The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Kent State University Administration
Mark Astorino
Robert Billman
Cheryle Chiaramonte
Vince Gildone
Tim Green
LaVette Hennigan
Patty Hoyson
Laura E. Jones
Chuck Lafferty
Marie Lane
Ryan Richards
John Rubesich
Marianne Sezon
Ashtabula Area College Committee, Inc.
Dr. Beverly Warren Dr. Susan Stocker
Dr. Beverly J. WarrenPresident
Dr. Todd A. DiaconSenior Vice President for
Academic Affairs and Provost
Dr. Nathan P. RitcheyVice President for Kent State
System Integration
Kent State University at Ashtabula Administration
Dr. Susan J. StockerDean and Chief Administrative Officer, Kent State University at Ashtabula
Interim Dean, Kent State University at GeaugaPh.D., Kent State University
Kevin L. DeemerAssistant Dean
M.L.S., University of Kentucky
Amanda C. DolanDirector, Enrollment Management and Student Services
M.Ed., Kent State University
W. David SchultzDirector, Business Affairs and OperationsB.S.B.A., Bowling Green State University
Jason A. TirottaManager, Communications & Marketing
B.A., Baldwin-Wallace College
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
A Message From The Dean
Dear Graduates,
Congratulations! Today you have reached a major milestone in your lives. By earning your college degree, you have proven you have what it takes to excel. As you prepare to travel new and exciting avenues, I want to congratulate you on your accomplishment. As a graduate of a world renowned University, your Kent State degree will open many doors for you.
On behalf of the entire Kent State community, and especially your family here at Kent State Ashtabula, I commend you and your family and friends who have supported and encouraged you along every step of your college journey. Even though you are graduating, we encourage you to stay in touch with your Kent State family as an alumnus of this great University. We extend an open invitation to you to return to visit us, whether in person or online. We wish you the best, both in personal well-being and in great professional success. Most importantly, we offer our best wishes to you today as you celebrate your well-deserved achievement. Congratulations,
Susan J. Stocker, Ph.D.
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Please turn off cell phones and pagers.
Musical Prelude performed by Clay Metcalf
Academic ProcessionalPomp and CircumstanceElgar(Audience, please stand)
National AnthemStar Spangled BannerKey/Smith(Audience, please remain standing and join in singing)
Welcome and Introductions Dr. Susan J. Stocker, Dean and Chief Administrative Officer, Ashtabula Campus
Recognition of ExcellenceAshtabula Area College Committee, Inc. Academic Achievement Awards
Student Address Jordan Rimpela
Commencement AddressDr. Mel Anthony May
Certification of GraduatesDr. Bradley Keefer
Conferring of Degrees Dr. Susan J. Stocker
Presentation of Diplomas
Congratulatory RemarksMeg May, President-Elect, Kent State University Alumni Association
Closing RemarksDr. Susan J. Stocker
Alma MaterHail to Thee, Our Alma MaterStump & Steere(Audience, please stand and join in singing)
RecessionalLargoHandel(Please remain standing until graduates have left the gymnasium)
Please join us for a reception in the Blue and Gold Room and The Commons following the ceremony
Order of Exercise
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Associate of ArtsJustice Studies
Associate of Applied BusinessBusiness Management TechnologyComputer TechnologyInformation Technology for Administrative Professionals
Associate of Applied ScienceHuman Services TechnologyNursingOccupational Therapy Assistant TechnologyPhysical Therapist Assistant TechnologyRespiratory Therapy TechnologyViticulture
Associate of Science
Associate of Technical StudyEmergency Medical Services Technology
Bachelor of ArtsCommunication StudiesCriminology & Justice StudiesEnglishPsychology
Bachelor of Business AdministrationAccountingBusiness Management
Bachelor of ScienceHospitality ManagementPsychologySpanish
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Public Health
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory Care
Bachelor of Technical and Applied Studies
Conferring of Degrees
The listing of graduates is based upon information provided prior to printing of the program. The appearance or absence of any name in the program does not constitute recognition or denial of completion of degree requirements nor the conferring of honors.
The program is issued as a ceremonial publication and is not an official record of graduates. The awarding of degrees will be based on the out-come of final examinations and final grades. The University apologizes for any errors or omissions.
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Mel Anthony May, Ph.D.
Dr. Mel Anthony May retired from Cuyahoga Community College in June, 2016 after serving eight years as the Dean of Student Affairs at the Eastern Campus. In this role he was responsible for over 6000 students annually, and oversaw the design and construction of the new One Stop Enrollment Center and the new Natatorium and Fitness Center. He completed the American Association of Community Colleges’ Future Presidents Institute in 2012.
Since retiring, May is engaged in higher education consulting, and currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Geauga County YMCA and on the Board of Directors for the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild.
Prior to joining Tri-C, May held administrative positions at five of the eight campuses of Kent State University, including Assistant Dean for the Ashtabula Campus, Assistant Dean for Academic and Student Affairs for the Regional Campus System, and Executive Director of Educational Technology and
Distance Learning for the University. He held the faculty rank of Adjunct Assistant Professor in the College of Technology in addition to his administrative appointment, teaching primarily Computer Technology courses.
May earned four degrees from Kent State University, culminating with his doctorate in Educational Administration. His doctoral dissertation studied student satisfaction with services in traditional and web-based environments. He is the co-editor of “The Encyclopedia of Women and Baseball” a project that allowed him to combine his love of both history and baseball.
May’s wife Meg is an economist who works as a Product Analyst at Progressive Insurance and serves as the President-elect of the National Board of Directors of the Kent State University Alumni Association. They make their home in Newbury, Ohio and are actively engaged in their community.
Commencement Speaker
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Jordan RimpelaBachelor of Arts, English
Jordan Rimpela has the privilege and honor of delivering the student commencement address this evening to the Fall 2017 graduating class. He is receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
A lifelong resident of Ashtabula County, aside from what he describes as all-too-brief stints in Germany, Rimpela chose English as his major from the encouragement of his mentor, the late Roger Smith. He served as the first president of the English Society on campus and witnessed the creation of that group’s first publication, The Platypus, which featured poetry and photography from fellow students.
Rimpela studied with five other Kent State Ashtabula students in Dresden, Germany for a semester to earn certificates in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. He then accepted an internship teaching English as a Second Language at the Kent campus, then taking
another internship in Dresden, Germany introducing kindergartners to English. He then returned to the Ashtabula campus to complete his degree.
For nearly a decade, Rimpela has worked at the Ashtabula Arts Center.
Student Speaker
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Graduation with Honors
Jeremiah AllenKyle BarnaCassandra BarronJennifer BosticEva ButlerValerie Cole Cassidy DiFrancoMary FetskoAngelina FinlawMaxwell HackmanMichelle HamiltonTrista HarrisCarl HuffMaura HuntAndrew HurlaKimberly JoestWalter KenderskiTim KetchumDustin KillianKayla KnerrMadison Lamppert
Logan LeichtmanNoemi MaldonadoKelsey MarburgerNicole McCarthanJoAnna MooreBrandi MuellerJessica OrwickMelanie PattisonAlison PetricLaurie PhillipsJackie ProferaMichelle ReinsmithCassandra SerdulaTodd SnyderKatherine TannerKelsey TaylorRebecca TimminsTracy VorisekHeather WhitakerHannah Young
Cum LaudeHonors are awarded to those students earning a bachelor’s degree with an average of at least 3.5 to 3.69 on a 4.0 scale. Graduates who achieve Cum Laude are wearing blue cords during the ceremony.
Michelle HamiltonJoel HeringCharles HuntChristopher KonieczkoLindsay Sandella
Magna Cum LaudeHigh Honors are awarded to those students earning a bachelor’s degree with an average of at least 3.7 to 3.89 on a 4.0 scale. Graduates who achieve Magna Cum Laude are wearing gold cords during the ceremony.
Jessica FarrenErin SelzerJames SnyderDavid StoufferAlyssa Tersigni
Because the list of graduates and those graduating with honor or distinction is prepared prior to the completion of the semester, this list is tentative. Certification of the indicated degree is subject to the completion requirements. The official registry for the conferral of degrees is the Office of the Registrar, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.
Associate Degree With DistinctionAn associate degree student graduating with distinction de-notes that the student has earned a grade point average of at least 3.5 or better on a 4.0 scale. These calculations are based on the prior semester’s cumulative grade point average.
Academic Achievement AwardAwarded by the Ashtabula Area College Committee, Inc. to graduates who have completed at least 45 of 60 or more credit hours at the Ashtabula Campus and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.70 or better in their last semester prior to graduation. This semester’s recipients are:
Cassidy DiFrancoJessica FarrenMaura HuntLogan LeichtmanNoemi MaldonadoMelanie PattisonErin SelzerCassandra SerdulaJames SnyderDavid StoufferTracy VorisekHannah Young
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Candidates for DegreesAssociate Degrees
Associate of ArtsKati Renee McCroneTimothy John RendaKatarina RobyAbigail Janine Weirich =
Accounting TechnologyMarissa E. Morgan
Justice StudiesJonathan Ryan Williams
Associate of Applied BusinessBusiness Management TechnologyCassandra Dunn Maura E. HuntKatelynn Elizabeth Metz =Ashley WestJason Yauger
Computer TechnologyChristopher L. BowersTimothy Ryan KetchumValerie Ann Teed
Information Technology for Administrative ProfessionalsRebecca A. Olmstead
Associate of Applied ScienceHuman Services TechnologyGuinevere J. CopelandShannon Rea RuffoHarry Leon Wells, Jr.Lindsey Ann Wiles
Viola C. WilsonHannah Elisabeth Nell Young =
NursingMariah Georgia Marie BeeryJordan E. BevinsAngela Marie BylerAmelia Elizabeth Cooper-MogelMia Renee CrawfordJennifer Danielle FitzpatrickBritainy L. GrafKaitlyn N. GrossmanTrista Gwen HarrisDanielle Lenee KufchakKimberly Jean LeggSamantha Locher ‡JoAnna Marie MooreMonica D. ToddPatricia ToddJaimie Christine TomineyMegan Gabrielle WrightSarah M. YearyRachel Elizabeth YilitKaitlynn Christina Young
Occupational TherapyAssistant TechnologyCassandra L. BarronCrystal BartunekJ’Me R. BradyLauren Ashley BrazeeBrianna Rhae ElliottMeg Joyace Ann FerlAngelina Leanne FinlawCassidie M. HallChristina Marie HehmeyerDestinie Renee HillDaniel Steven KrausKelly M. Lewis
Noemi MaldonadoMelanie PattisonAlison Renee PetricJackie Kathleen ProferaKayla R. SheetsAbigail Janine Weirich =Larinda Ann Yankie
Physical Therapist Assistant TechnologyJeremiah E. AllenAbbigale Grace BatokiValerie Brooke ColeCassidy Marie DiFrancoKenneth Allen DrummondMary Christina FetskoTroy Thomas FrankelCarolyn Michelle GombertMaxwell M. HackmanLogan L. LeichtmanRyan Lee ManistaAnthony MondaCassandra Powers SerdulaMegan J. SockoKatherine L. TannerTracy Lynn VorisekKyle S. WarnerErin Melissa Wheatley
Physical TherapistAssistant Technology - Athletic Trainer ConcentrationKyle BarnaMegan A. BastinJennifer Dawn BosticElizabeth Kendall BrayEva Nicole ButlerNicholas Andrew CahillJustine Carlson
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Candidates for DegreesGilbert Orville CochranKatlyn CorsmeierCarl Bradley HuffAndrew Francis HurlaKenyatta Ameer JenkinsBeau JenkinsKimberly Ann JoestWalter John KenderskiDustin Jay KillianKayla KnerrMadison Marie LamppertJennifer R. LeiningerKelsey L. MarburgerNicole Marie McCarthanKim McElhinnyBrandi MuellerJonathan Regis NalevankoMichael NewmanJessica Loreene OrwickLaurie Ann PhillipsMichelle ReinsmithKyana Javette SmithTodd Anthony SnyderKelsey Rae TaylorRebecca Grace TimminsMaury Joshua UhlmansiekSteven Allen WatsonHeather WhitakerCaroline Ashley WilliamsMara Nicole Wlodyka
Respiratory Therapy TechnologyDawn M. FishelKebrina Lenellechase HaislahMakenna R. HudsonKathlyn JohnsonHallie J. NovakAmber PrinceLyndsey Elaine WheelerReed Scott Zawacki
ViticultureLori AlbrechtLaura Jean Witherow
Associate of ScienceShannon Lee BoothJesse BoveeMaggie Jean DarlingtonMackenzie Dunlap Jessica FrancisLynnae Marie HasselLorraine Leigh KordesJenna Maxwell Tori Elizabeth MooreDaniel R. PeelCourtney Marie ShearsJordan StillsShannon WallaceJordan WilhelmHannah Elisabeth Nell Young =
Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor of ArtsCommunication StudiesDavid J. StoufferMatthew Sterling Wunsch
Criminology & Justice StudiesLeeAnne Denise BanyasBarbara S. DixonJustin Jacob HumphriesKayla Nycole JonesAshley A. MillardJohn R. NorrisPamela M. RichcreekJonathan Michael Simon
EnglishCheryl Dee NewhartJordan W. Rimpela
PsychologyChristopher J. KonieczkoBrittany N. Morrison =
Bachelor of Business AdministrationAccountingJames William Snyder
Business ManagementStephen J. KaneAllison T. KaydoKatelyn Elizabeth Metz =Lindsay E. SandellaDanielle Lynette Williams
Bachelor of ScienceHospitality ManagementKaylee Deanne MaddenJordan Nicole ManningBrooke Ashley MihalickLeonard Robert Norwood
PsychologyTyler Day Legere
Speech Pathology & AudiologyAlyssa J. Tersigni
Bachelor of Science in NursingScarlett AndersonKristi Ann Baker
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Audra L. BloodJohn Cody CarrollStephanie Renae DalinJessica Suzanne FarrenLindsay A. GomezJoel E. HeringCharles O. HuntMarlene Monroe SartiniBrittany N. Morrison =Kay Elizabeth RuckSarah Elizabeth Yearwood
Bachelor of Science in Public HealthGary Thomas MartinErin N. Selzer
Bachelor of Science in Respiratory CareAngela C. DealKurtney Labig
Bachelor of Technical andApplied StudiesJohn Anthony BowlerJoseph Michael CarducciMark HederstromTyler Hornbeck Dustin KocinaCassandra PeltonGino E. RosatiDillon M. RossLauren Marie SemanMichael J. Valentic
Candidates for Degrees‡ = indicates degree awarded
posthumously
= indicates graduating with dual degrees
+ indicates graduating with multiple majors
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Resident FacultyAnn C. Abraham, Associate ProfessorChemistryPh.D., University of Pittsburgh
Megan AliceaRespiratory TherapyM.Ed., Boise State University
Katherine Amey, Assistant ProfessorGeographyPh.D., Kent State University
Stacy J. Beck, Associate LecturerRadiologic TechnologyM.P.H., Kent State University
Laurie S. Bentley, Associate LecturerCommunication StudiesM.A., Kent State University
Deborah M. Bice, Associate ProfessorEnglishPh.D., Case Western Reserve University
R. Michael Blake, Assistant ProfessorPhysical Therapist Assistant TechnologyM.S., Duke University
Abigail Bowers, Assistant ProfessorEnglishPh.D., Texas A&M University
Caralisa Breidenbaugh, Associate LecturerBiological SciencesM.S., Youngstown State University
Michael J. Brennan, Senior LecturerBiological SciencesM. Ed., Edinboro University
Christina Burnworth, LecturerInformation Technology for Administrative ProfessionalsM.S.T., Kent State University
Carolyn J. Carvalho, Associate LecturerComputer TechnologyM.S.T., Kent State University
Brian C. Castellani, ProfessorSociologyPh.D., Kent State University
Tamra J. Courey, Associate ProfessorNursingD.N.P., Kent State University
Michael A. Czayka, Senior LecturerEngineering TechnologyM.S.T., Kent State University
Kevin Deemer, Assistant ProfessorLibrary ScienceM.L.S., University of Kentucky
Thierry Delorme, Associate ProfessorBiological SciencesPh.D., Université Claude-Bernard-Lyon
Elizabeth E. Devore, Associate LecturerEnglishM.A., New Mexico Highlands University
Donald D. Driscoll, Jr., Associate ProfessorPhysicsPh.D., Case Western Reserve University
Marna Drum, Associate LecturerCriminology & Justice StudiesM.A., University of Akron
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Resident FacultyMarnie K. Ellis, LecturerEnglishM.F.A., Bowling Green State University
F. Anne Freitas, Assistant ProfessorNursingPh.D., Kent State University
Natalie Jean Huya, Associate LecturerTheater ArtsM.A., Villanova University
Bryan A. Jones, Associate ProfessorPsychologyPh.D., Stony Brook University
Michael Jones, Assistant ProfessorPhysical Therapist Assistant TechnologyD.P.T., University of Akron
Bradley S. Keefer, Associate ProfessorHistoryPh.D., Kent State University
Lisa G. King, Associate LecturerNursingM.S.N., Ashland University
Aleksandr Kitsis, LecturerManagement & Information ServicesM.B.A., John Carroll University
Joseph T. Kuvshinikov, Associate ProfessorAccounting TechnologyPh.D., Gannon University
Jessica Leveto, Assistant ProfessorSociologyPh.D., Kent State University
Kerri K. Lochmueller, LecturerMathematical SciencesM.S., Youngstown State University
Shelley Marshall, LecturerComputer TechnologyM.S.T., Kent State University
Lora J. Morris, Associate ProfessorNursingD.N.P., Ursuline College
Mahmoud Najafi, ProfessorMathematical SciencesPh.D., Wichita State University
David J. Perusek, Associate ProfessorAnthropologyPh.D., Michigan State University
Rebecca Rempe, LecturerPhysical Therapist Assistant TechnologyB.S., Ohio University
Janine Ricketts, LecturerOccupational Therapy Assistant TechnologyM.S., D’Youville College
Stacy Rose, Associate ProfessorNursingM.S.N., Case Western Reserve University
Elizabeth A. Schlosser, Associate LecturerPhysical Therapist Assistant TechnologyB.S.P.T., Bowling Green State University
Robert Schmalzried, LecturerMathematical SciencesM.Ed., Youngstown State University
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Jon A. Sefcek, Associate ProfessorPsychologyPh.D., University of Arizona at Tuscon
Julie Senita, Associate ProfessorNursingD.N.P., Kent State University
Megan Shumaker, LecturerOccupational TherapyB.S., Cleveland State University
Robin Sikut, LecturerBiological SciencesM.S., University of Akron
Joan Steidl, Associate LecturerHuman Services TechnologyM.A., John Carroll University
Susan J. Stocker, Associate ProfessorNursingPh.D., Kent State University
John B. Stoker, Assistant ProfessorEnglishM.A., Kent State University
Amy Thomas, Assistant ProfessorLibrary ScienceM.L.I.S., Kent State University
Edward Trebets, LecturerViticulture and EnologyM.Ed., John Carroll University
Scot B. Tribuzi, Senior LecturerHospitality ManagementPh.D., Kent State University
Mandy Ulicney, LecturerHospitality ManagementM.S., Kent State University
Daryl G. Upole III, Assistant ProfessorBusiness ManagementM.B.A., Cleveland State University
Debra Whittaker, LecturerNursingM.S.N., Cleveland State University
Resident Faculty
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Technical, Professional and Support Staff
Kevin K. AciernoManager, Information TechnologyM.T., Kent State University
Michael D. BallSystems AdministratorM.T., Kent State University
Kathy BarbatoSenior Secretary, Academic AffairsA.A.B., Lakeland Community College
Teresa L. BatesClerical Specialist, Academic Services
Sandra K. BeebeSecretary, Business ServicesA.A.B., Kent State University
Kristina CallFinancial Aid CoordinatorM.Ed., TUI University
Ava C. ChaneyClerical Specialist, Student Services
Mary A. CollinsSecretary, Communications & Marketing/DevelopmentB.G.S., Kent State University
Sherry DetrickProgram Coordinator, NursingM.B.A., Indiana Wesleyan University
Elizabeth M. Driscoll DeWittSenior Advisor IIL.S.M., Kent State University
Arin FranklinAcademic AdvisorB.B.A., Kent State University
Yvonne GeorgeProgram Director, Respiratory TherapyM.Ed., Cleveland State University
Taylor ParanaStore Manager, Barnes & Noble College StoreB.S., Kent State University
Paula GhizAcademic AdvisorB.S., Kent State University
Rebecca HarveyAdministrative Assistant to the DeanB.A., Lake Erie College
Jill M. HazyClerical Specialist, Student Services
Theresa HootmanSecretary, Allied Health ProgramsA.A.S., ITT Technical Institute
Lisa R. JacksonFinancial Aid Representative
Carol JonesCoordinator, Academic ServicesM.S., Kansas State University
Jeffrey A. KaydoSecurity Officer
Tiffany M. KiphartProgram Director, Physical Therapist Assistant TechnologyM.Ed., Kent State University
Temple M. KincaidAdministrative Clerk, Nursing/ Viticulture & EnologyB.S.P.H., Kent State University
The Sixty-Seventh CommencementKent State University at Ashtabula
Technical, Professional and Support Staff
Dennis KonczalMaintenance Repair Worker
James KrackerBuilding and Grounds SupervisorA.A.S., The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute
Megan KrippelAdmissions CoordinatorB.A., Cleveland State University
Barbara A. LarsonClinical Coordinator, Radiologic TechnologyB.S., Weber State University
Lori L. LeeSenior Special Assistant, Academic AffairsJ.D., Washington College of Law
Andrew LuomaClient Services RepresentativeM.T., Kent State University
Julie MirabellProgram Director, Occupational Therapy Assistant TechnologyM.S., Western Michigan University
Gary J. MisichLabratory ManagerB.S., Cleveland State University
Jodi L. NievesAccount Clerk M.T., Kent State University
Becky OlmsteadSecretary, Nursing and Respiratory TherapyA.A.B., Kent State University
Russell D. PorterInstructional DesignerB.S.T., Kent State University
Amy A. RodenhausenDirector, Clinical Education, Respiratory TherapyM. Ed., Youngstown State University
Gail M. SchroederProgram Director, Radiologic Technology M.P.H., Kent State University
Irene J. SkleresAcademic Advisor IIM.S. Ed., Youngstown State University
Bethany J. TackettLibrary AssociateB.G.S., Kent State University
Amy N. ThomasLibrary DirectorM.I.L.S., Kent State University
Amy S. ThompsonSenior Business ManagerB.G.S., Kent State University
Jim TrucklyMaintenance Repair Worker
Ashley D. VlasovClinical Coordinator, Physical Therapist Assistant TechnologyB.S.P.H., Kent State University
Danielle M. Weiser-ClineAcademic Advisor IIM.A., Kent State University
Gerald WilliamsMaintenance Repair Worker