Harrisburg University - Commencement and Partners Day 2008

Commencement and Partners Day 2008

Commencement and Partners Day 2008
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The graduating class is small compared to many universities, but it's part of something with historical significance. The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology handed out two Master of Science degrees and eight Bachelor of Science degrees to its second graduating class during its Commencement Exercises and Partners Day Celebration. More than 185 guests attended the event, which is considered the high point of the academic year.

The Honorable Governor Edward G. Rendell, Honorable Tim Holden (D-17th) and Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed were among the dignitaries dispensing advice and words of encouragement to the Class of 2008 during the May 15th event, which was held at the State Museum of Pennsylvania. Robert M. Scaer, Senior Vice President/Chief Information Officer of Gannett Fleming, Inc. and President of GeoDecisions, offered his congratulations to the Class of 2008 and spoke about the importance of the University’s partnership model.

Gov. Rendell told the graduates they shouldn't allow society to define their success. Each person should determine what success means to them. Don't allow people to tell you what you can achieve; and if you fail, get up and do it again, he said.

"Success is something you build," Gov. Rendell said. He also told the graduates that no matter what happens in their lives, they should always give back.

Harrisburg University President & CEO, Dr. Mel Schiavelli, noted that the University is an academic institution born of this community and it is quickly taking root across the Commonwealth because of its applied education in the highly critical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics disciplines.

“Our STEM-focused disciplines position our region—and our nation—to be a competitive force in the global economy. If the nation is serious about addressing the importance of STEM education in our economy, then we must think about new educational models—like the one here at Harrisburg University—that utilize strategic partnerships. In that spirit, we are one of the few places in the United States where the integration of higher education with workforce development and economic development has been achieved,” said Dr. Schiavelli.

“Tonight’s commencement exercises celebrate that educational model, our strategic partnerships, and most importantly the academic achievement of our students. It is our students’ future success in STEM-related careers that is vital to our region’s economic growth."

Chairman of the Board, R. Timothy Weston, Esq., reminded the graduates prior to conferring the degrees of their responsibilities. He said that “In a world all to often challenged by prejudice, poverty, and the suppression of free-thought, you join a community with both the special privileges and the abiding responsibilities of educated women and men to engage, reason, and use science for the betterment of your fellow citizens.”

The evening’s event celebrated the success of the students, and the importance of the University’s dedicated partners. From the beginning, partners have helped to create the curriculum, served as business mentors to students, offer practical knowledge as corporate faculty members, and support the Honorary Alumni Association that provide scholarships and academic support to our students.

Mr. Scaer, who joins the University’s Board of Trustees in July, spoke about the value of partnering with the University. Gannett Fleming, thru its GeoDecisions division, supports the University’s goal to produce high quality graduates to fill our workforce needs.

“Like many corporate partners in the room tonight, when the University was forming, we saw the need and ‘asked how we can help. We helped develop the GIS curriculum. Seven members of our staff are a part of the corporate faculty at the University. We provide mentors, contribute to support scholarships and academic programs, host internships, and have hired the University graduates. Let me tell you, they are great employees,” says Mr. Scaer. “I see the benefit of partnering with the University first-hand. An investment in Harrisburg University is a direct investment in the region’s future.”

Both Gov. Rendell and Congressman Holden received honorary degrees during the event.

The Class of 2008:

Brian J. Lee of Shillington, Master of Science in IT Project Management.
Jonathan Ronald Ruel of Fredericksburg, Master of Science in IT Project Management.
Judy Annette Arnold of Sinking Spring, Bachelor of Science in Computer & Information Sciences.
Shevonne Thompson Hollenbach, Bachelor of Science in Integrative Sciences. She will graduate with Summa Cum Laude Honors.
Alison Linsey Jago of Carlisle, Bachelor of Science in Integrative Sciences. She will graduate with Cum Laude Honors.
John Robert Myers, Jr. of Pequea, Bachelor of Science in Computer & Information Sciences.
Phu H. Pham of Harrisburg, Bachelor of Science in Integrative Sciences.
Stacey Lea Stanovich of Harrisburg, Bachelor of Science in Integrative Sciences.
B. Abner Vargas of York, Bachelor of Science in Computer & Information Sciences. He will graduate with Cum Laude Honors.
Tasha Rene Wiesner of Grantville, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Biosciences.

Some are the first in their families to earn a college degree. Others returned to finish what they began years ago. Several have accepted new employment offers in their respective majors; while others are going on to pursue additional degrees. No matter their path, the Class of 2008 is fortified with knowledge, dreams and determination. They face a future full of opportunity and success and we wish them well.