Thiel College’s first class of Master of Science in physician assistant studies students graduates

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College celebrated the inaugural graduating class of 37 Master of Science in physician assistant studies students Saturday at the William A. Passavant Memorial Center.

Thiel College’s Physician Assistant Studies program began in 2021, with the mission of graduating physician assistants who have the disciplinary knowledge and skills, clinical preparation, and dispositions to provide excellent patient care and serve the needs of their community. Members of the second cohort were recently presented with their white coats to mark their completion of the first half of the 27-month program at Thiel. The third cohort arrived this summer.

Members of the first class are:

• Alaina Marie Bailey M.S.’23, of Johnstown, Pa.
• Hunter Anderson Baxter M.S.’23, of Gibsonia, Pa.
• Kayley April Bennett M.S.’23, of Edinboro, Pa.
• Hannah E. Burress-Brown M.S.’23, of East Canton, Ohio
• Mollie Kate Cavenaugh M.S.’23, of Teachey, N.C.
• Samantha Crilley M.S.’23, of Zelienople, Pa.
• Cameron Stewart Domblisky M.S.’23, of Philipsburg, Pa.
• Edwin Dordal III M.S.’23, of Staten Island, N.Y.
• Monica Leigh Ewansik M.S.’23, of Gibsonia, Pa.
• Shane Andrew Fiorentini M.S.’23, of Bethel Park, Pa.
• Abigail Grace Gallagher M.S.’23, of Woodbine, Md.
• Lauren Haines M.S.’23, of West Chester, Pa.
• Lindsay Taylor Homan M.S.’23, of Oil City, Pa.
• Heather Lynn Hughes M.S.’23, of Virginia Beach, Va.
• Jaskirat Singh Kahlon M.S.’23, of Reading, Pa.
• Kayla Rosemary Kerr M.S.’23, of Punxsutawney, Pa.
• Patrick Kregeloh M.S.’23, of Coplay, Pa.
• Katarina Lavelle Lewis M.S.’23, of Youngstown, Ohio
• Garrett Roy Mang M.S.’23, of Lindenhurst, Ill.
• Perri Kristine Markle M.S.’23, of Cranberry, Pa.
• Thomas Patrick McIntyre M.S.’23, of Marietta Pa.
• Robin Kelley Moore M.S.’23, of Sandy Lake, Pa.
• Gemima Muteba-Vengo M.S.’23, of Germantown, Md.
• Amy V. Neal M.S.’23, of Erie, Pa.
• Kellianne Marie Nerlich M.S.’23, of Franklin, Pa.
• Krupa Patel M.S.’23, of Long Island, N.Y.
• Carolyn Mae Peters M.S.’23, of Normal, Ill.
• Miranda Jean Reesman ’19 M.S.’23, Leechburg, Pa.
• William Alexander Sarniguet Jerez M.S.’23, of Santiago, Chile
• Karley Schlensker M.S.’23, of Fairfield, Ohio
• Kayla Lyn Smith M.S.’23, of Saint Petersburg, Fla.
• Caitlin K. Thompson M.S.’23, of Butler, Pa.
• Brenden Gerard Tully M.S.’23, of Canton, Ohio
• Bailey Augustus Volk M.S.’23, of Corry, Pa.
• Julia Alexandra Wagner ’21, M.S.’23, of Erie, Pa.
• Sara Wick M.S.’23, of Mendon, N.Y.

A special highlight of the event was the induction of Monica Leigh Ewansik, Abigail Grace Gallagher, Katarina Lavelle Lewis, Robin Kelley Moore, and Carolyn Mae Peters into Pi Alpha, the esteemed national physician assistant honor society. This recognition celebrates their outstanding dedication to both academic excellence and the commitment to advancing patient care. Faculty members Jennifer Shellenbarger and Lynn Williams, M.D., also joined this esteemed circle as inaugural inductees.

Thiel College President Susan Traverso, Ph.D., was further celebrated as an honorary inductee into Pi Alpha, in recognition of her unwavering dedication and advocacy for the physician assistant program. Her commitment has been instrumental in shaping the program’s growth and impact within the healthcare landscape.

The celebratory occasion captured the essence of Thiel College’s commitment to fostering exceptional healthcare professionals who will leave an indelible mark on their communities. As these graduates venture forth into their careers, they carry with them not only the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies but also the values and spirit that define Thiel's legacy of excellence.

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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.