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It’s that time of year – commencement is right around the corner once again, and hundreds of Millersville students are about to become Millersville graduates. Meet some of the members of the Class of 2025 here and discover what they learned as students, some of their most special memories and where they’re headed after they have their diplomas in hand.
Devin B. Sparwasser
What is your major, and where are you from?
I am a psychology major with a criminology minor from Quakertown, Pennsylvania.
What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate this December, I will be attending graduate school for the clinical psychology program here at Millersville University starting in the Spring 2026 semester!
What is your favorite memory from Millersville?
My favorite memory from my time as an undergraduate student at Millersville University would probably be singing in Glorious Sounds of the Season every fall semester. It never fails to get me in the Christmas spirit right before winter break!
What organizations have you been part of?
Throughout my time at Millersville, I have been a member of the Cantilena Women’s Choir, University Choir, Psychology Club, the Cygnus Society, the Psi Chi International Honors Society in Psychology, and I have worked as an Integrated Studies coach, a Writing Center tutor, a tutor for the psychology department and a Learning Services notetaker.
Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?
Many staff members in various departments on campus have influenced me and taught me valuable lessons during my time at Millersville. In the psychology department, Dr. Shawn P. Gallagher, Dr. Allura Ralston, Dr. Kelly M. Banna, Prof. Hope Odenwalt and Dr. Richard Joseph Behun have taught me that I am more than capable of entering this field professionally and that I should believe in my abilities. In the sociology department, Dr. Frederika E. Schmitt, Dr. Stephanie C. Jerstad and Dr. Carrie Lee Smith have taught me the value of looking at problems from a societal standpoint, and that sociology often goes hand-in-hand with psychology. In the music department, Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell taught me that I can still relieve stress while being part of something meaningful to the entire Millersville campus by performing in concerts like Glorious Sounds of the Season. Finally, in the education department, Dr. Ojoma Edeh and Dr. Kazi Hossain taught me the value of promoting diversity and inclusion on Millersville’s campus, which I always intend to do as a student here.
If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?
If I could give a piece of advice to myself as a freshman, I would tell myself not to worry about not having accomplished a lot on campus yet; it will come in time, and it takes time to become involved with various organizations. Just be patient; as a graduating senior, I can say that I have certainly accomplished a lot during my time as an undergrad.
Anything you’d like to add?
I would just like to say that I am beyond grateful, not only for the time I have already spent as a student at Millersville University, but for the opportunity to continue my journey as a student here. I look forward to the future, and I have much to appreciate from my time on this campus.
Donovan J. August
What is your major, and where are you from?
I majored in biology with a concentration in pre-medical professions and a minor in biochemistry. I grew up in New Holland and have spent my entire life in Lancaster County.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth Medical School, where I intend to pursue a career in emergency medicine.
What is your favorite memory from Millersville?
Some of my favorite memories at MU are the simple ones, studying with friends in the library, grabbing a bite at the Sugar Bowl or walking around the pond. I have built friendships here that I will carry with me to Minnesota and beyond.
What organizations have you been part of?
I was an active member of the Mixed Martial Arts Club, where I held leadership roles and served as the Judo instructor. I also served as an academic and peer mentor for the Biology Mentorship Program and regularly attended Gender and Sexuality Alliance and Pre-Health Club meetings.
Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?
Dr. Heather Lehman took me in as a researcher and taught me how to be a scientist with both technical skills and humanity. She saw potential in me long before I saw it in myself, and her mentorship truly made Millersville feel like home.
If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?
My advice to any freshman: Comparison is the thief of joy. You are on a unique journey, study what you love, and remember that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Brendan S. Calv
What is your major, and where are you from?
My major is emergency management, and I am from Hunterdon County, New Jersey.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’m hoping to stay in the eastern United States as a local emergency manager. I aspire to be in a role where I can make lasting, tangible impacts not just for my community but by working with them.
What is your favorite memory from Millersville?
My favorite memory from Millersville would have to be all the spontaneous excursions and adventures I’ve gone on with my friends. There’s nothing quite like leaving all your worries behind for a drive, a hike, a night out or games with the ones closest to you!
What organizations have you been part of?
During my time at Millersville, I’ve been the secretary for the International Association of Emergency Managers Student Chapter and the founder/president of the Yoga Club!
Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?
Undoubtedly, it was Drs. Duane Hagelgans and Sepi Yalda. These two have been my biggest supporters as I’ve tackled the new landscape of college and as I shaped my ideal for a future after college. They taught me to always be curious, always be involved and to never let an opportunity pass me by. I’m forever grateful for these two professors.
If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?
Everything you thought was scary was just another opportunity to grow. Never fear uncertainty or the next step. Because at each milestone you’re going to learn so much about yourself and realize that you’ve got what it takes to achieve your dreams. So, hang in there, little guy, the world has so much in store for you!
Kassity Moran
What is your major, and where are you from?
My major is social work, and I am from Oxford, Pennsylvania.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to take six months off to spend time with my family, and then I intend to enter a master’s program.
If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?
I would tell my freshman-year self to take a breath. It’s better to reach your goals thoughtfully than to rush toward them. I was so focused on graduating as quickly as possible that I overloaded myself, but I realized that the speed wasn’t the goal; it was the accomplishment of doing my very best.
Anything you’d like to add?
I may not have taken a traditional path to reach this point in my education. Along the way, I explored many side paths that didn’t lead anywhere, faced setbacks, and sometimes felt like I was starting over. But every experience, even the dead ends, shaped me and helped me grow. I am proud of who I am today, because I have learned resilience, perseverance and the importance of staying true to myself. A large part of my journey has been shaped by my daughter. Becoming a single mother added challenges I could never have anticipated, yet it also gave me a sense of purpose and motivation I might not have had otherwise. There were moments when balancing school, work and motherhood felt impossible, but every difficulty reminded me why I was doing this, to create a better life for both of us. I wanted to show her that she is capable of anything, that no matter what obstacles she faces in life, she can overcome them and achieve her dreams. I have learned that success is not just about speed or avoiding mistakes; it’s about persistence, learning from every step along the way and celebrating growth, no matter how incremental. I would not be the person I am today without my daughter’s presence in my life. She has taught me patience, unconditional love and the strength to keep moving forward even when things seem impossible. Looking back, I realize that the journey itself, with all its detours, challenges and lessons, has been as valuable as the destination.
Hui Jen Soo
What is your major, and where are you from?
My major is psychology, and I am from Malaysia.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to use my Optional Practical Training (a program for F-1 visa holders to work temporarily in a field related to their studies) to work in the field and gain some experience before pursuing my master’s degree.
What is your favorite memory from Millersville?
Competing and playing for Millersville on the women’s tennis team, winning the PSAC East Championship and going to the NCAA Regionals.
What organizations have you been part of?
Women’s Tennis Team, Psi Chi, Global Marauders, National Society of Leadership & Success and the Rec Center.
Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?
The staff member who stood out to me was Dr. Wendy Wheeler. She is an athletic trainer at MU. She is very knowledgeable, supportive and helpful. She made me feel welcome here as an international student. She is very inclusive as she always tries to introduce athletes, so they get to know each other, which makes us feel like a big family. I really enjoyed going to her Friday yoga session.
If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?
Networking and trying to get to know more people, also trying new things and joining a lot of activities to get more experience.
Anything you’d like to add?
Coming to MU is one of the most valuable experiences, I would never trade it for anything!
Erin E. Berry
What is your major, and where are you from?
I’m majoring in interactive and graphic design, and I’m from Mount Joy, Pennsylvania.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I’m hoping to step into a design role and continue my education at Kutztown University, where I plan to pursue an MFA in communication design.
What is your favorite memory from Millersville?
One of my favorite memories is being involved with the Center for Civic Responsibility and Leadership, especially encouraging fellow students to register to vote and feel empowered in their civic voice.
What organizations have you been part of?
I’ve been a fellow with the Center for Civic Responsibility and Leadership.
Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?
Jeri Robinson had an incredible impact on me. She taught me to trust my abilities as a designer and reminded me that I’m capable of achieving anything I’m willing to pour my energy and heart into.
If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Yes, even the ones that feel obvious or insignificant. They always matter more than you think.
Yetunde M. Agbanigo
What is your major, and where are you from?
My major is sports management with a concentration in athletic management. I am an international student from Nigeria, West Africa.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to find a job and continue working in athletic management and administration and hopefully start my doctorate degree not too long after that.
What is your favorite memory from Millersville?
My favorite memory from Millersville is engaging with students during events and educating them about mental health, alcohol safety and harm education. Making sure students are aware of the resources available to them on campus as well as making sure they make healthy life choices/decisions on and off campus are memories I’d like to cherish for the longest time after graduating from Millersville.
What organizations have you been part of?
I have been involved with the Center for Health Education and Promotion (CHEP) as a Graduate Assistant. I also worked in the Financial Aid Office, which gave me another perspective on how much Millersville prioritizes student success.
Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?
Several people have shaped my journey, but Dr. Lombardi, Dr. O’Connell, Margo Thorwart and Samantha Moreno each played a special role.
- Lombardi taught me the importance of patience, clarity and believing in my path.
- O’Connell pushed me to think deeper and trust my academic voice.
- Margo Thorwart showed me what compassionate leadership looks like, especially in wellness work.
- Samantha Moreno reminded me that kindness and flexibility can change someone’s entire day.
If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?
I would tell myself: “You don’t have to do everything alone. Ask questions, seek help and let people support you. You are stronger when you let community be part of your journey.”
Anything you’d like to add?
I am simply grateful to the people who supported me, for the connections and opportunities I found here and for the growth I have experienced. Millersville has become more than a school to me; it has become a place where I learned resilience, belonging and purpose.
Margareth N. Contreras Gomera
What is your major, and where are you from?
I’m majoring in media arts production with a minor in strategic public relations. I’m originally from the Dominican Republic, but I was raised in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to start building a career in media and communications, especially in areas like digital content, communications and storytelling. I’m looking for opportunities where I can grow, learn from hands-on experiences and be part of meaningful projects that connect with people.
What is your favorite memory from Millersville?
One of my favorite memories is being part of the first-generation community. The connections I made with people who understood my journey truly made campus feel like home.
What organizations have you been part of?
I’ve been involved with MUTV, Millersville’s student television station, and I serve as the vice president of the First-Generation Student Club.
Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?
Dr. Stayce Irwin, Dr. Christina Pantoja and Darlene Newman have all had a meaningful impact on my time at Millersville. Their guidance helped me build confidence, grow creatively and believe in my own potential.
If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?
I would tell my freshman-year self: You belong here. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, take risks, and trust your journey even when it feels overwhelming.
Anything you’d like to add?
I’m grateful for my experiences at Millersville and for the communities and mentors who supported me. Being here helped me grow both personally and professionally, and I’m excited for what comes next.
Elise Hartwell
What is your major, and where are you from?
I major in English with a concentration in writing studies, a minor in strategic public relations and a certificate in rhetoric and digital writing. I am from Ambler, Pennsylvania.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am currently looking for work in traditional publishing. My plan is that in the next few years, I want to go back to school for an MLIS (master’s in library and information science).
What is your favorite memory from Millersville?
Meeting all the new people that I now confidently call my friends. Between joining Expressions dance, Millersville’s student-run dance club, in the Spring 2023 semester and my student jobs in The Crew and University Communications & Marketing, I have made life-long friendships.
What organizations have you been part of?
Expressions Dance
Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?
Dr. A. Nicole Pfannenstiel
If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to just talk to people, you have no idea just who you’ll meet and where it will take you.
Madison Kreider
What is your major, and where are you from?
I am a psychology major with minors in sociology and theater arts, and I am from Manheim, Pennsylvania.
What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate, I will be participating in the Disney College Program in Florida for a semester before returning to PA to begin working on my master’s degree.
What is your favorite memory from Millersville?
One of my favorite memories from Millersville is waking up early to work event days for my job in the admissions office and getting to appreciate the campus in the morning. Some mornings would be dark and misty, others would have a beautiful sunrise, but each morning was a great opportunity to appreciate how quiet and beautiful campus is.
What organizations have you been part of?
During my time at Millersville, I’ve been a part of the Expressions dance club and All Campus Musical Organization as a general member, a part of the Citamard theater club as a general member and their vice president, and as an admissions office Crew member as both a general member and as their comm center coordinator.
Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?
I would say one faculty member that has had a significant influence on me is Annette Medina-Plaza. She is one of the staff members in the MU admissions office and has helped me build trust in myself and my knowledge, taught me how to lead and help a larger group, and overall has been a major support for me both inside and outside of the office.
If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?
If I could give advice to my freshmen-year self, I would tell them not to worry too much about fitting in and finding friends. Over the semesters, you will find your people and ultimately make your own family here at Millersville.
Alexa Dimaggio
What is your major, and where are you from?
I majored in education, and I’m from Coatesville, Pennsylvania.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to begin working at my alma mater, where I recently accepted a position. Being able to return to the school I once attended feels meaningful, and I’m excited to contribute to the educational community that helped shape me.
What is your favorite memory from Millersville?
I have so many favorite memories from my time in college, but the moments that stand out the most are all the events I helped plan through my organizations. Whether it was coordinating activities, organizing outreach or bringing students together, being a part of those events made me feel connected and proud of the impact we created. Those experiences really shaped my leadership skills and allowed me to build meaningful relationships across campus.
What organizations have you been part of?
I’ve been actively involved in First Gems of the Ville, where I serve as president and help coordinate events, support first-generation students and build community on campus. I also serve as the vice president and events chair for Mentoring Educators for Tomorrow, where I help plan programming, support future educators and create opportunities for professional growth. Being part of both organizations has really shaped my college experience and strengthened my passion for education.
Which faculty or staff member had a significant influence on you, and what lessons did they teach you?
I’ve had the privilege of being influenced by many faculty and staff members, including Dr. Christina Williams, Dr. Miriam Witmer, Darlene Newman, Matt Rutkoski, Rita Miller and Dr. Nakeiha Primus. Each of them has taught me important lessons about leadership, perseverance and the impact educators can have on students’ lives. They encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, advocate for myself and others, and always approach challenges with empathy and dedication. Their guidance has shaped my approach to education and reinforced my passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of students.
If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be?
It would be to trust the process. College can feel overwhelming at times, and it’s easy to doubt yourself or worry about whether you’re on the right path. I would tell myself to embrace every opportunity, even the challenging ones, and to have confidence that all the experiences, both successes and setbacks, will shape me into the person I’m meant to become.
Anything you’d like to add?
I’d like to add that my college experience has been incredibly meaningful because of the people I’ve met and the opportunities I’ve had to grow as a leader and educator. From my involvement in student organizations to my coursework, mentoring experiences and time as a student worker, I’ve learned the importance of community, resilience and giving back. I’m grateful for the guidance of my professors, faculty, and mentors, the support of my peers and the chance to make a positive impact on others. These experiences have not only prepared me for my career in education but have also shaped me into the person I am today.
