Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Class of 2011

May 12, 2011 - PRLog -- Nearly 500 people were in attendance as Harrisburg University of Science and Technology conferred degrees to its fifth class of graduates during the 2011 Commencement and Partners Day event held Thursday, May 12th, 6:30 pm at the Whitaker Center Sunoco Theatre in Harrisburg.

“Perhaps never before have the solutions to so many of the world’s problems needed to rely on the benefits of science and technology. It seems the rest of the nation is finally realizing what Central Pennsylvania discovered a decade ago—we need more STEM educated students if we are going to meet the human challenges of the 21st century,”   Harrisburg University President Mel Schiavelli told the Class of 2011. “Solving those problems will require those of you on stage tonight. Tonight you will receive a degree in one of the nationally-critical STEM disciplines.

He also noted that only again many of the University’s students were going on to new careers at area companies such as Highmark, Gannett Fleming and Digital Planet.  

These companies, among others, welcome our students and we are elated by the support they show us in the classroom, as internship hosts, and philanthropic investors
The event featured a Commencement Address from The Honorable Pedro A. Cortés, the first confirmed Latino Cabinet member and the longest serving Secretary of State in Pennsylvania history.

Robert Dolan, Chairman of the Board, Conrad Siegel Actuaries and Chair of the Board of Trustees at Harrisburg University, reminded students to remember those who helped them during their college studies.

“As you claim your diploma, remember those who have helped you along the way. Share your success with those who gave their time, talents and treasures. Always remember that gratitude is the sign of an educated person.”

Dr. Eric Darr, Executive Vice President and Provost, challenged each graduate to “fully embrace your duty and ability.”  The chief academic officer reminded graduates that “Harrisburg University programs prepare you to change the world.  Science and technology solutions are needed to solve world hunger, to provide alternative energies, to strengthen world health and to solve poverty.  I encourage you to take what you have learned, build on your significant achievement, and apply yourself fully to positively changing your community, your business, your family and yourself.”

Other highlights of the event included the University recognizing individually each graduate who attended commencement. Each graduate walked to the area in front of the stage, where his or her name was announced.

The Class of 2011:  

Barry E. Altman, Master of Science Degree in Information Technology Project Management.

Pascal Bidjogo Bodo, Master of Science Degree in Information Systems Engineering and Management.

Lisa G. Butler, Master of Science Degree in Learning Technologies.

Kevin Edward Emery, Master of Science Degree in Learning Technologies.

Adamou Garba, Master of Science Degree in Information Systems Engineering and Management.

Edward Eugene Gibbons, Master of Science Degree in Learning Technologies.

Ali Gungor, Master of Science Degree in Information Technology Project Management.

Senthil Mecheri Sridharan, Master of Science Degree in Information Technology Project Management.

Gopalakrishnan Natarajan, Master of Science Degree in Information Technology Project Management.

Jason Edward Powley, Master of Science Degree in Information Technology Project Management.

Angela Suzanne Rupert, Master of Science Degree in Learning Technologies.

Oluyemi Samuel Afuape, Bachelor of Science, Integrative Sciences.

Iris Nicole Arrington, Bachelor of Science, Biotechnology and Biosciences.

Abdoulaye Camara, Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences.

Lakichia Lee Carrier, Bachelor of Science, Biotechnology and Biosciences.

Nikki Matthew Coleman, Bachelor of Science, Biotechnology and Biosciences.

James Thomas Gale, Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences – graduating cum laude.

Edward Albert Gerst, Bachelor of Science, Integrative Sciences – graduating magna cum laude.

Ashley Sue Harris, Bachelor of Science, eBusiness and Management – graduating cum laude.

Jason Aaron Hyers, Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences.

Pamela Sue Ibric, Bachelor of Science, Biotechnology – graduating cum laude.

Alison Elena Jacob, Bachelor of Science, Integrative Sciences.

Janai Nicole Jefferson, Bachelor of Science, Biotechnology and Biosciences.

Aaron Kilcoyne, Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences.

Kellie Thi Le, Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences.

Michael Allan Magdule, Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences.

Jeffrey Philip Miesemer, Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences – graduating summa cum laude.

Karen Lee Shaputis, Bachelor of Science, Integrative Sciences.

Louis Sheehan, Bachelor of Science, Biotechnology – graduating magna cum laude.

Lyana Marie Torres, Bachelor of Science, Biotechnology and Biosciences.

Pavithra Vaideeswaran, Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences – graduating summa cum laude.

David Light Van Der Goes, Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences.

The above list is not an official indication of graduation. The diploma of The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, or an official transcript, is the testimony to graduation.

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu

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Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution.