EXCELSIOR COLLEGECOMMENCEMENT

CELEBRATION

July 11–12, 2019 Albany, New York

note: Commencement is a family-oriented event. We anticipate the ceremony lasting approximately two hours. If you or any of your family members, especially young

children, need to stretch during the ceremony, the ushers will be happy to open a door for you as there are plenty of

wide-open spaces throughout the hallways of the Convention Center. In addition, the ceremony will be playing live on a

monitor in the hallway outside the Convention Hall.

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Welcome

Processional“Pomp and Circumstance”

Mace BearerDeborah Sopczyk

Provost and Chief Academic Officer

GonfalonierMary Lee Pollard

Dean, School of Nursing

Opening of CommencementHelen Benjamin

Chair, Excelsior College Board of Trustees

Musical Rendition“The Star-Spangled Banner”

Saul MorseChief Technology Officer

President’s AddressJames N. Baldwin

Graduate AddressAnthony Cinquini

Master of Arts, 2019; Bachelor of Science, 2004

Awarding of Honorary DegreeHelen Benjamin

Presenting to:Paul D. Tonko

U.S. Representative, 20th Congressional DistrictDoctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa)

Presented by:Debbie Hatmaker, Trustee, and Karim Merchant, Trustee

CommencementEmpire State Plaza Convention Hall

July 12, 2019

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Awarding of Degrees

Presentation of Degree CandidatesDeborah Sopczyk

Provost and Chief Academic Officer

Conferring of DegreesHelen Benjamin

Chair, Excelsior College Board of Trustees

Awarding of DegreesHelen Benjamin, Deborah Sopczyk, and Academic Deans

Conclusion

Closing RemarksHelen Benjamin

Recessional“Pomp and Circumstance”

The flags on the stage are symbols of the many nations represented by this year’s graduates. Flags include:

AustraliaCanadaEcuadorEnglandFinlandFrance

GeorgiaGermanyGibraltar

IsraelLebanonMaldives

NetherlandsSri Lanka

SwitzerlandTrinidad and Tobago

United KingdomUnited States

ReceptionWe request that guests remain seated until

the conclusion of the recessional.

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Paul D. TonkoCongressman Paul D. Tonko is a sixth-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York’s 20th Congressional District in the Capital Region, including the cities of Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and his hometown of Amsterdam.

Throughout his career, he has been a champion for the working class, advancing policies that create jobs, provide economic opportunity, and ensure senior citizens can retire with dignity.

Tonko is a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and was elected by his peers to serve as chair of the Subcommittee on the En-vironment and Climate Change, where he oversees a wide range of issues, including clean drinking water, regulation of toxic substances, and nation-al climate action. In addition, he was appointed to join the Committee on Natural Resources and to continue his service on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee, where he has been a longtime advocate for scientific integrity and public research.

In addition to his committee duties, Tonko co-chairs the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition. He is also a longtime honorary vice chair of the Alliance to Save Energy, a bipartisan, nonprofit coalition that promotes energy efficiency across all sectors of the global economy.

Prior to serving in Congress, Tonko was the president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Before that, he served in the New York State Assembly for 25 years, 15 of which he was chair of the Committee on Energy. At the age of 26, he was the youngest person in the history of Montgomery County to be elected to the county’s Board of Supervisors, which he chaired until 1981.

Tonko graduated from Clarkson University with a degree in mechanical and industrial engineering and is a former engineer for the New York State Public Service Commission. He is a lifelong resident of Amsterdam, New York.

Honorary DegreeDoctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa)

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Graduates in Attendance

Nursing

AssociateGretchen Acevedo, Worcester, MA

Carmen Adams, Brooklyn, NY

Latorya Adams-Nieves, Westfield, MA

Barbara Addoh, Poughkeepsie, NY

Adesua Agbetoyin, Springfield, NJ

Nicole Antosia, Vero Beach, FL

Denis Ateawung, Milford, MA

Hannah Babineaux, Woodworth, LA

Makaila Baldie, Bridgeport, CT

David Barnett, Sharon, MA

Natalie Binns, Hamden, CT

Arlene Birch, Cheshire, CT

Roxann Bishop, Jamaica, NY

Dairra Boss, Garfield Heights, OH

Grace Braswell, Macon, GA

Karen Broderick, Bronx, NY

Michael Buffington, Camp Hill, PA

Catrenna Burney, New Haven, CT

Penny Christian, Montclair, NJ

Shital Christie, Stroudsburg, PA

Melissa Cleathero, Dighton, MA

Lauren Crociata, Nesconset, NY

Latarsha Davis, New York, NY

Ann Eason, Sinking Spring, PA

Carleen Edwards, Brooklyn, NY

Princess Fletcher-Harris, Penns Grove, NJ

Aeisha Fobb, LaPlace, LA

Darryl Ford, Pearl River, LA

Rene Francis, Bronx, NY

Lhamo Galingkha, South Burlington, VT

Nicole Hall, Stratford, CT

Yvette Halper, Bronx, NY

Holly Holman, Lake Luzerne, NY

Akilah Holmes, Rochester, NY

Latice Jackson, Whiteville, TN

Betty Jean, Rosedale, NY

Rolande Jean-Baptiste, North Bellmore, NY

Dieulira Jeanoute, Garnerville, NY

Lashauna Jefferson-Page, New Orleans, LA

Dawn Johnson, Rochester, NY

Kerrie Johnson, Arlington, TX

Caroline Kariuki, Gilbert, AZ

Kiabel Korvah, Elkridge, MD

Natalya Kozodoy, Southampton, MA

Eva Kudlacova, Jamesburg, NJ

Kellie Landry, New Iberia, LA

Brittany Lattimore, Rochester, NY

Semoine Leard, Saint Albans, NY

Keyvin Lewis, Waterbury, CT

Kolette Lewis, Brooklyn, NY

Dominique Loiseau, Neptune, NJ

Amy Lombardi, Manchester, CT

Shatika Lopes, Knightdale, NC

Robin Lucas, Lugoff, SC

Nykisha Mays, Toledo, OH

Stephanie Mbeh, Irvington, NJ

Andriette McGill, Delmar, NY

Germaine Mekemte, Haverhill, MA

Aida Melendez, Richmondville, NY

Sol Melendez, Orange City, FL

This list includes graduates registered as of June 25, 2019.

Associate Degree Honors:* Honors (3.5 – 3.74)** High Honors (3.75 – 3.89)*** Highest Honors (3.9 – 4.0)

Bachelor’s Degree Honors: Cum Laude (3.5 – 3.74) Magna Cum Laude (3.75 – 3.89) Summa Cum Laude (3.9 – 4.0)

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Graduates in Attendance

Tashana Mitchell, Bloomfield, CT

Lewanda Modeste, Brooklyn, NY

Christopher Morvant, Maurice, LA

Akilah Mouzon, Norwalk, CT

Ashenafi Nabi, Federal Way, WA

Oluwatoyin Newton, Harrisburg, PA

Carolyn Nichols, Brooklyn, NY

Immaculee Nicolas-Darbouze, Walpole, MA

Justice Ntim, South Amboy, NJ

Marlena Nurse, Teaneck, NJ

Mary O’Callaghan, Summerville, SC

Babatunde Olamilehin, Upper Marlboro, MD

Jamie Oliver, Mount Enterprise, TX

Rebecca Ondicho, Maple Grove, MN

Myrlange Orleans, Budd Lake, NJ

Kamiksha Patel, Langhorne, PA

Jean Phillipe, Tamarac, FL

Libbie Polk, Milwaukee, WI

Dewanna Rhone, Alexandria, LA

Lee Richland, Akron, OH

Edleanna Robinson, Syracuse, NY

Albert Rolon, Gardner, MA

Cindy Rookard-Polite, Plainfield, NJ

Dawn Rybolt, Brownsville, OR

Natasha Samuels, Brooklyn, NY

Barbara Scalafani, Mastic Beach, NY

April Schiel, Zionsville, PA

Karen Scott, Hartford, CT

Juliet Sebunnya, Waltham, MA

Heather Sekerak, Nanty Glo, PA

Je’Tame Shaw, Knightdale, NC

Stacey Simmons, Atlanta, GA

Rachel Sliker, Budd Lake, NJ

Jamelia Small, Bronx, NY

Latorea Smith, Magee, MS

Shana Smith, Bridgeport, CT

Natasha Spencer, Philadelphia, PA

Parbati Tamang, Newburgh, IN

Colinda Taylor, Middle Island, NY

Keyania Taylor, Westwego, LA

Wanda Thomas, Houston, TX

Nicole Timpanelli, Bridgeport, CT

Caritia Trisch, Irwin, PA

Christy Vance, Watertown, NY

Jalissa Vargas, Staten Island, NY

Carrie Wallace, Ocala, FL

Mariana Wanat, West Redding, CT

Krystal Woodhouse, White Plains, NY

Christina Yaider, Springfield, WV

Laura Zatarain, Holbrook, NY

Baccalaureate Lois Abbot, Romeo, MI

Aminatu Aifuwa, Dacula, GA

Cindy Armstrong, Schenectady, NY

Joan Bogle, Sparta, NJ

Egegayehu Chernet, Riverdale, MD

Jacqueline Flores, Orlando, FL

Gloria Greathouse, Little Rock, AR

Jessica Hollen, Whispering Pines, NC

Kelly Holmes, Durham, CT

Jennifer Intravaia, Rocky Point, NY

Brooke Jaffe, Staten Island, NY

Anita Jenkins, Jackson, MS

Tarah Jeunes, Waterbury, CT

Kyla Jones, Shippensburg, PA

Laura Lau, Brooklyn, NY

Delana Lloyd, Oxnard, CA

Laurie Mansuy, Willoughby Hills, OH

O’Phlynn Mitchell, Glemont, NY

Idongesit Obeya, Brooklyn, NY

Ariana O’Donnell, Jacksonville, AR

Tabitha Omondi, Houston, TX

Brenda Parker, Homer, NY

Sheila Power, Kansas, OK

Chae Precourt, Aurora, CO

Stephanie Reid, Albany, NY

Kelly Roush, Buchanan, NY

Deborah Villegas, Mohegan Lake, NY

Jorden Wilson, Fort Collins, CO

Michelle Wood, Lowville, NY

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Graduates in Attendance

Master’sTheophilus Amoh, Laurel, MD

Kathleen Apollon-Ferron, Tobyhanna, PA

Threesa Brae-Fraser, Berlin, CT

Laura Braithwaite, Wantagh, NY

Tim Brown, Seattle, WA

Sandra Cabales, Fresh Meadows, NY

Sophia Carter, Valley Stream, NY

Dorothy Charles, Watauga, TX

Joyce Davis, Clermont, FL

Heather Delisle, Clermont, FL

Shaedele Desamours, Bronx, NY

Pam Dobyns, Elbert, CO

Nicole Dragoon, Saint Albans, VT

Denise Drew-Elliott, Brooklyn, NY

Lisa Dyer, Bloomingburg, NY

Maureen Eyler, Irvington, NY

Elline Grace Fellores, Portland, OR

Teronica Fults, Rochester, NY

Mary Ellen Garrity, Lake Hiawatha, NJ

Fredrick Gilbreth, Astoria, NY

Melissa Gipson, Rensselaer, NY

Yvonne Hernandez, Bayside, NY

Donna Huttner, Latham, NY

Shicara Irvin, Tacoma, WA

Judy Jones, Brooklyn, NY

Scott Kelemen, Toms River, NJ

Thomas Lyons, York, PA

Mary McMurry, Saratoga Springs, NY

Fawn Medina, Bronx, NY

Andrea Mettler, Kasota, MN

Susan Mueller, Ithaca, NY

Bernadette Nepomuceno, Clifton, NJ

Jason Norris, Brooklyn, NY

Margaret O’Gorman, Cortlandt Manor, NY

Caleen Oliver, Rosedale, NY

Stephanie Pierce, Lima, OH

Billy Rachal, Montgomery, LA

Susan Romann, Whitestone, NY

Kaye Simpson, Tolland, CT

Lucille Sollazzo, Tappan, NY

Beverly Ann St. Louis, Elkridge, MD

Margaret Stephenson, Wyomissing, PA

Ryan Swallen, Ravenna, OH

Norma Tamayo, Reading, PA

Venice Thomas, Altamonte Springs, FL

Cavelle Tokarczyk, Queens Village, NY

Christine Townsend, Omaha, NE

Charlene Virasawmi, Yonkers, NY

Takeisha Zeigler, Saint Clair Shores, MI

Bonnie Ziegler, Westminster, CA

Health Sciences

AssociateJasinth Liggins, Union, NJ

Brenda Santiago, East Haven, CT

Nikesha Taylor, Watertown, CT

Lisa Vainauskas, Schenectady, NY

BaccalaureateLeah Aldrich, Schenectady, NY

Pico Asfaw, Seattle, WA

Brenda Baum, Copiague, NY

Jaqueline Constance, Alexandria, VA

Dobly Dagou, Heartland, TX

Andreen Ellis, Fayetteville, NC

Katrenna Fagbamiye, Villarica, GA

Angela Hall, Kings Mountain, NC

Martin Holt, Fullerton, CA

Victoria Johansen, Beaufort, SC

Renella Jones, Breaux Bridge, LA

Thandekile Koniszewski, Wells, NY

Steven Marciano, Palm Harbor, FL

Richard McCarron, Orlando, FL

William F. McTague, Albany, NY

Maurine Mutai, Havelock, NC

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Graduates in Attendance

Lyndon Porter, Summerville, SC

Demowah Quoiyan, Brooklyn Park, MN

Diane Solmo, Gloversville, NY

Vinita Tharanee, Northridge, CA

Dafeney Williams, Waldorf, MD

Master’sEvelyn Arroyo, Hampton, VA

Kristina Brown, Brookshire, TX

Keena Charles-Cuperteno, Albany, NY

Yolanda Johnson, Rensselaer, NY

Kenneth Macomber, Dupont, WA

Anthony Marriott, Torrington, CT

Jennifer Mastrapa, Longwood, FL

Tanesha Mitchell, Brooklyn, NY

Daniel Osei, Alexandria, VA

Jessica Parys, Shepherdsville, KY

Kaneesha Roarke, Silverdale, WA

Missy Washington, Colorado Springs, CO

Deloise Whitfield, Evans, GA

Technology

AssociateTabitha Coulter, Bethesda, MD

Alex Fucheck, Newburgh, NY

Nathan Grove, York, PA

Vanidie Snowden, Broadalbin, NY

* Sean Sullivan, Stormville, NY

BaccalaureateTomas Alires, Las Vegas, NV

Thomas Arnette, Evans, GA

Sheila Blunt, Orange City, FL

Andrew Bonnell, Marion, IA

Marc Brewer, Virginia Beach, VA

William Brooks, Durham, NC

Ryan Cameron, Honolulu, HI

Kirk Coupland, Kingston, MA

William Lewis Davenport Jr, Owings Mills, MD

Jennifer Davis, Arlington, TX

Geordane Deleon, San Diego, CA

Gary Dizmond, Fayetteville, NC

Giovanni Dolmo, Norfolk, VA

Emmanuel Edu, Glassboro, NJ

Michael Ferry, Allentown, PA

Timilia Franklin, Terryville, CT

Michael Gates, Accokeek, MD

Ahmed Hassan, Philadelphia, PA

Jeff Henrikson, Delmar, NY

Jeffery Hoffman, Middle Grove, NY

Nathan Holmes, Oakdale, CT

Isaac Jones, Kingsland, GA

Andrew Kline, Ammon, ID

Anthony Laccetti, Cape Coral, FL

Shawn Lanman, Livonia, MI

Brian Laughlin, Chester, VA

Jeshua Lehman, Schuylerville, NY

Serita Lyles, Fairburn, GA

Terrence McAllister, Rockwall, TX

Scott McLaughlin, Ridge, MD

Gary McNeely, Poulsbo, WA

Moise Nguekeng, Waynesville, MO

John Perkins, Winchester, KY

Joshua Phillips, Virginia Beach, VA

Lacey Ramroop, Staten Island, NY

Daren Sanford, Chesapeake, VA

Demarcus Sears, Ladson, SC

Timothy Shea, Oakdale, CT

Steven Sonnen, North Tonawanda, NY

Akila Sooriyabandara, Kadawatha, Sri Lanka

Christopher Stutz, Middletown, CT

Todd Thoren, Naugatuck, CT

Roy Vanterpool, Newport News, VA

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Graduates in Attendance

Master’sMichael Anderson, Alpharetta, GA

David Andrade, Milpitas, CA

Ousmane Barry, New York, NY

Gayle Bond, Richardson, TX

Joel Cadett, Wolcott, CT

Patrick Dandrea, Horseheads, NY

Michael De La Pena, Temecula, CA

Erskine Dunson, Chino, CA

Christina Hedrick, Conway, SC

James Henderson, Parker, CO

Christopher Hoak, North Las Vegas, NV

Courtney Kanopka, Averill Park, NY

Bawan Karn, Schenectady, NY

David Krzynowek, Amsterdam, NY

Raymond McCauley, Herndon, VA

Lillie O’Bannon, Grovetown, GA

Benny Rodriguezgerena, Blythewood, SC

Udeme Silas, Sugar Hill, GA

Rial Wilson, Pearland, TX

Business

AssociateRaynaldo Duffy, Cumberland, MD

Rollin Earls, Ballston Spa, NY

Shetoria Fields, Lexington Park, MD

Craig Freeman, Jacksonville, FL

Norma Hall, Johnson City, NY

Henry Hardy, Rockville, MD

Britt Juliussen, New Milford, PA

* Roxie Killiebrew, Durham, NC

Daniel Lisowski, Selkirk, NY

Eula Minyard, Mandeville, LA

BaccalaureateWanda Alleyne, Virginia Beach, VA

Teressa Bartlett, Copake, NY

Rex Bishop, Williamsburg, VA

Jemill Bland, Palm Coast, FL

Kelly Bone, Charleston, SC

Isaiah Bowers, Strongsville, OH

Jenelly Bridges, Binghamton, NY

Quinnan Brown, Houston, TX

Laura Carey, Schenectady, NY

Michelle Coon, Endicott, NY

Arthur Dominguez, Premont, TX

Amanda Fiacco, Endwell, NY

Doug Fitch, Hurricane, WV

Arllette Fonseca, Buena Park, CA

Larry Foster, Davenport, IA

Carolina Gobel, Colorado Springs, CO

Gabriel Gonzalez, Miami, FL

Marvin Green, Newport News, VA

Rebecca Heidt, Pottstown, PA

Angel Hill, Apollo Beach, FL

Freemont Hinkle, Portsmouth, VA

Juan Johnson, Upper Marlboro, MD

Lavar Johnson, Detroit, MI

Lawrence Korson, High Point, NC

Mathew Kotch, Hampton, VA

Mary Lewis, Kirkwood, NY

Ana Martinez, Raleigh, NC

Lisa McFadden-Johnson, Oklahoma City, OK

Elvin Medina, Fort Meade, MD

Zewdu Mekonnen, Burien, WA

John Metzger, West Simsbury, CT

Marcus Murray, Waldorf, MD

Jennifer Phillips, Mechanicville, NY

Christina Rockey, Gambrills, MD

Victor Rodriguez Hernandez, Calcium, NY

Rebecca Rouse, Lakeland, FL

Rashida Rowland, Elkins Park, PA

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Graduates in Attendance

Aaron Thompson, Cibolo, TX

Lucia Tinoco, League City, TX

Lana Williams, Virginia Beach, VA

Kamal Kiran Raju Yerra, Fort Mill, SC

Shashi Kiran Raju Yerra, Fort Mill, SC

Carlos Zuniga, Falls Church, VA

Master’sEurika Adamsbeaty, Fort Knox, KY

Aaron Alexander, Saratoga Springs, NY

Erin Bader, Delmar, NY

Charles Barbee, Columbia, SC

Andrew Beeman, Easley, SC

Sayan Bhattacharyya, Mechanicville, NY

Jonathan Bortis, Delmar, NY

Shannda Brown, Little Elm, TX

Alicia Burkle, Cleveland Heights, OH

Eddie Camp, Chesterfield, VA

Sean Cannon, Jersey City, NJ

Regina Colon, West Orange, NJ

Anthony Daniels, Goulds, FL

Latoya Davidson, Fairfield, CA

Kristen DerGurahian, Castleton, NY

Jacqueline Driessen, Albany, NY

Ronald Glasgow, Woodland Hills, CA

Daunte Graves, Cheriton, VA

Lawrence Gray, Hillsboro, OH

Terrance Green, Oklahoma City, OK

Stephen Hanerfeld, Woolwich Township, NJ

Tequilla Harris, Yokosuka, Japan

Melissa Henry, Apopka, FL

Ryan Hill, Suffolk, VA

Mark Iznyuk, Yorktown Heights, NJ

Danielle Johnson, Columbia, MD

Natasha Jones, Philadelphia, PA

Ermenita Kacani, Albany, NY

Richard Keyes, Snohomish, WA

Gary Killiebrew, Glen Burnie, MD

Christopher Kornick, Laurel, MD

Crystal Lara, Durham, NC

John Lewis, El Paso, TX

Serena Macuch, Cherry Hill, NJ

Walter Malone, Houston, TX

Bogdan Mazur, Oswego, IL

Antonio Mazzenga Jr., Fort Collins, CO

Nikata McBryde, Grovetown, GA

Robert McCormick, South Kingstown, RI

Robert McDonald, Riverview, FL

Robert Morehouse, Fort Meade, MD

Ulises Morel, Perrysburg, OH

Fidelis Oziegbe, Indianapolis, IN

Hugo Pike, Concord, NH

Dorothy Racanco, Warminster, PA

Aja Reynolds, Elkridge, MD

Sean Riga, Webster, NY

Stephen Sixbey, Graniteville, SC

Capildeo Sookdeo, Staten Island, NY

Steven Stites, Fort Drum, NY

Antonio Taylor, Stafford, VA

Ronald Tosto, Walnut Creek, CA

Danny Townsend, Bennington, VT

Alexis Vega, Virginia Beach, VA

Ramon Velasquez, Ocala, FL

Jeffrey Walz, Candia, NH

Mark Whittington, Port Crane, NY

Public Service

AssociateVeronica Calderon, Bronx, NY

BaccalaureateKhandakar Abdullah, Levittown, NY

Ali Ansari, Chicago, IL

Wojciech Bogdan, Dale City, VA

Kevin Boughton, Fort Belvoir, VA

Nya Edward Marsh, Columbia, SC

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Newuna Gandy, Jamestown, SC

Jonathan Grover, Austin, TX

Theophilus Harp, Columbia, SC

Krystle Myers, North Bend, OR

Michael Paschos, Haymarket, VA

Rashawn Rawls, Stafford, VA

Frank Rodriguez, Far Rockaway, NY

Frantz Rosemond, Quantico, VA

Rodriquez Spurgeon, Honolulu, HI

Richard James Tate II, Lakehurst, NJ

Ebony Thomas, Hanover, MD

Lee Van Zandt, Janesville, WI

Berkley Vantull, Congers, NY

Master’sMicky Brooks, Chesterfield, MI

Raymond Bushley, Little Falls, NY

Angela Davis, Spotsylvania, VA

Cornelius Harris, Mansfield, TX

Jennifer Hudson, Groton, CT

Dorothy Jimenez, Chesapeake, VA

Eunice Ledgister, Jamaica, NY

Natividad Lopez, El Paso, TX

Nicole Lopez, Pleasant Hill, CA

Donald Medley, Chesapeake, VA

Lalanda Moody, Schenectady, NY

Wendy Myers, Elizabethtown, PA

James Norton, Clifton Park, NY

Deborah Patterson, Justice, WV

Emmanuel Perez, Port St. Lucie, FL

Megan Wallstrum, Pleasant Hill, CA

Liberal Arts

AssociateTerry Britt, Moseley, VA

Glenda Gomez, Middletown, CT

Nicole Greene, Platte City, MO

Brianna McCullough, Central Islip, NY

Eric Moore, El Paso, TX

Bruce Norcise, Orange Park, FL

Norberto Louis Riego De Dios, Virginia Beach, VA

Crystal Torres, Saratoga Springs, NY

Joan Whittington, Port Crane, NY

BaccalaureateBernarda Almeida, Bronx, NY

Elizabeth Altoft, Pike, NY

Stephanie Anderson, South Pasadena, CA

Kimberly Baker, Clifton Park, NY

Crystal Bartley, East Hartford, CT

Tara Beers, Gambrills, MD

Lisa Bledsoe, Severn, MD

Denise Bonano, Yonkers, NY

Neftali Bonilla, Denton, TX

Cindy Bressendorff, Brooklyn, NY

Brittany Bridges, Sacramento, CA

Sylvester Buckner, El Paso, TX

Michael Buelna, Sain Caeertruid, Netherlands

Heather Burleson, Centreville, MD

Adrienne Chambers, McDonough, GA

Darryl Colbert, Glen Burnie, MD

Graduates in Attendance

Associate Degree Honors:* Honors (3.5 – 3.74)** High Honors (3.75 – 3.89)*** Highest Honors (3.9 – 4.0)

Bachelor’s Degree Honors: Cum Laude (3.5 – 3.74) Magna Cum Laude (3.75 – 3.89) Summa Cum Laude (3.9 – 4.0)

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Marcos Colon, Marietta, GA

Joy Couch, Vienna, VA

Timothy Cox, Enterprise, AL

Janele Crawley, Columbia, MD

John Cuevas, Fort Belvoir, VA

Trevor Currie, San Diego, CA

Nichole Curtis, San Dimas, CA

Tanya DeShaw, Waterford, NY

Christopher Dippolito, Satellite Beach, FL

Monica Eberhardt, San Antonio, TX

Latissa Edmond, Saint Roberts, MO

Kenneth Evans, Killeen, TX

Quanisha Evans, Jacksonville, NC

Ohmahr Fleming, Douglasville, GA

Michael Gaines, New York, NY

Keith Gantt, Fort Lee, VA

Devon Headley, Chesapeake, VA

Rodney Hogue, Lake Wylie, SC

Sharon Hughes, Palmyra, NJ

Tywan Jackson, Miami, FL

Gia Jessiman, Niceville, FL

Jodianna Johnson, Dallas, GA

Alicia Jones, Brooklyn, NY

Denize Jordan, Leander, TX

Rosemary Joseph, Corning, NY

Shem Kaburi, Fort Drum, NY

Terri Kershaw, Manassas, VA

Lynn LaFave, Albany, NY

Timothy Leaks, Rockville, MD

Horacio Lopez, Fayetteville, NC

Nadira Lucas, Endicott, NY

Marc Lukaszewicz, Bel Air, MD

Carlos Macias Ramirez, Fayetteville, NC

Johnson Madamidola, Roxbury, MA

Ricky Martinez, League City, TX

Shane May, Lowell, MI

Heidi Melzer, Johnson City, NY

Jerry Mendez, Hackensack, NJ

Christan Miller, East Greenbush, NY

Milton Moody, Haslet, TX

Craig Mosch, Niskayuna, NY

Lawrence Mukwah, Aurora, CO

Brytha Nagy, Yuma, AZ

Christopher Pierrot, Crestview, FL

Kevin Rainey, Fort Lee, VA

Alethea Ramsey Boone, San Marcos, TX

Joseph Ransey, Endicott, NY

Maximo Regino, Leonardtown, MD

Angel Robinson, Laurel, MD

William Robinson, Laurel, MD

Keyia Roper, Pensacola, FL

Jacob Russell, Palmyra, PA

Vasati Saua, Spring Lake, NC

Michelly Seidel, Ocala, FL

Timothy Simmons, Queen Creek, AZ

David Aaron Smiley II, Bowie, MD

Aaron Smith, Mount Holly, NJ

Devon Smith, Glenville, NY

Angela Smith-Duncan, Katy, TX

Christopher Stagg, Norfolk, VA

Richard Starling, Irmo, SC

Cheryl Stevens, Fredericksburg, VA

Jennifer Taylor, Bowie, MD

Christian Teodoro, Olympia, WA

Keisha Thompson, McDonough, GA

Robert Trawick, Fayetteville, NC

Theodore Umble, Annville, PA

Jessica Valentin, Whitsett, NC

N’Dea Walker, Tucson, AZ

Serena Watts, Watervliet, NY

Glen Whittle, Spokane, WA

Shirlandria Williamscarter, Pensacola, FL

Raymond Willson, Eagan, MN

Brandon Yerrid, Columbia, MD

Master’sAnthony Cinquini, Glendale, AZ

Darryl Johnson, Thornton, CO

Edryan Jones, Burlington, NC

Graduates in Attendance

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Emblems and Symbols

Mace and ChainThe mace and the presidential chain-of-office used in academic celebrations represent traditions dating to the 16th century. The mace, originally used as a medieval weapon, now symbolizes the authority of the university to grant degrees. The sterling silver torch of the Excelsior College mace reflects the College’s logo. The mace carries designs that depict the degree programs Excelsior College offers. The Scottish thistle represents thrift, the acorn represents new ideas which will grow into great oaks, and the bee represents industry.

The chain-of-office similarly originated in a culture of centuries ago and has been used traditionally in ceremonies to symbolize the office of the wearer. Matching the mace in theme, the chain-of-office of the President of Excelsior College features the same symbolic craftsmanship and the College’s logo. The medallion bears the College’s name.

The artist for both the mace and chain-of-office was Kurt J. Matzdorf, professor emeritus of gold and silversmithing in the art department at the State University of New York–College at New Paltz.

Academic DressThe academic costume is derived from the garments worn at medieval universities. The gowns and the hoods were common at British universities before the 14th century; the square cap is thought to be a 16th-century import from the University of Paris. From the color and the size of the American academic attire, one may determine the institution from which the wearer received the degree, the degree earned, and the academic rank.

The associate and bachelor’s gowns are black, knee length, and have long sleeves; the master’s gown is also black, and made with a long, closed sleeve with an arc of

a circle appearing near the bottom, and a slit for the arm; the doctor’s gown has a full, round, open sleeve and is faced with velvet and has three bars of velvet on each sleeve. The velvet trim may be black or the color representative of the degree. The black Oxford or mortarboard-style cap is worn for all degrees, but only the doctor’s cap may be made of velvet and only doctors or presidents of institutions may wear a gold tassel on the cap.

The most distinctive feature of academic dress is the hood. It varies in length depending on whether the wearer has an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. The hoods for all degrees are lined in silk with the academic colors of the institution conferring the degree. The trim on all hoods except the associate degree hood is velvet and the color indicates the degree granted: white for arts and letters; drab for business areas; yellow-gold for science; apricot for nursing; and peacock blue for public administration.

At Excelsior College, gold honor cords are worn by baccalaureate-level graduates with GPAs of 3.5 or above having earned at least 60 graded credits and by associate-level graduates with GPAs of 3.5 or above having earned at least 30 graded credits.

Key to Academic CordsGold: Academic HonorsRed, White & Blue: Military AffiliationPurple: Excelsior College Alumni Association, Contributing Member

Light Purple & White: Honor Society of Nursing, Tau Kappa At-Large Chapter

Burgundy & Gold: Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society, Sigma Zeta Chapter

Graduates are wearing GreenWeaver gowns made in the USA from 100 percent post-consumer, recycled plastic bottles.

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WelcomeDeborah Sopczyk

Provost and Chief Academic Officer

Graduate Awards Presentation

Barbara Pieper Associate Provost, Student Advocacy & Academic Engagement

Presenting to

Steven MarcianoMichael J. Cooley Memorial Award

Freemont O. HinkleCatherine Craig-Erhardt Memorial Award

Ebony ThomasDwayn Hanford Award

Susan D. MuellerRobert E. Kinsinger Memorial Award

Christine Anne TownsendMildred L. Montag Award

Sabrina WalterStudent Support Award

Alumni Awards PresentationMark A. Bowman, BS ’00

Chair, Awards Committee of the Alumni Leadership Counciland

Dwayn Hanford, BS ’05President, Alumni Association

Presenting to

Awards Convocation Albany Capital Center

July 11, 2019

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Jeffrey Baker, AA ’73, BS ’75Alumni Achievement Award

Greta Kostac, BS ’91Carrie B. Lenburg Award

Christine Robinson-Cooley, BS ’97C. Wayne Williams Award

Distinguished Faculty Awards PresentationDawne Olbrych

Executive Director for Curriculum and Faculty Development

Presenting to

Susan HoneaCollege Service

Nicola Davis BivensStudent Service, School of Graduate Studies

Michele WoodbeckStudent Service, School of Nursing

Jeff A. PenceStudent Service, School of Undergraduate Studies

President’s Medals PresentationJames N. Baldwin

President

Presenting to

Excelsior College President’s Committee on Inclusion

Jerry L. Neff

Adjourn

Deborah Sopczyk Provost and Chief Academic Officer

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Graduate Awards

Michael J. Cooley Memorial AwardThis award is presented to a health sciences student in memory and recognition of the contributions of Michael J. Cooley, a beloved and dedicated adjunct health sciences faculty member. The recipient of the award earned a health sciences degree and embodies exemplary academic achievement and exceptional perseverance. This graduate accepts the challenges that befall an adult learner and embraces the opportunity to grow academically, professionally, and personally within the health sciences discipline.

STEVEN MARCIANOBachelor of Science

Catherine Craig-Erhardt Memorial AwardThis award is given in memory of Catherine Craig-Erhardt, a member of the College staff beginning in 1980. From 1984 until her untimely death in 1986, she served as the College’s liaison to the military. The award recognizes and commemorates her commitment to helping military servicemembers attain their educational goals and is presented for service to others, commitment to education, and for academic, professional, and personal achievement.

FREEMONT O. HINKLEBachelor of Science

Marvin Curling Memorial AwardThis award is given in memory and recognition of the vision and contribution of Marvin Curling to the development of collaboration between industry and education through the integration of corporate-sponsored training and college-level learning. A New York Power Authority training superintendent, Curling motivated employees at NYPA to persist in educational advancement and helped establish degrees in technology at Excelsior (then Regents) College. In honor of the superior model of collaboration that he helped establish, the New York Power Authority contributed the endowment to maintain this annual award.

MAXWELL HUGHEYBachelor of Science

Arthur J. Gregg AwardThis award recognizes the leadership and vision of founding trustee Lt. General Arthur J. Gregg [U.S. Army (Ret.)]. General Gregg chaired the College’s Board of Overseers and guided the transition to independence as a private institution, becoming the first chair of the Board of Trustees. With a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, General Gregg has contributed greatly to the College’s service to the U.S. military. The award is presented to a student who is on active duty in the U.S. military and who demonstrates outstanding academic and career or professional achievement.

ERIK A. MOHRBachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management

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Dwayn Hanford AwardThis award is presented in recognition of Excelsior College alumnus Dwayn Hanford. As current president of the Excelsior College Alumni Association, a past C. Wayne Williams Award recipient, and adjunct instructor for public service, Mr. Hanford is a strong advocate and ally of the College and the mission to educate 21st-century public sector leaders and citizens. The recipient of the Dwayn Hanford Award has completed a public service degree with academic excellence and significant community involvement.

EBONY THOMASBachelor of Science

Robert E. Kinsinger Memorial AwardThis award recognizes the leadership and vision of founding trustee Dr. Robert E. Kinsinger. As the first chair of the College’s Board of Overseers, Kinsinger built upon his earlier relationship with the College as a vice president of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. While at the Foundation, Kinsinger encouraged and supported the development of the Regents College nursing degree programs, an interest that he carried forward into his work as an overseer and later as a trustee. The award is presented to a student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and who is involved with the nonprofit sector as either an employee or volunteer.

SUSAN D. MUELLERMaster of Science

Dr. Robert L. Long Award for Academic Excellence in Nuclear Engineering TechnologyThis award was created in recognition of Dr. Long’s service and contribution to Excelsior College. He was regarded as an expert in nuclear education and a proponent of the link between training and education and the safe operation of nuclear facilities. Students selected for this award must work in the nuclear power industry, be a member of the American Nuclear Society, and be nominated by faculty in the nuclear engineering technology program.

JOHN H. CHRISTIEBachelor of Science

Robert P. Mahoney AwardIn recognition of Dr. Robert P. Mahoney’s outstanding contributions to liberal arts education at this College and his devotion to serving his community, this award is presented to a liberal arts graduate who completed his/her degree in the face of significant challenges and demonstrated a dedication to community and volunteer service.

TAMAR DEVORAH GOLDSTEINBachelor of Science

Graduate Awards

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Ruth V. Matheney Memorial AwardThis award is given in memory and recognition of the distinguished contributions of Ruth V. Matheney to nursing and nursing education, her nationally acclaimed leadership toward progressive, patient-centered practices in the classroom and at the bedside, and of her wise and willing counsel to the Excelsior College nursing programs. The recipient of this award has completed an undergraduate degree at Excelsior College and has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and excellence on the nursing theory examinations or nursing courses and the nursing capstone requirement.

JAMEY LYNN KEENBachelor of Science

Mildred L. Montag AwardThis award is given in recognition of Dr. Mildred L. Montag’s national leadership in nursing and nursing education and her distinguished contribution to the development of the nursing programs offered by Excelsior College. The graduate selected to receive this award has completed the Excelsior College Master of Science in Nursing program and has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and excellence in all the nursing courses, including the capstone course.

CHRISTINE ANNE TOWNSENDMaster of Science

Student Support AwardThis award is presented to a person (or persons) whose assistance played a significant role in helping a graduate earn an Excelsior College degree.

SABRINA WALTER

nominated by

LATISSA S. EDMONDBachelor of Science

Graduate Awards

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Steven MarcianoMichael J. Cooley Memorial Award

Steven Marciano, of Palm Harbor, Florida, completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences in December 2018, summa cum laude, with a 3.93 GPA. He is a policies and procedures coordinator with a large health care system

based in Florida where he collaboratively contributes to the growth of the public health approach to the delivery of care to the community.

Marciano is a first-generation college student who has found his calling to advo-cate and serve marginal, vulnerable populations. He has faced many challenges along his academic journey, including hurricanes and health concerns, but he did not view these as barriers; rather they were opportunities that continued to fuel his passion for educating vulnerable populations on public health. Marciano attended the Transgender Health Conference in Boston in fall 2018 and is dedi-cated to providing information and resources in an effort to better serve the transgendered population in his area.

Freemont O. HinkleCatherine Craig-Erhardt Memorial Award

Freemont O. Hinkle, of Portsmouth, Virginia, completed a Bachelor of Science in Business in May 2019, cum laude, with a 3.55 GPA. He is a chief warrant officer with the U.S. Coast Guard and has spent more than

20 years in the military.

With his degree, Hinkle hopes to excel in understanding management principles, computer programs, and budgeting, as well as in understanding his strengths and weaknesses. He has already used various management principles he has learned while supervising junior personnel and running projects that range from engine rebuilds to major dockside maintenance availabilities for Coast Guard cutters.

Hinkle is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, an international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs; the Chief Warrant Officers Association; and the Chief Petty Officers Association. He received the Wings of Excellence Award in 2017, the Spirit of the Chief Award in 2009, four U.S. Coast Guard Commendation Medals, five U.S Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals, four U.S. Coast Guard Achievement Medals, a U.S. Coast Guard Cutterman Insignia, and an U.S. Coast Guard Advanced Boat Forces Insignia.

In addition to his BS in Business, he earned an Associate in Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College in 2008.

Graduate Award Recipients

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Maxwell HugheyMarvin Curling Memorial Award

Maxwell Hughey, of Bremerton, Washington, completed a Bachelor of Science in Technology in July 2018, summa cum laude, with a 3.94 GPA. He is a radiological controls instructor at the Puget Sound Naval

Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, and has more than 10 years working for the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program.

Hughey has experience in nuclear plant operations, maintenance, supervision, nuclear water chemistry control, basic nuclear engineering training, mentor-ing radiological control technician apprentices, and in teaching subject matter experts advanced radiological control theory so they can maintain their qualifica-tions and excel in their careers. In his current role, he coaches other instructors on grading theory and techniques, develops curriculum, and creates practical examinations for subject matter experts. He also helped to design and develop a cooperative group that has increased on-the-job training for Code 105.3 as well as created a more teamwork-based culture. In previous roles, Hughey has been a radiological controls supervisor and technician, and a nuclear reactor power plant operator, supervisor, chemist, and instructor.

He has been an employee of the year nominee, and has received honors in Radiological Control Technician Qualification School, Engineering Laboratory Technician School, Nuclear Prototype Training Unit, Naval Nuclear Power School, and Nuclear Field “A” School.

Hughey is pursuing a Master of Science in Management at Excelsior College.

Erik A. MohrArthur J. Gregg Award

Erik A. Mohr, of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, completed a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business and Management in January 2019, cum laude, with a 3.65 GPA. Mohr is a chief warrant officer II with the

U.S. Army and has spent more than 14 years in service.

Mohr’s academic study has had a significant impact on his professional develop-ment in the military. Leadership courses have enabled his ability to lead soldiers in both garrison and combat environments, and courses on organizational behav-ior and human resources have allowed him to manage organizational change and stressful events. The knowledge he gained in project management has amplified his ability to plan, lead, and complete projects such as combat deployments, field training exercises, and the implementation of new equipment.

Mohr’s awards and badges include the Bronze Star, two Meritorious Service

Graduate Award Recipients

20

Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, seven Army Achievement Medals, four Army Good Conduct Medals, and an Air Assault Badge.

Capt. Andrew E. Epps, Logistics, says, “Mohr is a highly decorated combat veteran whose character and professionalism are above reproach. A master logistician who leads, teaches, and [sets] the example for junior logistics officers and ser-geants in his unit, Erik continually strives and earns professional achievement.”

In addition to the Bachelor of Professional Studies, Mohr earned an Associate in Applied Science in Business from Excelsior College in 2016.

Ebony ThomasDwayn Hanford Award

Ebony Thomas, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, completed a Bachelor of Science in National Security in August 2018, summa cum laude, with a 3.95 GPA. She is currently a language professional with Acclaim Technical

Services based in Reston, Virginia. She served in the U.S. Air Force from 2011 to 2016 as a cryptologic language analyst where she provided support for the NSA.

Thomas has devoted more than 400 hours to volunteer work across multiple organizations and cities, primarily focusing on poverty-stricken communities. She has worked as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, a foreign language tutor, a Sarah’s House supportive housing volunteer, and a Women’s Day proctor, among many others. A quote from one of her recommendations puts it best: “Public Service is to be celebrated, valued, and respected. Ms. Thomas has demonstrated an expressed dedication for public service her entire adult life. She operates with a defined sense of purpose, a purpose to serve in the interests of the public.”

During her time in the Air Force, Thomas expanded a military outpatient referral program to provide care for hundreds of servicemembers while reducing more than $1 million of costs to the U.S. Department of the Army. She is also the recipi-ent of three service medals, two achievement medals, and more than 15 other accolades during her time in active-duty military service.

Susan D. MuellerRobert E. Kinsinger Memorial Award

Susan D. Mueller, of Ithaca, New York, completed a Master of Science in Nursing Education in June 2018, with a 4.0 GPA. She is currently a RN dia-betes educator at IthacaMed and a clinical instructor at Tompkins Cortland

Community College. She also volunteers in a variety of community health-related positions.

For Mueller’s capstone project—the culminating project in the master’s pro-gram—she, along with several others, founded a food pharmacy at the Ithaca

Graduate Award Recipients

21

Free Clinic to provide supplemental nutrition for patients who struggle with both food insecurity and chronic cardiometabolic disorders like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The success of her capstone project inspired her to continue her education in a doctoral program at Binghamton University. She plans to use her advanced nursing knowledge to study local nonprofit health program outcomes.

Mueller has also volunteered regularly at the Ithaca Health Alliance since 2013, as well as with The REACH Project, Project Lead the Way, Friendship Donations Network, and other community organizations.

In addition to her master’s in nursing education from Excelsior College, Mueller earned a BA in art history and classical civilizations from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1999 and an AS in nursing from Tompkins Cortland Community College in 2013.

John H. ChristieDr. Robert L. Long Award for Academic Excellence in

Nuclear Engineering Technology

John H. Christie, of Pearl City, Hawaii, completed a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering Technology, with a 3.77 GPA in June 2019. Christie is the repair officer at the Naval Special Warfare Group 3 Logistics and Support

Unit, based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He has been with the Navy for more than 19 years.

In his current occupation, Christie is directly responsible for the scheduling, maintenance, and repair of seven NAVSEA certified assets, 11 SEAL delivery vehicles, and various support equipment valued at $246 million. Prior to this role, he was an assistant operations officer and was responsible for all land and waterborne operations for the Navy region of Hawaii. Christie also has been a fleet maintenance shops division head, a reactor electrical technician assistant, and a chemical radiological assistant.

Christie is an active member of the American Nuclear Society and is a mem-ber of Alpha Nu Sigma Honor Society, the honor society for nuclear science and engineering technology. He holds a United Services Military Apprenticeship Program Certificate as electrician, maintenance; and a United Services Military Apprenticeship Program Certificate as calibration laboratory technician. Christie is also a qualified submarine nuclear electrician’s mate, submarine engineering officer of the watch, and CVN propulsion plant watch officer.

Christie graduated Electrician’s Mate Nuclear Field “A” School in 2000, Naval Nuclear Power School in 2001, Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2001, and Limited Duty Officer Academy in 2009. He has re-enrolled at Excelsior College to pursue a Master of Science in Management.

Graduate Award Recipients

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Tamar Devorah GoldsteinRobert P. Mahoney Award

Tamar Devorah Goldstein, of Monsey, New York, completed a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts in March 2019, cum laude, with a 3.67 GPA. She has worked in a variety of settings, including marketing, customer

service, logistics, and office management.

Goldstein has always balanced her academic career with personal interests, often volunteering at or leading organizations in her community. Doing so has helped her become a well-rounded student and a more insightful person, she says. “As someone who loves to be involved and help others, I believe my strong academic background and innovative and creative thinking will allow me to continue my involvement and commitment to live a life to help and give to others,” says Goldstein.

Goldstein has volunteered at the summer camp Chai Lifeline, a summer camp for children with chronic illnesses and cancer, as well as at Camp Simcha, a project of Chai Lifeline. She has also worked with Chaiyanu to ensure children and families have the necessities they need as they battle illness, and has worked hospital shifts at Ahavas Chesed in Brooklyn.

In addition to her bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College, Goldstein obtained college credits through St. Thomas Aquinas and Mercy College and took Judaic studies courses at Michlala Jerusalem College in Jerusalem, Israel.

Jamey Lynn KeenRuth V. Matheney Memorial Award

Jamey Lynn Keen, of Prairie View, Kansas, completed a Bachelor in Science in Nursing in June 2018, magna cum laude, with a 3.79 GPA. As of this writing, she is an outpatient RN with Harlan County Health System but she and her

family will soon be moving to Colorado.

Keen, who earned an associate degree in nursing from Excelsior College in 2012, is drawn to providing service to others. She says, “Nursing is about caring and the act of portraying a caring attitude, but it is more than that—it is helping the patient obtain the basic human needs, striving towards self-actualization, utilizing their own beliefs, and adding to their knowledge base of how to reach ultimately positive health outcomes.”

She used the techniques she learned in her nursing courses to develop a Patient and Family Advisory Council at her current place of employment. She plans to further her education by obtaining a master’s degree in nursing with Excelsior College.

Graduate Award Recipients

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Graduate Award Recipients

Christine Anne TownsendMildred L. Montag Award

Christine Anne Townsend, of Omaha, Nebraska, completed a Master of Science in Nursing Education in February 2019, with a 4.0 GPA. She is a RN for Catholic Health Initiatives and a part-time academic educator for

Instructional Connections. Townsend has spent more than 17 years in the medi-cal field as a nurse and educator.

Townsend began her nursing career after the birth of her first child, and since then has worked and taught in a variety of nursing capacities, including labor and delivery, orthopaedic medicine, nursing informatics, women’s health care, critical care, holistic nursing, operative nursing, and more. Her personal goal is to col-laborate with patients, families, the health care team, and the community to forge trusting, caring, and compassionate relationships to advance healing.

Townsend is a member of the International Lactation Consultant Association, the American Nurses Association, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, Watson Caring Science Institute, Nevada State Breastfeeding Coalition, Holistic Nursing Association, and Sigma Theta Tau. She has received several awards over the years, including the star performer award seven times at St. Rose Sienna Hospital in Henderson, Nevada, the Go the Extra Mile Award from St. Rose Sienna Hospital, and the Customer Service Excellence Award from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, and has been a Nurse of the Year nominee and winner.

In addition to her master’s, Townsend earned an Associate of Science in Nursing from Atlantic City Cape Community College in 2001 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Excelsior College in 2016. She also has certifications in neonatal resuscitation, pediatric advance life support, advanced cardiovascular life sup-port, coronary pulmonary resuscitation, advanced fetal monitoring, and assault behavior management, and she is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.

Sabrina Walter(Nominated by Latissa S. Edmond)

Student Support Award

Latissa S. Edmond, of Saint Roberts, Missouri, nominated Sabrina Walter of McKinney, Texas, for this year’s Student Support Award. Edmond nominated her sister for her unwavering encouragement throughout

Edmond’s time pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts, which she earned in November 2018.

24

Graduate Award Recipients

Edmond is active-duty military and a single mom and found that even though Excelsior’s online classes were beneficial to her current situation, it was hard to keep up with course discussions and assignments. Her sister was there to lend an ear and give her an encouraging word. “She would even say, ‘you are in the military, I know that you have willpower to do this,’ and yes, she was right. I do have the willpower,” says Edmond. Walter helped Edmond to regroup and stick with her work even when Edmond felt she could not focus. Walter even took care of Edmond’s children when her sister was deployed.

“I could not have completed my degree or continue my military service if it was not for my sister!... It was the support of my sister that I needed; it was the support that she gave me,” says Edmond. “It was her telling me to never give up.”

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Recognizes outstanding academic, professional, personal, and community contributions that are representative of our graduates. Presented to a graduate whose achievements may serve as a role model to inspire other graduates and students.

Jeffrey Baker

Jeffrey Baker ’73, ’75, of Fairport, New York, is an adjunct psychology pro-fessor at Monroe Community College in Rochester and has also taught for several universities, including Rochester Institute of Technology, Walden,

Buena Vista, and Thomas Edison State.

Baker has worked as a learning specialist for students with disabilities, and his research on college students with learning disabilities was presented at meetings of the American Psychological Association. He served Excelsior College as sec-retary of the alumni association for one year, as alumni association trustee for seven years, and as a volunteer, assisted students in various advisory roles. He was a faculty member and subject matter expert for the College from 2009 to 2016.

Baker is president of the New York State Conference of the American Association of University Professors, president of the Learning Disabilities Association of New York State, and a member of the American Psychological Association. He was previously president of the Learning Disabilities Association of the Genesee Valley and previously served on the board of the Society of Broadcast Engineers. Before becoming involved in higher education, he had a more than 20-year career in broadcast technology.

In addition to an Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Science with a major in psychology from Excelsior College, Baker earned a master’s degree in counseling from Syracuse University and a PhD in psychology from Capella University.

Alumni Achievement Award

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Presented to an outstanding nursing graduate in recognition of the accomplishments and vision of Dr. Carrie Lenburg, coordinator of the

Regents College Nursing Program from 1973 to 1990. It commemorates her commitment to helping nurses attain their educational and

professional goals. This award is presented to a nurse who demonstrates a commitment to nursing education as well as academic and professional

accomplishments in the field of nursing.

Greta Kostac

Greta Kostac ’91, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is a family nurse practitioner with Aurora Medical Group in Fond du Lac and a visiting professor in the nurse practitioner program at Chamberlain University in Downers

Grove, Illinois. She has been a nurse for over 40 years, including a nurse practi-tioner for 20 years and a nurse educator for 15 years.

As a registered nurse, Kostac has been responsible for program development, policy and procedure development, and directing staff in the home care area. As a family nurse practitioner, she has cared for patients across their life span, treat-ing both acute and chronic problems as well as emphasizing preventative care. As an educator, Kostac has served as the program director for the nurse practitioner program at Marian University in Fond du Lac. While serving in that role, she was also chosen as the graduate nursing program chair, overseeing the graduate nurs-ing program. Kostac has been the lead on accreditation teams both specific to the nursing program as well as to the university. She has been the principal investiga-tor on multiple grants, including grants from the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Resource and Service Administration. She has served on many thesis and dissertation committees. She was promoted to associate professor and was granted tenure while at Marian University.

Kostac is a member of the Wisconsin Nurses Association and American Nurses Association and is a past member of both the National Organization for Nurse Practitioner Faculties and Sigma Theta Tau. She volunteers extensively in her community, and in 2015, received the Graduate Teacher of the Year-Marian University award for her excellence in teaching and service to the university and students.

Kostac earned an Associate of Science from Gogebic Community College in 1982, an associate degree in nursing from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in 1982, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Excelsior College in 1991. She went on to earn a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1998 and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2007.

Carrie B. Lenburg Award

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C. Wayne Williams Award

Named after the College’s first president, this award is presented in recognition of outstanding public service

and community involvement by a graduate.

Christine Robinson-Cooley

Christine Robinson-Cooley ’97, of East Greenbush, New York, is an assistant re-entry manager with the New York State Department of Cor-rections. She has held a variety of positions within the state criminal

justice system, working with inmates, parolees, victims, and their families, and continues to volunteer her time with mental health advocacy groups within the community.

Robinson-Cooley started her career in social work as a residential case man-ager at an Intensive Supportive Apartment Program at the then Mental Health Association in Albany County and as a community living specialist at Homeless and Travelers Aid in Albany, New York, implementing the Shelter Plus Care Program in 1994. Since then, she has been employed in the New York State Criminal Justice System as a correction officer, parole officer, senior parole officer, and presently as a mental health assistant re-entry manager. She is a teacher for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Rensselaer Family to Family, a free educational program for family, significant others, and friends of people living with mental illness.

She is a member of the New York State Corrections & Youth Services Association, American Correctional Association, and National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. She has also been a member of NAMI since 2012; a walk vol-unteer, conference presenter, and ribbon cutter for NAMI New York State; and a crisis intervention training panel presenter.

In addition to earning a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College in 1997, Robinson-Cooley has an AAS from Hudson Valley Community College and a master’s degree in social policy from SUNY Empire State College.

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College Service

Susan Honea

Susan Honea, of Woodstock, Georgia, has been a member of the liberal arts teaching faculty at Excelsior College since 2014. She has served on the School of Undergraduate Studies Faculty Advisory Committee.

Previous to her employment with Excelsior, Honea worked as a managing partner and consultant of Litchfield Enterprises LLC, vice president of CCH Small Firm Services, director of training and content development of Next Step Learning Inc., and director of course development for ExecuTrain Corporation. She is a member of the National Council of Teachers of English, Association of Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education, and the College English Association Middle Atlantic Group.

Honea has served on the Writing Across the Curriculum Group since 2014, sharing best practices and talking through strategies to apply in Excelsior’s asynchronous classrooms. She is known for carefully considering Excelsior’s non-traditional students and the many life circumstances they bring with them to their classrooms and adapting practices to their unique needs. In addition to her many contributions to the WAC Group, Honea has been invaluable in consulting on content for the Excelsior Online Writing Lab and for faculty trainings.

Honea earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in profes-sional writing from Kennesaw State University, and a bachelor’s degree in health sciences and a master’s degree in public health from Kaplan University. She has completed all coursework toward her doctorate in educational leadership with the University of Phoenix and also has a strong background in the nursing and allied health fields.

Distinguished Faculty Awards

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Distinguished Faculty Awards

Student Service, School of Graduate Studies

Nicola Davis Bivens

Nicola Davis Bivens has been a member of the Excelsior College instruc-tional faculty since 2012, and teaches graduate courses in criminal justice. For more than 30 years, she has studied, worked in, or trained

and/or taught in the field of public safety.

Davis Bivens is an active member of various criminal justice and community organizations. As a member of the Mid-South Sociological Association, she served as the chair of the Committee on Small and Community Colleges from 2015 to 2018. She is a member of the International Association of Emergency Managers, North State Law Enforcement Officers Association, and the North Carolina Criminal Justice Association. She also serves as a research and prac-titioner consultant for the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Institute of Justice, and previously served on the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Criminal Justice Partnership Program Advisory Board. She is a research fellow at the Homeland Security and Workforce Development Institute at North Carolina Central University.

Her recent publications have appeared in the Journal of Applied Security Research, Journal of Justice Studies, Paradigm Shift: An Interdisciplinary Journal on the African American Experience, Field Educator, and Journal of Criminal Justice and Law Review. She has received various awards and recognitions, including subject matter expert in Corrections for the 2009 Blackboard Catalyst Award for an Exemplary Course Program, 2009 Associate Member of the Year by North State Law Enforcement Officers Association, Who’s Who Among Americas Teachers (2005–2006; 2006–2007), and 2012 CATO Par Excellence Teaching Award.

Davis Bivens earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from South Carolina State University, a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, an MPA in Emergency Management from Clemson University, and a doctor of education in criminal justice from Nova Southeastern University.

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Student Service, School of Nursing

Michele Woodbeck

Michele Woodbeck, of Walkertown, North Carolina, is a registered nurse and teaches in the associate degree in nursing program at Excelsior College. In addition to her instructional faculty position at Excelsior

College, she teaches at Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Woodbeck has worked in a variety of nursing-related positions, particularly in medical-surgical areas, pediatrics, and obstetrics. Throughout the 1970s, she was a staff nurse at various hospitals, including Deaconess Hospital in Buffalo and Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York. Since the late 1970s, she has been a nursing instructor for various colleges and teaching hospitals, including University at Albany, Ulster County Community College, Maria College, Hudson Valley Community College, and Albany Medical Center Hospital. She was also a clinical examiner for the Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination, the capstone exam of the associate degree in nursing program at Excelsior College, from 1979 to 2008.

Woodbeck says she enjoys the challenge of trying to establish meaningful rela-tionships with students who are independent learners. “They are very busy adults, yet it is important to me that they do not feel isolated in the learning process,” she says, “I like to encourage and coach nursing students to develop a love for nursing and enthusiasm for the privilege of caring for patients.”

She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from D’Youville College in 1972 and a master’s degree in nursing from Russell Sage College in 1979.

Distinguished Faculty Awards

31

Student Service, School of Undergraduate Studies

Jeff A. Pence

Amember of the instructional faculty at Excelsior College, Jeff A. Pence teaches HSC 105/106 Anatomy and Physiology I and II, HSC 316 Mind, Body, and Health, HSC 402 Managing Stress, and HSC 124 Professional-

ism in Healthcare, a course that he helped to revise. He is a certified chiropractor and has been in private practice in his hometown of Burlington, Iowa, since 1986.

Pence’s clinic is the largest multi-doctor center in southeast Iowa, offering on-site diagnostic imaging, laboratory, and physiotherapy procedures. He is a certi-fied medical examiner of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration and routinely performs Department of Transportation examinations and re-evalua-tions for several local, regional, and national carriers. He is also a Diplomate of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and is recognized as a certified strength and conditioning specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Pence began his teaching career in 2000 when he taught anatomy and physiol-ogy on the main campus of Southeastern Community College (SCC) in West Burlington, Iowa. He has taught at SCC’s satellite in Keokuk, Iowa, where he also taught Anatomy and Physiology I/II, with lab. He has taught at Excelsior College since January 2015 and until recently, also taught at American Public University and American Military University. In addition to his instructional faculty role, Pence is involved in committee work at Excelsior and serves on the College Curriculum Committee and School of Undergraduate Studies Faculty Steering Committee.

Pence earned a Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1986 and a master’s degree in human anatomy and physiology instruction from New York Chiropractic College in 2012. He holds post-graduate certification as a chiropractic sports physician from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Examiners.

Distinguished Faculty Awards

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Excelsior College President’s Committee on Inclusion

The President’s Committee on Inclusion was founded in 2003 in recognition of the value of diversity in a learning community. The committee has promoted diversity of all types in the College

community and has assisted the president and leadership of the College in creating and maintaining an inclusive and welcoming environment for our employees and students.

Throughout its history, the committee has developed, promoted, and implemented programs that enrich the working and learning environment for the members of the Excelsior College community by featuring educational opportunities to learn about and reflect, both individually and collectively, on contemporary issues around race, sex, religion, ethnicity, physical ability and condition, physical and mental health, and sexual and gender preference.

Jerry L. Neff

Brig. Gen. (ret.) Jerry L. Neff is a former regional president and chairman of M&I Bank and a distinguished, retired member of the National

Guard who has contributed decades of successful service to both his country and the banking industry.

Neff enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard at the age of 18, and his decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), and the Army Achievement Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster). A member of the Florida National Guard Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame, he was twice awarded the Florida Cross, the highest award given to a member of the Florida Army National Guard for outstanding service to its citizens. At the time of his retirement from the Guard in 1999, Neff was the deputy commanding general, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Orlando, Florida.

President’s Medal RecipientsThe President’s Medal is awarded at the sole discretion of the president in

recognition of distinguished service to the College or the community.

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During his concurrent 48  years in banking, he was named the Florida Bankers Association Banker of the Year in 2004.

In addition to his education at the Army Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Army War College, and the National Commercial Lending Graduate School, Neff graduated from Excelsior (then Regents) College with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies in 1987.

Neff was recently appointed to the board of directors for Veterans Florida, a nonprofit corporation created by the State of Florida to help veterans transition to civilian life. Committed to serving his local community, he has served as a board member of the South Florida Museum, as chair of the Manatee Chamber of Commerce as well as the vice chairman of the board of trustees of Blake Medical Center; chair of the Manatee Rural Health Clinic Foundation; and as president of the Military Officers Association of America, Bradenton Chapter. He has been a member of the Excelsior College Board of Trustees since 2011 and served as board chair from 2014 through 2017. He has also contributed to Excelsior’s community as chair of the College’s 40th Anniversary Committee.

Neff was the recipient of the Excelsior College Alumni Achievement Award in 2008, the U.S. Army War College Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2009, and the Southwest Florida Council of Boy Scouts of America’s Good Scout Citizen of the Year Award in 2014. He was also named Manatee County, Florida Veteran of the Year in 2014.

Neff and his wife, Judy, live in Bradenton, Florida.

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The mission of the Excelsior College Alumni Association is to foster a sense of identity and community among graduates, students, and the College. The Association is committed to advocating for the interests of alumni and supporting the College’s mission of access, excellence, and diversity. The Association receives leadership from an Alumni

Leadership Council selected by popular vote of alumni peers.

Alumni Leadership Council of the Excelsior College Alumni Association

Mark A. Bowman, BS ’00, Texas

Sandra E. Butterfield, BS ’86, California

D. Patrick Geiger, Texas*

Tara Gillam, BS ’96, Georgia*

Jonathan Green, AS ’09, BS ’12, New Jersey

Dwayn Hanford, BS ’05, Virginia

Matthew Hendershot, BS ’15, Kansas

James Ketzler, AAS ’00, Virginia

Edgar Montalvo, BS ’97, Illinois

Gina Rinder, BS ’11, Colorado*

J. Kane Tomlin, BS ’12, MS ’14, Florida

Walter Were, BSL ’05, Pennsylvania*

*denotes incoming member

Alumni Association

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Board of Trustees

CHAIR

Helen Benjamin, PhDChancellor (Ret.)Contra Costa Community College DistrictDallas, TX

MEMBERS

David Baime, MSSenior Vice President, Government Relations and Policy AnalysisAmerican Association of Community CollegesWashington, DC

Don Dea, MBA (Treasurer)CofounderFusion ProductionsWebster, NY

Debbie Dawson Hatmaker PhD, RN, FAANChief Nursing OfficerAmerican Nurses Association EnterpriseSilver Springs, MD

Matt Loeb, CGEIT, CAE, FASAEPrincipalOptimal Performance Seekers LLCDoylestown, PA

KH Maman, MSEE, MBAManaging Director, Cyber Risk ServicesDeloitte & Touche LLPNew York, NY

Jeanne Meister, BA, MEdFounding PartnerFuture WorkplaceNew York, NY

Karim Merchant, Esq.Director of Development and Volunteer Engagement Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), U.S.A.Washington, DC

Jerry L. Neff, BSBrigadier General (Ret.), ARNGUSRegional President (Ret.)M&I BankBradenton, FL

Mary O’Connor, PhD, RN, FACHE Associate ProfessorNotre Dame of Maryland University Baltimore, MD

Clar Rosso, MAExecutive Vice President, Engagement and Learning InnovationAssociation of International Certified Professional AccountantsDurham, NC

Pamela J. Tate, MA, MS (Vice Chair)Former President and CEOCouncil for Adult and Experiential LearningChicago, IL

Q. Rose Wang, MS (Secretary)Managing DirectorRose Wang Strategies LLCBethesda, MD

Khori Whittaker, MAPresident & CEOLighthouse AcademiesWesley Chapel, FL

Alec WhittersCEO & CofounderHigher Learning TechnologiesIowa City, IA

EX OFFICIO

James N. Baldwin, EdD, JDPresidentExcelsior CollegeAlbany, NY

Scott W. BentonChiropractic PhysicianThompson’s Station, TNCo-Chair, Excelsior College Faculty Steering Council

Dwayn Miles Hanford, MSTeam Chief, Senior Intelligence Officer, Defense Intelligence AgencySpringfield, VAPresident, Excelsior College Alumni Association

CHAIR EMERITI

Arthur J. Gregg, BSLt. General (Ret.)U.S. ArmyDumfries, VA

Joshua L. Smith, EdDProfessor & Director (Ret.), Program in Higher Education and Center for Urban Community College LeadershipNew York University, School of EducationNew York, NY

Richard Yep, MPA, CAE, FASAECEOAmerican Counseling AssociationAlexandria, VA

EMERITI

William E. Cox, EdDPresidentCox, Matthews, and Associates Inc.Fairfax, VA

William G. Harris, PhDCEOAssociation of Test PublishersWashington, DC

Jean M. Smith, BAVice President (Ret.)J.P. Morgan Chase Chase Community Development CorporationNew York, NY

Lawrence E. Vertucci, BAExecutive Vice President and Regional President (Ret.)HSBC Bank, U.S.A.Albany, NY

John R. Wetsch, PhD, PMPIT Director, Application Service DeliveryNorth Carolina Department of RevenueRaleigh, NC

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