Scranton Confers a Record Number Degrees at Two Ceremonies

May 28, 2011
The University of Scranton conferred 700 master’s degrees and 46 doctoral degrees at its 2011 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on campus on Saturday, May 28.
The University of Scranton conferred 700 master’s degrees and 46 doctoral degrees at its 2011 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on campus on Saturday, May 28.

The University of Scranton will confer more than 1,700 degrees at two commencement ceremonies Memorial Day weekend representing the largest graduating class in the 123-year history of the Jesuit university.

On Saturday, May 28, The University of Scranton conferred 46 doctoral degrees in physical therapy and 700 master’s degrees, both of which are records for the University, at its post-baccalaureate commencement ceremony in the Byron Recreation Complex on campus.

“Your going forth from The University of Scranton today is a summation of sorts, a beginning,” said Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president of The University of Scranton, in his address to the graduates. “The effect lies ahead, budding toward radiance. The gospel of light is handed on to you. You’re being ignited for the world’s well-being and the greater glory of God is Scranton’s highest hope.”

Scranton’s graduate degree recipients represent 38 states including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Virginia. Master’s degree programs with the most graduates include curriculum and instruction, educational administration, occupational therapy and MBA.

Also at the ceremony, graduate students were honored for outstanding academic achievement in their academic area. Outstanding Academic Awards were presented to  Shrouq Al-Maghlouth, Scranton, English as a second language; Melissa Bache, Ottsville, early childhood education; Robert Brant, Glen Mills, operations management; Kelly Capece, Hanover Township, family nurse practitioner; Carl Cervi, Scranton, secondary education; Tiffany DeJesus, Perth Amboy, N.J., occupational therapy; Donato DeVito Jr., Apopka, Fla., general business; Dominica Felici-Skal, Susquehanna, educational administration; Susan Gilroy-King, Ashley, history; Matthew Hajduk, South Abington Twp., finance; Lindsey Hayde, Plymouth Meeting, nurse anesthesia; Keith Hoffman, Yonkers, N.Y., health administration; Nancy Kleine, Homer, Alaska, educational administration; Mary Kovaleski, Jermyn, adult health nursing; Jason Loeffelholz, Dubuque, Iowa, educational administration; William Lucker, Jr., Braselton, Ga., health care management; Amanda Marcy, Kingsley, accounting; Julie McGuane, Richmond, Texas, curriculum and instruction; Kathryn McKendry, Dunmore, rehabilitation counseling; Megan Moran, Nesquehoning, school counseling; Geoffrey Musti, Scranton, physical therapy; John O’Bell, West Pittston, community counseling; Mary Papi, Moosic, human resource administration; Mary Putman, Wilton, Conn., theology; David Redding, Exton, software engineering; Dania Rudolph, Denver, Colo., marketing; Laura Schmidt, Upper Saddle River, N.J., reading education; Michael Spironello, Allentown, special education; Suzanne Teschke, Harmony, enterprise resource planning; Amber Urban, Eynon, management information systems; Tammy Waiters, Scranton, elementary education; Brenda Washeleski Gocek, Peckville, biochemistry; Dana Williams, Hughesville, curriculum and instruction; and Carleigh Zielinski, Fishers, Ind., curriculum and instruction.

             The degrees were conferred by Father Pilarz to candidates presented by W. Jeffrey Welsh, Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate and Continuing Education.

            The list of graduates and program of speakers can be seen here.

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