Lehigh Carbon Community College held its Commencement ceremonies on Wednesday, May 15, at the PPL Center in downtown Allentown. Commencement recognized the more than 900 students who have earned associate degrees, certificates or diplomas from December 2018, May 2019 and August 2019. LCCC president Dr. Ann D. Bieber presided over the ceremonies.
Chair of the LCCC Board of Trustees Matthew T. Korp offered the welcome. Veronica Rosenberger and James Dziedzic were selected as this year's student speakers. Rosenberger, Zionsville, graduated with an associate in arts degree in communication and will transfer to Kutztown University in the fall to pursue a bachelor's degree. Dziedzic, Allentown, graduated with an associate degree in criminal justice administration and certificate in corrections, and he plans to pursue a position in corrections administration.
The students of the year, selected annually by the LCCC Faculty Association, were announced during the ceremony. Mary Collier, of Bethlehem, graduated with an associate degree in business administration, and she plans to transfer to Bucknell University in the fall to study accounting. Matthew Eible, of Breinigsville, graduated with an associate degree in biology and will continue his studies at Moravian College.
Dr. Betsy Swope, associate professor of psychology, served as grand marshal, assisted by faculty members Edward S. Rabinowitz, Karen M. Clark, Anthony C. Fragassi, Anne E. Ryan, Joyce S. Thompson, Eric M. Werley and Bethany L. Zornek.
Class of 2019 graduate Courtney A. Arce, who received the associate in arts degree in general studies, sang the national anthem and the LCCC alma mater.
In addition, the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team members, Mindy N. Berky, of Topton, who graduated with a degree in early childhood education, and Kira N. Williams, of Jim Thorpe, who graduated with a degree in education, were recognized.
Dr. Thomas W. Meyer, vice president of academic services and student development, presented the candidates for graduation.
Graduates from Schuylkill County:
Andreas: Melissa Butrie, Spencer DePue, Allison Pedersen, Savannah Szabo
Auburn: William Dunleavy, Timothy Wood
Barnesville: Rebecca Herring, Carla Renfrow
Coaldale: Olivia Matula, Allison Rang, Amanda Smith, Austin Stuckley
Delano: Erin Carroll
Frackville: Amanda Hysock
Mahanoy City: Francis Wetzel
Mar Lin: Margaret Dallago
Mary D: Joshua Inama
Minersville: Deborah Diaz, Carla Kramer, Meghan Sep
New Ringgold: Alyzabyth Delong, Brittany Fryer, Jordan Georgis, Noah Georgis, Alissa Hollenbach, David Morgan, Emily Pratka, Jacob Snyder, Daniel Yates
Orwigsburg: Erin Hopstetter, Brianna Prince, Dakota Woodard
Port Carbon: Alisyn Janavage, Haley Ragazinsky, Tiffany Schoffner, Miranda Thomas
Pottsville: Lisa Bensinger, Giuseppe Conigliaro, Austin Gerber, Jordan Hedemann, Alyssa Heim, Nicole Klinger, Evelyn Kopinetz, Charlene Kuzmitsky, Cassidy Nush, Ashley Olson, Alessandra Pagnotta
Saint Clair: Amanda Brennan, David Warfel Jr.
Schuylkill Haven: Amber Carroll, Monica Fanelli, Caitlin Koch, Tiffany Meade, Jordan Sterner
Shenandoah: Jansell Nunez, Jonathan Reese
Tamaqua: Amanda Boyer, Emily Brinich, Chandler Davis, Alyssa DelBorrello, Ian Duffy-Guy, Heather Fenstermacher, Deanna Fortin, Ivan Gomez, Stephanie Heffelfinger, Ashlyn Herring, Kayla Holland, Rachel Krell, Jennifer Lareau, Ryan Murphy, Anthony Riboldi, Dorothy Riboldi, Connor Ruch Sr., Desteni Sell, Sean Snibbe, Dominique Totani, Kole Trubilla, Anna Whitbeck, Jessica Zapotocky, Candace Zimmerman
Andreas: Melissa Butrie, Spencer DePue, Allison Pedersen, Savannah Szabo
Auburn: William Dunleavy, Timothy Wood
Barnesville: Rebecca Herring, Carla Renfrow
Coaldale: Olivia Matula, Allison Rang, Amanda Smith, Austin Stuckley
Delano: Erin Carroll
Frackville: Amanda Hysock
Mahanoy City: Francis Wetzel
Mar Lin: Margaret Dallago
Mary D: Joshua Inama
Minersville: Deborah Diaz, Carla Kramer, Meghan Sep
New Ringgold: Alyzabyth Delong, Brittany Fryer, Jordan Georgis, Noah Georgis, Alissa Hollenbach, David Morgan, Emily Pratka, Jacob Snyder, Daniel Yates
Orwigsburg: Erin Hopstetter, Brianna Prince, Dakota Woodard
Port Carbon: Alisyn Janavage, Haley Ragazinsky, Tiffany Schoffner, Miranda Thomas
Pottsville: Lisa Bensinger, Giuseppe Conigliaro, Austin Gerber, Jordan Hedemann, Alyssa Heim, Nicole Klinger, Evelyn Kopinetz, Charlene Kuzmitsky, Cassidy Nush, Ashley Olson, Alessandra Pagnotta
Saint Clair: Amanda Brennan, David Warfel Jr.
Schuylkill Haven: Amber Carroll, Monica Fanelli, Caitlin Koch, Tiffany Meade, Jordan Sterner
Shenandoah: Jansell Nunez, Jonathan Reese
Tamaqua: Amanda Boyer, Emily Brinich, Chandler Davis, Alyssa DelBorrello, Ian Duffy-Guy, Heather Fenstermacher, Deanna Fortin, Ivan Gomez, Stephanie Heffelfinger, Ashlyn Herring, Kayla Holland, Rachel Krell, Jennifer Lareau, Ryan Murphy, Anthony Riboldi, Dorothy Riboldi, Connor Ruch Sr., Desteni Sell, Sean Snibbe, Dominique Totani, Kole Trubilla, Anna Whitbeck, Jessica Zapotocky, Candace Zimmerman
The following individuals received academic awards:
Student of the Year Award: Matthew Eible and Mary Margaret Collier
To the outstanding graduating student of the year. Selected by the Lehigh Carbon Community College Faculty Association.
Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award: Christopher Mumford
To the student graduating in accounting, who has demonstrated academic excellence.
Climax Goulder Bealine Award: Abigail L. Johnson
To the graduating student in the Business Management program with the highest grade point average.
Martin Byrer Mathematics Achievement Award: Christian Guzman
To a graduating student in an A.S. degree program, who has demonstrated excellence in the study of mathematics.
Professor William L.F. & Mrs. Mary Joan Schmehl Political Science Organization Alumni Award: Harry J. Beers
To the student who has demonstrated excellence in political science and/or history and who has contributed significantly to both the college and community. The award honors the lives of Lehigh Carbon Community College’s first faculty member, Professor William L.F. Schmehl, who was dedicated to the stated principles, and his wife, Mary Joan Schmehl.
Distinction in Psychology Award: Jordan N. Biery
Awarded annually to the student who has achieved academic excellence in psychology and has demonstrated a potential for significant contribution in research and/or practice.
Professor Elizabeth (Bette) Hummer Memorial Award: Yudith M. Rodriguez
To the graduating returning adult student who exemplifies the characteristics important in the social science field, including professionalism, compassion, leadership and academic excellence.
Philip Fahy Memorial Award: Mary T. Viola
To the Criminal Justice Administration student who has demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to service in the college and/or the community. This award is given in memory of Bethlehem police officer Philip Fahy who was killed in the line of duty. The award is sponsored by the Justice Society of Lehigh Carbon Community College.
Teacher Education Student Association Scholarship Award: Brittany L. Gangaway
To the graduating student who has shown outstanding leadership in the profession of teacher education.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Outstanding Student Award: Danielle R. Yerger
To the student who exemplifies the characteristics important in an Occupational Therapy Assistant including: professionalism, compassion, creativity, and excellence in fieldwork performance.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Association Award: Samantha L. Eppell
To a graduating Occupational Therapy Assistant student who has shown commitment, leadership and resourcefulness.
Occupational Therapy Assistant The Professional Development Award: Lourdes I. Vega
To a graduating Occupational Therapy Assistant student who has demonstrated a commitment to the profession of occupational therapy.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Scholarship Award: Brooke C. Derin, Katie A. Kuntz, Jessica M. Ripkey
To a graduating student who has achieved academic excellence and service in the OTA program.
Lehigh County Chapter of American Association of Medical Assistants Award: Debra L. DeLong
To the graduate, selected by his/her peers, as the student who best exemplifies the characteristics of the professional medical assistant.
Lehigh County Medical Society Award: Gabrielle Sheplock
To the Medical Assistant graduate who has achieved the highest cumulative grade point average
Lehigh County Medical Society Award: Dallas G. Ely
Associate Degree in Nursing, Faculty Recognition Award
To a student with a high grade point average who has contributed to the college and to the field of nursing and who has superior characteristics of competency and caring.
Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) – LCCC Chapter Service Award: Kali A. Heffner
To the graduating SNAP member who demonstrates commitment to the advancement of the nursing profession through active participation in the chapter as well as professional activities of SNAP.
Wayne E. Kirker Award: Mallory S. Marsilio-Schmoyer, Samantha K. Perry
To the student who has demonstrated excellence in academic studies, clinical performance and overall commitment to the profession of physical therapy.
Gilbert A. Scheetz Scholastic Achievement Award: Anika J. Curtis
To the Physical Therapist Assistant student with the highest achievement in professional studies and academic course work.
Clark E. “Willie” Hartman Award: Kenneth L. Zamarripa
To a student graduating in the sciences who has demonstrated academic excellence.
Distinction in Science Award: Jessica C. Mickno, Dane E. Santa
To a student graduating in the Sciences who has demonstrated leadership and excellence.
Jennifer L. Snyder Memorial Veterinary Technician Scholarship: Amanda Klegarth, Rose Lukoff, Melinda L. Peters, Brianna Ramthun
To students enrolled in the Veterinary Technician A.A.S. program, with special consideration given to students with a concentration in small animal medicine.
Wright Veterinary Medical Center Veterinary Technician Award: Dylan Jones, Julia I. Smith
To students of distinction graduating from the Veterinary Technician A.A.S. program.
Country Doctor Veterinary Hospital Award: Jennifer A. Davis
To a second year student enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Jennifer Smith Memorial Veterinary Technician Award: Kayla J. Merk
To a second year student enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Computer Science Faculty Recognition Award: Andrew B. Jones
To the student in an A.S. degree program who has demonstrated excellence in the study of computer science.
Joanne Gerken Graduation Speaker Awards: James J. Dziedzic, Veronica J. Rosenberger
To the students selected to present a congratulatory speech for graduates and guests at the annual commencement ceremony.
Commencement Soloist Award: Courtney A. Arce
To the graduating student(s) selected to perform the national anthem and LCCC alma mater at the annual commencement ceremony.
Student of the Year Award: Matthew Eible and Mary Margaret Collier
To the outstanding graduating student of the year. Selected by the Lehigh Carbon Community College Faculty Association.
Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Award: Christopher Mumford
To the student graduating in accounting, who has demonstrated academic excellence.
Climax Goulder Bealine Award: Abigail L. Johnson
To the graduating student in the Business Management program with the highest grade point average.
Martin Byrer Mathematics Achievement Award: Christian Guzman
To a graduating student in an A.S. degree program, who has demonstrated excellence in the study of mathematics.
Professor William L.F. & Mrs. Mary Joan Schmehl Political Science Organization Alumni Award: Harry J. Beers
To the student who has demonstrated excellence in political science and/or history and who has contributed significantly to both the college and community. The award honors the lives of Lehigh Carbon Community College’s first faculty member, Professor William L.F. Schmehl, who was dedicated to the stated principles, and his wife, Mary Joan Schmehl.
Distinction in Psychology Award: Jordan N. Biery
Awarded annually to the student who has achieved academic excellence in psychology and has demonstrated a potential for significant contribution in research and/or practice.
Professor Elizabeth (Bette) Hummer Memorial Award: Yudith M. Rodriguez
To the graduating returning adult student who exemplifies the characteristics important in the social science field, including professionalism, compassion, leadership and academic excellence.
Philip Fahy Memorial Award: Mary T. Viola
To the Criminal Justice Administration student who has demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to service in the college and/or the community. This award is given in memory of Bethlehem police officer Philip Fahy who was killed in the line of duty. The award is sponsored by the Justice Society of Lehigh Carbon Community College.
Teacher Education Student Association Scholarship Award: Brittany L. Gangaway
To the graduating student who has shown outstanding leadership in the profession of teacher education.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Outstanding Student Award: Danielle R. Yerger
To the student who exemplifies the characteristics important in an Occupational Therapy Assistant including: professionalism, compassion, creativity, and excellence in fieldwork performance.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Association Award: Samantha L. Eppell
To a graduating Occupational Therapy Assistant student who has shown commitment, leadership and resourcefulness.
Occupational Therapy Assistant The Professional Development Award: Lourdes I. Vega
To a graduating Occupational Therapy Assistant student who has demonstrated a commitment to the profession of occupational therapy.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Student Scholarship Award: Brooke C. Derin, Katie A. Kuntz, Jessica M. Ripkey
To a graduating student who has achieved academic excellence and service in the OTA program.
Lehigh County Chapter of American Association of Medical Assistants Award: Debra L. DeLong
To the graduate, selected by his/her peers, as the student who best exemplifies the characteristics of the professional medical assistant.
Lehigh County Medical Society Award: Gabrielle Sheplock
To the Medical Assistant graduate who has achieved the highest cumulative grade point average
Lehigh County Medical Society Award: Dallas G. Ely
Associate Degree in Nursing, Faculty Recognition Award
To a student with a high grade point average who has contributed to the college and to the field of nursing and who has superior characteristics of competency and caring.
Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) – LCCC Chapter Service Award: Kali A. Heffner
To the graduating SNAP member who demonstrates commitment to the advancement of the nursing profession through active participation in the chapter as well as professional activities of SNAP.
Wayne E. Kirker Award: Mallory S. Marsilio-Schmoyer, Samantha K. Perry
To the student who has demonstrated excellence in academic studies, clinical performance and overall commitment to the profession of physical therapy.
Gilbert A. Scheetz Scholastic Achievement Award: Anika J. Curtis
To the Physical Therapist Assistant student with the highest achievement in professional studies and academic course work.
Clark E. “Willie” Hartman Award: Kenneth L. Zamarripa
To a student graduating in the sciences who has demonstrated academic excellence.
Distinction in Science Award: Jessica C. Mickno, Dane E. Santa
To a student graduating in the Sciences who has demonstrated leadership and excellence.
Jennifer L. Snyder Memorial Veterinary Technician Scholarship: Amanda Klegarth, Rose Lukoff, Melinda L. Peters, Brianna Ramthun
To students enrolled in the Veterinary Technician A.A.S. program, with special consideration given to students with a concentration in small animal medicine.
Wright Veterinary Medical Center Veterinary Technician Award: Dylan Jones, Julia I. Smith
To students of distinction graduating from the Veterinary Technician A.A.S. program.
Country Doctor Veterinary Hospital Award: Jennifer A. Davis
To a second year student enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Jennifer Smith Memorial Veterinary Technician Award: Kayla J. Merk
To a second year student enrolled in the Veterinary Technician program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Computer Science Faculty Recognition Award: Andrew B. Jones
To the student in an A.S. degree program who has demonstrated excellence in the study of computer science.
Joanne Gerken Graduation Speaker Awards: James J. Dziedzic, Veronica J. Rosenberger
To the students selected to present a congratulatory speech for graduates and guests at the annual commencement ceremony.
Commencement Soloist Award: Courtney A. Arce
To the graduating student(s) selected to perform the national anthem and LCCC alma mater at the annual commencement ceremony.
-------------------------------
This story is brought to you by
CACL Federal Credit Union
