The Lebanon Valley College Class of 2026 was feted at commencement ceremonies on campus on May 9.
The class, made up of 393 students, marked its exit from the college Saturday morning at the Louis A. Sorrentino Gymnasium. Another 215 graduate-level students (master’s and doctoral) participated in a separate ceremony at 2 p.m.
Dr. Justin Mierzwicki, associate provost of inclusive excellence and clinical associate professor of physical therapy, was the morning’s commencement speaker by virtue of being named the Vickroy Award winner during the 2025 commencement.
Dr. Robert E. Harbaugh, LVC Class of 1974, was the keynote speaker during the afternoon ceremony. Harbaugh, a member of the LVC Board of Trustees, is the distinguished professor and former chair of the department of neurosurgery and a professor in the department of engineering sciences & mechanics at Penn State University and Penn State College of Medicine.
Along with honoring graduates, LVC revealed the winners of the following major awards:
The H. Anthony Neidig and Gene Bowman Neidig Award (LVC’s top student award): Maddisyn “Maddi” Behney, a double major in biochemistry & molecular biology and environmental science, is applying to Ph.D. programs for plant science.
The Thomas Rhys Vickroy Distinguished Teacher Award (LVC’s top honor for a full-time faculty member): Dr. Rachel Albert, professor of psychology and director of the LVC Baby Lab.
The Nevelyn J. Knisley Award (LVC’s top part-time or adjunct faculty member): Dr. Sandra Fauser, adjunct instructor in education.
Dr. Ashley McFalls, associate professor of neuroscience, was awarded the Educator of the Year award by student government on Friday, April 24, during Dutchmen Day. This honor is bestowed annually on a full-time faculty member who embodies “the transformative power of the LVC experience,” in and out of the classroom.
Also on April 24, Abbie Keith, associate director of residential life, received the fourth-annual Administrator or Staff Member of the Year award, which is presented to a non-faculty member who has significantly impacted a student’s time at LVC.
Questions about this story? Suggestions for a future LebTown article? Reach our newsroom using this contact form and we’ll do our best to get back to you.
Become a LebTown member.
Cancel anytime.
Monthly Subscription
🌟 Annual Subscription
- Still no paywall!
- Fewer ads
- Exclusive events and emails
- All monthly benefits
- Most popular option
- Make a bigger impact
Already a member? Log in here to hide these messages
Local news is a public good—like roads, parks, or schools, it benefits everyone. LebTown keeps Lebanon County informed, connected, and ready to participate. Support this community resource with a monthly or annual membership, or make a one-time contribution. Cancel anytime.
