Academic Awards

Morgan Steiner

During her time at Wilkes, Morgan held several key leadership positions, including Orientation Coordinator, where she led a team of over 40 students in planning and executing New Student Orientation for more than 600 incoming students and their families. As a Resident Assistant and e-Mentor, Morgan fostered a safe and engaged living-learning community for over 50 students while supporting first-year and transfer students academically and socially. Morgan's extracurricular involvement reflects a deep commitment to community and global issues. As President of the Gender & Sexuality Alliance, she organized educational and awareness events surrounding LGBTQ+ issues on campus. She also served as Treasurer and founding member of the UNICEF Club, planning fundraisers and awareness campaigns to support children's rights worldwide. Additionally, Morgan was appointed a Presidential Student Leader, where she supported university-wide events, fundraising initiatives, and community service projects. In the Honors Program Student Committee, she held the position of Director of Marketing, helping increase engagement through digital platforms and event promotion. Morgan also served as an intern at Action Together in Wilkes-Barre, PA (2024 - present), where she conducted policy and legislative research, supported event planning, and managed administrative operations. Morgan has also presented original research at several national and international conferences. Highlights include:

• An Analysis of Malaysian LGBTQ+ Legal Rights at the Mid-Atlantic LGBTQ+ Conference (2023), a critical examination of evolving legal frameworks in Malaysia.
• Gender Equity Through Employment & Education at the Women & Gender Studies Conference (2022), focusing on international equity standards. A cross-cultural proposal for the Malaysian-American Research Initiative (MARI) at University College Sedaya International (UCSI) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (2023).
• A training session titled Student Perspectives & Benefits delivered to faculty and staff at Dr. BMN College in Mumbai, India (2024), as part of an international mentoring collaboration.
• Linking Progress to Policy. Does Development Influence the Adoption of Sustainable Energy Policies, presented at the Pennsylvania Political Science Association Annual meeting, April 11, 2025, in Harrisburg, PA.

Following graduation, Morgan plans to pursue graduate studies in international development. She has been accepted into the Master of International Development program at IE University in Madrid, Spain. She aims to continue her work in community engagement with a long-term goal of influencing public policy for equity and human rights.

Abigail Chalawich

Abigail (Abby) Chalawich is a double major in Psychology and Neuroscience with a minor in Spanish from Plymouth, PA. She is a member of the Wilkes University Honors Program and has a 3.97/4.0 overall GPA. For her capstone research, Abby worked closely with Dr. Jessica Anderson on project examining whether adolescent Tylenol exposure in rats impacts anxiety and impulsivity once the rats reach adulthood. Her research found that Tylenol may impact hyperactivity among Female Rats in particular. She has been involved in the Wilkes University Psychology and Neuroscience Clubs and served as secretary of the Spanish Club for three years. She also completed an internship as a Neurofeedback Technician at the Wilkes NeuroTraining and Research Center, where she worked one-on-one with clients to help improve focus and manage anxiety. Abby is a member of Psi Chi (The International Honor Society in Psychology), and the National Society of Leadership and Success, and is a recipient of the Harvey and Mildred Johnson Scholarship. Following graduation, Abby plans to continue working in the neurofeedback field.

Rayna B. Johnston

Rayna Johnston is double major in Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Chemistry originally from North East, MD. She earned a cumulative 3.99/4.0 GPA. Rayna has performed many roles during her time at Wilkes University. She served as an intern at the Wilkes NeuroTraining & Research Center and as a research assistant in Dr. Micayla Lacey's Social Neuroscience lab where she focused on conducting electroencephalogram (EEG) research to better understand human emotion and motivations. Rayna served as a tutor for Psychology, Neuroscience, and Chemistry classes. She was a recipient of the Harvey and Mildred Johnson Scholarship and Wilkes Trustee Scholarships, and has been on the Dean's List every semester while at Wilkes. Rayna is a member of Psi Chi (The International Honor Society in Psychology), TriBeta (The National Biological Honor Society), is recognized as a Lenfest Scholar, and holds the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. Rayna recently completed her senior capstone research project titled Tylenol Exposure During Adolescence in Rats Affects Anxiety and Impulsivity in Adulthood under the supervision of Dr. Jessica Anderson. Rayna plans to pursue graduate studies in neuroscience after graduation.

Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts is a Criminology and Sociology double major with minors in Legal Studies and Women and Gender Studies. She completed her senior capstone project on the intergenerational transmission of delinquency, specifically researching the effects of having a previously or currently incarcerated parent on one's criminality. She presented research on victimization and voting behaviors with Dr. Andy Wilczak in August 2024 at the Society for the Study of Social Problems conference. She is conducting research with him again currently on social media's effect on the lifeworld, which will be presented at the same conference in Chicago this August. Over her time at Wilkes, Emily has maintained Dean's List every semester and was inducted to the Alpha Kappa Delta honor society. She has been an RA, President of the Criminology/Sociology Club, and a member on the Student Assessment Advisory Board for the last three years, and an E-Mentor and a peer tutor for numerous classes. After she graduates, she plans on attending law school.

Lindsey Kausmeyer

Throughout her four years at Wilkes, Lindsey has spent a year of that time creating a research paper about Education's Effect on Feminist Attitudes for her senior capstone, and has since been invited to present this paper at the Society for the Study of Social Problems conference in August, 2025. Lindsey has also presented a research paper she wrote on the Medicalization of Menopause at the Wilkes and Kings Women and Gender Studies conference. She has been inducted into the International Sociology Honor Society as of April, 2024 and has been a student on the Dean's List frequently throughout her college career. Lindsey has also been chosen as the senior recipient of the Dr. Jaroslav G. Moravec Memorial Scholarship, which is given to a sociology senior genuinely interested in sociology and intends to pursue graduate studies in that major. Throughout her junior and senior year, she has been selected as the Vice President for the It's On Us Wilkes Chapter, which works to spread awareness about and prevent sexual assault on college campuses. Following her graduation from Wilkes University, she plans on taking a gap year and working for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in their Human Resources Management Trainee Program before attending graduate school.

Isaias Torres

Isaias was born in Brooklyn, NY but spent six years in Mexico before moving back to the US in Wilkes-Barre. Isaias was a member of Tri-Beta, the Biological Honor Society and the Pre-Professional Health Society. Isaias was a regular volunteer at Geisinger Medical Hospital and for a number of outreach programs at Wilkes. Two summers ago, Isaias participated in the Summer Medical Education Program at Rutgers University. Isaias' capstone research was titled: "The buzz on weight loss; Exploring Manuka NZ propolis as nature's remedy". This was a culmination of research conducted over three years with Dr. Gutierrez. In addition to the Outstanding Research Student, Isaisas was also awarded the Grace C. Kimball Scholarship and the Judith H. and Leslie P. Weiner, MD '57 Scholarship. Isaias plans to apply for medical programs.

Jacob O'Boyle

Jacob O'Boyle is a second generation Wilkes student majoring in biology, though he also curates an English minor. He has worked in the lab of Dr. Jeff Stratford for nearly three years, including two field seasons, studying the ecological impacts of fire, environmental succession, and herbivore population densities, sometimes in combination with each other, presenting on such topics at two previous conferences. He has previously received other departmental awards, such as the Grace C. Kimball and Muriel S. Follmer Scholarships, as well as being inducted into the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honors Society and the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honors Society. In addition to academic pursuits, he has been president of the Wilkes University Conservation and Ecology Club for three years and currently works as the Copy and Layout Editor for the Manuscript literary magazine. He is looking to pursue further education at Keystone College in the form of an MS in wildlife biology, after which he hopes to work with the Pennsylvania Game Commission as a forester.

Bhavika Dawar

Bhavika (Nikki) Dawar is graduating with a degree in Biology and a Minor in chemistry from Wilkes University. Nikki has actively engaged in both campus life and research throughout her undergraduate career. She was selected for two consecutive summers to participate in the highly competitive Center of Excellence Summer Research Program at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. There she investigated methadone's efficacy as a pain management tool and conducted a comprehensive analysis usage of medical marijuana in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Most recently, during her clinical semester at Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, she completed research on the access to breast cancer care in rural regions. At Wilkes, Nikki is a Bonner Leader and member of the Honors and Scholars Program. She was honored as a Presidential Student Leader. She was key in reinstating the Pre-Professional Health Society after COVID and served as its President during her sophomore and junior years. In addition to her leadership roles, she balanced academics with athletics, playing on the Wilkes Women's Golf Team for three years. She was also recognized by her peers and crowned as part of Wilkes' Homecoming Royalty. Her academic excellence and dedication to service were recognized when she received the Student of the Year Award for her Bonner work at Volunteers in Medicine, where she contributed over 300 hours toward improving access to dental health education for underserved children. Following graduation, Nikki will attend the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine where she intends to follow her academic pursuits in becoming a physician.

Megan Elizabeth Novak

Megan Elizabeth Novak is receiving the award for the Outstanding Graduate in Environmental Science. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, Earth concentration with a Minor in Sustainability Management with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Megan was a member of the University's Honors Program. She served as an Honors Peer Mentor for the past three years, where she guided incoming students with the transition to college life. Megan also served as a Resident Assistant for first-year Honors students in Waller Hall this past academic year. Megan was a member of the Air and Waste Management Association (AWMA) student chapter since her freshmen year at Wilkes, and took on the role of club president during her junior year, organizing events and fundraising efforts, and building an educational space for fellow students interested in environmental issues. Megan served as a peer tutor in several foundational courses including General Chemistry, Introductory Physics, Introductory Geology, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for the last three years. Megan displayed several qualities of an effective peer tutor - she is knowledgeable, supportive, and is a keen and patient listener, all of which makes her responsive and highly supportive of fellow students. Outside the classroom, Megan gained practical experience in the field of Environmental Science through a competitive internship with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Air Quality Division in the summer of 2024. She contributed to vital projects including transitioning physical documents to an online database, assisting with compliance outreach inspections at auto body shops, supporting Air Quality inspectors during facility inspections, and participating in the setup of a regional air monitoring system. Megan completed her capstone Senior Research project with fellow student Angelica Delgado Rodriguez under my direction in the Biology and Earth Systems Sciences department. The research project included geochemical analysis of sediment cores collected from Nuangola Lake in northeast Pennsylvania. As part of the project, she completed field work on the lake to collect sediment samples, and extensive laboratory analysis that including preparing sediment samples for Carbon and Nitrogen stable isotope analysis. Results from the project provide critical insights into past changes in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem productivity driven by millennial to century scale changes in climate over the last 19,200 years. Recently, Megan presented the research results in poster form at the Geological Society of America Northeast Section Meeting in Erie, Pennsylvania in March of 2025. Upon graduation, Megan intends to pursue a career focused on Environmental Regulation and oversight with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Mollie M. Corbett

Mollie Corbett is a chemistry major whose research focused on the modification of silk fibroin and chitosan through plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, under the guidance of Dr. Blechle. Her capstone project explored the mechanisms behind these modifications using optical emission spectroscopy. Mollie presented her work at the 69th and 70th International Symposia of the American Vacuum Society, earning Platinum and Gold Awards, respectively. She also shared her findings at the American Chemical Society's Spring 2025 meeting. In addition to her research at Wilkes, Mollie completed an NSF-REU at James Madison University, where she worked with Dr. Ashleigh Baber. This experience contributed to her second authorship on a Surface Science publication titled Ethanol Dehydrogenation and Autocatalytic Dehydration on Oxidized Cu(111). Beyond her academic work, Mollie was an active member of the Wilkes University Women's Golf team, the Honors Program, and the Chemistry Club. She served as the Chemistry Club President in 2024 and as Vice President of Professional Development from 2022 to 2023. Mollie also worked as a teaching assistant for the general and organic chemistry laboratories and as a tour guide in the Admissions Office. Mollie plans to pursue a PhD in Chemistry at Tufts University starting in the fall of 2025. Citation: Joseph C. Loiselet, Mollie M. Corbett, James T. Whitted, Erin D. Schell, Ashleigh E. Baber, Ethanol dehydrogenation and autocatalytic dehydration on oxidized Cu(111), Surface Science, Volume 755, 2025, 122699. ISSN 0039-6028 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susc.2025.122699.

Mollie M. Corbett

Mollie Corbett is a chemistry major whose research focused on the modification of silk fibroin and chitosan through plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, under the guidance of Dr. Blechle. Her capstone project explored the mechanisms behind these modifications using optical emission spectroscopy. Mollie presented her work at the 69th and 70th International Symposia of the American Vacuum Society, earning Platinum and Gold Awards, respectively. She also shared her findings at the American Chemical Society's Spring 2025 meeting. In addition to her research at Wilkes, Mollie completed an NSF-REU at James Madison University, where she worked with Dr. Ashleigh Baber. This experience contributed to her second authorship on a Surface Science publication titled Ethanol Dehydrogenation and Autocatalytic Dehydration on Oxidized Cu(111).Beyond her academic work, Mollie was an active member of the Wilkes University Women's Golf team, the Honors Program, and the Chemistry Club. She served as the Chemistry Club President in 2024 and as Vice President of Professional Development from 2022 to 2023. Mollie also worked as a teaching assistant for the general and organic chemistry laboratories and as a tour guide in the Admissions Office. Mollie plans to pursue a PhD in Chemistry at Tufts University starting in the fall of 2025. Citation: Joseph C. Loiselet, Mollie M. Corbett, James T. Whitted, Erin D. Schell, Ashleigh E. Baber, Ethanol dehydrogenation and autocatalytic dehydration on oxidized Cu(111), Surface Science, Volume 755, 2025, 122699. ISSN 0039-6028 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susc.2025.122699.

Samantha Andes

Samantha Andes is a major in biochemistry. Her research work in the department includes work with Dr. Rossiter on the organic synthesis and photochemistry. Her capstone project involved understanding the photochemistry of 2-pyridones with para-substituted benzenes in order to explore methodology that allows for synthesizing complex drug scaffolds in fewer steps. Samantha was also very active outside the classroom. She was an officer in the ACS chemistry club, tutored organic chemistry, and was a teaching assistant for the biochemistry lab. Outside of school, she trains and teaches Jiu-Jitsu in her free time. She participated in a NSF-Research Experience for Undergraduates program working for Dr. Agnes Thorarinsdottir at the University of Rochester for ten weeks at during the summer of 2024. Work she performed was published in the peer-reviewed journal ACS Electrochemistry in a manuscript entitled Effect of Coordination Environment and Electronic Coupling on Redox Entropy in a Family of Dinuclear Complexes in February of this year. Sam plans to attend the University of Delaware in the fall to pursue a PhD in chemistry. Citation: Daniela Carmona-Pérez, Meiqin Gao, Samantha Andes, William W. Brennessel, and Agnes E. Thorarinsdottir, Effect of Coordination Environment and Electronic Coupling on Redox Entropy in a Family of Dinuclear Complexes ACS Electrochemistry Article ASAP DOI: 10.1021/acselectrochem.4c00186

Samantha Andes

Samantha Andes is a major in biochemistry. Her research work in the department includes work with Dr. Rossiter on the organic synthesis and photochemistry. Her capstone project involved understanding the photochemistry of 2-pyridones with para-substituted benzenes in order to explore methodology that allows for synthesizing complex drug scaffolds in fewer steps. Samantha was also very active outside the classroom. She was an officer in the ACS chemistry club, tutored organic chemistry, and was a teaching assistant for the biochemistry lab. Outside of school, she trains and teaches Jiu-Jitsu in her free time. She participated in a NSF-Research Experience for Undergraduates program working for Dr. Agnes Thorarinsdottir at the University of Rochester for ten weeks at during the summer of 2024. Work she performed was published in the peer-reviewed journal ACS Electrochemistry in a manuscript entitled Effect of Coordination Environment and Electronic Coupling on Redox Entropy in a Family of Dinuclear Complexes in February of this year. Sam plans to attend the University of Delaware in the fall to pursue a PhD in chemistry. Citation: Daniela Carmona-Pérez, Meiqin Gao, Samantha Andes, William W. Brennessel, and Agnes E. Thorarinsdottir, Effect of Coordination Environment and Electronic Coupling on Redox Entropy in a Family of Dinuclear Complexes ACS Electrochemistry Article ASAP DOI: 10.1021/acselectrochem.4c00186

Sydney Allabaugh

Sydney Allabaugh is a communication studies major with concentrations in media production and strategic communication and a women's and gender studies minor. Her capstone project is a content analysis that compares how prominent news outlets frame immigration. Her other research includes a rhetorical analysis of Vito Russo's Why We Fightspeech and case studies examining public relations crises. In the communication studies department, she has been a member of The Beacon newspaper and Wilkes Now television station since she was a first-year student. She is now the editor-in-chief of The Beacon and director of Wilkes Now. She is also a member of the official communication studies honor society Lambda Pi Eta and was a member of Zebra Communications public relations firm. This school year, she completed two internships: a production internship at WBRE/WYOU in the fall and a news internship at WVIA in the spring. After graduation, she plans on pursuing a career in local media.

Sydney Allabaugh

Sydney Allabaugh is a communication studies major with concentrations in media production and strategic communication and a women's and gender studies minor. Her capstone project is a content analysis that compares how prominent news outlets frame immigration. Her other research includes a rhetorical analysis of Vito Russo's Why We Fightspeech and case studies examining public relations crises. In the communication studies department, she has been a member of The Beacon newspaper and Wilkes Now television station since she was a first-year student. She is now the editor-in-chief of The Beacon and director of Wilkes Now. She is also a member of the official communication studies honor society Lambda Pi Eta and was a member of Zebra Communications public relations firm. This school year, she completed two internships: a production internship at WBRE/WYOU in the fall and a news internship at WVIA in the spring. After graduation, she plans on pursuing a career in local media.

Gene Wayne McCormick

Gene McCormick is a sophomore pursuing a degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in news and sports reporting. His career goals include beginning as a reporter covering protests and activism before transitioning to war correspondence. He was born in Oxford, England, to Gene and Kathy McCormick, both American Air Force officers stationed in Upper Heyford. Raised in Wilkes-Barre, he attended Kistler and E.L. Meyers, graduating in 2009. From January 2011 to November 2018, he served in the United States Navy, with assignments in the Camp Lejeune Emergency Department, the 1st Marine Division's 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, and at Naval Station Great Lakes. After military service, he relocated to Spring Lake, NC, where he worked as General Manager of a local escape room venue and founded his own bar trivia company, Cranial Carnage Trivia. In February 2020, he temporarily moved to York, SC, to care for his father through surgery and chemotherapy. In November 2020, he returned to Northeastern Pennsylvania to work for Quality Overhead Doors/Quality Custom Awnings. By late summer 2021, he was working as a short-order cook at Whiskey Business before enrolling at Wilkes University in the fall of 2023. Outside of school, he participates in recreational leagues through Diamond City Sports, runs tabletop Role-Playing Games, and enjoys hiking. He lives by the Mark Twain quote, "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."

Dan Stish

Dan Stish, a native of Hazleton, is a graduating senior completing dual degrees in both English (with a concentration in Digital Humanities) and biochemistry. Dan has served as layout editor for Manuscript, the university's literary and arts magazine, as a copy editor and contributing staff writer for Inkwell Quarterly, the English Department's newsletter and critical magazine, and as an officer in Wilkes's Alpha Gamma Alpha chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society. He has presented research in sentiment analysis at the Eastern Conference of Science Colleges 2023 hosted at Sacred Heart University, and research on 2-pyridone photochemistry at the 2025 ACS Spring conference in San Diego. Upon completing his Wilkes degrees, Dan plans to enroll in a Ph.D. program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study analytical and physical chemistry.

Lily C. Hebda

Lily is a senior English and Secondary Education dual major with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies. During her time at Wilkes, she has been the recipient of the Harry and Gloria Fierverker and Wilkes University Alumni Association scholarships. Lily is president of the Wilkes University chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the English honors society, and a member of Kappa Delta Pi, the education honors society. She has been a peer writing consultant in the Writing Center for the majority of her time at Wilkes. She has also been a contributor to Inkwell, the English department's newsletter and critical magazine, and has presented research at the annual Wilkes University-King's College Women's and Gender Studies Conference. She enjoys planning and going on hikes with the Adventure Education program. Lily is currently completing her student teaching at Dallas Middle School. After graduation, she looks forward to pursuing a master's degree in English at Bucknell University.

Nicholas Sherinsky

Nick Sherinsky is a graduating senior majoring in history and secondary education. His capstone project, The Character of the Outlaw in Western Films and Its Significance to American Culture and the Shaping of Perceptions of the History of the American West, examines how media influences cultural understanding of historical events. He also presented at the 2024 Women's and Gender Studies Conference on the topic Primary Education Barriers for Women in Developing Countries.In addition to his academic work, he was an active member of both the History Club and the Education Club. After graduation, he plans to teach high school social studies locally and intends to pursue graduate studies in History in the future.

Christopher Ribar

Christopher Ribar began studying Spanish at the age of 14 and French at 15, and by 16, he knew he wanted to pursue a major in one of these languages. He is a member of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society. Over the years he has provided informal interpretation and translation for family and friends Following graduation he plans to become a professional Spanish interpreter.

Kyra Britzke

Kyra Britzke is a senior majoring in digital design and media art earning a BFA with minors in studio art and women's and gender studies. She is the president of studio20 and works as a designer in the marketing communications department. For over a year, she has also been working as a freelance graphic designer for the makeup company Curst Kosmetics. Along with graphic design and photography, she has a passion for music and movies and immerses herself in those things as much as possible. After graduation, Kyra plans to continue her photography and graphic design career within the music or film industry.

Karma Collier

Karma is a senior digital design & media art student from a small rural town called Ephrata in southern Pennsylvania and a resident dyed hair enthusiast. They are a member of Studio20 and as well a lab assistant in the Integrative Media + Art department and cofounded a Wilkes University true crime podcast called colonels on crime. Karma has a passion for photography and music and immerses themselves in those things whenever possible. After graduation, Karma plans to continue their education in mortuary science and become a licensed mortician.

Laura Viviana De Lora Leon

Laura is a senior majoring in Digital Design and Media Art at Wilkes University, with minors in Art and Game & Emergent Technologies. Originally from Panama, Laura was awarded a national excellence scholarship from IFARHU for graduating with the highest GPA in her high school. Throughout her time at Wilkes, she has been deeply involved in campus life, serving as an Admissions Ambassador, Social Media Manager for both the Friends of Panama Club and SHPE Wilkes, and a graphic designer for The Beacon. She also presented research at the SITE Conference in Florida on “Mosaic: An Augmented Reality Application to Motivate University Students to Visit Galleries', mentoring research worked during summer 2024. A three-time Dean's List honoree, Laura is passionate about creative technology, visual storytelling and character development. After graduation, Laura plans to work in the fields of graphic design, editorial media, and animation, both as a freelancer and through international opportunities, while building toward her long-term goal of launching an animation studio in Panama to empower local artists and amplify their stories.

Justin Varvaglione

Justin Varvaglione is graduating this May from Wilkes, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. Justin has learned a variety of computer topics, with a particular interest in data science, and gathered valuable experience in the field through his research and studies at Wilkes. Since the Summer of 2022, Justin has worked with Dr. Sullivan as a System Administrator for the Math, Physics, and Computer Science Department, assisting with the maintenance of the department's main server Groot. During his junior year, Justin worked with Dr. Chepushtanova and Dr. Lucent on their research project that uses topological data analysis of protein-drug complexes and machine learning to predict drug binding affinity using Wilkes' supercomputer WARLOC. During this research, Justin helped develop the team's best predictive machine learning model yet using a gradient boosting regression model. During the Spring semester of 2024, Justin also worked as a Teaching Assistant for the university's C and Unix Course, assisting the students with their lab assignments in the class. During the fall semester of 2024, Justin worked on an independent research study with Dr. Kapolka, performing spatial and temporal data analysis of 200 million tweets from New York City, Miami, and Houston throughout a seven year period. This work resulted in the creation of a poster presented at Eastern Colleges Science Conference that won Justin the 2025 Award of Excellence in Computer Science. Justin also represented the university twice at the International Collegiate Programming Contest, achieving second place in the 2024 Mid Atlantic Regional. Throughout his senior year, Justin has been the project leader and main developer of the 2024-2025 Computer Science Senior Project, where he helped build a webpage for the University of Hawaii Mänoa that has helped the university analyze their power usage to lower their monthly cost. After graduation, Justin plans to pursue a career in the Computer Science field, hoping to work as a software engineer or a data scientist.

Jacob Neeb

Jacob Neeb is graduating with a major in Mathematics and minors in Actuarial Science and Statistics. During his senior year, he worked with Dr. Brent Young in researching and developing a paper and presentation for the Gamma Function and its intricacies from a Complex Analysis perspective, and similarly worked with Dr. Xin Luo in his research and presentation of the Beta Function and Beta Distribution, and their role in Bayesian Statistics. He is a proud multi-year recipient of the Mark Kolanowski 97 Memorial Annual Scholarship and the Dr. Thomas Richards Endowed Scholarship. After graduating, Jacob plans to pursue a career as either a Data Analyst or Statistician, and is considering studying Statistics at a graduate level at some point in the future.

Kasey Karoll

Kasey Karoll is graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and a minor in Dance from Wilkes University. Over the course of her studies, she performed in 11 university productions, with standout roles including Rosalind in As You Like It, Medium Alison in Fun Home, and Mona in Chicago. Kasey represented Wilkes at the Southeastern Theatre Conference and the Unified Professional Theatre Auditions. She also served as dance captain for five musicals and choreographed several well-received dance numbers featured on the university stage. Beyond campus, Kasey earned professional credits performing in two productions at Millbrook Playhouse. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a career in professional theatre.

Caleb Gething

Caleb Gething will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology from Wilkes University. Throughout his academic career, he has gained extensive hands-on experience in various design roles. Notably, Caleb served as the Associate Lighting Designer for And the World Goes Round in Fall 2024 and as the Assistant Scenic Designer for Fun Home in Spring 2024. During Wilkes Theatre's production of the musical Fun Home, he had the unique opportunity to have his design work observed by Alison Bechdel, the author of the graphic novel on which the musical is based. During his Junior and Senior years at Wilkes, Caleb demonstrated his leadership abilities as the Commuter Council President where he advocated for the commuter student population. In his growing professional career, Caleb has applied his skills as a scenic carpenter for the 2024 season at Peach State Summer Theatre in Valdosta, Georgia. After graduation, Caleb plans to pursue a career as a Production Technical Director in professional theatre playhouses, continuing to refine his expertise in the theatre design and technology production.

Amelia Smicherko

Amelia has been a dedicated member of the Wilkes University Dance Team for four years, serving as vice president and captain during her senior year. As part of the team, she performed dances during halftime at basketball games, as well as at various campus events. She also took on the role of student choreographer this year, creating an original dance piece titled Seasons of Life for the Wilkes Spring Dance Concert. In addition, Amelia has performed in numerous ballet productions through the Degnan Ballet Center at Wilkes University Conservatory, including The Nutcracker, Cinderella, and the upcoming production of Sleeping Beauty. Alongside her passion for dance, Amelia has pursued scientific research, working with Dr. Jeffery Stratford to explore the importance of stable isotope data in plant diversity during the recovery of a superfund site. She has also been a committed member of the WEBS (We're Empowered by Science) club for four years, where she served as a group leader for science summer camps aimed at middle and high school students. After graduation, Amelia plans to pursue a career in scientific research.

Stephen Beck

Stephen Beck first realized his love of music at the age of 5 years when he began piano lessons and singing in a church choir. He was heavily involved in bands, choirs, and musical theater throughout elementary, middle, and high school. He was selected as a French Hornist for the PMEA District 10 Elementary band, the PMEA District 10 Intermediate band, and the PMEA District 10 High School band. Throughout his time at Wilkes University, Stephen has participated in the University Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Civic Band, and Pep Band. He also performed with the Chamber Singers for one semester. It has been his honor and privilege to serve as principle horn and section leader for civic band and orchestra as well as bass section leader for the choir. Stephen was also selected as the choral scholar at St. Stephen's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral. In addition, Stephen was selected to participate in the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band for four consecutive years. In the community, Stephen has performed with the Easton Municipal Band, the Bethlehem Municipal Band, the Holy Family Brass Choir, and the Wyoming Seminary Band. In addition to his musical pursuits, Stephen served as vice president of the Environmental Science Club and treasurer of the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honor Band Fraternity. He is also a Presidential Student Leader, a trained member of the Green Bandana Project, a member of the Education Club, and a member of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Fraternity for Educators. In addition, he is a member of the Honors Program and a Barre Scholar. After graduation, Stephen plans to enter the workforce as a general education teacher in grades 4 through 8 or pursue his master's degree in education.

Samantha Andes

Samantha Andes is a major in biochemistry who was active as a student leader in the Chemistry Club, which is an official chapter of the American Chemical Society. She served as a peer tutor in organic chemistry and worked as a teaching lab assistant in biochemistry. She excelled in these roles, demonstrating both her talent for teaching and her commitment to helping others with their learning. She was also involved in the Commuter Council and the We're Empowered By Sciences program (WEBS). As a commuter student, Samantha balanced her academic and service work on campus with off-campus commitments in her community. In her spare time, she teaches mixed martial arts and continues to work on advancing her skill in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Samantha was selected for faculty-student research through the Mentoring Grant program three times, working first with Dr. Taherzadeh in Computer Science and then with Dr. Chris Henkels in Chemistry. More recently, she worked in the lab of Dr. Lauren Rossiter and completed her capstone there in the field of organic synthesis and photochemistry. She was part of a team that presented findings from this research earlier this semester at a major meeting of the American Chemical Society in San Diego. In addition, she was selected for a highly competitive National Science Foundation program (Research Experience for Undergraduates), where she spent ten weeks last summer at the University of Rochester. Her work there with Dr. Agnes Thorarinsdottir was published in the journal ACS Electrochemistry earlier this year. Samantha has been accepted into the Ph.D. program in Chemistry at the University of Delaware. She hopes to pursue a career as a university professor.

Brooke Snopkowski

Brooke Snopkowski is a Bachelor of Business Administration student majoring in Marketing and minoring in Entrepreneurship. She has previously been accepted into Colonel Elite, Delta Mu Delta, and Chi Alpha Sigma. Brooke broadened her academic experience by studying abroad at the Sant™Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy, where she explored marketing and entrepreneurship through immersive, hands-on learning. During this time, she also competed in a business hackathon alongside students from a University in Napoli, Italy.Beyond the classroom, Brooke is engaged in both professional and extracurricular leadership roles. She is currently serving in a marketing and digital engagement role at the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, and has completed internships at Flourish Coworking Space and Merchbooth, where she applied her marketing, AI, and organizational skills to real world business environments. Brooke has also been a four year member of the Wilkes Women's Soccer team and dedicates her time to volunteering with Dr. Matus' Souper Sunday, as well as volunteering at Kistler Elementary School. After graduation, Brooke plans to pursue her Master in Business Administration and graduate in December 2025.

Lourdes Navarro Zeballos

Lourdes Navarro is a senior majoring in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Sustainability Management. Her research includes work with Dr. Saritha Karnae on air quality, where she collected and analyzed pollutant data using PurpleAir sensors and conducted trials on airborne microplastics. Her capstone project focused on modeling intermittent water distribution systems using SewerGEMS to support equitable and efficient water delivery in underserved communities. Lourdes has presented her work nationally, earning first place in the STEM Poster Competition at the SHPE National Convention 2024, where she showcased her research comparing air pollutants across two industrial sectors. She also represented Wilkes University at the Air and Waste Management Association's National Conference in 2023, where her team placed fifth nationally in an environmental decarbonization challenge. Outside the classroom, Lourdes has been a dedicated leader and advocate for diversity in STEM. She is the co-founder and president of the SHPE chapter at Wilkes. She has held multiple roles on campus, including Career Peer Ambassador, Kirby Scholar, E-Mentor, and President of the Friends of Panama Club. Her commitment to service includes STEM outreach in local schools, community volunteering at her local church, and two service trips to the Dominican Republic and Connecticut, where she supported public health efforts, led entrepreneurship workshops, worked on housing improvements, and helped establish community gardens and immigrant kitchens. Lourdes is a 2025 Georgia Tech FOCUS Scholar, Tau Chi Alpha Honor Society inductee, Q3 Student Member Award recipient from SHPE NJ, and recipient of the SAME Philadelphia Post DCHWS-East STEM Scholarship. She also earned the Global Scholar and Citizen Award (2023), the Platinum D.I.V.E. Certificate from Wilkes' Office of Diversity Initiatives, and passed the FE Environmental Exam, earning her Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. Following graduation, Lourdes will pursue a Master of Science in Sustainable Engineering at Villanova University, where she received a Graduate Assistantship. She will join the Villanova Center for Resilient Water Systems, working with Dr. Bridget Wadzuk on monitoring and analyzing Green Stormwater Infrastructure to promote sustainable urban water management.

Bridget M. Rosenfeld

Bridget is graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Engineering. She is part of the Honors Program and has developed an Honors Capstone on the Value of Intergenerational Living where she looked at the environmental impacts of multi-generational households. Bridget serves as an Honors Peer Mentor and in that role she assisted incoming engineering students with the transition from high school to college. She is a four-year member and three-year captain of the Wilkes Field Hockey team where she was inducted into the NFHCA (National Field Hockey Coaches Association) National Academic Squad in 2024 and was named to the Landmark Conference Academic Honor Roll for 2023 and 2024 and the MAC Freedom Academic Honor Roll for 2022. Bridget served as the Vice President of AWMA (Air Waste & Management Association) and a member of PSPE (Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers) and SWE (Society of Women Engineers). She is a two-year Presidential Student Leader serving as a representative for Wilkes University and showing leadership at various events hosted by the President. In addition, Bridget has served for four years as a Student Ambassador working in Chase Hall (Admissions Office) giving tours and working admissions events such as Open Houses and Admitted Colonels Day. Her senior capstone project focuses on improving the Wilkes University Recycling Program by implementing a paper recycling on campus. Bridget interned at the Town of Hempstead Conservation and Waterways Department and for National Grid in their City/State Construction Department. She has been accepted into the Graduate Development Program at National Grid and will begin working as an Associate Engineer for Gas Distribution Design Engineering on Long Island NY beginning in July.

Lourdes Navarro Zeballos

Lourdes Navarro is a senior majoring in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Sustainability Management. Her research includes work with Dr. Saritha Karnae on air quality, where she collected and analyzed pollutant data using PurpleAir sensors and conducted trials on airborne microplastics. Her capstone project focused on modeling intermittent water distribution systems using SewerGEMS to support equitable and efficient water delivery in underserved communities. Lourdes has presented her work nationally, earning first place in the STEM Poster Competition at the SHPE National Convention 2024, where she showcased her research comparing air pollutants across two industrial sectors. She also represented Wilkes University at the Air and Waste Management Association's National Conference in 2023, where her team placed fifth nationally in an environmental decarbonization challenge. Outside the classroom, Lourdes has been a dedicated leader and advocate for diversity in STEM. She is the co-founder and president of the SHPE chapter at Wilkes. She has held multiple roles on campus, including Career Peer Ambassador, Kirby Scholar, E-Mentor, and President of the Friends of Panama Club. Her commitment to service includes STEM outreach in local schools, community volunteering at her local church, and two service trips to the Dominican Republic and Connecticut, where she supported public health efforts, led entrepreneurship workshops, worked on housing improvements, and helped establish community gardens and immigrant kitchens. Lourdes is a 2025 Georgia Tech FOCUS Scholar, Tau Chi Alpha Honor Society inductee, Q3 Student Member Award recipient from SHPE NJ, and recipient of the SAME Philadelphia Post DCHWS-East STEM Scholarship. She also earned the Global Scholar and Citizen Award (2023), the Platinum D.I.V.E. Certificate from Wilkes' Office of Diversity Initiatives, and passed the FE Environmental Exam, earning her Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. Following graduation, Lourdes will pursue a Master of Science in Sustainable Engineering at Villanova University, where she received a Graduate Assistantship. She will join the Villanova Center for Resilient Water Systems, working with Dr. Bridget Wadzuk on monitoring and analyzing Green Stormwater Infrastructure to promote sustainable urban water management.

Jocelyn Sosa-Acevedo

Jocelyn is a senior majoring in Civil Engineering and is set to graduate in May. For her senior project, she designed a stormwater conveyance system model that collects and redirects excess runoff away from a residential property that experiences flooding at the front of the home. During the summer of her junior year, she interned at PennDOT, where she performed bridge inspection duties near the Bear Creek area. Jocelyn is an active member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and has had the honor of serving as Vice President of the Wilkes chapter over the past year. During her senior year, she was awarded two separate named scholarships due to her high academic achievements: The American Society of Highway Engineers Northeast PA Endowed scholarship and the COBE Advisory Board scholarship. She has accepted a full-time position at GHD Inc. in Bloomsburg PA.

Jack Perna

Jack Perna is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and graduating with a 3.97 GPA. He was a member of the Dean's list every semester at Wilkes. Jack is also a member of Colonels Elite, composed of student athletes having completed at least 60 credits with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75. Jack was a four year member of the Wilkes men's ice hockey team and served as an assistant captain of the team in the 2024-2025 season. Jack was awarded conference player of the week twice and selected as goalie for the First Team All Conference in the 2024-2025 season. After graduation, Jack will return to Maryland and pursue a job in engineering.

Maria Rodriguez Mojica

Maria Rodriguez Mojica is from Panama and is majoring in Electrical Engineering and minoring in Computer Science. She did research on Organic Semiconductors the summer after her freshman year under Dr. Amjad Nazzal. Maria has worked as an E-mentor for first-year students, a Lead Admissions Ambassador for the Undergraduate Admissions Office, a Tutor for numerous Electrical Engineering courses, and a Teaching Assistant for general physics laboratories during her time at Wilkes University. She was the team leader in her senior project group that aimed to create a mobile computer station to help engineers at Lockheed Martin's Archbald facility manage inventory efficiently. Maria was the IEEE treasurer in her sophomore and junior year, and the IEEE Event Coordinator in her senior year. She completed an internship last summer at Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., and she has accepted a full-time position at Procter and Gamble (P&G) as an Electrical Engineer following her graduation.

Anthony Guide

Anthony Guide is a Mechanical Engineering major. He has done several things to help the department including volunteering at open houses and working as aTA for Dr. Anaya. In the summer of 2023, he was accepted and participated in the Pennsylvania State University Low-Carbon Power and Propulsion REU program, where he worked on solid mechanics simulations exploring the effect of die design on pressure gradients for the creation of functionally graded materials. He has been accepted into and plans to attend the PhD program in transportation engineering at the University of Wisconsin Madison.

Milagros Rodriguez Mena

Milagros Rodriguez is majoring in Electrical Engineering. For her senior project, she designed and built an electrical system to provide real-time parking availability. Her research experience in the department includes working with Dr. Yong Zhu in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, to enable autonomous driving and maze-solving capabilities for a robot. She presented this research at the 2024 National Convention of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). She also worked with Dr. Abas Sabouni in antenna design, conducting simulations for improved performance, leading to the fabrication of antennas meeting gain and efficiency specifications. Active in SHPE, IEEE, and Friends of Panama (FOP), she organized events, led engineering challenges, and participated in community outreach. She also provided lab tours for prospective students at Wilkes Open Houses, showcasing research and hands-on learning opportunities. Milagros is currently an Electrical Engineer at Cybel LLC, contributing to advanced photonics and laser technology by designing and testing electrical systems.

Daniel Garcia Rivera

Daniel Garcia is an international student from Panama pursuing a major in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science at Wilkes University. He has been recognized for his academic excellence by receiving the Top Academic Performer award in Electrical Engineering. His senior capstone project involves designing, building, and testing a mobile computer station to improve inventory management at Lockheed Martin's Archbald facility. Daniel also worked on a summer research project in 2024 with Dr. Zhu, using the NVIDIA Jetson Nano GPU to develop systems for real-time environment mapping and autonomous navigation using a monocular camera through deep reinforcement learning. He has been an active member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (Wilkes University Chapter) since 2023, serving as both Secretary and Treasurer. After graduation, Daniel hopes to apply the skills and knowledge he gained at Wilkes to support Panama's growing industries and energy programs. His goal is to give back to his country and make a positive impact in return for the opportunity he was given.

Blaise Napierkowski

Blaise Napierkowski is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. His Team's Senior Project work focused on the design and testing of the Reflector Dish Imaging System. A device made with the goal of creating a 3D model map of the antennas on the Army's Joint Threat Emitter System. He was active in clubs and has served as the President of Baja SAE for two years. Additionally, he served as Wilkes ASME's Treasurer from 2023 to 2024 and then President from 2024 to 2025. He is a member of the Wilkes Honors Program and has been working as an Engineering Intern at Mountain Productions Inc. Following graduation, he will be employed at Mountain Productions Inc. as a Design Engineer.

Michael Balichik

Michael Balichik is a double major in Accounting and Corporate Finance. Throughout his time at Wilkes University, he has demonstrated excellence both academically and athletically. He was named the 2023-2024 Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a Wilkes University Colonel Elite Award Winner, and a Male Senior Scholar-Athlete Award recipient. His academic achievements earned him prestigious scholarships, including the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation - Academic Merit Scholarship, the KPMG/John R. Miller Scholarship in Accounting, the Wilkes University Robert S. Capin Scholarship in Accounting Endowed Scholarship, and The Pennsylvania Institute of CPA Northeast Chapter Scholarship. Beyond the classroom, Michael was a dedicated member of the Wilkes University football team and served as the President of the Accounting and Business Club. He also contributed to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, assisting low-income individuals with tax preparation. Additionally, he was inducted into Delta Mu Delta, Chi Alpha Sigma, and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Societies, recognizing his excellence in business, athletics, and academic achievement. He gained valuable professional experience through multiple internships in the accounting and finance fields. Following graduation, he will begin his career as an Associate at Kearney & Company, a CPA firm, while working toward obtaining his CPA license.

Michael Balichik

Michael Balichik is a double major in Accounting and Corporate Finance. Throughout his time at Wilkes University, he has demonstrated excellence both academically and athletically. He was named the 2023-2024 Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a Wilkes University Colonel Elite Award Winner, and a Male Senior Scholar-Athlete Award recipient. His academic achievements earned him prestigious scholarships, including the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation - Academic Merit Scholarship, the KPMG/John R. Miller Scholarship in Accounting, the Wilkes University Robert S. Capin Scholarship in Accounting Endowed Scholarship, and The Pennsylvania Institute of CPA Northeast Chapter Scholarship. Beyond the classroom, Michael was a dedicated member of the Wilkes University football team and served as the President of the Accounting and Business Club. He also contributed to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, assisting low-income individuals with tax preparation. Additionally, he was inducted into Delta Mu Delta, Chi Alpha Sigma, and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Societies, recognizing his excellence in business, athletics, and academic achievement. He gained valuable professional experience through multiple internships in the accounting and finance fields. Following graduation, he will begin his career as an Associate at Kearney & Company, a CPA firm, while working toward obtaining his CPA license.

Olivia Ricci

Olivia Ricci is a double major in Accounting and Business Management, winning both the PICPA Award for Excellence in Accounting as well as the Academic Achievement Award in Management. Additionally, she has been a recipient of the John R. Miller KPMG Scholarship as well as the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Northeast Chapter Endowed Scholarship. Olivia has been inducted into numerous honors societies, some of which include Beta Gamma Sigma, Chi Alpha Sigma, Delta Mu Delta, and Colonel Elite, as well as being invited to join Wilkes University's Chapter for The National Society of Leadership and Success. Finally, she was honored to perform research as a student mentee to Dr. Tessema for the AACSB accreditation process for Wilkes University's Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. In addition to her academic achievements, Olivia was a student athlete on the Wilkes Women's Soccer Team up until her senior year. She has also worked within the President's Office as a student receptionist, as a Philosophy tutor at Wilkes, and as both the Junior and Senior Coordinator/leader of Wilkes University's VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program to help those in need. As the student campus ambassador for the CPA firm Kearney & Company™, she has also been heavily involved with guiding Wilkes students towards career opportunities within accounting, presenting at many Wilkes classes and events regarding opportunities that Kearney & Company™ offer, sharing her experiences with the younger students, and guiding them towards both an accounting profession and long-term success. Outside of her roles at Wilkes, Olivia has worked during her summers as an extern and intern for the CPA firm, Kearney & Company™, as well as holding roles such as instructor of junior engineering (K-2nd grade), coaching special needs soccer, working as a cashier, and several other positions both paid and volunteer. She will be working full time with Kearney & Company™ upon graduation, focused on governmental accounting and audit, and will be based in Alexandria, Virginia.

Olivia Ricci

Olivia Ricci is a double major in Accounting and Business Management, winning both the PICPA Award for Excellence in Accounting as well as the Academic Achievement Award in Management. Additionally, she has been a recipient of the John R. Miller KPMG Scholarship as well as the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants Northeast Chapter Endowed Scholarship. Olivia has been inducted into numerous honors societies, some of which include Beta Gamma Sigma, Chi Alpha Sigma, Delta Mu Delta, and Colonel Elite, as well as being invited to join Wilkes University's Chapter for The National Society of Leadership and Success. Finally, she was honored to perform research as a student mentee to Dr. Tessema for the AACSB accreditation process for Wilkes University's Sidhu School of Business and Leadership. In addition to her academic achievements, Olivia was a student athlete on the Wilkes Women's Soccer Team up until her senior year. She has also worked within the President's Office as a student receptionist, as a Philosophy tutor at Wilkes, and as both the Junior and Senior Coordinator/leader of Wilkes University's VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program to help those in need. As the student campus ambassador for the CPA firm Kearney & Company™, she has also been heavily involved with guiding Wilkes students towards career opportunities within accounting, presenting at many Wilkes classes and events regarding opportunities that Kearney & Company™ offer, sharing her experiences with the younger students, and guiding them towards both an accounting profession and long-term success. Outside of her roles at Wilkes, Olivia has worked during her summers as an extern and intern for the CPA firm, Kearney & Company™, as well as holding roles such as instructor of junior engineering (K-2nd grade), coaching special needs soccer, working as a cashier, and several other positions both paid and volunteer. She will be working full time with Kearney & Company™ upon graduation, focused on governmental accounting and audit, and will be based in Alexandria, Virginia.

Michael Balichik

Michael Balichik is a double major in Accounting and Corporate Finance. Throughout his time at Wilkes University, he has demonstrated excellence both academically and athletically. He was named the 2023-2024 Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a Wilkes University Colonel Elite Award Winner, and a Male Senior Scholar-Athlete Award recipient. His academic achievements earned him prestigious scholarships, including the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation - Academic Merit Scholarship, the KPMG/John R. Miller Scholarship in Accounting, the Wilkes University Robert S. Capin Scholarship in Accounting Endowed Scholarship, and The Pennsylvania Institute of CPA Northeast Chapter Scholarship. Beyond the classroom, Michael was a dedicated member of the Wilkes University football team and served as the President of the Accounting and Business Club. He also contributed to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, assisting low-income individuals with tax preparation. Additionally, he was inducted into Delta Mu Delta, Chi Alpha Sigma, and Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Societies, recognizing his excellence in business, athletics, and academic achievement. He gained valuable professional experience through multiple internships in the accounting and finance fields. Following graduation, he will begin his career as an Associate at Kearney & Company, a CPA firm, while working toward obtaining his CPA license.

Brooke Coleman

Brooke Coleman is majoring in Management and minoring in Marketing. Brooke has been very active in the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, serving as the Secretary for the Dean's Student Advisory Board during her sophomore and junior years and President during her senior year. Through this role, she has been able to assist in the AACSB accreditation process, as well as represent the student body in conversations with the Dean. Additionally, Brooke serves as the treasurer for FBLA, earning a national qualifier spot through presenting an ethical case study at last year's state conference. Through her work as an Honors Program Student, she was a student leader for the Give Kids the World ASB trip, volunteering with critically ill children and their families for a week at the village. You may also Brooke around campus through her work study positions as a social media and events team ambassador. Brooke has also enjoyed being an intern for the Alumni and Operations Department for the last two years. After graduation, Brooke will continue at Wilkes to complete the 4 +1 MBA Program she had started this semester. During this time, Brooke will serve as a Graduate Assistant on campus. After earning her MBA, Brooke plans on seeking a position as a manager or marketing associate for either a non-profit organization or a facility in the healthcare industry.

Brenda Arias

Brenda Arias is a Hospitality Leadership major with a minor in Marketing at Wilkes University. Throughout her time at Wilkes, Brenda has demonstrated a strong presence both academically and within the campus community.

Nathanial Rathe

Nathanial is a Sports Management major with a minor in Business Analytics. He has been very active in the Wilkes community including his time leading as a Resident Assistant. Additionally, he has been involved in the Sports Management Club acting as Treasurer and President. He has conducted many research projects, including working with Dr. Woojun Lee interviewing and compiling data on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Effects on Team Dynamics, where he received second place at the COBE research symposium. He also plays on the Men's Tennis team and has served as captain for three years. He has gained professional experience in his internships with CaptainU and Foul Territory and has accepted a position as a database operations specialist with ImRecruitable post-graduation.

Elizabeth Kelshaw

Elizabeth Kelshaw majored in marketing, with a minor in sustainability management. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in September of 2024, and earned a spot on the Dean's List every semester. She was also a member of the Zeta Psi Chapter of Delta Mu Delta. At the 2024 COBE Research Symposium, Elizabeth won a presentation award. Her research with Dr. HyeRyeon Lee explored the impact of social media on amusement parks, and how to leverage these platforms in their off-season. During her final year at Wilkes, Elizabeth completed a social media marketing internship for a local start-up, Merchbooth.

Brayton Kominsky

Brayton Kominsky is a Hospitality Leadership major with a minor in Marketing. During his time in the program, he conducted research on the amusement park industry, including the effects of long queue times on park guests and how theming enhances guest experiences. Brayton served as the President of the Wilkes Christian Fellowship Club from the spring semester of 2024 to the end of his senior year, mentoring younger students and seeing the club grow significantly in that time. In addition, he served as the Secretary of the Hospitality Club during the 2023-24 school year. Brayton completed two hospitality internships over his four years, working for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts and High Hotels. Notable achievements include his induction into Delta Mu Delta Honors Society and receiving the Dean's Award for Excellence in Hospitality Leadership. After graduation, Brayton plans to work in the hospitality industry with his main area of interest being hotels and resorts.

Brooke Snopkowski

Brooke Snopkowski is a Bachelor of Business Administration student majoring in Marketing and minoring in Entrepreneurship. She has previously been accepted into Colonel Elite, Delta Mu Delta, and Chi Alpha Sigma. Brooke broadened her academic experience by studying abroad at the Sant'Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy, where she explored marketing and entrepreneurship through immersive, hands-on learning. During this time, she also competed in a business hackathon alongside students from a University in Napoli, Italy. Beyond the classroom, Brooke is engaged in both professional and extracurricular leadership roles. She is currently serving in a marketing and digital engagement role at the Sidhu School of Business and Leadership, and has completed internships at Flourish Coworking Space and Merchbooth, where she applied her marketing, AI, and organizational skills to real world business environments. Brooke has also been a four year member of the Wilkes Women's Soccer team and dedicates her time to volunteering with Dr. Matus' Souper Sunday, as well as volunteering at Kistler Elementary School. After graduation, Brooke plans to pursue her Master in Business Administration and graduate in December 2025.

Jordyn Jennings

Jordyn Jennings is a sports management major with minors in business management and marketing. She was a member of the Wilkes Women's soccer team actively for 4 years. She is also a member of the MAC Academic Honor Roll and Academic All-District team, along with being a member of Delta Mu Delta (International Honors Society in Business) and a member of the National College Athlete Honors Society. Jordyn also was able to complete two internships while at Wilkes one as a Facility Attendant Intern at Derry Township Community Center and an Event Intern with East Coast Volleyball Company. She has been accepted into the MBA program at Wilkes University where she will attend starting in the fall for two years and will work as a graduate assistant with the Personal and Professional Development (PPD) Program.

Savannah Hallett

Savannah is a Master of Business Administration (MBA) candidate, set to graduate in May 2025. She holds two Bachelor's degrees: a Bachelor of Business with Distinction, and a Bachelor of Media and Communications with Distinction, both from the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia. After completing her undergraduate studies, Savannah continued her education and earned an Associate Degree equivalent in Teaching English as a Foreign Language, further refining her professional skills. Savannah then relocated to Madrid, Spain, where she taught English for two years while traveling extensively throughout Europe. This experience allowed her to deepen her cross-cultural understanding and develop strong communication skills. In 2023, Savannah began her MBA studies at Wilkes University, where she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence. Throughout the MBA program, she has seamlessly integrated her technical skills with her diverse life experiences. Notably, Savannah has also undertaken an independent research project focusing on the communication gap in student financial responsibility within higher education. Savannah looks forward to applying the knowledge and expertise gained through the MBA program in her future professional endeavors and contributing meaningful advancements in her chosen field.

Gianna Manzi

Gianna Manzi is a Master of Business Administration candidate at Wilkes University. She also serves as a Graduate Assistant in the Personal and Professional Development Department under Director Bridget Turel. She previously earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Management with a minor in Marketing in May 2023. During her undergraduate years, she was a member of the NCAA Division III Women's Ice Hockey Team. As a graduate student, she competed in the Wilkes University Business Ethics Competition and is an active member of the Dean's Student Advisory Board. After graduation, Gianna plans to apply her business and marketing expertise to drive innovation and create meaningful impact in her field. Gianna has been awarded the Dean's Excellence Award for outstanding achievement in the MBA program.

Matthew Charles Schwarztrauber

• Activities: National competitor in ASHP's 2024 Clinical Skills Competition; First Year Student mentor; Vice President of APhA-ASP
• Academics: Minor in chemistry
• Awards: Commendation for Internal Medicine APPE; Commendation for Ambulatory Care APPE; Induction into Rho Chi and PLS
• Career Plans: Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Nathaniel Breener Edwards

• Activities: President of APhA; Senate Treasurer; Pharmacy Ambassador
• Academics: MBA
• Awards: Commendation for Pediatric Emergency Department APPE; Commendation for Inpatient Hematology/Oncology APPE; Commendation for Ambulatory Care APPE
• Career Plans: PGY 1 Residency Yale New Haven Hospital New Haven, Connecticut

Nathaniel Brenner Edwards

• Activities: President of APhA; Senate Treasurer; Pharmacy Ambassador
• Academics: MBA
• Awards: Commendation for Pediatric Emergency Department APPE; Commendation for Inpatient Hematology/Oncology APPE; Commendation for Ambulatory Care APPE
• Career Plans: PGY 1 Residency Yale New Haven Hospital New Haven, Connecticut

John Francis Hannaway

• Activities: DEIA Representative for Pharmacy Senate; President of CPFI; Community Chair of NCPA
• Academics: Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Concentration in Public Health, Concentration in Spanish
• Awards: Sigma Delta Pi National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society; CVS Pharmacy Bilingual Scholarship; Anne Vanko Liva Music Scholarship
• Career Plans: CVS Pharmacy Reading, Pennsylvania

Megan Ann Makovsky

• Activities: President of Pharmacy Senate & Undergraduate Student Government; East Student Director of Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association; Resident Assistant & e-Mentor
• Academics: Spanish concentration and minor
• Awards: Commendation for Ambulatory Care APPE, Commendation for Internal Medicine APPE, Commendation in Association Management APPE and Commendation in Critical Care APPE; Rho Chi Honor Society Historian; Wilkes University Alumni Award for Leadership
• Career Plans: PGY1/PGY2/MS Pharmacy Administration & Leadership Residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Grace Elizabeth O'Toole

• Activities: American Pharmacists Association Over-the-Counter Medication Safety Chair; Lambda Kappa Sigma Professional Chair; Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society APPE Chair
• Academics: Public Health concentration
• Awards: Commendation for Community APPE; Commendation for Ambulatory Care APPE;
• Career Plans: PGY 1 Residency Geisinger Clinics West Residency Program State College, Pennsylvania

Maura Kathleen Hensel

• Activities: Field hockey Captain; Phi Lamda Sigma Treasurer; PPAG Membership Chair
• Awards: Chi Alpha Sigma Honors Society; Commendation for Ambulatory Care APPE; Commendation for Internal Medicine APPE
• Career Plans: PGY 1 Residency Veterans Affairs Medical Center Lebanon, Pennsylvania

Philip Andrew Davis

• Activities: Pharmacy Class Vice President; Kappa Psi Regent and Northeast Province Treasurer; ASHP President
• Academics: Spanish Minor and Spanish Concentration
• Awards: Commendation for Acute Cardiology APPE; Commendation for Trauma ICU APPE; Commendation for Neurocritical ICU APPE
• Career Plans: PGY-1 Acute Care at the Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina

Nikki Ann Polivka

• Activities: Rho Chi Treasurer; Lambda Kappa Sigma Secretary; American Pharmacists Association Fundraising Chair
• Awards: Commendation in Ambulatory Care APPE; Pennsylvania Pharmacists' Association Educational Foundation Grant; Wilkes University Honors Program Academic Distinction Award
• Career Plans: PGY 1 Residency Geisinger Clinic Northeast Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Area, Pennsylvania

Nicole Middleton

• Activities: Rho Chi Vice President; LKS Fundraising Chair; APhA American Pharmacists Month Chair
• Academics: Public Health Concentration
• Awards: First Place in 2024 Nesbitt Cup Competition; Commendation for Community APPE, Commendation for Ambulatory Care APPE and Commendation for Transitions of Care APPE
• Career Plans: PGY1 Community Based Residency with Weis Markets and Wilkes University Nanticoke, Pennsylvania

John Francis Hannaway

• Activities: DEIA Representative for Pharmacy Senate; President of CPFI; Community Chair of NCPA
• Academics: Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, Concentration in Public Health, Concentration in Spanish
• Awards: Sigma Delta Pi National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society; CVS Pharmacy Bilingual Scholarship; Anne Vanko Liva Music Scholarship
• Career Plans: CVS Pharmacy Reading, Pennsylvania

Alexa Morgan Ruzicka

• Activities: Kappa Psi Northeast Province Historian; Nesbitt School of Pharmacy Social Media Student Ambassador; American Society of Health System Pharmacists Secretary
• Awards: Commendation for Ambulatory Care APPE
• Career Plans: PGY 1 Residency ECU Medical Health Center Greenville, North Carolina

Megan Ann Makovsky

• Activities: President of Pharmacy Senate & Undergraduate Student Government; East Student Director of Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association; Resident Assistant & e-Mentor
• Academics: Spanish concentration and minor
• Awards: Commendation for Ambulatory Care APPE, Commendation for Internal Medicine APPE, Commendation in Association Management APPE and Commendation in Critical Care APPE; Rho Chi Honor Society Historian; Wilkes University Alumni Award for Leadership
• Career Plans: PGY1/PGY2/MS Pharmacy Administration & Leadership Residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philip Andrew Davis

• Activities: Pharmacy Class Vice President; Kappa Psi Regent and Northeast Province Treasurer; ASHP President
• Academics: Spanish Minor and Spanish Concentration
• Awards: Commendation for Acute Cardiology APPE; Commendation for Trauma ICU APPE; Commendation for Neurocritical ICU APPE
• Career Plans: PGY-1 Acute Care at the Medical University of South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina

Abigail Noelle Zim

• Activities: Rho Chi member; Phi Lambda Sigma memebr; Pharmacy Senate Team 5 Representative
• Awards:
• Career Plans: PGY-1 Acute Care Residency at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Cedar Crest Allentown, Pennsylvania

Katelyn Janice Mulcan

• Activities: President of Lambda Kappa Sigma; NSoP Backpack Project Organizer; Student Advisory Board of Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association
• Academics: Public Health Concentration
• Awards: Commendation for Transitions of Care APPE; Wilkes University Jane Lampe-Groh Scholarship; Wilkes University Dr. Bernard W. Graham Scholarship
• Career Plans: PGY 1 Residency at White River Junction Veterans Affairs White River Junction, Vermont

Maura Autumn Olley

• Activities: Kappa Psi Historian, Recruitment Educator, Northeast Province Webmaster and Grand Council Deputy; PPA Alternate Director and Director; SNPhA Secretary, Public Health Co-Chair/Chair
• Academics: Public Health Concentration
• Awards: Kappa Psi - David F. Maize P2 Award; Kappa Psi - Asklepios Key P3 Award & Scholarship; Kappa Psi - Fellowship P4 Award
• Career Plans: CVS Pharmacy Bethlehem, PA, Pennsylvania

Mia Burke

My name is Mia Christina Burke, and I am from Scranton, PA. I am the proud daughter of Paul and Lisa Burke and the sister of Kyle Burke. I am incredibly honored to be the 2025 recipient of the Passan School of Nursing's Outstanding Leadership Award. I am a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and a four-year recipient of the Ruth and John McHenry Scholarship, which is given to a student who demonstrates academic, professional, and leadership abilities in the field of nursing. Beyond the classroom, I have had the opportunity to serve Wilkes University in a number of ways. Throughout my sophomore and junior years, I was a peer tutor for freshmen students taking Anatomy and Physiology I and II through the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program. As a sophomore nursing student, I was elected as the Class of 2025 President of the Nursing Student Organization (NSO). Through the NSO, I have had the privilege to attend regional, statewide, and national workshops and conventions hosted by the Student Nurses' Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) and the National Student Nurses' Association (NSNA). Here, I learned valuable leadership skills and connected with other students and professionals in the nursing community. I have been able to employ my leadership skills through volunteer work, too, which is a focus of the PSON and a passion of mine. My favorite service event that I have participated in while at Wilkes is the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinic in Allentown. This pop-up clinic provided free healthcare to individuals from underserved communities, and it enabled me to utilize the knowledge I have been developing as a nursing student to assess and care for people of all ages. The Passan School of Nursing at Wilkes University has been a catalyst for the development of my leadership abilities, and I am very grateful for this recognition as I enter the field as a registered nurse.

Kaitlyn Downey

I am the daughter of John and Barbara Downey. Growing up with my dad as a nurse, I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue nursing. Additionally, witnessing the compassionate care he received from nurses during his battle with stage IV cancer empowered me to provide the same support to my patients and their families. For the past two years, I have served as Club President of the Society of Student Nurses and previously held the position of Community Service Chair. I also served as Vice President of the Nursing Student Organization, attended the annual SNAP convention and NEURON conference, and participated in the regional nursing challenge at ESU. I was also a planning committee member and event volunteer for Dance Marathon, a fundraising event for Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital. Academically, I have maintained a 4.0 overall GPA, achieved Dean's List every semester, and was inducted into the Zeta Psi Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society. I am also honored to be the recipient of the Vincent and Martha Aleo Scholarship and the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship. My clinical rotations and nurse externship on an oncology step-down unit have helped me discover my interest in critical care. I currently work as a Nursing Assistant in the Medical/Surgical ICU at Geisinger Wyoming Valley, and I am excited to start my nursing career on this unit. My ultimate career goal is to become a family nurse practitioner. Having seen the devastating impact of critical illness, I am passionate about providing proactive care to keep my patients healthy and out of the hospital.

Sydney Farmer

My name is Sydney, and I have the wonderful opportunity to be graduating with my BSN from the Passan School of Nursing. Here at Wilkes, I am a member of the honors program. I have had many active roles in the program such as serving on the HPSC board for all 4 years, being a peer mentor, and a small group leader. Within the Passan School of Nursing, I have been the NSO Treasurer as well as a peer tutor for several nursing courses. Alongside the amazing faculty, I have been able to co-publish two research articles surrounding clinical judgement and DEI. I have even been able to present these research topics at national level conferences. This is where I was able to find my passion for research and hope to pursue my PhD one day! Also, I was inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the honors society for nursing. Aside from academics, I take pride in being on the women's tennis team here at Wilkes.

Luis Cespedes Ramirez

Luis Cespedes Ramirez was a nursing student in the Passan School of Nursing at Wilkes University until September 2024. He served as an inspiration to his peers and was recognized by the Undergraduate Nursing Faculty for his outgoing personality and dedication to helping others. Luis always displayed amazing positivity and caring for every life he touched as a student nurse with patients and as a friend with his peers. He has given us all a gift of compassion in action for those who were lucky enough to have known him. We cherish his memory and the incredible impression and impact he has made on our Wilkes PSON experience.

Kyra Malone

Daughter of Timothy and Cynthia Malone, Kyra Malone graduated from Wilkes University's Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in December 2024 with a 4.0 GPA. While in the program, she volunteered in the Emergency Department at Lehigh Valley Hospital -“Cedar Crest, where she now works in the Trauma Neuro ICU. Kyra has been serving in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard since January 2021 and currently holds the rank of First Lieutenant. She previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus in Neuroscience and a minor in Military Studies from Pennsylvania State University at University Park.

Rachael Mehl

Rachael is a dedicated aspiring nurse who embodies a nurturing spirit and a passionate commitment in every aspect of her work. She is the daughter of Chris and Megan Mehl, whose support has been a cornerstone of her journey in the healthcare field. With four years of hands-on experience as a caregiver, she has consistently demonstrated warmth, compassion, and a commitment to enhancing the lives of those in her care. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to serve and support individuals during challenging times, she is focused on advancing her career in home health nursing, specializing in hospice and palliative care. She aims to create nurturing, dignified environments where patients receive personalized care that honors their unique needs and life stories. Outside of her healthcare pursuits, Rachael has also been an active member of the Wilkes University cheer team and served as an assistant coach. These experiences have honed her leadership skills and reinforced her natural ability to motivate and uplift those around her.

Lauren Markley

Lauren Markley is the daughter of Scott and Merissa Markley. Lauren is currently working in the medical surgical intensive care unit. As she begins to navigate her career, she looks back upon her experience at Wilkes University with grit and determination. Lauren is grateful and thankful for the support of her friends, family, and the amazing preceptors she was lucky to have at Wilkes University.

Juliette Gretzler

Dr. Juliette Gretzler is an experienced nurse educator with a PhD in Nursing Education and over a decade of clinical and academic expertise. She currently serves as Clinical Coordinator and Assistant Faculty at South University, where she supports student clinical experiences and faculty development. Her background includes roles as a Nursing Program Director, school nurse, and pediatric nurse. Passionate about mentoring future nurses, Dr. Gretzler combines leadership, compassion, and academic rigor in her approach to education. Outside of work, she enjoys acrylic painting, reading, crocheting, and spending time with her family and two cats.

Nancy Georgetson

Dr. Nancy Georgetson, DNP, CRNP, AGPC-BC, is a nurse practitioner at Guthrie Health/Robert Packer Hospital. She currently works as a member of a team that manages post-operative patients in the acute care setting. She brings more than 30 years of nursing experience to her current role. Dr. Georgetson's other nursing experiences are varied and include working with veterans and families for the prevention of illness and chronic disease management, supporting students and families in a school district by providing health care and resources, and working with patients and staff in several medical departments and in occupational health. With DNP and MSN degrees from Wilkes University and a BSN from Cedar Crest College, she exemplifies academic excellence and commitment to lifelong learning and advancing the nursing profession through her DNP role. The DNP award is received for students who demonstrate consistent academic and professional excellence and make a significant impact on advancing nursing practice. Dr. Georgetson's DNP Project, Implementing a Self-Guided Preoperative Prehabilitation Program Among Rural Geriatric Patients,is an excellent example an innovate project that contributes to clinical practice.

Ellie Schreiner

I am an Early Childhood and Elementary Education major with a minor in reading. I have been recognized on the Dean's list throughout my time at Wilkes University. I am a member of the National Education Honor Society, Kappa Delta PI, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Wilkes Education Club. I completed my student teaching at Caley Elementary. After graduation, I hope to find a job in the Southeast PA region.

David Dadich

Dave Dadich is a graduate of the Early Childhood and Elementary Education Pathway program at Wilkes University. Dave lives in Southeastern Pennsylvania, where he has served in various educational roles throughout the region. After earning an associate degree in education from Delaware County Community College in 2010, Dave worked as a Montessori preschool assistant teacher, honing his craft through a series of trial-and-error experiences. In 2014, Dave transitioned to an assistant Pre-K teacher position at The Malvern School of Richboro. His demonstrated ambition for teaching was rewarded as he grew through the organization, from Kindergarten Enrichment teacher to Health and Safety Coordinator to Assistant Director and ultimately to his current position as Director of Education. In the little time that Dave spends outside of the classroom, he enjoys traveling with his wife and three kids, attending Phillies games, and filmmaking.

Anthony Del Tufo

Anthony Del Tufo is a senior who transferred to Wilkes this fall. Originally from New Jersey, he grew up about two and a half hours from Wilkes-Barre. He is set to graduate in May with a degree in Middle-Level Education, concentrating in Science. During his time at Wilkes, Anthony was highly involved on campus'”he played for the Men's Ice Hockey team, served as Vice President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and worked at various athletic events throughout both semesters. Academically, he earned membership in Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society, and was named to the Dean's List each semester. Anthony completed his student teaching at Memorial Elementary School in the Hanover Area School District, where he taught 6th grade Science. He plans to pursue graduate studies in sports psychology to continue building his academic and professional experience, with the ultimate goal of teaching and coaching.

Bennett Kubic

I am from Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania and will be graduating in May. At Wilkes, I am a member of the Kappa Delta Phi Educational Honors Society and the Phi Alpha Theta Historical Honors Society. I was also a part of the E-Mentor program at Wilkes throughout my junior and senior year. Outside of Wilkes, I am currently the head Junior Varsity Baseball Coach at my alma mater Abington Heights High School. I also have been coaching travel baseball with the Sandlot Baseball Academy for the past year and a half. Post graduation, I am looking forward to landing a job teaching secondary social studies and continuing to coach baseball.

Evan Sherrick

Evan is an Elementary and Early Childhood Education major with a certification in Special Education and minors in Sports Psychology and Reading. Evan has achieved Dean's List in each semester throughout her time at Wilkes University, and was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi, International Education Honors Society, in 2022. Evan is an active member of the Wilkes University Honors Program and serves as a peer mentor, helping first year honors students acclimate to their first year of college. In addition to her academic accomplishments, Evan is a student-athlete and has been a 4-year member of the Wilkes University Softball Team. As a Student-Athlete, she has participated in awareness walks, community service events, SAAC activities, and youth softball camps. Through her collegiate athletic career, she has earned many honors and awards including Colonel Elite (2024), Sigma Chi Alpha (2024), All Landmark Sportsmanship Team (2024), Academic All District Team, NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete, MAC Academic Honor Roll (2022, 2023) Landmark Academic Honor Roll (2024). A 4 year member of SAAC, Evan currently serves on the executive board as President for her senior year (2024-2025). Evan shared that her education classes and field experiences have been instrumental in preparing her for her future career as a teacher. She has had the opportunity to work with students in many different schools over her educational experience at Wilkes such as Heights Murray Elementary School, State Street Elementary School, Illumination Early Learning Center, Aveanna, and The Graham Academy Elementary/Middle and High School. Evan recently completed the first 7 weeks of her student teaching at Heights Murray Elementary School in a second grade classroom, and is currently completing the second 7 weeks of her student teaching at State Street Elementary School in a third grade learning support classroom. Post graduation, Evan intends to return to Lancaster, PA where she grew up and is actively applying and interviewing for teaching positions in the Lancaster area. Evan is very excited to be living out her childhood dream of becoming a teacher!

Allison Storrs

Allison is an Early Childhood and Elementary Education major with certifications in Special Education and a minor in Reading. A proud commuter from Little Meadows, PA, she has consistently earned Dean's List throughout her time at Wilkes University, graduating with a 3.9 GPA. She has accepted a Special Education Teaching position in New York at Chenango Forks Central School District, where she will begin her career in the fall.

Faith Sekol

Faith is a junior Early Childhood/Elementary Education major with a minor in Reading. Faith has had several field placements thus far in her undergraduate career where she has had the opportunity to receive hands-on experience, applying the knowledge she has learned from her coursework. Faith has had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and teach students in a variety of settings during her field placements at Wilkes. Some of the schools/daycares she had the pleasure of visiting were Building Blocks Daycare, Trinity Child Care Center, Hanover Area Memorial School, and Heights Murray Elementary. Faith believes that the joy of witnessing students' growth and achievements, the strong relationships that are built with students, and the contribution to their overall development makes teaching elementary students a truly fulfilling and impactful career. Faith has a very active role on campus as the President of the Education Club. She has also been on the Dean's List all throughout her college career, as well as being recently inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi International Honors Society. Outside of school, she works as a Hot Pilates instructor at Melt Hot Yoga and volunteers as an assistant coach for her high school basketball team (Holy Redeemer) over summer and winter breaks. She looks forward to student teaching in the Spring of 2026.