ESU conferred 1,086 degrees

EAST STROUDSBURG, PA — A total of 1,086 students received degrees from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania during three commencement exercises on May 9 and May 10.

Local residents graduating were:

Saraswati Acosta of Bushkill, PA earned a M.Ed. in Special Education

Joshua Baboolal of Bushkill, PA earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice

Tyler Baldauff of Covington Twp, PA earned a B.S. in Computer Security

Nina Buschi of Bushkill, PA earned a B.S. in Special Education

Elyssa Camacho of Milford, PA earned a B.S. in Special and Early Child Education

Eric Caputi of Bushkill, PA earned a B.S. in Public Health

Kyle Cave of Bushkill, PA earned a B.A. in Political Science

Corissa Cohen of Hawley, PA earned a M.Ed. in Elementary Education

Alexis Decker of Milford, PA earned a M.Ed. in Professional & Secondary Education

Andrew Delia of Bushkill, PA earned a B.S. in Digital Media Technologies

Jordyn Driesse of Milford, PA earned a B.S. in Exercise Science

James Dzichko of Matamoras, PA earned a B.S. in English

Brandan Eppler of Dingmans Ferry, PA earned a B.S. in Chemistry

Brian Finnerty of Bushkill, PA earned a M.S. in Exercise Science

Bryan Foster of Dingmans Ferry, PA earned a B.S. in Special and Early Child Education

Faith Fox of Milford, PA earned a B.A. in Theatre

Stephanie-Jane Frable of Hawley, PA earned a B.S. in Social Work

Kimberly Gildea of Hawley, PA earned a B.S. in Marine Science

Maksymilian Henzel-Kedzior of Shohola, PA earned a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies

Kaitlyn Hernandez of Milford, PA earned a B.S. in Physical Education Teacher Education

Joclyn Irons of Dingmans Ferry, PA earned a B.S. in Special and Early Childhood Education

Brian Kaelin of Greentown, PA earned a B.S. in Digital Media Technologies

Hector Larios of Milford, PA earned a M.Ed. in Special Education

Victoria Lechowicz of Bushkill, PA earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice

Danine Lediard of Dingmans Ferry, PA earned a B.S. in Social Work

Natalie Loeffler of Milford, PA earned a M.Ed. in Reading

Preston Machado of Milford, PA earned a B.S. in Business Management

Aiden Maldacker of Lakeville, PA earned a B.S. in Physical Education Teacher Education

Anthony Margarum of Shohola, PA earned a B.S. in Physical Education Teacher Education

Aaron Margotta of Waymart, PA earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice

Amaya Matthew of Bushkill, PA earned a B.S. in Public Health

Katie Mauro of Milford, PA earned a M.Ed. in Elementary Education

Kathleen Nistad-Schwarz of Milford, PA earned a M.Ed. in Special Education

Aiden Oliver of Milford, PA earned a B.S. in Marketing

Jenna Peters of Milford, PA earned a M.Ed. in Professional & Secondary Education

Mark Piotrowski of Milford, PA earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies

Bryan Pol of Dingmans Ferry, PA earned a M.Ed. in Professional & Secondary Education

Erin Powrie of Glen Spey, NY earned a B.S. in Athletic Training

Harold Quadrino of Dingmans Ferry, PA earned a B.S. in Biology

Kevin Quinn of Milford, PA earned a M.Ed. in Professional & Secondary Education

Elinamarie Ramella of Milford, PA earned a M.Ed. in Reading

Abigail Rustic of Monticello, NY earned a M.S. in Athletic Training

Jason Salerno of Bushkill, PA earned a B.A. in Philosophy

Emma Schotsch of Milford, PA earned a B.S. in Early Child Education (PreK-4)

Joseph Seeley of Waymart, PA earned a B.S. in Computer Science

Kimberly Skorski of Shohola, PA earned a M.Ed. in Reading

Jessica Staeckeler of Dingmans Ferry, PA earned a B.S. in Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management

Andrew Stine of Milford, PA earned a B.A. in Economics

Emily Torres of Bushkill, PA earned a B.S. in Biology

Braylee Walters of Newfoundland, PA earned a M.S. in Athletic Training

Ryan Worden of Matamoras, PA earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice

Nash Yankalunas of Milford, PA earned a B.A. in Economics

Local students earn degrees at Susquehanna University 

 SELINSGROVE, PA — Susquehanna University announced its graduates from the Class of 2025. The following students earned degrees. 

Honesdale, PA

Kennedy Landers graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in public policy.

Lakeville, PA

Lily Gordon graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in studio art.

Shohola, PA

Amy Carpenter graduated with a Bachelor of Science in earth & environmental science.

Youngsville, NY

Emily Bair graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences.

Susquehanna University is renowned as one of the finest U.S. national liberal arts colleges. Susquehanna inspires and challenges 2,200 enterprising, bright-minded students studying the arts, business, humanities and sciences. Our students seize opportunities through exceptional worldwide internships, expert-guided research and an acclaimed study-abroad program, leading to a transformative education that empowers each graduate to realize their unique potential and lead a successful and meaningful life.

 Local residents among University of Scranton undergraduate Class of 2025

SCRANTON, PA — Local residents were among the more than 725 graduates who took part in the University of Scranton's undergraduate commencement ceremony held May 18 at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township. Bachelor's and associate degrees were conferred to students who had completed their academic degree requirements in August and December of 2024, as well as January and May of 2025.

In addition to covering the Northeast United States, this year's graduating class included members from Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky and Texas. The graduates collectively spanned 17 states, as well as China, Ireland and Vietnam. The most common major among the graduates was nursing, followed by kinesiology, biology, occupational therapy, finance and accounting. In total, the graduates covered 59 distinct majors.

Nicole Young '00, H'20, a 16-time Emmy Award-winning senior producer for "60 Minutes," served as the principal speaker. In her address, Young spoke about the importance of showing up and being willing to take the next step in life.

"I've shown up to stories that broke my heart and interviews where everything went wrong," Young said. "I've been in rooms where I was the only woman, the only person of color, the youngest voice, the last one invited; sometimes all of the above. And I showed up. That is the job; not just in journalism but in life."

Honorary degrees were presented to Scranton graduates Jacquelyn Dionne '89 and Monsignor Joseph G. Quinn, J.D., J.C.L., '72.

Dionne, a Scranton native who previously worked as an intensive care nurse, is the health and wellness coordinator of Brookdale Senior Living in Wilton, Connecticut. She serves on the university's Board of Trustees and has led and supported numerous significant campaigns to benefit the university, including co-chairing with her husband, John Dionne '86, H'10, the largest capital campaign in University history.

Msgr. Quinn graduated from Scranton with an accounting degree. Rev. Quinn's pastoral career includes 16 years as rector of rector of St. Peter's Cathedral, the mother church of the Scranton diocese. Rev. Quinn, who recently retired from his role as senior priest of Our Lady of the Snows Parish, Clarks Summit, and St. Gregory Parish, Clarks Green, was a member of the University's Board of Trustees for 15 years.

Sofia Termini '25, a nursing major from Northport, NY, spoke on behalf of the Class of 2025.

"In my time at bedside, I've cared for people from every walk of life: the young and the old, the hopeful and the hurting and many in the final stretch of their journey," Termini said. "Whenever I could, I took the time to sit with them, talk to them and help ease their minds, even briefly, from the pain they're enduring. During these moments, something became strikingly clear: the dying rarely speak of social standing, awards or dream cars.

"In the end, love is what remains. Not things. Not titles. Just love. My fellow graduates, fall in love, with people, with your work, with life itself and above all, stay in love."

Rev. Joseph Marina, S.J., president of the University of Scranton, addressed the graduates at the ceremony. 

Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., H'14, Bishop of Scranton, provided the invocation. Cara Galli '25, a double major in early and primary teacher education and philosophy from Carmel, NY, delivered the Benediction. Christopher J. Neumann, Esq. '87, president of the university's Alumni Society, also spoke at the ceremony, as did Tracy Stewart, Ph.D., interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

Graduates are:

Tyler J. Cameron of Lackawaxen, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology

John M. Christiansen of Honesdale, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education - citizenship and history and history

Janice M. Healey of Dingmans Ferry, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology

Gavin A. Kopesky of Honesdale, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology

Emily E. Langan of Greentown, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience

Frank Magistro of Hawley, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in cybercrime and homeland security

Nathan Pfund of Honesdale, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in information technology

Elizabeth R. Schieber of Jefferson Township, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science, public policy and service and criminal justice

Emily E. Crawn of Covington Township, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology

Robert M. Kretschmer of Honesdale, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology and theology and religious studies

Eric S. Lukan of Honesdale, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology

Robyn Toryak of Greentown, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in counseling and human services

Erin H. Hartey of Milford, PA earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in nursing

Mary Harmuth of Lake Ariel, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing

Paul M. Meagher of Honesdale, PA earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting

The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Local residents among University of Scranton Graduate Class of 2025

SCRANTON, PA — Local residents were among the more than 550 graduates who were awarded master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Scranton's graduate commencement ceremony held May 18 at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre Township. Graduates received master's degrees in numerous disciplines, as well as doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in accounting, doctor of physical therapy degrees and doctor of nursing practice degrees. Graduates must have completed their academic requirements in August and December of 2024 or January and May of 2025.

Graduates hailed from 34 states, including the Northeast United States and Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas, among others. International graduates spanned Ghana, India, Pakistan, Taiwan, Uganda and the Cayman Islands.

Andrea Alexandra Navarro Montoya, of Albrightsville, who earned a Master of Business Administration degree in accounting, addressed the crowd on behalf of the Class of 2025. Navarro Montoya spoke about leaving Peru seven years ago in hopes of finding and building a better future.

"At the beginning of my time here, there were moments when I questioned if I belonged—if I truly 'fit in,'" Navarro Montoya said. "But that changed when I met some amazing people who I now proudly call my best friends, incredible professors who became mentors and staff who became like family.

"Scranton has been more than just a university - it has been a home, a place where I have grown, learned and found a community that has supported me every step of the way."

An archived recording of the ceremony is available online.

Graduates are:

Dominic Sabi of Honesdale, PA earned a Master of Health Administration degree in health administration

Luke J. Durdach of Lake Ariel, PA earned a Master of Accountancy degree in accountancy

James J. Mayeski of Jefferson Township, PA earned a Master of Business Administration degree in operations management

Vanessa S. Moylan of Jefferson Township, PA earned a Master of Business Administration degree in marketing and healthcare management

William E. Poore of Milford, PA earned a Master of Business Administration degree in general business administration

Wilkes University students awarded degrees

WILKES-BARRE, PA — Wilkes University awarded more than 700 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees at its 78th spring commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17. The ceremony for graduate students receiving doctoral and master's degrees was held at 10 a.m., while the ceremony for undergraduates receiving bachelor's degrees was held at 3 p.m. Both ceremonies were held in the McHale Athletic Center in the Simms Center on Main, 169 South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

The degrees conferred include approximately 279 bachelor's, 341 master's and 86 doctoral degrees.

David Hicks, director of the Maslow Family Graduate Program in Creative Writing, delivered the commencement address at the morning ceremony.

Hicks is a first-generation college student and son of an immigrant parent. He earned his bachelor's degree from Nazareth College of Rochester and his doctorate in American Literature from New York University.

Nancy Dee Georgetson of Sayre, Pennsylvania, provided greetings as a member of the class of 2025 during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Georgetson earned a doctor of nursing practice degree.

Eddie Day Pashinski '67 delivered the commencement address for the afternoon ceremony and was awarded an honorary degree.

Pashinski serves as Pennsylvania State Representative and focuses on issues regarding quality education, affordable health care and commonsense tax reform. He is the majority chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and a board member of the Pennsylvania Health Information Exchange.

For 38 years, Pashinski taught music in the Greater Nanticoke Area School district. He continues to entertain local audiences as a musician. Pashinski graduated from Wilkes University with a bachelor's degree in music education and has a master's equivalency.

Jackson Shafer of Milford, PA received an MBA in Business Administration

Jessica Van Orden of Milford, PA received an MA in Creative Writing

Jason Macey of Beach Lake, PA received an MA in Creative Writing

Suzanne Malone of Matamoras, PA received an MSED in Education

Peter Kelly of Beach Lake, PA received an MSED in Education

Jessica Swenson of Lords Valley, PA received an MSED in Education

Jared Hayden of Lake Ariel, PA received an MSED in Education

Melissa Van Orden of Dingmans Ferry, PA received an MAT with an initial certification in English/Language Arts

Sherman Bronson of Honesdale, PA received an EDD in K-12 School Leadership

Morgan Steiner of Lackawaxen, PA received a BA in Political Science, a BA in International Relations and a BA in History

Victoria Hoffmann of Milford, PA graduates from Emerson College

BOSTON, MA — Emerson College awarded approximately 1,000 undergraduate degrees to the Class of 2025 during its 145th Commencement at Agganis Arena in Boston, MA on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Victoria Hoffmann of Milford, PA received a BS in Journalism.

Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress and Performing Arts alum Jennifer Coolidge gave the commencement address. Both Coolidge and the college's retiring vice president of government affairs and community relations, Margaret Ings, received honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees.

"Emerson has ignited these seemingly unattainable possibilities for you that now can be your reality," said Coolidge. "It is your ability to convince yourself you really can make it, because you have to be your own champion."

Emerson College is uniquely dedicated to the arts and communication, educating and inspiring storytellers and artists to impact and advance creative industries and media throughout the world. Distinguished faculty spearhead a dynamic curriculum, and guide several thousand undergraduate students and more than 400 graduate students to exhibit an unyielding spirit of creativity, professionalism, and critical thought, to transform lives, and make a profound impact on our community and beyond.

Local resident graduates from Dickinson College

CARLISLE, PA — Dickinson College has announced the following students graduated during the Commencement ceremony held on May 18. 

Dickinson is a nationally recognized institution chartered in 1783 in Carlisle, Pa. With an enrollment of 2,100 students, Dickinson emphasizes small classes with extensive opportunities for research, fieldwork and internships in each of our 46 majors. Our distinctive educational approach translates into a competitive edge, leading graduates into a job or graduate school within one year. Dickinson has one of the top off-campus study programs in the nation and was one of the first colleges in the country to achieve carbon neutrality. www.dickinson.edu

 Dingmans Ferry, PA

Ava Lucille Nienstadt, daughter of Glen Nienstadt and Susan Bannon of Dingmans Ferry, Pa., BA, art & art history, magna cum laude, dean's list, Delaware Valley High School

Local student completes degree at Wichita State University

 WICHITA, KS — More than 1,950 students completed a total of 2,122 degrees and certificates at Wichita State University in spring 2025. 

 Wichita State University is Kansas' only urban public research university, enrolling more than 23,000 students between its main campus and WSU Tech, including students from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Wichita State and WSU Tech are recognized for being student centered and innovation driven.

 Located in the largest city in the state with one of the highest concentrations in the United States of jobs involving science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wichita State University provides uniquely distinctive and innovative pathways of applied learning, applied research and career opportunities for all of our students.

 The Innovation Campus, which is a physical extension of the Wichita State University main campus, is one of the nation's largest and fastest-growing research/innovation parks, encompassing over 120 acres and is home to a number of global companies and organizations.

  Fallsburg, NY

Robert R Noller, Bachelor of General Studies, General Studies History