Penn State DuBois graduates celebrate in outdoor ceremony

By Press release submission

May 9, 2022

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State DuBois issued the following announcement on May 6.

Penn State DuBois graduates lined up to celebrate their accomplishments on a rainy Friday morning in an outdoor ceremony at Heindl Memorial Field on May 6. Jungwoo Ryoo, chancellor and chief academic officer presided over the ceremony, with Arshad Khan, professor of chemistry, serving as faculty marshal.

Though a joyous occasion, a moment of silence was held to honor Marcie Brubaker, assistant student engagement coordinator and a beloved member of the Penn State DuBois campus, who passed suddenly one week prior. Brubaker was an amazing person, valued member of the campus community, and an exceptional colleague who touched the lives of many students, faculty and staff.

Thirty-five years ago, I was sitting in your seat. Since that day, I have developed a deep appreciation for the education and opportunities Penn State DuBois provided me.

—Bryan Burhans , executive director, Pennsylvania Game Commission

Penn State DuBois welcomed back Bryan Burhans, executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and campus alumni to offer the commencement address. “Thirty-five years ago, I was sitting in your seat. Since that day, I have developed a deep appreciation for the education and opportunities Penn State DuBois provided me," said Burhans.

Burhans also offered advice to the graduates: “Follow your path. Listen to your inner voice. Only you can determine your path, and only you can take responsibility for the path you take.” He stressed the importance of not limiting yourself, making solid choices, and appreciating your support networks.

Burhans holds a master's degree in wildlife and fisheries biology from Frostburg State University, a bachelor's degree in wildlife science from Penn State, and an associate of science degree in wildlife technology from Penn State DuBois.

I was somewhat of a leach for information, and that can be annoying at times, but they [the wildlife faculty] took it with stride. They created a learning environment that allowed me to be successful.

—Karter Witmer , Associate Award Winner

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 Karter Witmer, who is graduating Magna Cum Laude with an associate of science degree in wildlife technology. Given the chance to speak, Witmer spoke of his appreciation for the faculty and staff in the wildlife technology program. “I was somewhat of a leach for information, and that can be annoying at times, but they [wildlife faculty] took it with stride," said Witmer. "They created a learning environment that allowed me to be successful.”

Through COVID, and all the restrictions, the masks, and through all the extra technology challenges, my classmates from day one showed such incredibly good character, wisdom, grace and integrity in helping others when help was needed.

—Deborah Schatz , Baccalaureate Award Winner

Deborah Schatz, who also graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in business, was presented with the Baccalaureate Award. Schatz spoke of her experience with classmates: “Through COVID, and all the restrictions, the masks, and through all the extra technology challenges, my classmates from day one showed such incredibly good character, wisdom, grace, and integrity in helping others when help was needed.”

Kristen Vida, president of the DuBois Educational Foundation announced the Educator of the Year award as Holly Tkacik, associate teaching professor, physical therapist assistant. Comments from student evaluations mention how beneficial Tkacik’s hands-on style of teaching was to their success in learning. Her numerous nominations stated that she is very knowledgeable, professional and prepared. She is recognized for being a professor who provides a welcoming environment while incorporating a variety of challenging learning activities.

The program continued with Ryoo announcing Colleen Lanzoni, campus counselor, as the recipient of the 2022 Staff Excellence Award. Lanzoni is credited with bringing outstanding programs and new ways to support students to campus including art therapy, coffee talk, therapy dogs, and finding funding when necessary. She is well known for her compassion, kindness, calming nature, and the positive impact she has on the health and well-being of students and colleagues alike.

The awards presentations concluded with the announcement of Fred Groh, adjunct lecturer of earth sciences, earning the 2021-22 Adjunct Educator of the Year Award. Nominators stated that his enthusiasm for teaching is evident as a dedicated instructor. Groh also received the Student’s Choice Service Award at the recognition and awards banquet last week.

The full 2021-2022 Penn State DuBois Commencement ceremony is available to view here.

Penn State DuBois 2021-2022 degree recipients include:

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

Degree of Bachelor of Arts

Administration of Justice: