On Saturday, May 13, Lebanon Valley College celebrated the academic achievements of its Class of 2023 with two distinct commencement ceremonies held in the college gymnasium.
The morning ceremony honored nearly 360 undergraduate students, while an additional 145 graduate-level students were recognized in an afternoon event.
Dr. Kristen Boeshore, a professor of biology and director of pre-medical professions, served as the morning’s keynote speaker. Boeshore received the Vickroy Award at the 2022 Commencement Celebration. The afternoon address was given by Pedro A. Rivera II, president of Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology and former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education.
Michele Buck, chairman of the board, president, and CEO of The Hershey Company, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the morning ceremony.
Daelyn Stabler, a biology major, won the H. Anthony Neidig Award, the college’s top student honor. Stabler plans to continue her education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine this fall.
Faculty were also recognized for standout efforts. Dr. Holly Wendt, director of creative writing, received the Thomas Rhys Vickroy Distinguished Teacher Award. The Nevelyn J. Knisley Award was given to Jennifer M. Thornsberry, a biology lab technician.
Student government members named Dr. Andrew Owen, assistant professor of sociology, as the Educator of the Year, which was awarded in a ceremony on April 21. Also recognized that day was Helen “Polly” Trawitz, night supervisor for Metz Culinary Management, who received the inaugural Administrator or Staff Member of the Year Award.
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