Pennsylvania Western University celebrated the academic success of nearly 900 fall graduates during simultaneous commencement ceremonies at the California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses on Saturday, Dec. 14.

"We are committed to providing our students with the skills and knowledge they need to make an impact on the world,” said PennWest President Dr. Jon Anderson. “Our graduates exemplify the best of PennWest, and we are honored to celebrate their accomplishments as they transition from learners to leaders."

California

Dr. Brenda Fredette, dean of the College of Science, Technology and Business, served as master of ceremonies at California, and Dr. Susanne Fenske, vice president for Institutional Effectiveness, Student Affairs, University Police and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, conferred associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees upon graduates during the ceremony.

Leading the academic procession by carrying the Ceremonial Mace was Dr. Beverly Ross, associate professor in the Department of Criminal Justice, History and Politics.

Courtney Kiesling, a Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, native, delivered the student address. Kiesling graduated summa cum laude with a degree in middle level education – mathematics.

At California, Kiesling served as a volunteer coordinator for the Office of Volunteer Programs and Service Learning as well as an ambassador and student event coordinator for the PennWest Pantry. She is member of the Student Government Association, Gamma Sigma Sigma service fraternity, Student Honors Advisory Board and Alpha Lambda Delta.

Clarion

Craig Coleman, interim dean of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, served as master of ceremonies at Clarion, and PennWest President Dr. Jon Anderson conferred associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees upon graduates during the ceremony.

Dr. Ellen Foster, a retired faculty member from the Department of English, Philosophy and Modern Languages served as mace bearer.

Rachel Kister, a summa cum laude graduate from Sykesville, Pennsylvania, delivered the student address at Clarion. Kister earned a degree in communications with a concentration in public speaking.

While attending Clarion, Kister has served as the student representative on PennWest’s Council of Trustees, events chair for the University Activities Board and social media manager for the Clarion Students’ Association.

Edinboro

Dr. Mary Paniccia Carden, dean of the College of Education, Arts, and Humanities, served as master of ceremonies at Edinboro, and Dr. James Fisher, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, conferred associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees upon graduates during the ceremony.

Dr. Laurie Parendes, a professor in the Department of Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, led the academic procession by carrying the Ceremonial Mace.

Erie, Pennsylvania, native Ellie Keating, who graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, was selected to deliver the student address at Edinboro.

While at Edinboro, Keating has served as a community assistant in the Office of Residence Life and Housing, an ambassador for the Communications and Speech Disorders Department and a member of the Student Government Association. She was also a Highland Ambassador and a member of the National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association.