Commencement 2007
|
Commencement 2007 Video Gallery |
One hundred and thirty-nine years ago, MIT graduated its first class of thirteen students. Georgia Tech held its very first commencement in 1890. On that day, just two men graduated, obtaining undergraduate degrees in mechanical engineering. Farmers High School graduated its first class of eleven students in 1861. Today, Farmer’s High School is called The Pennsylvania State University.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is in good company as it graduated its inaugural class of nine students, Friday, May 11th, 2007 during a ceremony at the State Museum of Pennsylvania.
“You are now an official part of our history. And we are, in fact, making history as we prepare to graduate our very first class of students who will go on to become an important part of the region’s future,” announced Dr. Mel Schiavelli, president of Harrisburg University, to the crowd of more than 200 at the event. “We believe innovation stays here when it starts here. In that spirit, the University is proud to present the inaugural Class of 2007. These pioneers represent the first members of the new science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs offered at Harrisburg University.”
The nine students who will forever be enshrined in the chronicles of the University are: Christopher W. DeLong, Meredith L.J. McNutt, Diane V. Do, Courtney J. Smith, Joshua L. Easter, Brian L. Thomas, Farah Jabeen, Michael R. Wright and Nicholas May.
“You are pioneers who joined the first science and technology university chartered in the Commonwealth in over a century. You have created a legacy and started traditions that will serve as the foundation for the future of the University,” said David Schankweiler, Chair of HU’s Board of Trustees, prior to conferring the degrees.
The students and guests received words of wisdom from City of Harrisburg Mayor and the first member of the Honorary Alumni Association, Stephen R. Reed. Provost Karen Kashmanian Oates thanked the many people who helped each student on their journey. Brian Thomas spoke on behalf of the graduates and HU Charter Faculty Member Dr. Christina Dryden challenged the graduating class to “take risks, explore with curiosity, and discover the wonders of the world.”
Dryden also announced the University has created a new scholarship, entirely supported by the staff and faculty of HU to honor students who demonstrate success in one of the University’s core competency areas.
To commemorate this historic day, each member of the class received a University medal, a personal proclamation recognizing the achievement from Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, a copy of the Senate Resolution sponsored by Senator Jeffrey Piccola, and a copy the House Resolution sponsored by Representative Ron Buxton. These resolutions and proclamations honor the University and name each member of the graduating class. Congressman Tim Holden, a good friend and steadfast supporter of Harrisburg University, issued a Congressional citation. University officials announced the signage, several of the academic robes, and copiesof the various proclamations, citations and resolutions will be added immediately to the archives.
| Back to Top |
About The Class of 2007
Harrisburg University and its first class of nine graduates achieved a milestone with its inaugural commencement. The Class of 2007 came to the University to pursue new degrees or to complete their studies. What clicked for each of them when they arrived at Harrisburg University was the chance to customize their education -- with hours; location; majors; internships; and lots of attention, assistance and mentoring -- in order to make the college experience more about them. The members of the Class of 2007 are the first alumni of the University. We are very proud of what each of them has accomplished.
Christopher DeLong, 23, of Linglestown, PA. B.S Degree in Biotechnology and Biosciences. What he likes most about the University is the hands on experience they have to offer to all the students. Having a mentor has given Christopher the ability to network throughout the region and to meet other professionals in his field. His favorite classes are Anatomy and Physiology. In the future he plans to pursue graduate school for a master’s in Forensic Science. In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking and snowboarding.
Diane Do, 23, of Harrisburg, PA. B.S. Degree in Integrative Sciences with a concentration in Environmental Chemistry. Diane transferred to the University from Harrisburg Area Community College. The small classes and the teacher/student relationship are what Diane likes most about the University. Environmental Chemistry and Mathematical Modeling were her favorite classes. Diane hopes to move on to a career with the Department of Environmental Protection to help teach and promote a cleaner and healthier environment.
Joshua L. Easter, 21, of Herndon, PA. B.S. Degree in Computer and Information Sciences. Joshua enrolled at Harrisburg University to get degree and he wanted a chance to grow along with the university -- and maybe even help write some of the rules in the process. "We hit many bumps in the road, but with the help of the administration, the students were allowed to help shape the school into what it is today. I am glad that I was able to help mold the school into a place where future students can learn and grow as I did." What he likes most about the University is the diversity of the students, friendly environment and great professors.
Farah Jabeen, 21, of Harrisburg, PA. B.S. Degree in Integrative Science with a concentration in Pre-Medical Studies. Farah saw Harrisburg University as the perfect stepping stone between community college and medical school as she journeyed to become her family’s first doctor. Having a mentor has been very essential to her because of the opportunity to receive real life experiences. She credits her mentor for showing her the importance of creating a network among professionals. Farah plans to attend medical school.
Nicholas P May, 26, of Harrisburg, PA. M.S. Degree in Information Technology Project Management. The first master’s degree graduate of the University, Nicholas selected Harrisburg University because of its convenience and it was virtually the only way to squeeze graduate school into his 60-hour work week. “The staff and faculty reach out to help you in every situation, and the atmosphere has inspired me to learn. Nicholas plans to continue his career at Highmark Medicare Services and plans to obtain a Master of Science Degree in Finance. What he likes most about the region is how everything is changing and how it promotes and encourages learning. In his spare time he is a competitive tennis player, actively playing in local and national level tournaments.
Meredith L. J. McNutt, 26, of Carlisle, PA. B.S. Degree in Integrative Sciences. For Meredith, you just can’t beat the small-campus atmosphere and the 7-1 teacher-student ratio. All of that personal attention, along with the University's local corporate connections, helped her land an internship at GeoDecisions, a subsidiary of Gannett Fleming Corp., in Camp Hill. McNutt not only got to apply her GIS computer mapping skills, she ended up landing a full-time post-college job there. "The fact that the University has a corporate faculty was the reason I got that internship, and it's the reason I received a position at GeoDecisions," she said. She loves the fact that this region is continually growing but remains a small city. The city’s proximity to major cities like Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore and Washington D.C., yet is far enough away from the larger cities to give it a small community feel. Harrisburg is also in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, a perfect fit for Meredith because she enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, gardening, and kayaking.
Courtney Smith, 28, of Harrisburg, PA. B.S. Degree in Integrative Sciences with a concentration in Health and Life Sciences. Courtney was attracted to the University’s concept of learning and she knew that it would not only add more enrichment to her life, but also allow flexibility with her class schedule due to consideration to her family life. She was also searching for the curriculum that was outside of a typical Biology degree. That is when she found that the Integrative Sciences curriculum at Harrisburg University would allow her to explore within her areas of interest. And in the process be able to customize her degree.
Brian L. Thomas, 22, of Lancaster. B.S. Degree in Computer and Information Sciences. Brian hasn't settled on his next step in life. But he's confident his Harrisburg U degree will give him a solid footing in the technology field. "I have a foundation that I can grow with," he said. . He also thinks the city environment makes for an interesting place to learn.. The close interaction with the students and faculty at Harrisburg University has allowed Brian to get to know the faculty more and has made the University a special place to pursue his degree.
Michael R. Wright, 41, of Carlisle, PA. B.S. Degree in Integrative Sciences. Michael holds the distinction being the very first student to complete all the requirements to graduate. The former Marine says the University was a perfect school for him to transfer his credits from Virginia Military Institute and was very convenient as an adult student to schedule classes. The Integrative Sciences major allowed him the most flexibility as an adult student and it also allowed him to supplement his existing education with an innovative new major. Michael likes the attitude, diversity, and different teaching styles of the professors.
| Back to Top |