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Penn State York celebrated its 42nd annual spring commencement at 6 p.m. Friday, May 4, in the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center (The Pullo Center) on campus.  This will be the first spring commencement for Lisa Plowfield, chancellor of Penn State York, since she took the helm at the campus in August 2011.  The ceremony was streamed live on the Penn State York website or could be watched on Comcast cable channel 18.

Click here for photos of the ceremony.

Penn State York awarded 18 master of education in teaching and curriculum degrees;  75 baccalaureate degrees; 6 in bachelor of arts in communication arts and sciences; 7 bachelor of arts in English; 1 bachelor of arts in letters, arts, and sciences; 22 bachelor of science in business; 4 bachelor of science in electro-mechanical engineering technology; 19 bachelor of science in information sciences and technology; 12 bachelor of science in human development and family studies; 2 bachelor of science in nursing, and 2 bachelor of science in science.  The campus will also awarded 21 associate degrees:  9 in business administration; 2 in electrical engineering technology; 3 in human development and family studies; 3 in information sciences and technology; 2 in letters, arts, and sciences (liberal arts); and 2 in mechanical engineering technology. 
 
Six Penn State York students who completed their work at an upper division campus of Penn State returned to York, their home campus, to receive a degree during the ceremony.  Penn State York has 185 students moving on from the campus to complete their degrees at another Penn State location.  Penn State York offers the first two years of more than 160 Penn State majors and those students comprise most of the campus.

Penn State York

Commencement – Spring 2012
May 4 – 6:00 p.m.

The following students received associate degrees at Penn State York: 

Natosha I. Detter, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  David J. Dissinger, Ephrata, Pa., Business Administration;  Rhoi J. Fajardo, Dover, Pa., Mechanical Engineering Technology;  Eric R. Gallant, Dover, Pa., Information Sciences and Technology;  Ralph R. Glatfelter III, New Freedom, Pa., Mechanical Engineering Technology;  Jamara M. Groscost-Hess, Dover, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Patrick S. Hagmann, York, Pa., Electrical Engineering Technology;  Eric R. Heltebridle, New Oxford, Pa., Information Sciences and Technology;  Cynthia S. Jones, York, Pa., Letters, Arts, and Sciences;  Jared W. McKenzie, Spring Grove, Pa., Mechanical Engineering Technology;  Matthew R. Momeni, York, Pa., Letters, Arts, and Sciences;  Brett A. Musselman, York, Pa., Information Sciences and Technology;  Barbara A. Patrick, Manheim, Pa., Business Administration;  Todd M. Peters, Ephrata, Pa., Business Administration;  Terry E. Rummel, Hanover, Pa., Electrical Engineering Technology;  Lori L. Sheaffer, Millersville, Pa., Business Administration;  Edward E. Specht, Lancaster, Pa., Business Administration;  Emily M. Stinebaugh, Dover, PA., Human Development and Family Studies;  Mark A. Talbot, Millersville, PA., Business Administration;  Shane L. Uibel, Lititz, PA., Business Administration;  Patricia A. Waltemyer, Red Lion, Pa., Business Administration;  and Douglas A. Zapotok, Mountville, Pa., Business Administration.

The following students received baccalaureate degrees at Penn State York: 

Jordan A. Ackerman, Hanover, Pa., Business;  Brittany N. Allen, Jacobus, Pa., Business;  Scott D. Allingham, Red Lion, Pa., Electro Mechanical Engineering Technology;  Robert A. Amick, York, Pa., Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology;  Bilal Ariturk, Enola, Pa., Information Sciences and Technology;  Aubrey M. Baker, Duchesne, Utah, Business;  Kiara Y. Banks, York, Pa., English;  Jordan R. Baughman, Stewartstown, Pa., Business;  Andrew C. Bernhard, York, Pa.,  Business;  Pooja M. Biwalkar, Mumbai, India, Information Sciences and Technology;  Peter M. Bottros, York, Pa., Business;  Bond D. Brewer, Webster, Fla., Business;  Timothy M. Brown, York, Pa., English;  Shibani R. Chadha, Mumbai, India, Information Sciences and Technology with a minor in Business;  Brenda F. Clinton, Windsor, Pa.,  Human Development and Family Studies;  Edward V. Cole III, Marietta, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Joshua D. Czerski, Baltimore, Md., Business;  Aditya A. Dalvi, Mumbai, India, Information Sciences and Technology with a minor in Business;  Rose M. Devlin, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Zachary W. Donnelly, Dover, Pa., Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology;  Matthew L. Dunlap, Shrewsbury, Pa., Science;  Michael N. Duong, York, Pa., Information Sciences and Technology;  Patricia A. Garcia, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Dana L. Grim, Thomasville, Pa., Business;  Roxana G. Grimes, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Judith L. Gunther, Dover, Pa., Nursing;  Aditya M. Hadkar, Mumbai, India, Information Sciences and Technology;  Bishoy Haleem, York, Pa., Business;  Elizabeth L. Hardesty, York, Pa., Communication Arts and Sciences;  Basil J. Hartman, Hanover, PA., Information Sciences and Technology;  Renee M. Hollinger, Hanover, Pa., English;  Jared D. Hopkins, York, Pa., Business;  Mihir L. Jadhav, Mumbai, India, two degrees –Information Sciences and Technology, and Business;  Sahil A. Jayakar, Mumbai, India, Information Sciences and Technology with a minor in Business;  Anthony J. Kareis, Red Lion, Pa., Business;  Megan E. Kelly, Stewartstown, Pa., Information Sciences and Technology with a minor in Business;  Danielle M. Kern, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Crystal L. Kimball, York, Pa., English with a minor in Communication Arts and Sciences;  Jennifer P. Kimmel, Wrightsville, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Kaitlyn S. Kosalek, York, Pa., Communication Arts and Sciences with a minor in Business;  William D. Laviers, Bel Air, Md., Science;  Angela J. Lawrence, Glen Rock, Pa., Business;  Ryan M. Liek, York, Pa., Business;  Carrie A. Lilley, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Tristan C. Maschke, York, Pa.,  Information Sciences and Technology and a minor in Business;  Edward W. Mehl IV, Westminster, Md., Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technology;  Corey J. Messinger, Red Lion, Pa., Business;  Benjamin S. Morgan, Hanover, Pa., English;  Christopher J. Nelson, York, PA., Information Sciences and Technology;  Sarah A. Nevin, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Anh T. Nguyen, York, Pa, Information Sciences and Technology with a minor in Business;  Ashleigh M. Poff, Airville, Pa., Business;  Matthew P. Pristow, East Berlin, Pa., Business;  Anthony G. Rodriguez, York, Pa., Business;  Theresa L. Rosenberry, Etters, Pa., Communication Arts and Sciences;  Kimberly L. Rudisill, York, Pa., English;  Gloria Sanders, Hanover, Pa., Nursing;  Dee A. Searle, Red Lion, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Atulya Shetty, Mumbai, India, Information Sciences and Technology with a minor in Business;  Pranav S. Shirodkar, Mumbai, India, Information Sciences and Technology;  Nicole A. Silvestri, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Akshay Singh, Mumbai, India, Information Sciences and Technology with a minor in Business;  Tiffany N. Smith, New Freedom, Pa., Business;  Madeline E. Snyder, Dallastown, Pa., Communication Arts and Sciences;  Nathan W. Stone, Manchester, Pa., Information Sciences and Technology;  Taylor W. Strong, Alexandria, Va., Business;  Matthew C. Sutton, Etters, Pa., Communication Arts and Sciences;  Salil S. Thakur, Mumbai, India, Information Sciences and Technology with a minor in Business;  Denario N. Thompson, Windsor Mill, Md.,  Information Sciences and Technology;  Michael E. Thompson, Dover, Pa., Business;  Amanda C. Trout, Dallastown, Pa., Letters, Arts, and Sciences;  Timothy J. Weikert, York, Pa., English;  Heather M. Wiese, Delta, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  and Jennifer L. Yateman, York, Pa., Communication Arts and Sciences. 

The following students received the Master of Education in Teaching and Curriculum at Penn State York: 

Kerri L. Bankert, York, Pa;  Jeffrey L. Butler, Willow Street, Pa.;  Teri L. Dine-Edwards, Dover, Pa.;  Sabrina R. Duke, Jacobus, Pa.;  Zane R. Grindle, York, Pa.;  Corinne M. Hafer, Mountville, Pa.;  Amanda L. Hemelgarn, York Haven, Pa.;  Shawnee K. Hooper, York, Pa.;  Shelley A. Kell, York, Pa.;  Kayla M. Levens, Mountville, Pa.;  Lindsay A. Misiti, York, Pa.;  Carley A. Mulligan, Red Lion, Pa.;  Ashlie N. Murren, Dover, Pa.;  Julie K. Romero, York, Pa.;  Alison L. Shearer, Mount Wolf, Pa.;  Devon M. Smith, York, Pa.;  Teresa J. Wilson, Mt Wolf, Pa.;  and Rachael A. Zepp, Spring Grove, Pa.

The following students returned from other campuses to receive their degrees at Penn State York: 

Kathryn L. Baldwin, York, Pa., English with minors in Agronomy and Technical Writing;  Jaceita M. Chilton-Walker, York, Pa., Letters, Arts, and Sciences;  Francine M. Cihak, Dallastown, Pa., Labor Studies and Employment Relations;  Christian L. Malehorn, Manchester, Pa., two degrees – Marketing and Management;  Valerie J. Schutz, Mount Joy, Pa., Letters, Arts, and Sciences;  and Brooke A. Shenberger, York, Pa., Psychology.

The following students are changing to other Penn State campuses in the fall to continue their degree programs: 

Gabriel A. Adams, York, Pa., Aerospace Engineering;  Tamara A. Afflerbach, Red Lion, Pa.,  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology;  Kathryn N. Alban, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Nana S. Ampim, New York, NY, International Politics;  Keyrilis Arenas, Red Lion, Pa., English;  Cody A. Arnold, Lewisberry, Pa., Childhood and Early Adolescent Education;  Erik S. Bailey, York, Pa., Communications;  Hannah J. Barlow, York, Pa., Political Science;  Adam M. Beck, York, Pa., Crime, Law, and Justice;  Andrew D. Belnick, York, Pa., Engineering;  Alison N. Bieber, York, Pa., Education;  Zachary R. Bitner, Drumore, Pa., Mechanical Engineering Technology;  Joseph D. Blake Jr., Spring Grove, Pa., Science;  Matthew R. Bortner, York, Pa., Supply Chain and Information Systems;  Kristy A. Bosley, York, Pa.,  Accounting;  Danielle L. Brant, Dallastown, Pa., Community, Environment, and Development;  Daniel H. Brinkley, Camp Hill, PA., Landscape Contracting;  Truong K. Bui, Leola, Pa.,  Biochemistry and Molecular Biology;  Bryan P. Burkentine, Hanover, Pa., Engineering;  Sabrina E. Butts, Harrisburg, PA., Capital College;  Shenghang Cao, Middletown, Pa., Engineering;  Joseph A. Castriota III, Seven Valleys, Pa., Psychology;  Ariel A. Chambers, Glen Rock, Pa., Capital College;  Eric J. Cheetham, York, Pa., Information Sciences and Technology;  James C. Claycomb III, Hanover, Pa., Provisional;  Kathlyn M. Claycomb, Hanover, Pa., Crime, Law, and Justice;  Chelsea M. Clemens, York, Pa., Telecommunications;  Kyle M. Conaboy, Hanover, Pa.,  Recreation, Park and Tourism Management;  Mikesh J. Desai, York, Pa., Marketing;  Alicia Detwiler, York, Pa., Nursing;  Kirsten L. Dickason, Windsor, Pa., Meteorology;  Kaitlyn A. Dieter, Fawn Grove, Pa., Architectural Engineering;  Gabriel J. Dietrich, York, Pa., Kinesiology;  Kaitlyn M. Dunbar, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Julie A. Dunlap, Shrewsbury, Pa., Psychology;  Janice L. Eason, New Freedom, Pa., Elementary Education;  Elizabeth A. Eckard, York, Pa., Rehabilitation and Human Services;  Justine L. Ekstrom, Stewartstown, Communications;  Francheska Espinal, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Mark A. Eveland, Hanover, Pa., History;  Joseph P. Falci, York, Pa., Science;  Romina Fano-Barbieri, Lancaster, Pa., Toxicology;  Connie L. Fike, Shrewsbury, Pa., Animal Sciences;  Matthew T. Fisher, Red Lion, Pa., Crime, Law, and Justice;  Jake M. Flanagan, Hanover, Pa., Microbiology;  Joshua R. Fleming, Littlestown,  Pa., Mechanical Engineering;  Tyler R. Flickinger, York,  Pa., Mechanical Engineering;  Marlee A. Folckomer, York, Pa.,  Division of Undergraduate Studies;  Angelia R. Folkenroth, Felton, Pa., Mechanical Engineering;  Emma K. Foster, Felton, Pa., Agriculture;  Pascale M. Frem, York, Pa., Accounting;  Andrew M. Garrety, Red Lion, Pa., Management;  Shaquille George, Brooklyn, NY, Accounting;  Nicole D. Gerber, Red Lion, Pa., Education;  Jehanzeb H. Ghori, Las Vegas, Nev., Bioengineering;  Benjamin W. Gotwalt, Seven Valleys, Pa., Kinesiology;  Frances L. Greek, Delta, Pa., Communications;  Dane A. Groff, Red Lion, Pa., Capital College;  Anthony D. Hake, York, Pa., Journalism;  Jessica M. Hanson, York, Pa., Elementary Education;  Joseph L. Hartman III, York, Pa., Management;  Zihao He, Harbin, China, Capital College;  Brandon T. Heikes, Red Lion, Pa., Philosophy;  Jody L. Herring, Manchester, Pa., Sociology;  Stephen P. Higgins, York, Pa., Wildlife and Fisheries Science;  Patrick L. Hilbert, Dover, Pa., Criminal Justice;  Veronica Ho, Forest Hills, NY, Marketing;  Amy L. Hoenstine, Spring Grove, Pa., Psychology;  Timothy M. Honeywell, Hanover, Pa., Science;  Cole J. Houser, Thomasville, Pa.,  Mathematical Sciences;  Corey J. Hunt, Seven Valleys, Pa., Agriculture;  Timothy B. Hushon, Delta, Pa., Agribusiness Management;  Kimberly A. Hutchins, Whiteford, Md., Agriculture;  Tyler M. Imhoff, Red Lion, Pa., Kinesiology;  Marissa B. James, York, Pa., Education;  David G. Johnson Sr., Hanover, Pa., Nursing;  Oluwafisayo A. Johnson, Lagos, Nigeria, Architectural Engineering;  Sunggeul Kang, Tangerang, Indonesia, Finance;  Faleisha I. Kelsey, Douglassville, Pa., Forensic Science;  Jacob C. Kemper, Hanover, Pa., Psychology;  Steven M. Kline, Holtwood, Pa., Mechanical Engineering;  Andrew W. Koch, Glenville, Pa., Management;  Tyler S. Kottmyer, York, Pa., Architectural Engineering;  Ryan D. Kunkel, York, Pa., Psychology;  Christopher M. Lawyer, York, Pa., Computer Science;  Crystal Jainah E. Laygo, York, Pa., Biology;  Levi G. Lenker, York, Pa., Agribusiness Management;  Kyle Lingg, York, Pa., Economics;  Yi Liu, Changxing, China, Mathematics;  Anthony S. Lloyd, Stewartstown, Pa., Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management;  Allen Y. Loc, Lancaster, Pa., Premedicine;  Nicole M. Louloudis, New Freedom, Pa., Division of Undergraduate Studies;  Walter Lutsenko, Lancaster, Pa., Information Sciences and Technology;  Daniel J. Lynd, Hanover, Pa., Crime, Law, and Justice;  Collin W. Macconnell, Lancaster, Pa., Journalism;  Ryan P. Macdonald, Glen Rock, Pa., Mechanical Engineering;  Ronald P. Mack Jr., York, Pa., Kinesiology;  Elizabeth O. Manouilidis, Coral Gables, Fla., Media Studies;  Khristopher J. Mayberry, Dover, Pa., Nuclear Engineering;  Devon V. Mayer, East Berlin, Pa., Division of Undergraduate Studies;  Robert J. Mayo, Eldersburg, Md., Meteorology;  Garth A. McGovern, Lancaster, Pa., Toxicology;  Tiffany M. McKenzie, Ellicott City, Md., Biobehavioral Health;  Lauren S. McNamara, York, Pa., Information Sciences and Technology;  Tyler D. Merica, Red Lion, Pa., Materials Science and Engineering;  Grant J. Miller, York, Pa., Mechanical Engineering;  Krista L. Miller, York, Pa.,  Business;  Matthew C. Miller, York, Pa., Public Policy;  Tyler S. Mitchell, Lititz, Pa., Division of Undergraduate Studies;  Jennifer L. Montooth, Hanover, Pa., Political Science;  Andrew D. Mummert, Gettysburg, Pa., Recreation, Park and Tourism Management;  Stephen D. Munchel, Hanover, Pa., Telecommunications;  Cathrine Musso, York, Pa., Capital College;  Shane M. Myers, York, Pa., Crime, Law, and Justice;  Cameron S. Nelson, York, Pa., Mechanical Engineering;  Alexandar A. Nentchev, York, Pa.,  Information Sciences and Technology;  Dylan T. Nguyen, York, Pa., Industrial Engineering;  Phuong A. Nguyen, York, Pa., Accounting;  Steven P. Nguyen, Lititz, Pa., Mechanical Engineering;  Alexander E. Nuique Jr., Lancaster, Pa.,  Premedicine;  Adrien L. Pagan, Lancaster, Pa., Liberal Arts;  Dixitkumar Y. Patel, Lancaster, Pa.,  Capital College;  Sagar A. Patel, York, Pa., Capital College;  Andrew J. Patterson, Shrewsbury, Pa., Advertising/public Relations;  Erin V. Peeling, Glenville, Pa., Earth and Mineral Sciences;  Ny B. Pham, York, Pa., Accounting;  Gabriel A. Plymire, York, Pa., Mechanical Engineering;  Kristine S. Pollock, Elizabethtown, Pa., Applied Behavioral Science;  Amanda L. Potter, York, Pa., Childhood and Early Adolescent Education;  David L. Pottle Jr., York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Kayla M. Prokop, Mt Wolf, Pa., Criminal Justice;  Juliana Quintero, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Katie E. Reeves, York, Pa., Childhood and Early Adolescent Education;  Bronson P. Resh, Mountville, Pa., Nuclear Engineering;  Carley E. Richardson, Mountville, Pa., Capital College;  Jonathan M. Ridolfi, Glen Rock, Pa., Environmental Resource Management;  Landon K. Rodgers, Wrightsville, Pa., Electrical Engineering;  Brianna M. Root, York, Pa., Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management;  Christopher T. Runyan, York, Pa., Business;  David B. Salerno Jr., Bethlehem, Pa., Management Information Systems;  Breeanna E. Saur, York, Pa., Nursing;  Mathew R. Schon Jr., York, Pa., Geosciences;  Robert S. Schultz, New Freedom, Pa., Wildlife and Fisheries Science;  Michael R. Semrau Jr., York, Pa., Electrical Engineering;  Brandon L. Shafer, York, Pa., Mechanical Engineering;  Shane A. Shaffer Jr., York, Pa., Health and Human Development;  Kimberly C. Shank, Dillsburg, Pa., Nursing;  Lori L. Sheaffer, Millersville, Pa.,  Business Administration;  Stephanie M. Shoff, York, Pa., Computer Science;  Emily C. Smeltzer, York, Pa., Earth and Mineral Sciences;  Jenna P. Smith, Dover,Pa.,  Capital College;  Johanna L. Smith, Shrewsbury, Pa., Creative Writing;  Michael J. Smith, Landisville, Pa.,  Mechanical Engineering;  Natalia A. Snyder, Stewartstown, Pa., International Politics;  Nicholas C. Sofocleous, New Freedom, Pa., Aerospace Engineering;  John A. Solloway, Stewarstown, Pa., Premedicine;  Salem K. Soni, Mechanicsburg, Pa., Agricultural Systems Management;  Randall S. Sourbeer, Lancaster, PA., Civil Engineering;  Alanna A. Spurlock, York, Pa.,  Marketing;  Zachary R. Steckler, York, Pa., Civil Engineering;  Tyler J. Stonesifer, Manchester, Pa., Materials Science and Engineering;  Seda Than, York, Pa., Biotechnology;  Amanda L. Tharle, York, Pa., Elementary Education;  Abby L. Thomas, East Berlin, Pa., Science;  Megan M. Thompson, Murphy, NC, Crime, Law, and Justice;  Alex L. Tran, Lancaster, Pa., Biochemistry and Molecular Biology;  Colton J. Traynham, York, Pa., Division of Undergraduate Studies;  Iniobong P. Udofia, Southbridge, Mass., Liberal Arts;  Olivia M. Vandermark, York, Pa., Education;  Shawn P. Vengoechea, York, Pa., Journalism;  Zil B. Vyas, York, Pa., Computer Engineering;  Zachary D. Wade, Hanover, PA., Science;  Mallori E. Wagner, York, Pa., Occupational Therapy;  Paul M. Wagner, Hanover, Pa., Psychology;  Summer A. Warner, Spring Grove, Pa., Special Education;  Rachel K. Weaner, York, Pa., Human Development and Family Studies;  Jeffrey R. Weaver, Red Lion, Pa., Chemistry;  Maxwell Z. Wertz, Hanover, Pa.,  Telecommunications;  Matthew B. Wharton, Forest Hill, Md., Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management;  Henry C. White III, Silver Spring, Md., Political Science;  Laura J. White, Marietta, Pa., Archaeological Science;  Taquan A. Williams, York, Pa., Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management;  Yizhe Xu, Wuhan, China, Accounting;  Zimou Xu, Yangzhou, China, Division of Undergraduate Studies;  and Ai Zhao, Qingdao, China, Supply Chain and Information Systems.

For those who cannot attend the event, Penn State York's commencement can be viewed on Comcast cable channel 18 and streaming on the website.

Frederick Haag, associate professor of visual arts at Penn State York, is the commencement speaker. Haag was invited to give the commencement address in recognition of being named the recipient of an Alumni/Student Award for Excellence in Teaching and a 2012 Penn State Teaching Fellow. This is a great honor and Haag is one of only three recipients of this award from throughout Penn State.

The Penn State Alumni Association, in conjunction with undergraduate and graduate governing bodies, established the award in 1988. It honors distinguished teaching and provides encouragement and incentive for excellence in teaching. Recipients are expected to share their talent and expertise with others throughout the University during the year following the award presentation.

In addition to hearing from Haag, Penn State York will continue its tradition of the open microphone where graduates can speak for a moment. Eric R. Gallant, Dover, Pa., the top associate degree graduate; Shibani R. Chadha, Mumbai, India, the top baccalaureate degree graduate; and Teresa J. Wilson, Mt. Wolf, Pa., representing the master’s degree graduates will also say a few words.
Penn State York will award 18 master of education in teaching and curriculum degrees; 75 baccalaureate degrees; 6 in bachelor of arts in communication arts and sciences; 7 bachelor of arts in English; 1 bachelor of arts in letters, arts, and sciences; 22 bachelor of science in business; 4 bachelor of science in electro-mechanical engineering technology; 19 bachelor of science in information sciences and technology; 12 bachelor of science in human development and family studies; 2 bachelor of science in nursing, and 2 bachelor of science in science. The campus will also award 21 associate degrees: 9 in business administration; 2 in electrical engineering technology; 3 in human development and family studies; 3 in information sciences and technology; 2 in letters, arts, and sciences (liberal arts); and 2 in mechanical engineering technology.

Six Penn State York students who completed their work at an upper division campus of Penn State will return to York, their home campus, to receive a degree during the ceremony. Penn State York has 185 students moving on from the campus to complete their degrees at another Penn State location. Penn State York offers the first two years of more than 160 Penn State majors and those students comprise most of the campus.

Penn State York honored the academic achievements and service of its outstanding students, faculty, and staff for the 2011-12 academic year during the 41st Annual Academic Awards Program, Sunday, April 22 at Heritage Hills Golf Resort & Conference Center in York, Pa. More than 90 academic and service awards were presented following a 2 p.m. reception.

Awards were presented by a variety of campus groups and several community organizations including the Rotary Club of York and the York County Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association. Highlights of the program were the presentation of the Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award, the James H. Burness Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Penn State York Advising Award, and the Clark E. Fisher Memorial Award.

The Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award, the most prestigious student award of the evening, was presented to Joshua D. Czerski. This award is given annually to a full-time student who exhibits outstanding qualities of character, scholarship, leadership, and citizenship. Each Penn State campus selects a recipient of this award. Czerski is a senior at Penn State York majoring in business. He is from Baltimore, Md. Czerski was recognized for his dependability, hard-work, and dedication to the athletics programs at Penn State York. He not only excelled on the court (basketball) and in the field (soccer) but also excelled in the classroom and participated in a variety of activities to make the campus a better place.

The Clark E. Fisher Memorial Award honors and recognizes outstanding achievement in engineering by a full-time undergraduate student. The award is named for the late Clark E. Fisher, ’83, a Penn State engineering graduate. Fisher’s family members, Precision Custom Components (PCC) - Fisher’s former employer, colleagues from PCC, and friends joined together last year to create an award in remembrance of Fisher. The award is given in the field that Fisher loved, engineering. Zachary Donnelley, Dover, Pa.; is the recipient.

The James H. Burness Award for Excellence in Teaching is given to one part-time and one full-time member of the Penn State York faculty based on nominations by students and other members of the campus community. The award is named in honor of the late James H. Burness, in recognition of his outstanding teaching and service to the campus. Burness died in December 1999. This year's recipients are Dr. Sukhdeep Gill, associate professor of human development and family studies, full-time award and Dr. Stephen K. Lentz, part-time instructor in meteorology, part-time award.

Gill, of York, Pa., and a native of Punjab, India, received high praise from her students for her dedication, enthusiasm, passion and knowledge of her subject matter, and her willingness to go above and beyond her job duties for her students. One student wrote, “Dr. Gill is the most enthusiastic professor I have ever had. She goes above and beyond to respond to students’ needs, always addresses issues and develops solutions immediately, often requiring extra work on her part.” Another student said, “Out of all four years at Penn State York, I’d have to say I’ve learned the most from professor Gill. She puts a lot of time into the course and makes sure all of her students are learning the information in a deeper manner. She is dedicated to not only her job but mainly her students. I’d have to say, she definitely deserves this award!” Still more praise for Gill and her dedication to her students, “Dr. Gill is such a caring teacher to her students. She always makes herself available if you need extra help or just some clarification. She truly tries to invest herself in you and your learning. Although her classes are challenging, they are the classes I learn the most in.” Finally, another student wrote, “I believe she should receive this award because she is one professor that teaches with passion. The ideas she brings to class and the way she gets the class involved is something to admire. She is an overall great professor. I would be proud to know she is carrying this award.”

Lentz, of Mt. Wolf, Pa., received numerous accolades from his students for his subject knowledge, his teaching style, and concern that students understand the material. One student wrote, “I believe Dr. Lentz should receive the award because he is not just an instructor, but he puts forth an effort to explain the subject matter in terms that are understandable. He demonstrates examples that students can relate to, and make sure that we understand. He also loves what he teaches and shows enthusiasm and tells jokes around the subject matter.” Another student wrote, “He is very interested in the topic at hand and is very good at showing us how this class will impact our daily lives. He is not just teaching us the material but making sure we understand it.” Still more praise for his teaching, “Dr. Lentz goes out of his way to help students be comfortable with the material by providing us with time before and after class to meet with him. He has also been very prompt with returning e-mails at all times, something many other professors do not do. He keeps class interesting with his real life stories of weather and brings excitement to the classroom.”

Emily C. Wenk, of Gardners, Pa., instructor in information sciences and technology, was honored as the winner of the Penn State York Advising Award. The Penn State York Advising Award, given by the campus Academic Affairs Committee, was established several years ago to recognize the importance of advising students. This committee operates separately from the teaching award committee.

Wenk received high praise from students for willingness to talk with student and share information about the major. One student wrote, “Throughout all the troubles I had with my major, she helped me all along the way to get everything organized so that I could start every semester strong. Also, every question I sent her was answered in a timely manner.” Another student wrote, “It is always nice to meet with her to talk about how I’m doing in classes and what I should look for in career opportunities and internships to what classes I should try to take next semester.” A colleague wrote, “Emily has always been extremely conscientious with her advising. She is proactive, contacting her advisees, makes time to meet with them and meets with her advisees until all their questions have been answered. I’ve witnessed numerous times where she has met with students and their parents.”

The Penn State York Honors Program provides challenging opportunities for academically superior students. Students who complete 9 credits of honors work are recognized. Recipients are: Hannah J. Barlow, York, Pa.; Shaquille George, York, Pa.; Walker D. Huso, Parkton, Md.; Christopher M. Lawyer, York, Pa.; Caitlin D. Markline, Glen Rock, Pa.; Cameron S. Nelson, York, Pa.; Carley E. Richardson, Mountville, Pa.; Stephanie M. Shoff, York, Pa.; Shehzad H. Siddique, York, Pa.; Natalia A. Snyder, Stewartstown, Pa.; Matthew B. Wharton, Forest Hill, Md.; and Ai Zhao, York, Pa.

Graduating with honors are Matthew L. Dunlap, Shrewsbury, Pa.; Crystal L. Kimball, York, Pa.; Kaitlyn S. Kosalek, York, Pa.; and Carrie A. Lilley, York, Pa.
The Evan Pugh Scholar Award is for those juniors and seniors who are in the upper 0.5 percent of their respective classes and have completed at least 48 graded Penn State credits at the end of the fall semester of the academic year the award is given. Candidates are eligible if they have been full-time undergraduate students for at least four semesters prior to selection. The Penn State York recipient is Basil J. Hartman, Hanover, Pa.

The President's Freshman Award is presented annually to full-time undergraduate students who have earned a 4.0 grade-point average for the first semester of their freshman year of study. Recipients are: Christian R. Bohn, York, Pa.; Thomas Boyer, Dover, Pa.; John Brubaker, Manheim, Pa.; Walker D. Huso, Parkton, Md.; Joo Won Kim, York, Pa.; Darla J. Link, York, Pa.; and Stuart O. Reilly, Mt. Wolf, Pa. 

The President Sparks Award is presented annually to those undergraduate candidates who have earned 4.0 (A) cumulative grade-point average based on at least 36 graded Penn State credits completed by the end of the fall semester of the academic year the award is given. The President Sparks Award recipient is Andrew J. Patterson, Shrewsbury, Pa.
Freshman Press Chemistry Award recipient is Komal Shaikh, York, Pa. This award is presented to a freshman based on outstanding academic achievement in chemistry.
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi recognizes superior scholarship in all fields of study and only inducts the highest-ranking students from any branch of learning. The inductee is Shehzad H. Siddique, York, Pa.

Keystone Honor Society Awards were presented to full- and part-time students with the highest grade-point average (GPA) at or above a 3.50 GPA in each associate and baccalaureate degree program offered at the campus. Part-time students are eligible to receive the award one time in their major. There are also requirements for the time in the degree. Honorees are: Marjorie L. Alquist, Dillsburg, Pa.; John C. Arthur, York, Pa.; John Brubaker, Manheim, Pa.; Tara C. Burgess, York, Pa.; Joseph M. Cabrera, York, Pa.; Shibani R. Chadha, York, Pa.; Virginia A. Clousher, Hanover, Pa.; Gordon L. Coggins, Hanover, Pa.; Matthew L. Dunlap, Shrewsbury, Pa.; James E. Ehrlinger, Dover, Pa.; Kathryn B. Frey, York, Pa.; Rebekah A. Gross, Manchester, Pa.; Rose A. Harless, York, Pa.; Basil J. Hartman, Hanover, Pa.; Warren L. Hursh, York, Pa.; Mihir L. Jadhav, York, Pa.; Crystal L. Kimball, York, Pa.; Kaitlyn S. Kosalek, York, Pa.; William D. LaViers, Bel Air, Md.; Amber C. Lawson, Perryville, Md.; Carrie A. Lilley, York, Pa.; Caitlin D. Markline, Glen Rock, Pa.; Christine M. Miller, Mt. Wolf, Pa.; Dave E. Shaffer, York, Pa.; Kevin A. Sheffer, Dover, Pa.; Shehzad H. Siddique, York, Pa.; and Meher Tabassum, Red Lion, Pa.

Student Government Association (SGA) Campus Service Awards were presented to Amy L. Hammonds, Spring Grove, Pa. and Madeline E. Snyder, Dallastown, Pa. This award is given annually to students whose services have benefited the campus. The award is chosen by the student body.

The Student Appreciation Award is given to faculty or staff person for outstanding service to students. The recipient was Donna L. Godfrey, York, Pa., tutor coordinator in the Nittany Success Center.

Gary L. Collison Community Service Awards were presented to Ginia M. Moorehead, York, Pa. and Aida I. Santos, York, Pa. The service awards are named to honor the late Gary L. Collison, professor of English and American Studies at Penn State York, whose idea it was to recognize students for their volunteer service. In addition to community service, recipients must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.

The Unsung Hero Award is a new award on campus and recognizes a Penn State York faculty or staff member for unselfishly providing outstanding service to the campus and its students, often with limited recognition. Selection is made through student, faculty, and staff nominations. Dr. Sharon E. Christ, director of enrollment management and strategic recruitment and retention initiatives,York, Pa. is the first recipient of this award.

The Campus Diversity Award is presented to the student who best reflects the values of diversity and intercultural understanding expressed in the campus statement on diversity. The recipient will have participated in and promoted multicultural activities on the campus and within the University as well as in the community at large. Wareesha Tariq, York, Pa., is the award recipient.

The Rotary Club Award is presented to an outstanding second-year student, chosen by the faculty, for having made a significant contribution to the campus and community. Matthew L. Dunlap. Shrewsbury, Pa. is the recipient.

The Student Leadership Award is presented to an organization or club officer based on outstanding leadership within the organization, achievements while in office, and service as a role model and motivating force within the organization. Rollin W. Apgar, Glen Rock, Pa. is the award recipient.

The Manufacturers’ Association Award honors a second year associate or baccalaureate degree student who has displayed academic excellence in an engineering or science program. The recipient was Gordon L. Coggins, Hanover, Pa.

The Academic Achievement Award is given to a student or students in recognition of academic accomplishments. The recipient(s) cannot have been otherwise honored with an academic award. Minimum qualifications are second year standing by spring semester of the year in which the award is presented and a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade-point average. Only Penn State credits are considered. Elizabeth M. Edkin, Columbia, Pa. is the recipient.

Penn State Alumni Association (PSAA) York County Chapter Award is presented to any Penn State York student who possesses outstanding qualities of scholarship, leadership, and service to the campus. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and participate actively in the Blue & White Society and/or Lion Ambassadors. This is a monetary award of $250. Salem K. Soni, Mechanicsburg, Pa., is the recipient.

The Tutor of the Year Award is presented to the tutor who has made the greatest impact on students who came to the Nittany Success Center for extra help with their course work. Christopher M. Lawyer, York, Pa. is the recipient.

The Tau Alpha Pi National Honor Society recognizes high standards of scholarship among students in engineering technology programs. Campus engineering faculty selects the award recipients. Recipients are: Gordon L. Coggins, Hanover, Pa.; Rhoi J. Fajardo, Dover, Pa.; and Dixie L. Pennington, Crownsville, Md.

The Lambda Pi Eta Award is the honor society of the National Communication Association that recognizes, fosters, and rewards outstanding scholastic achievement while stimulating interest in the communication discipline. All persons considered for membership must exhibit high standards of personal and professional character and support the purposes of the honor society. Recipients of this award are Elizabeth L. Hardesty, York, Pa.; Warren L. Hursh, York, Pa.; Robert D. Reynolds, York, Pa.; and Rachel I. Wolf, Upperco, Md.

The National Communication Association (NCA) Student Undergraduate Research Award encourages recognition of undergraduate student scholarship within each communication department. The selection of the recipients is guided by the award criteria established by NCA’s Research Board. Kaitlyn S. Kosalek, York, Pa. and Caitlin D. Markline, Glen Rock, Pa. are the recipients.

The Edward M. Elias Award is presented to the first- and second-year baccalaureate students moving to a campus within the Penn State system with the highest GPA. Erik S. Bailey, York, Pa.; Ronald P. Mack, York, Pa.; and Andrew J. Patterson, Shrewsbury, Pa. are the recipients.

Penn State York honored its student athletes at the 41st annual Athletic Awards Banquet Thursday, April 19, at Heritage Hills Golf Resort & Conference Center, York, Pa.   Awards were presented prior to dinner.

Twelve Penn State York students earned the distinction of Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) Academic All-Conference. This honor is bestowed on those student athletes who have a semester grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher during the semester of competition or a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and completion of at least 24 credits. Recipients in their sports are: Baseball: Kyle Lingg, York, Pa.  Team Tennis:  Duong H. Duong, York, Pa.; Christopher M. Lawyer, York, Pa.; and Ashley L. Valentin, York, Pa. Women’s Volleyball:  Hannah Kuhn, Red Lion, Pa.; and Ashley L. Valentin, York, Pa.  Women’s Basketball:  Courtney E. Riggs, Hanover, Pa. Soccer:  Scott D. Barrera, York, Pa.; Joshua D. Czerski, Baltimore, Md.; Mihir L. Jadhav, York, Pa.; and Nicholas T. Ridolfi, Dallastown, Pa.  Men’s Basketball:  Jamahl D. Ralls, Abingdon, Md.; and David B. Salerno, Bethlehem, Pa.

Four students earned Athletic All-Conference in the PSUAC. This award is given to athletes chosen either by their coach or other coaches in the conference for their athletic performance. All recipients were from the soccer team:  Aldin Avdic, York, Pa.; Adam M. Beck, York, Pa.; Trey T. Chilcoat, New Freedom, Pa.; and Daniel J. Lynd, Hanover, Pa.  In men’s basketball, Xavier E. Smith, Bel Air, Md., earned an Athletic All- Conference Honorable Mention.

Scott D. Barrera and Mihir L. Jadhav, both of York, Pa., and members of the soccer team, earned the distinction of All-Academic from the United State Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).  This honor is bestowed on those student athletes who have a semester grade-point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher during the semester of competition or a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and completion of at least 24 credits.

Soccer team members Aldin Advic, York, Pa., and Trey T. Chilcoat, New Freedom, Pa., earned the distinction of All-American from the USCAA. This award is given to athletes chosen either by their coach or other coaches in the conference for their athletic performance.

Bennett M. Todd, White Hall, Md., received the Trimmer Award in basketball. This award is named in honor of former Penn State York Basketball Coach Ron Trimmer and is given to the most improved player.

Steven P. Higgins, York, Pa., received the Broadbent Award given in honor of Bruce Broadbent, Ph.D., former assistant professor of kinesiology at the campus and division head of health and human development at the Commonwealth College. Broadbent was the campus’ first athletic director and worked for more than 30 years to promote the campus’ athletic programs.

Nicholas T. Ridolfi, Dallastown, Pa.; received the Christopher C. Miller Sportsmanship Award for soccer. This award is given to an athlete who displays a high level of sportsmanship not only on the soccer field but also in everyday life. The award was established in 2002 to honor the late Christopher C. Miller, the son of former Penn State York Soccer Coach George Miller, who passed away on July 9, 2001, at the age of 16. During his soccer career, Christopher played between 350 and 400 soccer games and never received a yellow or red card for unsportsmanlike play. His love of the game of soccer and outstanding sportsmanship will always be remembered through this award.

Joshua D. Czerski, Baltimore, Md., a senior on the men’s basketball team, was also recognized for his outstanding performance on and off the basketball court with a his jersey in a frame.

Richard Chilcoat, New Freedom, Pa.; soccer coach at Penn State York, was named the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) Coach of the Year in soccer.  This is the third time Chilcoat has received this award.

Learn more about Penn State York’s athletic programs by visiting the website.

Dr. Karl Pillemer, well-known author of “30 Lessons for Living:  Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans,” is the speaker for Penn State York’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s (OLLI) first Founders’ Day Lecture set for May 17 in the Conference Center of the Main Classroom Building at the campus.  The celebration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a luncheon and social hour followed by the lecture.  Tickets are on sale now at $25 for OLLI members and $30 for nonmembers.  For tickets call (717) 771-4015 or e-mail OLLI.  Deadline for purchase is May 1.

A professor of gerontology in medicine at the Weill Cornell Medical Collage and human development in the College of Human Ecology at Cornell University, Dr. Pillemer will speak about his extensive experience as a gerontologist and his relationships with the mature American population.  As part of the registration fee for the event, attendees will receive a copy of his book and Dr. Pillemer will be available for a book-signing.

The Legacy Project that began in 2004 gave Dr. Pillemer the opportunity to collect responses from America’s elders to the question, “What are the most important lessons you have learned over the course of your life?”  People from across the country in their 70s and beyond shared their wisdom for living.

Their advice ranges from how to be happy on a day-to-day basis, the secrets to a successful marriage, tips on raising children, ways to have a fulfilling career, strategies for dealing with illness and loss, and how to grow old fearlessly and well.  Dr. Pillemer wrote his book based on this project and it was named to the “Best Self-Help Books of 2011” by Library Journal.
Based on his work, Dr. Pillemer is the perfect speaker for OLLI’s first Founders’ Day Lecture.  The OLLI group hopes the Founders’ Day Lecture will become an annual event.

The Founders’ Day event honors the work of OLLI founders Charmaine Kissinger, Olive Padden, and the late Gussie Petron, three women who were bored and ready to make more of their retirement.  Their mantra of “curiosity never retires” and their thirst for knowledge and mental stimulation, led them to gather volunteers and OLLI was born in August 2007 with the first courses offered in April 2008.  The group has grown from a handful of people to more than 250 members

OLLI is a nonprofit, volunteer driven organization established to enrich the lives of mature adults living in York County by providing a variety of educational and social enrichment activities.  OLLI at Penn State York is one of more than 100 lifelong learning institutes across the nation that is supported by a grant from the Bernard Osher Foundation.   

The grant was made available locally though Penn State at University Park which also has an OLLI program.

A chance meeting of the trio, who called themselves a cog (Charmaine, Olive, Gussie) in the wheel of learning, at the Jacobus Library was the beginning of what would later become OLLI.  They began talking about what could be done to provide adult learners with educational opportunities and more.  The idea of offering courses of interest during the day for adult learners without the stress of tests, requirements, and official textbooks appealed to them.

The group met with then continuing education representatives at Penn State York, Bea Landis and Beth Gill-MacDonald, and things began to fall into place. York contacted the University and thanks to some quick hard work, in York was named one of the University’s OLLI sites.   Since that time through the hard work of volunteers, OLLI has developed committees, offers courses, has a website, and a newsletter. Penn State York’s OLLI group has a home in the Bradley Building at the campus which houses the Continuing Education Department.  

Stimulating courses are the primary focus of OLLI and recently the group has also added informal coffee klatches and trips to offer more opportunities for members to get together. OLLI courses are taught by volunteers who want to share their expertise and talents including retired Penn State faculty, hobbyists, artists, schoolteachers, and practicing professionals.  The six-week classes are offered during the day and are 90 minutes in length.  In addition to the six-week classes, there are also other courses which meet a time or two.

To cover costs, OLLI has a $50 yearly membership fee that covers two semesters and a $20 fee for each six-week course taken. Shorter courses are offered at a lower rate. Call 717- 771-4015 (or e-mail) to receive registration and activity information. Visit their website for more information.

Grammy award-winner Jonny Lang takes to the stage at the Pullo Family Performing Arts Center (The Pullo Center) at Penn State York on Friday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $52 and $39 and go on sale Friday, Feb. 10, at 10 a.m. Pullo Center members can order now. Penn State York students can purchase one ticket at the special price of $32 or $19. Tickets can be purchased at The Pullo Center Box Office, charge by phone at 717-505-8900, or at The Pullo Center website.

A professional musician since age 12, Lang rocketed from his hometown of Fargo, N.D., to international renown in his mid-teens. While kids his age were still playing high school gigs, he was touring with giants like the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith, trading licks with mentors like B. B. King and Buddy Guy, and being lauded by “U.S. News and World Report” for having “the voice of a grizzled blues veteran...and guitar skills to match.”

The Grammy-winning, former prodigy instrumentalist, who topped “Billboard” magazine’s new artist chart with his first album at age 15, stands now as a mature creative force, made more sensitive, yet also toughened by life’s adventures. He’s learned what it means to rise above hard times and to find meaning where chaos seemed to rule.

Lang’s new album, “Turn Around,” proves that unlike many one-time wonder kid performers, Lang has grown to exceed the expectations that heralded his ascendance. Produced by Ron Fair (Black Eyed Peas, Mary J. Blige, Counting Crows), energized through collaboration with songwriter/performers Drew Ramsey and Shannon Sanders, anchored and elevated by former Prince NPG rhythm dynamo Michael Bland, “Turn Around” is Lang’s fifth album – but it’s also the first of what will become his most moving and enduring works.