Penn State Dubois Celebrates Graduates At Spring Commencement Ceremony

The end of an academic journey. That is what more than 50 students at Penn State DuBois celebrated on May 9 during the spring commencement ceremony at the PAW Center. Students, along with their families, friends and members of the campus community, all congratulated the new graduates for their hard work and dedication throughout their academic endeavor, which has now reached its ultimate goal: a Penn State degree.

Jungwoo Ryoo, chancellor and chief academic officer presided over the ceremony, with Byron Parizek, professor of geosciences and mathematics, serving as faculty marshal. Emma Suplizio, baccalaureate award winner, and Austin Dubay, associate award winner, served as the student marshals for this year’s ceremony.

The campus welcomed Daniel Kohlhepp, president of Granite Road, a real estate development company in DuBois, as the commencement speaker. Twice a Penn State graduate, having earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at University Park, Kohlhepp began his time as a student on a wrestling scholarship until a career-ending injury directed him on a new path with the cheerleading squad. He gained notoriety as the Nittany Lion Mascot during the 1967-68 and 1968-69 football seasons and started the one-arm push-up tradition.

Commencement speaker Daniel Kohlhepp shares insight and offers new graduates professional and personal advice as part of his speech during the spring commencement ceremony at Penn State DuBois.

Commencement speaker Daniel Kohlhepp shares insight and offers new graduates professional and personal advice as part of his speech during the spring commencement ceremony at Penn State DuBois.

Credit: Penn State

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Kohlhepp has continued to support Penn State as a member of the DuBois Education Foundation and served as its president from 1998 to 2000. In 2004, he was recognized by Penn State with the Alumni Fellow Award, and in 2015, the Penn State DuBois Alumni Society named him the distinguished ambassador.

“There are three personal themes that I’ve used throughout my life,” Kohlhepp said. “The first one is what to be. This, above all, to my known self be true. The second, learn to listen, and take notes too. And the third one is having a ‘plan b’. The importance of contingency planning cannot be overstated.”

Soon to be Penn State graduates listen to commencement speaker, Daniel Kohlhepp, during the spring commencement ceremony at Penn State DuBois.

Soon to be Penn State graduates listen to commencement speaker, Daniel Kohlhepp, during the spring commencement ceremony at Penn State DuBois.

Credit: Penn State

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Penn State DuBois presents academic awards to both the associate and baccalaureate degree students with the highest grade-point average. The associate award was presented to Austin Dubay, who graduated magna cum laude with an associate degree in wildlife technology. The baccalaureate award was presented to Emma Suplizio, who graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies.

Alex Gasbarre, president of the DuBois Educational Foundation, then stepped forward to announce the Educator of the Year award, which is given each year to recognize outstanding teaching. This year the award was presented to Jackie Atkins, assistant teaching professor or English. Atkins, who will be retiring from the University at the end of the academic year, was highlighted by numerous nominators expressing her ability to empower generations of students to think broadly, write boldly and engage meaningly with the world around them. Another nominator noted her passion for education, commitment to multidisciplinary learning and unwavering dedication to student success make her truly deserving of this honor.

The ceremony continued with Ryoo announcing the recipient of the staff excellence award. Given annually to a staff member who goes above and beyond regularly assigned job responsibilities, makes outstanding contributions to their work unit, campus and University, and embodies Penn State values, this year’s award was presented to Jeremiah Slagle, information technology specialist. His nominators highlighted his dedication to the campus, his kindness and his overall problem-solving skills as being a true asset to Penn State DuBois. He has been nominated in multiple years by several colleagues, including this year.

The final award presentation was the adjunct educator of the year award. This year’s award was presented to Colleen Lanzoni, campus counselor. While she primarily serves in her position as the campus counselor in student affairs, Lanzoni also taught several classes this academic year. Nominators expressed their gratitude to Lanzoni for going above and beyond in the classroom for every student. Another nominator noted her compassion and dedication in everything she does, especially as a faculty member in the classroom.

After the conferring of degrees for all the graduating students, Ryoo expressed his positivity and confidence for each individual graduate.

“Going forward, we are confident that you will ensure that Penn State’s core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, discovery, excellence and community are lived each and every day,” Ryoo said. “Go forth, be Penn State proud and remain deeply devoted to your Alma Mater, forever and always.”

The full commencement ceremony can be viewed online through the commencement information website.