Pitt-Greensburg Commencement celebrates graduates and their success

“Hugs on stage are always welcome,” said Sharon P. Smith, president of the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, as she congratulated Huldah Kena Friday afternoon on her soon-to-be-graduate status. Over the past four years, Kena had worked in the President’s Office as part of the campus’ work study program. While Kena is putting the pieces in place to continue her education in the field of medicine, Smith is wrapping up her work at Pitt-Greensburg to prepare for her departure in late June.

Saturday’s Commencement was Smith’s 12th ceremony at Pitt-Greensburg, so each handshake--and hug--was especially cherished. The president was surprised with a special citation recognizing her contributions to campus and the accomplishments achieved during her time of leadership. A. David Tilstone, chair of the Pitt-Greensburg Advisory Board, presented the citation as part of his remarks to the graduating class.

Out of the 257 students eligible for graduation, 188 students processed in the event, along with representative faculty, staff, alumni, and other dignitaries.

Alumnus and award-winning photojournalist Justin Merriman was the main speaker at this year’s Commencement. A 2000 graduate, Merriman began his career with the Tribune Review. He has gone on to be selected a four-time photographer of the year by the News Photographer Association of Greater Pittsburgh and his work regularly appears in national and international publications.

During the ceremony, Smith recognized two people with the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service:

• Helen K. Burns, PhD, RN, FAAN is senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Excela Health. She is a clinician, educator, and administrator in acute care community hospitals, academic healthcare, and public health. Burns, who is from Latrobe, PA, was recognized for both her expertise in the area of nursing and the guidance that she provided to Pitt-Greensburg as it developed its program for a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing, the first accredited BSN program in Westmoreland County.
   
• A. David Tilstone is a business development officer and past president of the National Tooling & Machining Association. He has been involved in the metalworking industry for more than 35 years. Tilstone was honored for his 20 years of service to Pitt-Greensburg as a member of its Advisory Board, including 11 years as its chair.

Class valedictorian Katie Corsara, a biological science major from Greensburg, PA, was also the student speaker. Eric Baer, an applied mathematics major from Smithton, PA, and Jessica Moore, a management: accounting major from West Newton, PA, were co-salutatorians of the class.

Nine students completed the Greensburg Experience More (GEM) program, which is designed to help them become well-rounded citizens as well as develop their resumes through projects and community service experiences:

• Jaleesa Brown, a humanities area major from Vandergrift, PA;
• Francesca DeCarlo, a communication major from Republic, PA;
• Adali Deiss, a management major from Greensburg, PA;
• Huldah Kena, a natural science area major from Baldwin Boro, PA;
• Taylor Legette, a biological science major from Seven Valleys, PA;
• Erica Moore, a biological science major from Glen Burnie, MD;
• Rebecca Robinson, a psychology major from Coraopolis, PA;
• Danielle Smith, a double major in psychology and management from Jefferson Hills, PA; and
• Autumn Tinta, a psychology major from Munhall, PA.

The Pitt-Greensburg Commencement also featured the Legacy Diploma Co-Presentation. Fourteen students had their diplomas co-presented to them by Smith and members of their families who also hold degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt-Greensburg is the only campus in the Pitt system to offer this opportunity to graduates and their families. It was initiated by Smith and is a visual illustration that Pitt-Greensburg graduates join a large “family” of graduates from the many schools and campuses that comprise the University of Pittsburgh.

Those students included:

• Sarah Blank, a biochemistry major from Crafton, PA, whose diploma was co-presented by her mother, Rachael Blank ’97;
• Madison Emanuel, a criminal justice major from Jeannette, PA, whose diploma was co-presented by her father, Gawain Emanuel, a member of the faculty at Pitt-Greensburg;
• Brandon Farneth, a visual and performing arts major from New Kensington, PA, whose diploma was co-presented by his sister, Kaylyn Farneth A&S ’15, EDU ’18
• Anthony Ferina, a management: information science major from Streetsboro, OH, whose diploma was co-presented by his sister, Kaitlyn Ferina ’14;
• Briana Filer, a creative and professional writing major from Smithton, PA, whose diploma was presented by her mother, Tammy Rhodes Filer ’92;
• Michael Friend, a criminal justice major from Export, PA, whose diploma was co-presented by his sister, Jessica Friend ’17
• Mackenzie R. Janda, an early childhood education major from Finleyville, whose diploma was co-presented by her father, Michael J. Schmitt ENGR ’88,
• Brittani Malik, an early childhood education major from Greensburg, PA, whose diploma was co-presented by her cousin, Kim (Roman) Kubas ’10;
• Amanda M. Nelson, a management major from Mt. Pleasant, PA, whose diploma was co-presented by her sister, Samantha Brawley A&S ’09;
• Benjamin Niemiec, a biological science major from Scottdale, PA, whose diploma was co-presented by his brother, Jeremy Niemiec ’15;
• Taylor Oberle, a visual and performing arts major from Latrobe, PA, whose diploma was co-presented by her mother, Yvonne Oberle NUR ’12;
• Daniella Pagano, a psychology major from Sewickly, PA, whose diploma was co-resented by her sister, Catrina Pagano ’18, and father, Patrick Pagano, a member of the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh;
• Danielle Smith, a double major in management and psychology from Jefferson Hills, PA, whose diploma was co-presented by her mother, Barbara (Smirga) Smith ’94; and
• Kayla Wagner, a psychology major from North Huntingdon, PA, whose diploma was co-presented by her mother, Michelle Bucchi Wagner NUR ’92, and grandparent, Joyce Bucchi ’09.

Founded in 1963, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg is a publicly assisted, four-year, liberal arts college in southwestern Pennsylvania. Pitt-Greensburg offers 29 baccalaureate degree programs, including new majors in Nursing, Healthcare Management, Public Policy, and Education, as well as 24 minors and four certificate programs. With nearly 1,500 students, more than 10,000 alumni, and faculty and staff numbering 260, Pitt-Greensburg provides a vibrant, diverse community that is a dynamic model of a 21st century liberal arts education. As part of the University of Pittsburgh system, Pitt-Greensburg offers the resources of a world-renowned university combined with the individualized and immersive experiences of a small liberal arts college. Creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit permeate the campus and extend into its many collaborative projects with the Westmoreland County community. Nestled in Pennsylvania’s beautiful Laurel Highlands, the campus is surrounded by the region’s outdoor recreation venues and rich history. It is a five-minute drive from uptown Greensburg’s coffee shops, restaurants, art museums, theatres and boutiques and less than an hour’s drive from Pittsburgh.