanda, Pa.
• Katelyn Noel Norris M.S. ’25, Fayetteville, N.C.
• Brooke L. Phelps M.S. ’25, Linesville, Pa.
• Jack Prothero M.S. ’25, Cranberry Township, Pa.
• Johnathan Edward Rabon M.S. ’25, Hershey, Pa.
• Samuel Gregory Sargent M.S. ’25, South Weber, Utah
• Tony Alejandro Silva Fernandez M.S. ’25, Miami, Fla.
• Jonathan Joseph Stemm M.S. ’25, Danville, Pa.
• Danielle Renee Sterling ’23 M.S. ’25, Sharon, Pa.
• Jake J. Weber M.S. ’25, Boardman, Ohio
• AnnaLynn Wharry M.S. ’25, New Castle, Pa.
• Stanley Woo M.S. ’25, Staten Island, N.Y.
• Marissa Wuilliez M.S. ’25, Farmington, N.Y.

Related Links

• Office of Admission
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
• Master of Science program in Speech-Language Pathology
• The Pennsylvania Association of Physician Associates

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About Thiel College

Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.