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Millersville University held its first in-person December graduation ceremony since 2019 on December 11 at 2 p.m. in the Pucillo Gymnasium. For the first time in our history, the ceremony included masters and Ph.D. students. The keynote speaker was our alum of the class of 1982, Brent Frey, the former director of Worldwide Education Leadership and Learning at Apple Inc.
Here we highlight some of our December graduates.
Christian Arcarese
Christian Arcarese, from East Berlin, Pennsylvania, graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication with a concentration in Communication Studies and a minor in Management.
Plans after graduation?
I plan to do a paid internship in the spring for experience and resume-building, in addition to learning more specifically what types of communication and management jobs I would enjoy within a company. After that, I plan to find a full-time job in a company with a collaborative, innovative, empowering, and positive culture.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
My biggest accomplishment at Millersville has been making such great friends and being involved in many different clubs. I have learned and grown so much from my experiences here at Millersville, and that’s what’s most important to me as I approach graduation and what I’ll remember the most long after.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
My favorite memory at Millersville was definitely starring as Uncle Fester in the Addams Family musical through the All-Campus Musical Organization (ACMO) alongside a bunch of my best friends.
Alanna Beezus
Alanna Beezus, from Bethlehem Pennsylvania, graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management with a minor in Sustainability Studies.
Plans after graduation?
Enter the workforce as an Emergency Management Specialist. .
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
After coming into college undeclared, I would say my proudest accomplishment is the growth I have had within my major – making strong connections with people in my field, attending three professional development conferences in my undergrad and completing two significant internships and an Honors Thesis.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
The people I have met throughout my time here, and my study abroad trip to Iceland with Dr. Litowtiz’s Sustainable Energy class.
Kaitlyn Dougherty
Kaitlyn Dougherty, from Bensalem, Pennsylvania, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and a Psychology minor.
Plans after graduation?
After graduation, I intend on continuing my job at the Lancaster Community Services Group with the Transition to Community program, followed by going to graduate school for my master’s degree in Forensic Legal Psychology in Fall 2023.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
My biggest accomplishment at Millersville was figuring out my schedule so that I could graduate a semester early, including taking an unpaid summer internship and 19 credits during the fall 2022 semester.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
My favorite memory at Millersville was being an orientation leader during the summer of 2020 and 2021 and welcoming all the new students into the Millersville community!
Daniel Foreacre
Daniel Foreacre, a member of the Honors College and from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science.
Plans after graduation?
I have been applying to various Ph.D. programs in computational neuroscience. I want to use my knowledge of computer science to build models of the brain, which can then be used to inform our approaches to artificial intelligence programs.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
My biggest accomplishment at Millersville has been the completion of my undergraduate honors thesis. Not only has it given me valuable research experience, but it has also given me the opportunity to present my work in many different venues, including Made in Millersville last year.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
This last semester in particular has been great because I have felt so much closer to my classmates and the faculty of the computer science department. The greatest contenders would have to be my nomination of the department secretary, Tonya Piles, for an EPPIIC award and my thesis defense.
Christopher Hamilton
Christopher Hamilton, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management.
Plans after graduation?
In the future I plan to scale my media production business, work for a company within my field and acquire multiple properties for future real estate.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
My biggest accomplishment is being able to transform into someone greater than I was when I came in. By having the opportunity to acquire education and skills that will be the foundation for lifelong learning.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
Spending time with my friends after the second annual Black Excellence Ball, if you know, you know.
Faith Irwin
Faith Irwin, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Entertainment Technology with a minor in Sports Studies.
Plans after graduation?
I plan to continue working at a local dance studio, Hooley School of Irish Dance, where I can blend my major in performance with my minor in athletics.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
I competed in the PA State System of Higher Education start-up business competition. I did well and earned placement and funds to help me continue working toward my start-up.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
I have good memories of the Dutcher Theatre shows.
Lawrence Jeter
Lawerence Jeter, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies Education with a concentration in Inclusive Education pre-k-12 with a minor in African American Studies.
Plans after graduation?
After college, I plan on moving to the Lancaster community and participating in local educational programs. I also plan to teach in the school district of Lancaster for the 2023-2024 school year. In my spare time, I will be substituting in the Philadelphia school district.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
My biggest accomplishment at Millersville was graduating with over 150 credits within 4.5 years. I took multiple classes throughout the years while working 3 jobs in the summer to accomplish this goal.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
My favorite memory at Millersville was working as an RA. I met so many impactful people throughout my years as an RA, and I enjoyed every encounter that I had with my peers. Along with my colleagues, I put on many great programs for the residents of West Village. I want to give a special shout to my mom, dad, sisters, and all of my friends and family.
Christine Jibilian
Christine Jibilian, from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
Plans after graduation?
I plan to work full-time with Pennsylvania Counseling Services until next fall when I will begin graduate school. I’m planning to pursue a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and become a Licensed Professional Counselor!
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
My biggest accomplishment at Millersville is graduating as part of the Honors College. This was a challenge since it required taking many honors level courses and completing a senior thesis, but I’m glad I stuck with it and finished with honors!
Favorite memory at Millersville?
My favorite memories at Millersville include the events on campus and simply enjoying the atmosphere. I loved my classes and professors, I loved being part of the Honors College, I loved going for walks around campus and seeing the swans at the pond and I loved meeting new people. Overall, I had a really positive experience here and made so many fun memories.
Richard Mehrenberg
Richard Mehrenberg, from Millersville, Pennsylvania, graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication with a concentration in Media Arts Production.
Plans after graduation?
I want to start looking for a job relevant to my field of study. I’d like to move to a major city like Philadelphia if possible.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
My biggest accomplishment at Millersville was becoming a better and more responsible student as time went on. I really struggled with adapting to the college workload and responsibilities my freshman year. That led to me doing very poorly in most of my classes. I took a semester break from school and when I returned I ended up on the Dean’s List for that semester. The college life has made me more responsible and mindful of my time management skills.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
My favorite memories from Millersville definitely come from my time at the radio station, WIXQ. There, I met people who I would now consider some of my best friends. The station is open to any student or faculty regardless of major, so I got to branch out and hear what school was like for lots of other people. I recommend anyone interested in music or having a platform to talk sign up for WIXQ and experience all that it has to offer.
Jack Rafuse
Jack Rafuse, from Coatesville, Pennsylvania, graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting.
Plans after graduation? After graduation, I will begin my third internship with plans to join RKL, LLP in the Fall full-time. I will also begin an MBA program in the Spring and sit for the CPA exam in the future.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
My biggest accomplishment at Millersville is getting connected with RKL, LLP, which is the Accounting firm I interned at while at Millersville and will join again when I graduate. This is all thanks to the tremendous staff at the Lombardo College of Business and the “Meet the Firms” event they hold to get Accounting students connected with many of the local firms throughout the area.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
My favorite memory at Millersville is meeting some of my best friends and interacting with the incredible staff at the Lombardo College of Business. They have given me the resources to be successful and I am forever thankful for them.
Rachel Ritchey
Rachel Ritchey, from York, Pennsylvania, graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication with a concentration in Public Relations.
Plans after graduation?
I am going to finish out my current internship at Traditions Bank in York as a Communication Assistant for their women’s financial wellness program called Her Traditions. I am employed there until the end of the year, and in December, I will start to apply for entry-level public relations and social media/digital marketing jobs. I want to keep an open mind and find a job that aligns with my passions and values. I hope to find a place of employment I can continue to grow and gain valuable experience. My future career goals include managing a company’s social media and digital marketing. I also hope to find my own apartment in the summer of 2023 in the Lancaster or York area.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
I would say my biggest accomplishment is balancing involvement in my student organizations and academics. I put my heart into everything I do, and I truly value my education, as it can help me achieve my future goals in life. I am proud of myself for stepping into leadership roles in my clubs, including being the PR Chair for ACMO (All Campus Musical Organization), a member of the worship team in Navigators, and the President of Her Campus Millersville. I’ve met so many amazing people in these student clubs, and they allowed me to grow as a person and have a positive impact.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
I have two favorite memories here at Millersville. My first favorite memory is performing in ACMO’s Spring 2022 production of “The Addams Family” musical. The production was entirely student-run, and we put a lot of hard work and time into making it a success. The final outcome of our performances was worth it in the end, showing us we could work together toward a common goal and have amazing rewards. I also met some of my closest friends at Millersville through this show, and we became a family!
My second favorite memory is being a part of Her Campus Millersville since my freshman year. This organization’s message means so much to me since its goal is to empower women by voicing our experiences and passions through our articles. I’ve met extraordinary women through this organization, and we have created a safe space to support one another and celebrate our differences and unique experiences. I will definitely miss each of the members I’ve had the joy of getting to know, but I will continue to attend events and support them as they continue to make the club a success!
Joshua Rushlow
Joshua Rushlow, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics.
Plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on attending graduate school to earn my Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
I have many accomplishments I am proud of getting accepted for the Murley Summer research fellowship, completing 10 weeks of research during the summer, getting two first-author publications in a crystallography journal, and then presenting the research at the chemistry department fall colloquium and the ACS National Conference.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
My favorite memory at Millersville was attending a trip to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia with the MU student chapter of the American Chemical Society.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
My biggest accomplishment at Millersville was becoming a better and more responsible student as time went on. I really struggled with adapting to the college workload and responsibilities my freshman year. That led to me doing very poorly in most of my classes. I took a semester break from school and when I returned I ended up on the
Karen Westmoreland
Karen Westmoreland, from Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.
Plans after graduation?
I plan to hunt for a job after graduation.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
My biggest accomplishment is maintaining a good GPA throughout college.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
Participating in a simulated group therapy session in my SOWK class. The session turned out to be really therapeutic for every student in the class.
Madison Whitcomb
Madison Whitcomb, from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, graduates from the Honors College with a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics.
Plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’ll be working in legislative affairs.
What is your biggest accomplishment at Millersville?
My biggest accomplishment has been serving on the Council of Trustees for the last year and a half.
Favorite memory at Millersville?
My favorite memory from Millersville is attending PASSHE Advocacy Days with President Wubah and VP DeSantis.
